Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

New Product Introduction: SEPCO SolarSlide outdoor lightinghigh powered LED contemporary/transitional design solar lighting systems for outdoor area and site luminaires. Multiple LED lamp options, interchangeable shades, domes and poles. Custom solar-power designs and surface-mount choices.

SolarSlide LED is 100% solar powered continually; 100% off the grid; self-storing and self-recharging. Each SolarSlide system is comprised of a solar-power assembly, fixture, bracket and all mounting hardware ready to attach to a SEPCO or other pole.

Product Design: SEPCO Solar Electric Power Companys in-house solar lighting product development and engineering team. SEPCOs custom solutions meet the needs of the customer and project, by looking at project details; design and lighting requirements; and geographical location.

Manufacturer: SEPCO, founded 1994, is a U.S. entrepreneurial family-owned manufacturer of solar lighting systems and off grid solar power systems for use where grid power is prohibitive or areas looking for a green alternative to traditional lighting and power is sought.

Product Applications: SEPCO state-of-the-art SolarSlide produces high-performance white light, with low-glare beam projections and aiming capability on various models. Its LED outdoor lighting system provides powerful, ultra long lasting, low-maintenance illumination for commercial, institutional, industrial and municipal areas; walkways and pathways, parking lots, parks, streetscapes and roadways.

Product Description: SolarSlide is a contemporary / transitional design. It comprises a complete unit with LEDs and a solid-state driver that operates each fixture from an integral solar charged battery system. Fixture wattages range from 15 to 60 watts and can be specified with IES Type II, Ill and V full cutoff light distribution patterns, for task-specific lighting. For ocean shore areas, SEPCO endangered sea-turtle lighting is also available.

SolarSlide solar power assemblies range from 10 to 425 watts, with battery sizes providing a minimum of five-days autonomy. Compact solar panel assemblies for SolarSlide are selected and programed by companys in-house solar lighting engineers for recharging the concealed storage battery assemblies.

Units provide custom illumination for specific locations and uses. SolarSlide light pole options are available in accordance with power assembly size, local wind load requirements, and with direct in-ground burial, anchor and transformer base options. Poles available in aluminum, composite fiberglass or galvanized steel, with heights from10 to 35 feet. SolarSlide can mount directly to decorative post top poles, with a separately mounted solar battery, or with the solar panel mounted lower on the pole.

Construction and Finishes: SolarSlide decorative fixture shade housings are offered in three designs, each 25.5-inches round by 24.25-inches high. All system components are made from rugged low-copper marine-grade cast aluminum for longevity. Each LED in the light source has an individual optical lens. Fixtures meet high IP66 ingress protection standards; are UL, cUL listed. The complete system ismade in America at SEPCOs modern plant in Florida. LEDs have greater than 70% retained lumens after 50,000 hours. LED Driver life is 100,000 hours at 25 degrees C.

Polyester powder-coated finishes for luminaires, solar power assemblies, poles and other exposed components may be specified in Black, Bronze, Gray, Green, Metallic Bronze, Metallic Titanium, orWhite standard; custom colors are available.

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Outdoor LED Lighting System is 100% solar powered.

By KIM COOK

Associated Press

Outdoor living spaces have come a long way from the days when outdoor furnishings meant a few inexpensive folding chairs around a flimsy plastic table.

Todays outdoor chairs might be wrought iron or wrought aluminum, with upholstered seats. The table might be stone or wood or an elegant faux version of either, and would not look out of place inside in the dining room. Add outdoor sound systems, carpets and lighting, and the backyard or balcony can look and feel like an extension of the home.

That notion gets ramped up this spring and summer; manufacturers are offering new furniture, textiles and materials that resemble indoor furnishings yet can withstand the elements.

Getting the right look can be tricky; you dont want it to seem like you just plunked a sofa from the living room down onto the patio.

Heres a look at whats hot for Warm Weather 2015:

VINTAGE MODERN AND ULTRA-MODERN

Watch for midcentury modern styling in outdoor pieces to coordinate with this popular interior style. Glosters Dansk collection includes a chair with marine-grade, leather-look upholstery and teak tables, designed by Dane Povl Eskildsen. (www.gloster.com)

After World War II, California designer Walter Lamb was helping salvage sunken Navy warships at Pearl Harbor when he started messing around with the brass tubing and fittings. His prototypical outdoor furniture collection was put into production by Brown Jordan, the Pasadena-based company that pioneered outdoor furniture. Todays iterations of Lambs pieces are still crafted from brass, which you can leave alone to develop a patina or polish to retain the shine. The seats are marine-grade cording. (www.dwr.com)

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Outdoor furnishings no longer flimsy plastic

Published on February 10, 2015 Other news

Outdoor living spaces have come a long way from the days when "outdoor furnishings" meant a few inexpensive folding chairs around a flimsy plastic table.

