Richmond, VA (PRWEB) June 12, 2014

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Austin, Texas recently celebrated the completion of a custom outdoor lighting design project for Lone Star Court, a new upscale, retro-inspired, boutique hotel concept by Valencia Group.

Rick Johnson, the Outdoor Lighting Perspectives franchisee in Austin, Texas was excited to have the opportunity to work with the Valencia Group on a custom outdoor lighting design plan that would not only address the functional needs a hotel property demands, but complement the upscale Americana, retro-chic design esthetic.

This is an exciting concept to come to Austin and we were thrilled to be selected for this hospitality lighting project, said Rick Johnson. It not only gave us the opportunity to properly address the need for safety and security through the lighting of numerous stairwells, walkways and sidewalks, but the opportunity to be creative with our custom outdoor lighting design plan for the front entry and guest enjoyment areas creating a memorable guest experience.

All of the several hundred fixtures incorporated into the project were selected for their unique design, high quality and energy efficiency. The project combined several different lighting effects and applications including uplighting trees on the property, path and stairway lighting, downlighting from a trellis along the front entry walkway and pond lights beneath walkway bridges.

The highlight of the project was the installation of five runs of commercial grade string lighting under the pavilion in the center courtyard, explained Rick Johnson. Using an incandescent 'Edison' style bulb on a dimmer, we were able to provide upscale party lighting for the hotel when hosting special outdoor events.

The lighting really adds to the ambiance of Lone Star Courts outdoor environment, says Amy Trench, director of Brand Marketing for Valencia Group. All of the hotel rooms face the landscaped courtyard, which features an outdoor fire pit, covered deck, and a swimming pool, so the lighting is a key feature for the property.

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives, established in 1995, is the first and largest full service outdoor lighting company. With over 100,000 installations and over 50 locations across the United States and 3 international locations, the franchise is known for skillful, custom design and their free nighttime demonstration.

Featured in Architectural Digest, Garden Design, House Beautiful, Better Homes and Gardens, Coastal Living and Martha Stewart Living, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives features stunning handcrafted copper and brass outdoor lighting fixtures which blend in with the natural outdoor environment so that all you see is the effect of the outdoor lighting.

Additional information can be viewed at http://www.OutdoorLights.com.

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Outdoor Lighting Perspectives in Austin, Texas Selected for Hospitality Lighting Project for Upscale Boutique Hotel ...

Denver, CO (PRWEB) June 12, 2014

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Colorado recently celebrated its 15th year in business as the premiere outdoor lighting company in the Colorado area. Were thrilled to have had the privilege of serving the Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins and other Colorado communities, and look forward to another 15 years, said Mead Noss, the franchisee of the Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Colorado location.

With over 1500 installations, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Colorado is known for their custom outdoor lighting design plans and full service client approach. Their holiday lighting services have become increasingly popular and their work extends from residential to commercial properties and municipal projects.

Weve seen the outdoor lighting industry evolve and with the popularity of LED on the rise, our energy-savings installations and LED-retrofits now comprise a significant portion of our business, explained Mead Noss.

Mead and Cathy Noss, the Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Colorado franchisees left the corporate world to pursue new business opportunities. Mead Noss, formerly an aerospace engineer turned high-tech marketing and sales manager and Cathy Noss, a corporate paralegal left the corporate world to pursue running their own business. After joining the franchise as the eleventh location, they quickly became known for custom outdoor lighting designs that are both beautiful, and neighbor and community friendly.

We treat each project and property as though it were our own, explained Mr. Noss.

Were proud of our solid reputation, our A+ ratings and awards weve received over the years, but most importantly the relationships and friendships weve built with our clients. We look forward to another 15 years of serving Colorado.

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives, established in 1995, is the first and largest full service outdoor lighting company. With over 100,000 installations and over 50 locations across the United States and 3 international locations, the franchise is known for skillful, custom design and their free nighttime demonstration.

Featured in Architectural Digest, Garden Design, House Beautiful, Better Homes and Gardens, Coastal Living and Martha Stewart Living, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives features stunning handcrafted copper and brass outdoor lighting fixtures which blend in with the natural outdoor environment so that all you see is the effect of the outdoor lighting.

Additional information can be viewed at http://www.OutdoorLights.com.

