DALLAS The Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Dallas will present the 115 Landscape Design Be Your Own Landscape Designer program on consecutive Tuesday evenings from June 3-24, said program coordinators.

The Be Your Own Landscape Designer program in June at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Dallas will emphasize water-efficient landscapes. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Keith Hansen)

If you are on a budget but your landscape needs a facelift, then you can learn how to be your own landscape designer by learning hands-on, do-it-yourself approaches to landscape design during this program, said Karen Sanders, Texas A&M AgriLife Research urban water program assistant, Dallas. During the four program classes, attendees will learn about proper plant placement, fundamentals of landscape design and how to develop a more water-efficient landscape.

Sanders said classes will meet from 6-9 p.m. June 3, 10, 14 and 24 in Building C of the center, located at 17360 Coit Road.

She noted the program will emphasize low-water-use plants, plus drip and other efficient means of irrigation to help conserve urban water resources and save money. After the program concludes, attendees will receive a free 30-minute consultation by Patrick Dickinson, AgriLife Research urban water program coordinator at the Dallas Center, to finalize their plans.

Dickinson, who has a bachelors degree in horticulture from Tarleton State University, is an International Society of Arboriculture certified arborist and has extensive experience in landscape design. He said, depending on the size of the project, the cost of a landscape design drawn up by a professional company could be more than triple the cost of the program.

We want attendees to come to the first weeks class with a general idea of where they would like to do the landscaping front yard, backyard, around a pool area, etc. and bring general measurements, pictures and specifications, Dickinson said. It is the goal of the program that by the end of the fourth week they will be able to develop their own final plan for a landscape design, after which I will be available to provide additional suggestions and guidance.

Program cost is $395. To register, go to: http://dallas.tamu.edu/courses/2014/june-2014-landscape-design-school/. The program is limited to 25 participants and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, contact Sanders at 972-952-9671 or karen.sanders@tamu.edu.

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Dallas AgriLife center to present Be Your Own Landscape Designer program in June

By Steve Jacobs

San Diego experienced quite a heat wave in the month of May. Many of you probably found some relief by diving into your swimming pools. Living in San Diego, we dont have to wait for a heat waveor even summer to enjoy our pools. Our world famous weather allows us to dive in all year long. With advancements in pool sustainability, we can enjoy our pools while reducing the impact on the environment, our pocket books, and our bathing suits.

Solar heating: A solar heating system can raise your pool temperature 5 to 15 degrees over a few days of good weather, which in San Diego is almost every day. Although there is the initial installation price, an investment in a solar heating system pays for itself in 2 to 3 years and can be expected to last 20-25 years.

Energy efficient pool pumps: Energy efficient (variable speed) pumps use lower speeds to increase efficiency. They also move the water more efficiently, which can reduce chemical treatments and pool cleaning. Variable speed pumps are also much quieter which can enhance your pool relaxation experience.

Salt systems: Salt water systems create chlorine by splitting the salt molecule into sodium and chloride. This sterilizes the pool water which helps prevent the growth of algae. Salt water pools are less harsh on the skin than traditional chlorine pools, easier on your eyes, and easier on your bathing suits. Converting your pool to a salt system costs $1,500-$2,000 and uses approximately $15 worth of high quality salt a year. Other eco-friendly pool systems are UV and ionic.

Pool Cover: Pool covers can dramatically reduce water evaporation so you wont have to refill your pool as often. Pool covers also reduce the amount of chemicals needed to keep the water clear. A solar pool cover will contribute to the heating your pool during the day and reduce the loss of heat during the night, which helps save both the environment and money.

LED pool lights: LED (light emitting diode) light fixtures use over 80 percent less energy than conventional incandescent light fixtures. They also have a much longer life so you probably will not need to replace them until your pool is remodeled. Today there are so many color options that allow you to create the perfect pool ambiance.

Surrounding landscape: Remove or prune any plant material that may drop leaves into the pool in order to reduce the amount of chemicals needed to maintain balanced water chemistry. This will also decrease the need for cleaning the skimmer basket and pool filter.

Size: If you are building a new pool, one way to make it eco-friendly is to make it as small and shallow as possible to decrease water, chemical and energy consumption.