Today's outdoor chairs might be wrought iron or wrought aluminum, with upholstered seats. The table might be stone or wood or an elegant faux version of either, and would not look out of place inside in the dining room. Add outdoor sound systems, carpets and lighting, and the backyard or balcony can look and feel like an extension of the home.

That notion gets ramped up this spring and summer; manufacturers are offering new furniture, textiles and materials that resemble indoor furnishings yet can withstand the elements.

Getting the right look can be tricky; you don't want it to seem like you just plunked a sofa from the living room down onto the patio.

Here's a look at what's hot for Warm Weather 2015:

___

VINTAGE MODERN AND ULTRA-MODERN

Watch for midcentury modern styling in outdoor pieces to co-ordinate with this popular interior style. Gloster's Dansk collection includes a chair with marine-grade, leather-look upholstery and teak tables, designed by Dane Povl Eskildsen. (www.gloster.com )

After World War II, California designer Walter Lamb was helping salvage sunken Navy warships at Pearl Harbor when he started messing around with the brass tubing and fittings. His prototypical outdoor furniture collection was put into production by Brown Jordan, the Pasadena-based company that pioneered outdoor furniture. Today's iterations of Lamb's pieces are still crafted from brass, which you can leave alone to develop a patina or polish to retain the shine. The seats are marine-grade cording. (www.dwr.com )

See original here:
Right at Home: From retro to midcentury modern, trends in outdoor furniture

By Kim Cook The Associated Press

In this photo provided by Brian Patrick Flynn/HGTV.com, for the design of the HGTV.com Spring House outdoor dining deck, the designer Flynn made entertaining easy with a weather-resistant mobile bar cart. Flynn suggests using mobile carts as bars or buffets when space is tight and can't accommodate console tables or sideboards.

Outdoor living spaces have come a long way from the days when outdoor furnishings meant a few inexpensive folding chairs around a flimsy plastic table.

Todays outdoor chairs might be wrought iron or wrought aluminum, with upholstered seats. The table might be stone or wood or an elegant faux version of either, and would not look out of place inside in the dining room. Add outdoor sound systems, carpets and lighting, and the backyard or balcony can look and feel like an extension of the home.

That notion gets ramped up this spring and summer; manufacturers are offering new furniture, textiles and materials that resemble indoor furnishings yet can withstand the elements.

Getting the right look can be tricky; you dont want it to seem like you just plunked a sofa from the living room down onto the patio.

Heres a look at whats hot for Warm Weather 2015:

Watch for midcentury modern styling in outdoor pieces to co-ordinate with this popular interior style. Glosters Dansk collection includes a chair with marine-grade, leather-look upholstery and teak tables, designed by Dane Povl Eskildsen.

After World War II, California designer Walter Lamb was helping salvage sunken Navy warships at Pearl Harbor when he started messing around with the brass tubing and fittings. His prototypical outdoor furniture collection was put into production by Brown Jordan, the Pasadena-based company that pioneered outdoor furniture. Todays iterations of Lambs pieces are still crafted from brass, which you can leave alone to develop a patina or polish to retain the shine. The seats are marine-grade cording.

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Home trends: Whats hot in outdoor furniture

Cincinnati, OH (PRWEB) February 10, 2015

TruBlue Total House Care is pleased to announce that the company has received two recognitions from Franchise Gator. The Cincinnati-based franchise was just named a Top 100 Emerging Franchise and the #8 Fastest Growing Franchise.

According to the Franchise Gators website, the rankings are mostly based on a formula created from various pieces of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that focus on financial stability, growth, transparency, engagement, continuity and sustainability.

TruBlue Total House Care provides complete house care, including maid services, home improvements, routine maintenance, and even emergency repairs. Through several key vendor partnerships they also are addressing the need for increasing in home accessibility, and even speeding up real estate transactions by crossing off frustrating home inspection checklist items.

TruBlue works with home owners, business owners, real estate professionals, general contractors and property managers to maintain homes and rental properties, improve curb appeal, make final preparations to sell homes and more. TruBlue franchises are fully insured and bonded and all employees are background checked and certified. The brand is part of the larger franchise family, United Growth Brands, and was founded in 2011.

Being acknowledged with rankings like these is thrilling because they show that people are recognizing the growth of TruBlue Total House Care and the incredible opportunity our franchise presents. TruBlue is unique because it combines multiple revenue streams into one company. Instead of buying several different service businesses, with TruBlue, you can offer the spectrum of house care from a single office. Its not just a great business, but provides enjoyable convenience for our clients, TruBlue President Mark Cottle said.