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Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Colorado Celebrates 15 Year Anniversary

Cleaning services in Boston, Maid services, Janitorial services and more.
The Fabulous Maid is a professional certified cleaning company that offers residential and commercial services, such as housekeeping, maid services, janitori...

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Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) June 12, 2014

Insect and disease problems are rampant on Philadelphia properties this year. The higher than normal incidence may be due to the extremely rough winter and late start to spring. The ISA Certified Arborists at Giroud Tree and Lawn have identified the Top 7 most destructive insects and diseases, the trees and shrubs most at risk and explain the actions homeowners can take to protect tree and shrub health.

Trees and shrubs are under attack from insects and disease this season, explains Lou Giroud, President of Giroud Tree and Lawn and ISA Certified Arborist. From leaf spots to insects actively feeding, Giroud Arborists are finding the signs of infestation on trees and shrubs throughout Montgomery, Bucks and Philadelphia counties.

Here are the Top 7 Insect and Disease Problems, the trees and shrubs most at risk and the actions that can be taken now.

1.Ash Rust: Outbreak caused by fungal spores blowing up from the salt marshes in NJ. A rare occurrence in Philadelphia, the fungus causes leaf problems including yellow-orange spots, curling and premature leaf drop. High Risk Plants: Ash trees Action: It is too late in the season to treat the fungus. However, infected trees should inspected by an ISA Certified Arborist. Deep root fertilization and other actions may be recommended in the Fall. 2.Adelgid: Damage appears as cottony dots on the underside of hemlock branches or a snow-like dusting on Pine bark. High Risk Plants: Eastern Hemlock and Pines Action: Control is required and must be timed when the pest is most vulnerable. 3.Soft Scales: Look for black, sooty residue on leaves, white specks, cottony masses, wart-like bumps on stems, twigs or branches. High Risk Plants: Azalea, Beech, Holly, Tulip, Poplar, Magnolia, Yew, Euonymus, fruit trees and numerous conifers such as Hemlock Action: Scale damage to plants and the timing for treatment varies by type of Scale. 4.Lacebugs: Damage can be severe including leaf discoloration, loss of vigor and premature leaf drop. High Risk Plants: Azaleas, Birch, Hawthorn and Piers Japonica Action: Treatment protocols will depend on timing and the severity of the infestation. 5.Spider Mites: Two types cause the most damage in Philadelphia. Spruce Spider Mites can make evergreen needles turn a rusty color and drop prematurely. Two Spotted Spider Mites cause leaves to become yellowed, stippled, or mottled and drop prematurely. High Risk Plants: Evergreens and deciduous trees including Spruce, Boxwood, Euonymus (Burning Bush) and Viburnum Action: Early detection and treatment are key to saving the plant. 6.Aphids: Warning signs are stunted growth and wilted, distorted, curled, or yellowed foliage. High Risk Plants: Beech, Plum, Purple Leaf Plums, Tulip Action: Control measures can include proper pruning, fertilizing, and watering. Introducing beneficial insects can also play an important role in aphid control. Severe infestations may require chemical control. 7.Bagworms: Look for cone shaped bags hanging from branches of evergreens or small brown spots on leaves of decidous trees High Risk Plants: Arborvitae, Juniper, Spruce and many other evergreen and deciduous trees Action: Manual removal of bags and chemical treatment for severe infestations Early detection by a professional tree service is the key to saving trees suffering from insect or disease problems. Homeowners concerned about tree health, should contact a tree service company with ISA Certified Arborists. The Arborist will inspect the trees, diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action.

About Giroud Tree and Lawn Giroud Tree and Lawn specializes in tree service, tree removal and lawn care programs that make customers love doing business with the company since 1974. Serving Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties, the company offers professional tree and lawn evaluation, tree pruning, tree removal, insect and disease control, fertilizing, stump removal and traditional and 100% organic lawn programs to keep lawns healthy and green . Giroud Arborists are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and have the knowledge and experience required to diagnose, treat and maintain tree and lawn health. The company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has been awarded the Angie's List Super Service Award every year since 2005. The Giroud Treework for Charity program donates free tree care services to parks, historical sites and other non-profit organizations located in the Companys service area. For more information, visit the company website at http://www.giroudtree.com or call 215-682-7704.

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Insect and Disease Problems On Trees and Shrubs Are Widespread in Philadelphia and Giroud Tree and Lawn Describes the ...

