One of the Best Maid Services in San Francisco Challenges You to Declutter Your Home in 25 Days
One of the leading maid services in San Francisco (http://www.americanhousecleaning.com/?section=maid-service-san-francisco) explains their 25 spaces in 25 d...
By: American House Cleaning
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One of the Best Maid Services in San Francisco Challenges You to Declutter Your Home in 25 Days - Video
Moss-killing products based on natural fatty acids (Bayer Moss Killer) or pelargonic acid (Scotts Weedol Max) should be used with care around green, non-woody garden plants as they can damage them. The best course of action where moss is blanketing borders is to scrape away as much as possible from around plants and lightly cultivate the soil between them with a hoe or handfork. Adding organic matter to the soil to improve drainage is helpful. Mushroom compost (which is slightly alkaline) would be useful for this, though obviously not in great quantities around acid-loving woodland plants.
Daisy, daisy
Q: I would rather like daisies to grow in my garden as I find them pretty and also, I understand, they are attractive to bees. How do I go about introducing daisies into my lawn or do you think this would be inadvisable in case they might overwhelm the grass?
Alison Hood, via email
A: By all means grow daisies on your lawn if that is what you would like to do perhaps the easiest way to do so would be to swap a piece of your turf for a daisy-strewn square belonging to a lawn-proud neighbour, before he/she (probably he) knobbles them with a weedkiller. From this imported patch they would be sure to spread quickly.
People who like immaculate green lawns wage war on anything that flowers, but one of the great things about gardening is that you can do what you like out there as long as what you do (or plant) doesnt demolish local property values. A little rash of daisies on a lawn is not exactly going to do that, is it?
However, one of the downsides of encouraging daisy proliferation is the fact that, since they seem to flower randomly more or less all summer, you will not really be able to mow the grass at all without decapitating them each time you do so, which I suspect you would hate doing.
Have you considered filling your garden with all sorts of other such lovely composite flowers with universally bright petals that attract all sorts of pollinating insects? Since you clearly like tiddlers, how about starting with the beautifully messy little wall-and-paving-invading Spanish daisy (Erigeron karvinskianus).
You could let your daisy-quest become a bit of a thing. In pots, beds and borders you could assemble an endless daisy parade, consisting of both annuals and perennials, that would light up the garden from early spring, starting with the earliest, Doronicum orientale (leopards bane), ending in late autumn with Inula hookeri, and on the way taking in all sorts of summer-flowering plants in the general daisy (Asteraceae/Compositae) plant families.
Look for plants with names such as aster, of course, and bellis, leucanthemum, helianthus and helianthemum, rudbeckia, and argyranthemum to name but a few.
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Thorny problems: can I introduce daisies to my lawn?
Posted: 2:23 PM Updated: 2:46 PM The president gets his own jersey during a ceremony on the White House lawn.
By David Espo The Associated Press
WASHINGTON President Barack Obama welcomed the World Series champion RedSox to the White House Tuesday, praising their triumph on the field while hailing them as a symbol of their city's "grit and resilience" in the wake of last year's Boston Marathon bombing.
click image to enlarge
Boston Red Sox player David "Big Papi" Ortiz takes a selfie with President Barack Obama while holding a Boston Red Sox jersey presented to the president at the White House on Tuesday. Obama's jersey number reflects that he's the 44th president.
The Associated Press
Not all of the ceremonial greeting was quite so serious. David Ortiz, Boston's best-known player, presented the president with a RedSox jersey emblazoned with "Obama" and the number 44 on the back, then promptly took a cell phone picture of himself and the chief executive. "What an honor, thanks for the #selfie @BarackObama" he quickly tweeted.
And Jonny Gomes, an outfielder, strolled the White House grounds dressed in a sports jacket that looked like an American flag, stars on one half, and stripes on the other.
Standing in front of players and team officials, Obama noted that the RedSox have won three championships in the past decade, more than any other team.
He said sports sometimes "seems like it's trivial, it's just an entertainment. And then, every once in a while, you're reminded that sports represents something else and it has the power to bring people together like almost nothing else can."
By Special to the Sentinel Monday, March 31, 2014
Where did you grow up? I grew up in Midland Michigan in a community similar to Grand Junction. I met my wife Juli while attending Michigan State University in the mid 80s. We married in August of 1990 and moved to Western Colorado in January of 1991 to start our future together.
How did you get started in the industry? Like many kids, I had my first mowing job at the neighbors house when I was just 13 years old. She saw me mowing my parents lawn and asked if I would be interested in taking care of hers. I agreed and by the time high school started, I was maintaining 25 lawns, mostly for neighbors and friends of my parents. I took a few years off when I went away to college. In 1985, I needed a summer job and accepted one with a national lawn care company. I was hired on as a salesman, but it was obvious that this was not my strong suit. I was reliable and liked the lawn care business so they kicked me out of the sales office and put me in the field, teaching me how to fertilize lawns and care for trees. I spent the season with them learning as much as I could and have been involved in the industry ever since. Before moving to Colorado I worked in various locations around Michigan, each with their own unique needs. In addition to actual lawn services I also worked for a company that produced fertilizer and specialty lawn care products.