Its an extremely exciting time to be part of the TruBlue team, especially with all the fresh entrepreneurial blood we have coming on board. The brand is growing and adjusting to the needs of the market. We have added experienced staff to our corporate team and we continue partnering with a variety of strong vendor partners in order to deliver more value to more customers. All of these products will add additional revenue and profitability in each location, Cottle said. Our corporate backing continues to invest in TruBlue in order to provide better tools and support for our franchisees. They understand the power of what we do, which allows busy families to get their weekends back and seniors to stay in their homes longer, safely and comfortably.

To learn more about opening your own TruBlue Total House Care franchise, call 513-483-3293 or visit http://www.trubluehousecare.com/franchise.aspx.

About TruBlue Total House Care

TruBlue gives you one convenient and affordable solution for all your house care needs. Your local TruBlue team will take care of your entire home, inside and out, from maid services, household repairs, yard work even emergency repairs and seasonal projects. Our affordable services are offered year-round and are customized to meet your needs and budget. We strive to provide affordable, worry-free living for seniors and hassle-free living for busy adults. Our goal is to eliminate the worries, hassles and headaches of home maintenance and to provide full-service, trustworthy house care services to fit any budget.

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TruBlue Total House Care Recognized as a Fastest Growing Franchise, Top 100 Emerging Franchise

Denver, Colorado (PRWEB) February 10, 2015

Pest can have a major impact on Colorado landscapes every year. With spring approaching, the damage created by these issues will start to become more apparent, if they have not already.

As Colorados lawn care and tree service experts, we are committed to keeping the community informed on possible threats to Colorado landscapes, so they have the opportunity to make informed decisions about what is best for their landscapes, said Swingle President John Gibson.

Emerald Ash Borer: Emerald ash borer was discovered in Colorado in 2013. EAB is the most destructive urban forest pest - killing any ash tree in its way. The wood-boring pest has infested ash trees in Boulder, resulting in many trees over several city blocks showing symptoms of infestation and eventually dying. The pest has not been found outside of the city. It is suspected EAB has been feeding on ash trees for six years in the affected area. It is believed that over the next 18 months, the borer will be found outside of the City of Boulder and will call for immediate action to be taken in order to save Colorado ash trees. It is best to work with a professional to determine ash trees at risk and hire a licensed applicator to protect trees.

Knowing predictions going into the spring can help homeowners prevent losing their trees or plants by taking proactive measures, says Steve Geist Swingle Senior Consulting Arborist.

Pine Wilt Nematode: States sitting to the east of Colorado have lost thousands of Scots and Austrian pines due to the pine wilt pest. A wood-boring insect (pine sawyer) spreads a tiny worm-like animal called a nematode to healthy pine trees. The nematode will multiply, clogging up water conducting tissues in the tree. Damage of the pine wilt is found in the late summer and fall when trees die rapidly from the pest. Swingle diagnosed a few trees in 2014 with pine wilt, meaning the nematode is still out there. A hot spring could lead to pines dying in the fall of 2015. Any high value tree should be protected. It is recommended to work with a certified professional to discuss treatment options.

Japanese Beetle: Japanese beetles tend to be present during the beginning of July. Japanese beetles need consistent soil moisture to mature especially in the winter. Abundant moisture results in seeing more beetle activity. Japanese beetles feed on plants such as roses, Virginia creeper (vine), linden trees and many other ornamentals. Adult Japanese beetles chew and defoliate plants in the middle of the summer. If the 2015 winter continues with consistent moisture, it is expected the beetles will be present. Spray treatment options are available, yet the treatment will not eradiate the insect but help control them. A licensed applicator can make recommendations on treatment options. As information develops and discoveries are made, the company will provide information about pests in our area and the best treatment options available for protecting Colorado landscapes.

About Swingle Lawn, Tree & Landscape Care Founded in Denver in 1947, Swingle Lawn, Tree and Landscape Care has grown to be the one of the largest residential and commercial lawn service and tree care companies in Colorado, employing more certified arborists than any other Colorado company. For information please contact Kellie Houghtaling khoughtaling@MySwingle.com (303) 337-6200 or visit http://www.MySwingle.com/contact. ###

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Denver Lawn Care and Tree Service Company Swingle Provides Pest Predictions for Colorado Landscapes

Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) February 11, 2015

Even in the dead of winter, Philadelphia homeowners need to be alert for signs of damage on evergreens by harmful insects like Bagworms, Adelgid, Lacebugs and Borers. Giroud Tree and Lawn explains the warning signs of pest damage and tree service actions Philadelphia homeowners can take to stop pests from destroying valuable trees and shrubs.

Its easy to forget about your trees and shrubs when bitter winter weather keeps us inside, says Lou Giroud, President, Giroud Tree and Lawn and ISA Certified Arborist. Homeowners should bundle up and just stroll the yard to check how the evergreens are looking. The key is to find problems now before further damage is done.