Oakville Beaver

A number of Oakville ash trees are getting a new lease on life thanks to the Town of Oakville's municipal treatment program.

Last Wednesday, Town officials kicked off the annual program that began in 2008 to protect ash trees against the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) species.

At a home on Barclay Crescent, lawn and landscaping company TruGreen Canada demonstrated how bio insecticide TreeAzin is being used to combat the destruction the exotic beetle from Asia is having on Oakville's tree canopy.

TruGreen General Manager Michael Afzal said the treatment has to be administered to infected trees every two years to maintain the health and vitality of the ash tree and protect it from further infestation.

In this case, he said the particular 60- to 80-year-old ash tree they were demonstrating on is having its third cycle of treatment since the program began.

Noting how it continues to thrive with lush green foliage, Afzal added not all ash trees have the same fate.

The Town is doing its part to maintain its municipal ash tree population, but more needs to be done, he said.

"We will not be able to win this battle against this beetle, emerald ash borer, if the private home owners are not going to join us in this war against this beetle," said Afzal. "It's so critical that they get actively involved and be part of this campaign so we can work together."

In an effort to raise awareness about the importance of taking protective measures against EAB so Oakville can conserve its tree canopy, the Town is tying a green ribbon around a selected number of treated trees as they work on injecting about 3,000 of the treatable municipal ash tree canopy on streets and parks from now until August, said John McNeil, the Town's manager of Forestry Services.

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Oakville treats emerald ash borer-infested trees

Oak Lawn, IL (PRWEB) June 10, 2014

Mancaris of Oak Lawn is proud to announce their involvement as a gold-level sponsor of the 7th annual Ronald McDonald House Running for Hope 5k Run/Fun Walk. The race took place Sunday, June 1st, 2014, led by a Custom Ronald McDonald Jeep Cherokee from Mancaris of Oak Lawn. The race ran through downtown Oak Lawn and starting at Keeler Park on 93rd Street. Proceeds from the event benefited Advocate Childrens Hospital Oak Lawn, and the Ronald McDonald House near Advocate Childrens Hospital in Oak Lawn.

We are proud to have been involved again this year in this fun event for the Ronald McDonald House Charities. The community participation was outstanding, and we always enjoy having our vehicles out to lead the race, said Ed Tapper, Sales Manager at Mancaris of Oak Lawn.

The event was a huge success, with about 2,000 participants who helped to raise over $80,000 for these local Oak Lawn organizations.

About Advocate Childrens Hospital

Advocate Children's Hospital is designed to make children and their families feel supported and at home. Designated as a Pediatric Critical Care Center, Advocate Childrens Hospital offers the highest level of specialized pediatric critical care and emergency care services. Ranked among the nations Best Children's Hospitals in the areas of cardiology and heart surgery as well as neonatology, this hospital continually strives to provide the best care to all patients and families throughout their hospitalization.

About Ronald McDonald House

The Ronald McDonald House is a home away from home for families whose children are receiving treatment at a nearby hospital. The Ronald McDonald House near Advocate Childrens Hospital opened in December of 2008 and has served over 1,000 families. This 24,000 square foot House serves 16 families on a nightly basis. Some families may stay one or two nights, while others may stay for 6 -9 months. The Ronald McDonald House asks for a donation of $10 a night, but no one is ever turned away for not being able to pay. The money raised from the Running for Hope 5K helps to cover basic necessities such as utilities, cleaning supplies, and paper products needed to keep the House properly equipped. Most importantly, money raised from the run allows the House to continue to support the families, in hopes that they can provide these families with the necessary resources desired to meet the needs of their child during this traumatic time in their lives.

About Mancaris Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM of Oak Lawn

As one of the largest Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM dealerships in the Chicagoland area, Mancaris of Oak Lawn has served Illinois loyally for more than 45 years with some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the automotive industry.

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$80,000 Raised at June 1st Ronald McDonald House 7th Annual Running for Hope 5k Run/Fun Walk, Sponsored in Part by ...

Before Lyn DeWitt used to mow her lawn, she would take all of her children inside of her Bethesda house and shut the windows to avoid the mowers fumes and loud motor. As the communications director for the Audubon Naturalist Society and a generally environmentally-aware citizen, DeWitt decided that she had enough of the gasoline-powered lawn mower.

Thats when she decided to harness the same sun that helped the lawn grow to help cut it her company Solar Mowing emerged.

