Toronto, Canada (PRWEB) August 20, 2014

Landscape Structures (http://www.LandscapeStructures.ca), the Greater Toronto Areas leading custom design, build, and landscape maintenance provider, is weighing in on the growing popularity of outdoor living spaces after warmer weather hit the GTA this past spring and summer.

Torontonians love the outdoors and want to enjoy for as long as possible. To take advantage of the spring, summer, and autumn months, more and more homeowners are extending their indoor living space outdoors, says Sue Shorey, operations manager at Landscape Structures. On top of that, homeowners know that a professionally designed outdoor living space can add value to not just their lives, but also their property values.

Shorey explains that an increasing number of property owners in the Greater Toronto Area are discovering the joys of eating, relaxing, and entertaining in backyard spaces designed specifically for their purposes. Some of the outdoor living space features most in demand from Landscape Structures are patios, custom barbecue islands, outdoor kitchens, bars, fireplaces, firepits, and installed seating areas, such as benches, seatwalls, ledges, steps, and boulders.

Unfortunately, Shorey notes, building a backyard oasis, whether its a patio or fireplace, is a lot of work and can require moving lots of dirt, which takes heavy equipment, such as a backhoe or truck. Depending on the design, property owners may also need gravel, sand, and other materials.

When it comes to extending an indoor living space outdoors, it really is best to hire a professional contractor. Some projects may look easy, but there are a number of logistics that can make it quite complex; especially if it involves water, electricity, carpentry, and masonry, she adds. On top of that, certain custom structures, including pergolas, arbours, studios, custom pool cabanas, and outdoor bars and kitchens may require a building permit.

Shorey observes that custom outdoor projects, including kitchens, barbecue islands, fireplaces, seating, and cabanas, are a great way to extend a homes living space. With a warm fireplace, homeowners can extend the amount of time they spend enjoying their backyard, being able to sit on the patio from early spring into late fall.

There are many different ways to maximize the enjoyment of a backyard from the comfort of ones own home, and one of the best ways is to bring the convenience of the indoors outdoors, Shorey concludes. And like any addition, homeowners need to make sure the design, materials, and finished project of their outdoor living space fits in seamlessly with the rest of their home. Homeowners also need to hire a team of professionals with a proven track record of creating outdoor living spaces that match not just their budget, but also their vision.

As the top landscape contractor and designer in the GTA, Landscape Structures has over 20 years of experience designing innovative, enjoyable landscapes that work harmoniously with the natural environment. As one of Ontarios premier full-service design, build, and maintenance landscaping firms, Landscape Structures offers a wide range of services designed to exceed its clients needs in the most efficient and cost-effective methods. Fully licensed, bonded, and insured, Landscape Structures award-winning landscape design/service teams complete range of services includes landscape design; native plantings; sod, trees, and shrubs; landscape construction; decks; fences; pergolas; tree houses; lawn care; horticultural assessment; paving stone walkways; stone garden bed retainers; waterfall landscaping; storm water ponds; seasonal cleanup; and snow and ice removal. To learn more about Landscape Structures, visit the companys web site at http://www.LandscapeStructures.ca or contact Landscape Structures at info(at)landscapestructures(dot)ca or by calling 1-416-854-2124.

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Landscape Structures, the GTAs Premier Award-Winning Custom Landscape Design Company, Weighs in on Growing Popularity ...

Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) August 20, 2014

Minnesota homeowners who dont have a backyard pool can still keep cool during the dog days of summer, according to Southview Design landscape design experts.

The trick is to create a shady haven in your backyard, said Karen Filloon, a landscape designer with Southview Design. Filloon said homeowners can shade parts of their yard with outdoor structures such as pergolas, and sails or marine cloth can easily be added in between the beams. A patio can also be added in the shade underneath a second story deck.

Awnings and sails can even be motorized so you need only push a button to create shade. Awnings provide shade both in and outside the home and can lower the temperature by 10 degrees or more, helping homeowners save on energy bills.

Another cool product to consider is a patio misting system or fan that hooks onto the hose and sprays a light mist over the patio area. Ceiling fans are perfect for adding a light breeze as well as keeping the bugs away, Filloon said. Park a cooler nearby for a nice cool refreshment without the expense of an outdoor kitchen.

Trees offer a natural shade solution, and late summer or early fall is the perfect time to plant them, Filloon said. Fast growing trees that do well in Minnesotas zone four include river birches, northern red oaks, red maples and tulip trees, so called for their large flowers that resemble tulips.