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Sustainable Swimming Pools for Summer

Barry Trotz was hired as the 17th coach in Washington Capitals history on Monday a big move not just for D.C., but the leagues entire coaching landscape as well.

With the move, the list of available coaching jobs shrunk to three it was as high as five, prior to Peter Laviolette taking Trotzs old job in Nashville and two of the most experienced candidates are off the market.

So, whats left? Openings remain in Vancouver, Florida and Carolina and Dan Byslmas fate remains up in the air in Pittsburgh. As for the candidates? John Stevens, Kevin Dineen, Jeff Blashill, Guy Boucher, Willie Desjardins and Brad Shaw are still available, as are recently dismissed bench bosses John Tortorella, Peter Horachek and Adam Oates.

(Kirk Muller and Mike Haviland, originally thought to be in the candidate pool, are out of the running; Muller took an assistants gig in St. Louis, and Haviland went the NCAA route with Colorado College.)

Heres a look at the three available gigs, and the latest from each search.

Vancouver

The Canucks finally have their new GM in place, as the club introduced ex-Bruins assistant Jim Benning on Friday. During his introduction, Benning and president of hockey ops Trevor Linden said the search for a new coach would begin quickly, and a few names have already been thrown out: Stevens, who was one of the four finalists for the job last year before it went to John Tortorella, and Desjardins, who Brough wrote about earlier today.

Florida

GM Dale Tallons on record saying he wants an experienced NHL coach after hiring back-to-back first-timers in Dineen and Horachek. Marc Crawford, he of the 549 career wins, is reportedly in the mix for the job; according to CBCs Elliotte Friedman, Tom Renney (he of the 260 wins) and Ron Wilson (648 wins) are also candidates. Itll be curious to see if the Panthers would be willing to wait and see how the Bylsma situation shakes out in Pittsburgh, as hed certainly have the requisite resume Tallon wants in a head coach.

Carolina

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With Trotz gone, heres the NHLs coaching vacancy landscape

Ticonderoga

The King's Garden at Fort Ticonderoga opens Saturday for the season.

The walled colonial revival garden was originally designed in 1921 by leading landscape architect Marian Coffin. The formal elements a reflecting pool, manicured lawn and hedges, and brick walls and walkways are balanced by annuals and perennials. It features heirloom flowers and modern cultivars to recreate a historic planting scheme.

Outside the nine-foot brick walls of King's Garden, the grounds also feature the Discovery Gardens, including a children's garden, an interactive 18th-century American Garrison Garden, and Three Sisters Garden.

The garden is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Oct. 13. The King's Garden is included with the general admission ticket to the historic fort on Lake Champlain.

There are guided tours through the garden offered daily as well other activities for both children and adult visitors.

Fort Ticonderoga is also commemorating Memorial Day by honoring the soldiers of the Revolutionary War. The fort will offer a "Salute to the Soldiers," which will include patriotic and 18th-century music and musket salutes to fallen soldiers, at 11 a.m. Monday. There will also be a musket firing demonstration where visitors can see the challenges of loading and firing the American Revolution-era weapon.

Tickets to the fort are $17.50 for adults, $15 for seniors age 65 and up. Admission for children 5-12 is $8 and children under 4-years-old are free.

Fort Ticonderoga is located at 30 Fort Ti Road, Ticonderoga; for more information, call (518) 585-2821.

Nick Niedzwiadek

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Fort Ticonderoga garden opens Saturday

Fallen branches: When a storm is forecast, stop putting branches and limbs out for pick-up. Smaller vegetative debris can be placed in containers for regular trash pickup.

Before a storm hits, there will usually be several days of rain bands that also bring wind that could dislodge branches and other vegetative debris. The day before a storm, pick up all of the limbs, branches and palm fronds in your yard so they dont become missiles, said Christine Kelly-Begazo, director of the Indian River County Extension Office. Because there is no trash pick-up at this time, stow the debris in a secure outbuilding.

Food crops: Coconuts can detach from trees and damage property; remove them. This is also the time to harvest any food crops that are ready or almost ready to be used.

Plants and ornaments: Bring in potted plants. Stow landscape ornaments, lawn furniture, grills, pool toys and anything that cannot be secured. Remember to never use a grill or generator indoors or in an attached garage; they produce deadly carbon monoxide and other toxic gases.