In 2009, DeWitt bought her first battery-powered lawn mower for roughly $400. Although it was more expensive than the average gasoline-powered lawn mower by about $200, she said it was worth the investment because it was quiet, convenient and did not contribute to air pollution. She then found a small company in Virginia that agreed to outfit her truck with a photovoltaic solar panel and storage batteries. Thanks to the solar panels, she could charge her mower all day as she worked.

I come from a long line of entrepeneurs who always had their own businesses, so it felt very natural for me to start a business out of this, DeWitt said. My uncles had a lawn equipment business, my father sold Christmas trees in the winter and flowers in the spring and summer and my uncle owned a small fruit farm.

She invested approximately $30,000 on the truck, solar panels, mowers and other equipment. She enlisted the help of her 14-year-old daughter, Anna, and several young adults.

Since 2009, the company has grown from one to six mowers, eight trimmers as well as three trucks outfitted with solar panels and a dozen employees. On June 20, 2013, it was green-certified by Montgomery County Green Business Certification Program, meaning that the program decided the company had demonstrated effective environmental stewardship. It received a runner-up award at Bethesda Greens Gala in 2011 in a category recognizing local green services.

According to the Solar Mowing website, the company abides by a few unique standards First, they do not mow according to a set schedule but instead, when it is healthiest for the lawn.

Lyn is mowing the lawn so its best for the lawn in the long-term, unlike some services who just do it on a schedule and theyre not really thinking about the best interest of your lawn, Bethesda resident and client of three years Andrea Witt said.

Also, the company leaves the grass at 3-3.5 inches tall, which prevents the germination of weed seeds and increases nutrient uptake.

Finally, Solar Mowing makes sure to leave clippings on their customers lawns. The clippings, which workers mulch into a fine product that falls between the cut grass, are beneficial to the lawn because they feed the soil.

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Cutting grass in a green way: Bethesda woman grows Solar Mowing -- Gazette.Net

June 13, 2014 12:01 a.m.

Took Aunt Olive to the doctor yesterday to see about a lump that has been growing on her knuckle. She has been calling it her "button." She was in fine form, telling one nurse that if it got any bigger they would put her in a cage and charge 25 cents to see her at the county fair.

The lump is not cancer, but we'll get it removed in an outpatient procedure at the end of the month. That was a relief.

Memory problems are making daily life a little less calm for Olive, there is no denying it. She maintains her good attitude, but it is difficult for her to sort out her dreams, which are pretty vivid, from reality, which is anything but vivid. So, you know which perception wins: The more vivid.

We went for a drive around the countryside the other day--such plush green this time of year. She knew where we were as we drove and enjoyed seeing the light green of the sprouting crops. This is a vivid time of year, and if Olla got out every day, I suspect she would be better off. Alas, we don't have such priorities.

Speaking of lush green, this is the season of mowing.

Living in town has taught me one thing: Mowers go all day long! And another thing: Almost nobody sharpens their blades! How they can stand to do all that work only to have the lawn look like it got a bad haircut from a four-year-old is beyond me. Even one of the mowing services has a mower which cuts a groove every pass.

Of course, I am spoiled. I have been doing a lot of mowing at the nursery with a brand-new zero turn radius Husquvarna with a 60-inch deck. You want fun. That's it. Almost got depressed this morning when I realized there was no more grass to mow out at the nursery. If it rains tomorrow, we'll have plenty to mow next week.

However, my campaign literature will have arrived by then, which means I will be out doorknocking. That will be when this campaign really turns into an adventure. I have never door-knocked before, and I have always been thankful that I am not a Mormon or a Jehovah's Witness so I would have to door knock just to be keep the faith. But! Door-knocking is a politicial necessity, and so I will venture forth, hoping that I enjoy and and take to it. Practice run in East Grand Forks tomorrow.

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Eric Bergeson's The Country Scribe

Landscape Architect Lynn Haven FL Alan D. Holt, ASLA Landscape Architect
Alan D. Holt, ASLA Landscape Architect brings exterior living spaces to life. We provide customized services according to our clients #39; needs and budget, and ...

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[FNBE 0414] ICI P2 Landscape Architect Interview
We head on over to Seksan Design to meet up with Ms Ong Pay Chee, who answered our questions and gave us great advices.

By: irynna kwon

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[FNBE 0414] ICI P2 Landscape Architect Interview - Video