Eastern white pines and arborvitae also offer shade when the sun is lower in the sky while providing an excellent barrier from the road or neighbors. These fast-growing evergreens typically mature in just a few years, so homeowners just need a small dose of patience, Filloon said.

Southview Design has posted several photos showing different backyard designs that offer cool shade from the summer heat. For additional photos and landscaping ideas to stay cool during the dog days of summer, visit http://www.southviewdesign.com.

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Southview Design Experts Offers Late Summer Landscape Ideas for Minnesota Homeowners

Details Published on Tuesday, 19 August 2014 09:23

Pic: NSTKUALA LUMPUR: PANDAN Perdana residents are outraged by the felling of trees in the project to redevelop Pandan Lake Club in Jalan Perdana 3/10, here.

Wong Seng Hong said two old trees, which had provided shade for visitors in the park, were cut down on Sunday.

The project developer had put up a notice banner stating that landscape works for the redevelopment project would start on Aug 21.

However, we found out that work has already begun.

This morning (yesterday), when I went to the lake for my daily exercise, the trees were no longer standing. They had also not cleaned up after the job and the tree trunks and branches were still lying there. This could lead to Aedes breeding.

We believe that the trees were felled at night, said Wong.

He said that the trees were believed to be over 30 years old.

A council officer confirmed that no application for landscape works was received.

While we are not against the project, we want the developer to follow the proper procedures and guidelines set by the authorities, he said.

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Trees Felled Without Permission

WASHINGTON The balance of power in the job market is shifting slowly toward employees from employers.

Bob Funk sees it firsthand from his position as chief executive officer of staffing agency Express Employment Professionals.

Were short of people in a number of cities, he said.

So hes changing the focus of his $2.5 billion, Oklahoma City business. Instead of concentrating on finding jobs for those who want them, Express Employment is putting more effort into finding workers for companies that need them.

Were back in the recruiting market again, Funk said.

The 74-year-old industry veteran isnt the only one to notice the change. Americans who have been hunting for employment for more than six months are finding theyre having better luck landing a job, while people who had given up looking are returning to the labor force to resume their search.

Companies, meanwhile, are beefing up their in-house recruiting teams and increasingly using complicated computer algorithms to scour the Web for prospective job candidates.

This is all good news for the economy, according to Nariman Behravesh, the Lexington, Massachusetts, chief economist for IHS Inc. He said the United States has entered a virtuous cycle where job gains are leading to increased household expenditures, encouraging employers to hire more workers.

Consumer spending rose in June by the most in three months, according to Commerce Department data published Aug. 1.

The expansion is self-reinforcing and is very solid, Behravesh said. Growth of around 3 percent, plus or minus, is well within the cards for the remainder of this year and much of next year.

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Employers seeing tighter labor pool

Additional funding needed to proceed on schedule

By Ashley Mackin As construction resumes on the Childrens Pool lifeguard tower after a minor delay due to a seagull chick that was nesting there so does fundraising for the Childrens Pool Walk beautification project.

Spearheaded by La Jollan Phyllis Minick and designed by landscape architect Jim Neri, the project would widen the sidewalk overlooking Childrens Pool, add a new gazebo and seating, and replace old planters to cover the crumbling walls. Having raised the original estimate of $250,000, higher than expected assessment costs and review fees have upped the price tag by an additional $80,000.

To save costs on the privately funded project, work would need to be done concurrent to lifeguard tower construction, so crews can take advantage of street closures and work permits already in place.

Although assessments and reviews by the city took longer than planned pushing back any possible start date for the beautification project the seagull chick nesting at the tower site also delayed construction, June 2 to Aug. 4.

Monica Muoz, senior public information officer for San Diego Public Works Department explained that including the demolition, construction is expected to take eight months, with only light interior work occurring during this years harbor seal pupping season (Dec. 15, 2014 to May 15, 2015). The date of completion is being negotiated with the contractor hired by the city.

However, the city expects the tower to be operational by summer 2015. Muoz said it is possible the city incurred additional costs with the delay and wont be able to determine how much until the project is complete. The towers pricetag is estimated at $3.25 million.

With that schedule in mind, Neri said the Childrens Pool Walk project would need to be ready for construction by March 1. That would mean having permits secured and construction drawings approved by the city, a contractor signed up and ready to begin work, and all the necessary funding in hand.