Pools: Some people will remove some water from an in-ground pool to prevent it from topping over and flooding the house. Be aware that an under-filled pool can pop like a boat from saturated ground. The Florida Swimming Pool Association recommends draining only one or two feet of water and only if the pool surround lacks adequate drainage and a structure is threatened if the pool floods. After removing some water, clean out debris and traps and shock the pool. After the chlorine has had a chance to circulate, turn off circuit breakers to the pool pump and filters before the storm hits.

Mow the lawn: This may be your last chance to mow for a while.

Check yard, pool and storm drains: Unclog drains to help stormwater flow off the property as quickly as possible.

Bring exotic fish, reptiles and birds into a secure place: Exotics including pythons that escaped into the wild after Hurricane Andrew are costing Floridians, Florida businesses and state coffers untold money and effort in an effort to control their spreading offspring. Dont let exotics escape if your home is damaged or ponds overflow.

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Pre-storm clean-up can prevent damage

By Daily Mail Reporter

Published: 04:54 EST, 23 May 2014 | Updated: 07:49 EST, 23 May 2014

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A collection of pictures has offered a glimpse inside the heavenly 4.5 million mansion which, according to legend, was lost by Lawrence of Arabia star Omar Sharif in a high-stakes card game just days after he bought it in the decedent heyday of the 1970s.

Nestled in a 7,000 metre sq complex built out of a volcanic quarry on the Spanish island of Lanzarote, the mansion, named Casa Omar Sharif because of its apparent connection to the Hollywood star, offers sweeping views, a private pool, lavish furnishings and private tunnels through the unique surrounding landscape.

Omar Sharif, then one of the world's most desirable actors, is said to have fallen in love with the property while he was on the island filming The Mysterious Island in 1973 and bought it on the spot.

A collection of photographs has offered a glimpse inside the heavenly 4.5 million mansion, pictured, which, according to legend, was lost by Laurence of Arabia star Omar Sharif in a high-stakes card game

Nestled in a 7,000 metre sq complex built out of a volcanic quarry on the Spanish island of Lanzarote, the mansion is named Casa Omar Sharif because of its apparent connection to the Hollywood star

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The 4.4m mansion lost by Omar Sharif in a high-stakes game of BRIDGE

In Tuesday's episode, character Catherine Cawood was savagely beaten As the show ended, she collapsed in the road with face covered in blood It followed the murder of a policewoman last week on lonely country road Average of 5.8million viewers tuned in to Happy Valley's first instalments

By Alasdair Glennie Tv Correspondent

Published: 15:30 EST, 21 May 2014 | Updated: 02:45 EST, 22 May 2014

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It is called Happy Valley, but the landscape of the BBCs new crime drama is unrelentingly bleak.

The programme has drawn criticism for showing gratuitous violence in a string of graphic scenes.

In Tuesdays episode, the lead character - police sergeant Catherine Cawood, played by Sarah Lancashire - was savagely beaten in a basement.

WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT

Continue reading here:
Did the BBC's brutal Happy Valley go too far?

Travel and Lifestyle Press Releases Wednesday May 21, 2014 13:06

Bangkok--21 May--W Retreat Koh Samui

Sunshine, spice, and everything nice like swaying hammocks, epicurean tastings, turquoise water, and pristine beaches. Resplendent with charm, W Retreat Koh Samui is the epitome of a tropical retreat, a heavenly haven in the Gulf of Thailand.

Surrounded by lush foliage, your secluded villa is miles away from the everyday, with all of Ws signature pamperings at your fingertips. Stylishly designed to fit into the natural tropical landscape, indulge in modern luxury amid spectacular nature.

More energy and more fun in the most glamorous Weekend! Enjoy our special weekend offer including:

Rates starting from THB 20,000+++ for stays booked and completed by July 15, 2014.

Explore whats New / Next at W Retreat Koh Samui http://www.wretreatkohsamui.com

W Retreat Koh Samui features 74 private pool retreats, offering a range of options from panoramic views high atop the Samui hillside to direct beach access on the shoreline below. Each villa is equipped with modern elements, including private plunge pool, daybed, an outdoor shower, Yamaha sound system, 46-inch plasma screen TV, wine refrigerator, and signature W bed. W Retreat Koh Samui will also offer Ws signature Whatever/Whenever concierge service, providing guests and residents with whatever they want from a Champagne brunch on a deserted beach to an intimate sunset wedding on a stretch of Koh Samuis glistening sand whenever they want it, as long as its legal!

