By Veronique DUPONT

LOS ANGELES, August 3, 2014 (AFP) -- Lush green lawns, a symbol of the American way of life, are under attack in California, where "cash for grass" programs have sprouted like weeds amid a severe drought.

With the western US state struggling to conserve water, locals are re-landscaping their outdoor spaces as attitudes shift about what constitutes an attractive yard.

And municipal monetary incentives -- reflecting the dire circumstances depleting reservoirs and underground aquifers -- are making it that much easier for many to make the switch.

Los Angeles, for example, is offering $3 for every square foot of grass that is replaced with more water-efficient options such as drought-tolerant plants, rocks and pebbles.

Under the "Cash in Your Lawn" incentive, property owners can get up to $6,000 for making the conversion.

"People forget we live in the desert -- why do we try to make it the Midwest?" asked Larry Hall, a jazz musician and LA resident as he ripped up his front lawn to replace it with a more environmentally friendly one.

His wife Barbara said the city's program made it possible to actually follow through and foot the bill for the project.

"We've thought about it, we've had estimates on re-landscaping but they were a little bit too high," she said. "So the rebate made it more of a reality."

Similar programs have sprung up elsewhere in California as the three-year drought shows no signs of abating and threatens the water supply of the state's 38 million inhabitants.

Continue reading here:
Amid drought, California declares war on lush lawns

........................................................................................................................................................................................

We create gardens first and foremost for our own enjoyment. But any garden, no matter how small, can also be a haven for some wildlife.

Its my belief that a wildlife-rich garden provides a far greater source of interest, relaxation and pleasure than one from which nature has been virtually banished by pesticides and herbicides.

When my family moved from the low desert of Palm Desert, Calif., to the high desert of Rio Rancho, we knew we would be making some adjustments as we were going from 30 feet below sea level to 5,282 feet above sea level.

However, we did not anticipate the adjustments that would be necessary to build a successful garden in this climate. However, our most rewarding adjustment was learning to co-exist with the wildlife that we would encounter in our Cabezon neighborhood.

Our initial impression of our property was a barren, sterile, scraped-clean lot with a great view of the Rio Grande Valley below.

Upon closer inspection, we could see field mice scurrying into holes along the bottom of the block wall, beetles burying into the sand, ants scurrying into their perfectly formed hills, rabbits hopping down the street, quail walking along the top of the block wall and coyote tracks and scat in the dirt.

It would be my challenge to create an environment that would allow me to garden, then to thrive, and one which would attract other native creatures such as butterflies, birds, bees, ladybugs, praying mantises, hawks, lizards, shrews, toads, squirrels and chipmunks.

Pat Barger has adjusted her gardening techniques to allow for and encourage wildlife to live among her plants. (Courtesy photo)

To share or not to share

Link:
Master gardener tells how to welcome wildlife to landscape

Aurora Energy is offering an improved landscaping plan and less reflective paint for an electricity substation it wants to build near the Hawea Whitewater Park in Camphill Rd, Hawea Flat.

Hawea River kayakers and mountain bikers were among those who made submissions against the Dunedin City Council-owned energy company's proposal at a notice of requirement hearing on July 24.

For the two kayaking organisations, landscape architect Anne Steven submitted the substation was an ''industrial-type'' facility that would be visible from the river corridor and silhouetted against the sky.

''This would compromise the natural and open characteristics of the river margins.''

She considered the substation would detract from the ambience of the river corridor and would impact on the recreational enjoyment of the whitewater park.

''It is not possible to mitigate the substation in this location and to ensure that it is in harmony with the landscape.''

Low-level planting might ''soften the edges'' but would do nothing to limit the impact of ''the bulk, height and density of the structures and associated lighting''.

She called for Aurora to find an alternative site.

On Friday, Aurora responded to points raised at the hearing with a right-of-reply by counsel Bridget Irving.

Ms Irving pointed out the site for the substation was not within the ''outstanding natural feature'' of the river or the river landscape.

See original here:
Substation paint, screening revisited

Longwood resident uses yard as a natural garden.

After more than two years of battling Longwood City Hall, Florida's court system and his neighbors along with racking up nearly $200,000 in code-enforcement fines Sean Law has cleaned up his yard.

"It is an improvement it looks dramatically better," City Commissioner Joe Durso said. "But we've still got some more work to do."