He said any work that does not involve physical labor at the site such as city paperwork or the search for a contractor could occur during the pupping season.

However, with the total amount being higher than expected, Neri said extra funding will be needed, and his team is hoping to only use private dollars.

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La Jollas Childrens Pool Walk project short $80,000

Atlanta, Georgia (PRWEB) August 15, 2014

For more than two decades, Reynolds Plantation has been building a modern oasis in Central Georgia. In April 2014, this award winning Lake Oconee real estate development received another significant award. The Merit Award was for The Infinity Pool at the Lake Club overlooking the lake. Why are swimming pools important today as an amenity in master-planned communities? According to the American College of Sports Medicine Conference, research shows that habitual swimmers are biologically 20 years younger than their actual age. As aging Baby Boomers continue to search for the fountain of youth, swimming is expected to grow in popularity.

Reynolds Plantation amenities include not only one, but six beautiful swimming pools inside the gated community. The most impressive is The Infinity Pool at the Lake Club which received the Merit Award from the Tri-State American Society of Landscape Architects. This award recognized the unique qualities of the Lake Clubs Infinity Pool by integrating the Lake Oconee view experience, and taking advantage of the hillside by creating a reflective upper terrace pool and a lower cascade pool. At or near The Lake Clubs infinity pool is the communitys 38,000 square foot state-of-the-art fitness center, 6 championship golf courses, 16 tennis courts and 21 miles of walking trails throughout the Lake Oconee real estate development.

For some, swimming is more than just a "dip in the pool". Research shows swimming as one of the most favored exercise activities for those of over 40 who choose a more passive form of exercise with less impact. Swimming helps improve the heart, ward off disease and helps burn fat, trim inches while lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It is not only a great form of cardiovascular exercise, but it also offers excellent muscle conditioning as well.

For women, the benefits can be significant. Women who swim 30 minutes a day could reduce their chance of coronary disease by 30 to 40%. Additionally, every kick and arm stroke involved in swimming becomes a resistance exercise and will also help build muscle tone and strength in each and every movement. As women age, it is imperative to continue to resist muscle loss to keep the metabolism active and to also ward off the weight gain associated with aging.

Research supports that even an easy swim burns around 500 calories an hour while an aggressive hour of swimming can burn up to 700 calories. Even as a novice, starting slowly with even a 15 minute swim will burn 125 calories. Remember, this is a total body low impact workout that involves the incorporation of multiple muscle groups including the core (belly).

For kids, The Village at The Landing has a beach entry family pool with 160 foot waterside and water features. Reynolds Plantation amenities provide plenty of low impact opportunities like swimming to improve health and wellbeing. Whether residents prefer a warm swim in the indoor pool at The Lake Club or a refreshing swim overlooking Lake Oconee, Reynolds Plantation has something for everyone. The community is also known for award winning inspirational architecture.

Take a peek at Reynolds Plantation homes

To learn more about this award winning Lake Oconee real estate development, contact Reynolds Plantation direct at 706.467.1133.

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A Modern Oasis - Reynolds Plantation Amenity on Lake Oconee Wins Merit Award

The springboard to a top-class swimming pool

6:00pm Wednesday 13th August 2014 in News By Alex Wynick, Reporter covering Blackbird Leys and Greater Leys. Call me on 01865 425403

RESIDENTS are counting down to the grand opening of Blackbird Leys new swimming pool in four months.

Our exclusive pictures show progress on the 9.23m extension to Oxford City Councils Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre, Pegasus Road.

Contractors began work in July last year on the 18-month project with a new sports pavilion and are on target to finish in December.

The development will have an eight-lane, 25-metre pool with moveable floor, teaching pool, soft play area and new changing facilities.

Blackbird Leys Parish Council chairman Gordon Roper said: I think everybody thats gone in and seen it has realised what a wonderful building it is.

This is something that Oxford has been lacking for years. It will be a benefit to Oxford and the villages around it.

The development will replace Temple Cowley Pools and the existing Blackbird Leys Pool, to close in December.

Building work on the site was delayed by a year due to legal challenges, including two judicial reviews.

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The springboard to a top-class swimming pool

BEYOND the beautiful landscape of Kembali Coast in Island Garden City of Samal, lies a tropical cradle for one of natures many delightful secrets.

Kembali Coast is a high class leisure residential development in the Davao Region and a potential tourist destination in Barangay San Isidro, Kaputian District of Samal Island. With Filinvest as its land developer, this exclusive and secured area is a property located within the Agro-Tourism Zone of Samal, and categorized as a farm land subdivision. It is not open to the public.