Sunshine, spice, and everything nice like swaying hammocks, epicurean tastings, turquoise water, and pristine beaches. Resplendent with charm, W Retreat Koh Samui is the epitome of a tropical retreat, a heavenly haven in the Gulf of...

Boasting a refreshed new look and feel, Dusit International presents its updated proprietary website http://www.dusit.com, now live! In an effort to boost user engagement and update its online presence, Dusit International has revamped its website, complete...

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W Retreat Koh Samui Reveals Weekend Refuel Offer

A meticulous attention to detail in the design and construction created a spectacular hillside estate that sprawls atop a 14.25-acre lot offering panoramic views of Mt. Diablo.

About 7,478 square feet of living space wraps around a lavish indoor pool and spa with a two-story waterfall that rivals any luxury resort while the grounds provide an ideal horse property with room to roam.

Designed by architect Jan Hamby of Danville, the home at 1401 Dutch Mill Drive in Danville took more than a year to build in 1986. A $450,000 recently completed, floor-to-ceiling remodel included a 50-year stone-coated, steel roof; tri-color paver driveway, custom wrought-iron balustrades and railing, stone tile flooring, new kitchen appliances, updated bathrooms, exterior and interior paint, custom lighting, epoxy garage flooring and refreshed landscape.

A meticulous attention to detail in the design and construction created a spectacular hillside estate that sprawls atop a 14.25-acre lot offering panoramic views of Mt. Diablo. (Photo by Coldwell Banker, Team Ohlmeyer)

A multitude of large windows invite an abundance of natural light including two-story windows in the expansive foyer overlooking the pool and a stunning front door with leaded glass inset, side panels and arched transom.

At the center of the home is an enclosed four-season, solar-heated swimming pool and spa with a soaring, two-story ceiling, five 8-foot sliding glass doors along its backside and a waterfall cascading down boulders. Additionally there is a stone two-sided fireplace, built in barbecue, and lots of room to entertain poolside amidst lush, tropical foliage.

There are five bedrooms and five and a half bathrooms in the main part of the house including one poolside. The attached guest/in-law quarters has two bedrooms and one full bathroom in addition to a living room, dining area, full kitchen and private covered deck with views of distant hillsides.

In addition to the formal living and dining rooms that showcase stamped steel ceilings and decorative millwork, there is a separate paneled game room with boxed beam ceiling and adjacent media room that opens to the pool area and shares a two-sided fireplace with the pool area, and an additional private office space that overlooks the pool from upstairs.

Expansive decks span the back of the home and provide perfect vistas of Mt. Diablo and rolling hillsides. A private covered deck is off the guest quarters.

A meticulous attention to detail in the design and construction created a spectacular hillside estate that sprawls atop a 14.25-acre lot offering panoramic views of Mt. Diablo. (Photo by Coldwell Banker, Team Ohlmeyer)

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One of a kind: Expansive Danville estate with panoramic views and horse property

It seems artistic inspiration can be found throughout the New Mexico landscape -- and maybe even beneath it, as our Lee Cowan has discovered:

In the high desert of northern New Mexico, if you listen carefully, you might just hear something more than the wind. It's the underground sound of a man obsessed.

17 Photos

The artist has dug epic works of art, and even homes, out of New Mexico's sandstone hills

"Do you think you're obsessed with cave digging?" asked Cowan.

"Would you call a child being obsessed with play?" replied Paulette. "You wouldn't use that word 'obsessed.' You know, when you're doing something you love and are drawn to it, you want to do it all the time."

He calls them his wilderness shrines -- massive in scale, poetic in their design. If his work takes your breath away, that's just what he hoped it would do.

"I see this as an environmental project; I'm trying to open up people's feelings," he said.

One small opening pales in comparison to the cavern he's dug inside. It took close to 900 hours to dig.

He sees himself as a magician playing with space both big and small, to create what he calls the "cave effect."

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The cave digger: Hewing art from the very landscape