How has the industry changed since you got started? The advancements in technology have lead to the biggest change in our industry. The nutrient requirements of lawns and landscape plantings have not changed much over the years, but how we deliver the service is much more advanced. When I first started out, we determined the daily schedule based on folders in a file cabinet. Then we would plot each address on a folding map to determine the order of the day. Now with computer routing systems and GPS technology all of that is completed in the office in advance. Our technicians have hand held tablets containing their daily work and mobile printers in their trucks to leave the client timely, job specific information about their property. This information is gathered in real time and is stored in our database for future reference.
Tell us about your family? I am blessed to be married for the past 24 years to my wonderful wife Juli. Her support and understanding have allowed me to pursue my dream of owning my own business. We have two great kids, a daughter Aleah and a son Marshall. Aleah is a senior at Grand Junction High school and will be leaving this fall to start her higher education and play volleyball for The Milwaukee School of Engineering. Marshall is in his final year of grade school and will be attending Orchard Mesa Middle school this fall. He is active in baseball, rock climbing and helping me around the office and house.
What do you enjoy when youre not working? I think my biggest pleasure is watching the sports activities of my children. There are many weekends spent travelling to volleyball tournaments or baseball games. I also enjoy golfing, fishing, taking my family on vacation, and generally spending time outdoors with family and friends.
What should a consumer look for when hiring a lawn care company? The most import thing to consider when hiring a lawn care company is if you are comfortable doing business with them. I believe that our job is not to just make your lawn green and weed free but to give you the information you need to better manage your property. We will call you in advance of any service visit. We have a full time staff to assist you with any other landscape needs you may have. My service technicians are trained, state certified, and have passed a background check prior to ever stepping foot on your property.
What do you enjoy about living in western Colorado? I like Western Colorado because it is nice sized community with many of the benefits that the bigger cities have without the congestion. Additionally, where else can you live that offers all of the great outdoor opportunities so close to home? The weather is great and the people are kind and pleasant to do business with.
What do you see as the up and coming trends in the lawn care industry? In the future, there will be a greater emphasis on regulation and improved professional image for the lawn care and landscape industry. As a landscape professional, we are responsible to care for your properties in a safe and effective manner. Mesa Turf Masters will remain committed to its customers and to meeting their needs in the future.
Looking for help improving your home? Call the HBA of Northwestern Colorado at (970) 245-0253 or visit http://www.hbanwco.com
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John Quast Mesa Turf Masters
Chesterland, OH (PRWEB) April 01, 2014
Exscape Designs has welcomed Michael Beightol, Landscape Architect and Project Manager, to their team of talented professionals. Beightol is a registered Landscape Architect with the state of Ohio as well as a LEED accredited professional. He received his degree from Penn State University in 2002 and has since been practicing landscape and urban design in and around the Cleveland area. Beightol has worked with civil engineering, architecture and planning firms, and most recently spent time with a construction subcontractor specializing in commercial finishes, demolition, and masonry restoration.
Michael brings with him many years of experience and a unique design style that I know will add value to our clients through our in-depth creative planning process and sound landscape design processes, said company owner and president, Bill Dysert, CLT. Michael is also unique in that he has a background not only in creative design and urban planning but also brings real construction experience. When selecting a design-build firm, we have found our clients are really looking for the best team that they can trust to not only design but to execute at a very high level with extreme attention to fine details and Michaels personality, skills, and abilities will be a great addition to our team in our constant pursuit for excellence.
Beightol looks forward to working with the Exscape team as well as the companys clients. I hope to be able to contribute my skills and experiences to further enhance the already high-quality product of Exscape Designs, Beightol said. I hope to be an integral part of the team through design and implementation and I look forward to helping clients build the best solutions for their properties. Im really excited to join Bill and his team and I look forward to the work ahead.
For more information on Exscape Designs or to schedule an interview with Bill Dysert or Michael Beightol, call 440.332.4198 or email info(at)exscapedesigns(dot)com.
Xeriscaping is a term that was invented by a city of Denver employee in the 1980s to describe landscaping that reduces or completely eliminates the need for irrigation. /David Grasso-Ortega
AMARILLO, TEXAS -- We all love deep green grass, but unfortunately here in theHigh Plains, lack of water makes that nearly impossible without a substantial amount of irrigation. If youre looking to save water while still enjoying your lawn, here are some tips that youll definitely need to keep in mind.
Water is a precious commodity in the plains, and it can also be very expensive if you go over the standard amount of usage included in your water bill. Using native plants is one way to reduce water, and they can be considered xeriscaping, as they dont require any additional water.