Here are the steps homeowners should take: 1. Check valuable evergreens including: Eastern Hemlock, Arborvitae, Spruce, Pine, Juniper, Azalea and Pieris Japonica. 2. Look for: Discolored leaves/needles, cone-like bags, egg masses or unusual growths on twigs, browning or poor overall color. These are just a few of the warning signs that pests have invaded an evergreen tree or shrub 3. If a problem is discovered, contact a professional tree service company to inspect the tree or shrub.

Once an ISA Certified Arborist confirms the specific pest, treatment should be scheduled at the time of year when the pest is most vulnerable, says Lou Giroud. By catching and treating pest problems early, trees and shrubs have the best chance for long term survival.

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 properly diagnose, treat and maintain trees 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 https://www.giroudtree.com or call 215-682-7704.

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Pest Damage on Trees Is Visible Now and Giroud Tree and Lawn Explains What Philadelphia Homeowners Need to Look For ...

Potato aficionados will now have their windowsills awash with trays, on which seed potatoes are being 'chitted', encouraging the sprouts to appear before planting begins in earnest.

While many of us have visions of digging up delicious spuds and cooking them immediately the soil's been wiped off them, sometimes in reality we have to tackle a fair few pests and diseases which can leave our potatoes mottled, mouldy or full of holes.

Potato blight is one of the most deadly diseases which can destroy your plants overnight. It's caused by a Phytophthora fungus, P. infestans, which turns the stems brown and the leaves yellow, causing the plant to collapse. It is always fatal although you may save later crops by removing top growth as soon as the blight is spotted.

Blight generally starts from June onwards especially in warm, wet spells. The first signs are brown patches on the leaves. If you have neighbouring tomatoes, they're also likely to be infected. There is no treatment once the disease has taken hold.

To minimise the risk, follow a three or four-year crop rotation, never growing potatoes on the same piece of land more than once every four years, and earth up the plants regularly and deeply to protect the tubers.

Use copper-based fungicides during warm, damp spells as a preventative measure. Alternatively, grow early potatoes which can usually be lifted before blight strikes, or grow resistant cultivars such as 'Sarpo'.

Three of the most common threats to potatoes are pests - potato cyst eelworm, slugs and wireworm. Eelworms are minute worm-like creatures which attack the roots, causing plants to wilt and present reddish-brown cysts on the roots. The lower leaves wither away while upper leaves are pale green and wilt during the day. You'll need to destroy all traces of the affected crop and avoid growing potatoes in that spot for around eight years.

Slugs and snails can be a major problem on heavy, wet soil. Attacks begin in August. Early lifting of maincrops may help reduce damage and slug pellets may help a little, although some slugs live permanently underground. Collect slugs and snails after rain or in the evening on damp nights and dispose of them.

Wireworm is also a serious pest, especially in wet summers as tubers can become riddled with narrow tunnels made by the 3cm (1in) orange shiny larvae. There is no treatment or prevention, as no insecticide for use below ground is available.

Other problems which may affect your crops include scab, a fungal disease in which scabs - flat areas of rough skin pitted with shallow splits - appear. It is worse in light and limy soils but is only skin deep so won't affect your potatoes if you peel them.

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When the chips are down

A proposal for further residential development around the western shoreline of Lake Wanaka in an outstanding natural landscape should be turned down, a council planner says.

Sharpridge Trust has applied to the Queenstown Lakes District Council for a third building platform on a 137ha property next to Lake Wanaka, 5km from Wanaka township towards Glendhu Bay.

The trust already had approval for two residential building platforms which would extend the boundaries of the subdivision.

A hearing to consider the proposal will be held at Edgewater, in Wanaka, tomorrow.

Council senior planner Hanna Afifi has recommended the application be refused, as adverse effects of the development had not been appropriately addressed.

The proposal would lead to a reduction of 19.6ha of land designated for passive revegetation and would have ''moderately significant'' adverse effects on the outstanding natural landscape because of the cumulative effects of further extending a ''ribbon of residential development'' along the western shore of the lake.

Nor had potential effects on archaeological sites been addressed in the application.

Based on an assessment by the council's consultant landscape architect Marion Read, lake users would be the most adversely affected by views of the development, Ms Afifi's report said.

Dr Read considered one proposed building platform would extend the built form along the western side of Lake Wanaka by more than 2km, reducing the openness and natural character of the lake margins.

Five submissions objected to Sharpridge Trust's application, 77 supported it and one was neutral.

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Planner opposes project

NPT Water Color
When deciding on your swimming pool water color, you must understand what variables effect the final color such as landscape, pool finish, water depth, and b...

By: The Pool Source

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NPT Water Color - Video