A tropical beachfront paradise, it is equipped with the essentials for a peaceful, relaxing and ultimate luxury island living, Balinese style. Along its palm-fringed 1.8 kilometer stretch of white sand shoreline, developments are still taking place for more first class amenities facing a panoramic view of Talikud Island and tranquil waters great for aqua sport activities. Beside its clubhouse, an infinity pool is almost done. Huge trees provide good shade and shelter for several bird species belting out musically.

We went with good friend Gerry Evangelista, one of early homeowners whose cliff lots are atop the highest elevation (200 feet above sea level), affording a breathtaking view of the sea but conveniently accessible to the beach promenade for morning exercises. An invitation was extended to us by Project Development Consultant Hitoshi Onozawa to experience what he and his staff were lucky to have witnessed in the past five years.

It turns out that the attractive sea front is home to several green sea turtles (Cheloniamydas) that crawl in at night and dig in the sands to bury their eggs. Commonly known in Filipino as the pawikan, an adult green sea turtle can grow up to 4 feet, and are the largest hard-shelled sea turtles found. These herbivores eat algae and sea grasses, which are thought to account for its green fat in the body. Native to the Philippines, the biggest protected area and major nesting ground is in Tawi-Tawi, co-protected by neighboring Malaysia.

Sadly, it is listed in CITES as Endangered in the Philippine List of Threatened Wildlife Species.

Together with few other guests from Filinvest, we witnessed in delight the release of twenty hatchlings that awkwardly scampered for survival towards the sea. Many of them will brave predators and a few lucky ones will survive to live for years. A few will come back on this shore to leave their offspring behind, another fresh batch that strives to continue with the propagation of its beautiful, gentle species.

After a relaxing day in the clubhouse, we finally walked towards the dock, ready to go home to mainland Davao in a matter of 10 minutes by speed boat. We now know how these turtles regard Kembali a Balinese word that means both welcome and come back with love. It is a safe haven to call home.

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on August 14, 2014.

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Kembalis Nature Secrets

Turtle Beach Resort at Mermaid Beach has just spent $1 million on a new Splash Zone waterpark.

The setting

Mermaid Beach is centrally located in a quieter part of the Gold Coast, a short drive south of Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach mall, close to Jupiters Casino and Pacific Fair Shopping Centre.

The space

Turtle Beach Resort at Mermaid Beach has just spent $1 million on a new Splash Zone waterpark.

Turtle Beach Resort is just off the Gold Coast Highway. The view from the entrance doesnt give you the full picture of just how massive this place is.

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There are 298 apartments spread over four hectares of tropical landscape. Pools, spas and waterslides seem to pop up around every corner - there are four separate swimming areas including a lap pool.

There are nine barbecues, a gym, kids club, tennis court, putt putt, games rooms, indoor cinema, two playgrounds and a convenience store. The main attraction is a new $1 million "splash zone", an impressive water park with four water slides, two toddler slides, water cannons, a giant dumping bucket and a big screen television.

Turtle Beach Resort at Mermaid Beach has just spent $1 million on a new Splash Zone waterpark.

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Weekend away: Turtle Beach Resort, Gold Coast

Breathtaking landscape and simple village life simply refreshing.

OUR 1,445km road trip began at 6 oclock on a sunny Saturday morning mid-July.

The journey required two days drive, departing from the east of Holland and heading towards Tuscany.

We aimed to cover 900km on the first day, driving on the German and Austrian autobahns (highways) and making pitstops every two to three hours along the way.

We arrived in Sterzing, the Austrian-speaking part of Italy around five in the afternoon, in a town called Vipiteno where we spent the night at a bed-and-breakfast inn frequented by travellers from northern Europe heading for holidays in the south.

The second day on the road was mapped out to be a more relaxing drive, as we were only about 500km from our ultimate destination a villa in Arsicci, a very small Appenine village in Tuscany situated at about 850m above sea level.

We arrived there at around 5 oclock in the afternoon, long before sunset that happens around 10 in the evening in the summer in these parts of the world.

For a family group with four couples and five children in total, we rented a seven-bedroom villa for one week.

The three-level stone farmhouse included a 5,000sq m private wooded park, a swimming pool, childrens playroom, recreation room with a bar, dance floor and a platform for a band.

It was absolutely beyond our expectations.

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Tuscany the beautiful