Xeriscaping is a term that was invented by a City of Denver employee in the 1980s to describe landscaping that reduces or completely eliminates the need for irrigation.
If youre wanting to save water, I would go with the Xeriscaping, said Neal Hinders ofCanyons Edge Native Xeriscape Plants. Xeriscaping is just basically landscaping to reduce the amount of water that youre using whether youre cutting out the amount of turf grass that you havethats probably the number one thing that we can do to reduce the cool season turf grass and go with the natives like Buffalo grass or blue grama.
If you want a green grass year around, theres also artificial turf. Youll probably notice that theyre green even when its the middle of winter. Mike Wilson ofFuture Lawns of the High Plainssaid that once you install the artificial turf, all of the work of keeping up a lawn goes away.
We supply an artificial turf thats made entirely in the United States, Wilson said. Once the produce is installed, you no longer water, which is the key to life. You no longer have to mow or fertilize. All of those activities go away."
For now, the city has some programs to promote xeriscaping or the use of native plants for businesses. A residential program may come in the future, but for now, the city is trying to promote its water saving campaign at http://water.amarillo.gov/.
I would like to emphasize the use of drought tolerant landscaping and xeriscaping landscaping, not especially for people to cover their whole yard with these types of landscaping, but to highlight that there can be regular areas of their lawn and have one or two spots that dont need watering, Emmett Autrey, the Director of Utilities for the City of Amarillo, said.
Remember, you can mix and match these methods. You dont need non-native green grass all over your yard. You could for instance mix xeriscaping, artificial turf and traditional green grass in other areas. In other words, any effort to reduce water consumption will help you and your wallet.
The rest is here:
Landscape lovers have more options than heavy watering
Tuesday, April 1, 2014 - 11:41am
Tuesday, April 1st, 2014 I past by my neighbors house today that always has a beautiful yard all year long! Yes, they are the envy of the rest of the neighborhood. The man and wife who live there always seem to be one or two steps ahead of the changing seasons in preparing and growing and protecting the plants and yard. That got me thinking about checking in with my plant and yard friend Daphne Richards, a County Agriculture & Horticulture expert. She now is Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agent for Horticulture. She is originally from Lorena, Texas. She studied botany at the University of Texas (hook 'em), then taught biology and physical science to some amazing ninth graders in La Joya, Texas.She just received an award that recognizes AgriLife Extension faculty and staff members who provide outstanding performance in education or to the agency. She was presented this award Jan. 8th during the agencys Centennial Conference in College Station. She worked 9 years in El Paso County as an Extension agent and 4 years in Travis County and now for Texas A&M. This lady knows her horticulture and plants!
I thought this would be a perfect time to share her April advice for planting and yard maintenance for the Borderland in today's "Weather Talk". I wrote Daphne a quick Face Book message and here is her reply;
Howdy! It's early April, and I know most people are itching to get those tomatoes in the ground. But they'll still need protection if there's an odd late-season frosty night. But also, protection from the wind! We used large, barrel-shaped tomato cages and wrapped them in a large clear plastic bag. Cut straight across the bottom of the bag, so that the top and bottom are both open. Then slide the trash bag down around the tomato cage and secure it with gardening twine to keep the bag from tearing and blowing away. This trick also helps to keep the birds from getting to the fruit. The following is more planting and yard maintenance advice for April advice was written by Daphne Richards for me and NewsChannel 9 in our Weather Wise Almanac & Handbook a few years back. I know you will enjoy her April planting and yard care words of wisdom!
The following is more planting and yard maintenance advice for April advice was written by Daphne Richards for me and NewsChannel 9 in our Weather Wise Almanac & Handbook a few years back. I know you will enjoy her April planting and yard care words of wisdom;
Seeds of warm season annuals, such as marigold and zinnia, can be sown directly into out door beds. Make sure to keep the seeded area moist until the seed germinate. Mulching will help to retain soil moisture and will discourage weed growth. Dont forget to thin out seedlings once they have three to five sets of leaves crowding of too many plants causes them to be spindly and weak stemmed.
Any warm-season vegetable seedlings, such as tomatoes and peppers, which were sown indoors, may be planted out during the second week of April. Be sure to acclimate these plants to their new environment slowly by first placing them in an area free from sunlight and wind. After a few days, move the seedlings to an area of partial shade. Next, move them into full sun for a few more days and then plant them into the garden. Be sure to protect new additions to the garden from our harsh spring winds.
Fertilize roses with a complete fertilizer (one containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) just as you begin to notice new growth. Fertilize again in four to six weeks with ammonium sulfate. Roses that are susceptible to be sprayed with a general fungicide to help prevent this disease- follow the directions on the product label.
Apply a high nitrogen fertilizer to warm season turf grasses such as Bermuda, Saint Augustine and Zoysia. If you use a weed-and-feed fertilizer, be careful not to apply it in all areas where you have trees, shrubs and other non-grass plants. The weed-killing chemicals in these fertilizers will damage and may even kill other plants in your landscape. If you did not fertilize them last month, fertilize non-native trees and shrubs with a good, all purpose, complete fertilizer.
Keep a close eye on irrigation of trees, shrubs and perennials in your landscape-as temperatures begin to warm up, more water will be required than was applied during the winter months.
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April Borderland Planting and Yard Care Tips
TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) -
Due to warmer than average weather Tucson's swimming season is approaching rather quickly. It is important that parents take the necessary precautions to keep their children safe in and around water.
Drowning is 100 percent preventable and sadly each year it continues to occur in Tucson. The most effective way to prevent this tragedy is to create multiple layers of protection around pools and to rely on the ABC'S of drowning prevention.
According to a Tucson Fire Department release adults should adhere to the following ABC's of drowning prevention:
Active Adult Supervision
Is the first line of defense against drowning. The Designated Child Watcher (DCW) is responsible for supervising the children when they are in or near the water. The DCW agrees to supervise the children without distraction for a given period of time. The DCW is given a lifeguard whistle or neck wallet that serves to remind them of their responsibility. When another adult relieves them, the whistle is handed off to them. This ensures that there isn't a lapse in supervision.
Barriers
Perimeter Fencing: Every pool within Tucson city limits is required by law to have a five-foot high, permanently fixed fence that completely surrounds the perimeter of the pool.
Self-Closing/Self Latching Gates: All pool gates need to be self-closing and self-latching. To test your gate, open the gate to body width and release. The gate should swing close and completely latch on its own.
Check for Gaps or Openings: Make sure that pool fencing does not contain gaps exceeding four inches. Check the entire perimeter of the fence regularly to look for erosion or unusual spacing between the ground and the bottom of the fence.
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TFD reminder on ABCs of pool safety as swim season approaches
TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) -
Due to warmer than average weather Tucson's swimming season is approaching rather quickly. It is important that parents take the necessary precautions to keep their children safe in and around water.
Drowning is 100 percent preventable and sadly each year it continues to occur in Tucson. The most effective way to prevent this tragedy is to create multiple layers of protection around pools and to rely on the ABC'S of drowning prevention.
According to a Tucson Fire Department release adults should adhere to the following ABC's of drowning prevention:
Active Adult Supervision
Is the first line of defense against drowning. The Designated Child Watcher (DCW) is responsible for supervising the children when they are in or near the water. The DCW agrees to supervise the children without distraction for a given period of time. The DCW is given a lifeguard whistle or neck wallet that serves to remind them of their responsibility. When another adult relieves them, the whistle is handed off to them. This ensures that there isn't a lapse in supervision.
Barriers
Perimeter Fencing: Every pool within Tucson city limits is required by law to have a five-foot high, permanently fixed fence that completely surrounds the perimeter of the pool.
Self-Closing/Self Latching Gates: All pool gates need to be self-closing and self-latching. To test your gate, open the gate to body width and release. The gate should swing close and completely latch on its own.
Check for Gaps or Openings: Make sure that pool fencing does not contain gaps exceeding four inches. Check the entire perimeter of the fence regularly to look for erosion or unusual spacing between the ground and the bottom of the fence.
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Learn ABCs of pool safety to keep kids safe
CLEARWATER After being booked into the Pinellas County Jail in January, James Brown was told he could either clean up after the homeless at Pinellas Safe Harbor, the nearby county shelter, or help at the jails horticultural center.
I preferred the plants, Brown, 53, said.
What he discovered was that potting red geraniums and pulling weeds out of Egyptian papaya plants suited him. He liked it. His blood pressure, which was high, has come down. And hes mellowed somewhat.
I used to be a rough guy, Brown, who is serving a six-month sentence for marijuana possession and for having a counterfeit license plate 10 years ago, said at the center on Friday. Fooling around with these plants sort of backed me up from that.
In August, the center will have been operating for 10 years.
It started with a Pinellas Technical Education Center instructor who was given office space, access to a vacant lot, and about $6,000 of tax money a year to buy potting soil, pots, seeds and the like.
Since then, the center has evolved into a bright stretch of variegated green in the jails shadow where so many plants are sold the enterprise has become economically self-sufficient.
At the helm is the PTEC instructor who was there from the beginning Chuck Pool, a 67-year-old who sports a pith helmet as he walks around giving instructions to jail trustees in striped uniforms whose crimes are minor enough for them to be allowed outside.
I wasnt real thrilled about coming to the jail, said Pool, who worked at the PTEC on 34th Street South in St. Petersburg before his transfer. But now that Im here, I like it and I dont plan on leaving.
The inmates are my students, he said.
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Pinellas horticulture center at jail marks 10 years