Law's attorney Dwayne Gray Jr. said the property at 402 E. Maine Ave. only needs to be re-sodded.

"He wants to be a good neighbor and resolve his issues with the city," Gray said.

Law's neighbor Kathy Ettman said she is delighted.

"I'm glad to see it this way," Ettman said, standing on her driveway and looking at Law's front lawn across the street.

"Oh, I hope it stays this way."

Law drew national attention after the city of Longwood began issuing him fines in 2012 for having high grass, weeds, dead wood and other debris in his yard at the corner of East Maine and South Oak Street.

Law called his home's junglelike landscape an "ecosystem" that is in compliance with the 2009 Florida-friendly landscaping state law, which encourages homeowners to grow yards that need little water and no chemicals. He added that he was growing fruits and vegetables.

Follow this link:
Longwood man cleans up yard after two-year battle

By Steve Jacobs, Nature Designs

The old saying if something seems to good to be true, it probable is is quite fitting when it comes to hiring a contractor for your home or yard construction project. While it is smart to shop around, get quotes, etc., dont fall into the trap of trusting an unlicensed contractor promising a great price. More times than not, the cheapest contractor will actually end up costing you the most in the long run. Here are some important things to consider when looking for a contractor.

Licensing

First, make sure that your contractor has the appropriate licensing (it is actually illegal for a contractor to provide services or products over $500 without a license). This is proof that he or she has met certain industry training standards and is allowed to work in your area. Its also important that your project meets all of the proper local building codes and obtains the necessary permits.

Each contractor is required to list their license number on their website, trucks, business cards, and all marketing materials. If you dont see this, ask them why and have them provide their number, then check the status of their license and insurance coverage on the Contractors State License Board website: https://www2.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/CheckLicense.aspx

Disputes

Working with someone who is licensed also gives you an avenue of grievance should a dispute arise. The contractor is held accountable by the Contractors State Licensing Board, so the contractor has incentive to do things the correct way, and you have an authority to contact if they do not. Working with a contractor who does not have the proper license and therefore cannot get the appropriate permits can severely hurt your property value. When a house is sold, certain facts must be disclosed to buyers. If it is revealed that something was not done to code or was done without a permit, this could negatively affect your homes value and you may be the one to pay for improvements to meet code standards.

Insurance

Licensed contractors are required to insure their work and their workers. Contractors should carry two types of insurance: liability and workers compensation. Liability will protect you in the event that the contractor causes damage to your home, and workers compensation will cover an injury that occurs on your property during construction. Dont be mistaken by thinking that your homeowners policy will cover these mishaps. Most policies are voided if the project is being done by an unlicensed contractor. Its not hard to imagine how catastrophic it would become if you were liable for the damaged property or injured worker.

Go here to see the original:
Why Hire a Licensed Landscape Professional?

By Martin E. Comas, Orlando Sentinel

1:55 p.m. EDT, July 30, 2014

After more than two years of battling Longwood City Hall, Florida's court system and his neighbors along with racking up nearly $200,000 in code enforcement fines Sean Law has cleaned up his front yard.

"It is an improvement. It looks dramatically better," city Commissioner Joe Durso said. "But we've still got some more work to do."

Law's neighbor, Kathy Ettman, agreed.

"I'm glad to see it this way," Ettman said, standing on her driveway and looking across East Maine Avenue to Law's property.

"Oh, I hope it stays this way."

Law could not be reached for comment.

His case began in 2012 when the city of Longwood began issuing fines for having high grass, weeds, dead wood and other debris in his yard at the corner of East Maine and South Oak Street.

But Law disagreed.

Visit link:
After two-year battle with city, Longwood man cleans up his yard

Community members are invited to join a free guided walking tour of food-producing front yard gardens at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Calvin Presbyterian Church Community Garden, 1736 N.W. Dixon St. at Northwest Cleveland Avenue.

The tour will include stops at five additional sites in the neighborhood, and it also will include a bonus site plus a brief lecture on fall and winter gardening by local Master Gardener Janet Throop.

Each host resident will give a brief overview of their garden how they transformed the space, selected what to plant and overcame challenges.

This is the third year for the Edible Front Yard Garden Tours, sponsored by the Food Action Team of the Corvallis Sustainability Coalition.

The goal of the tours is to encourage Corvallis residents to consider edible plants as an option when they landscape their yards, thereby increasing home food production in the community.

A second tour is planned for Wednesday, Aug. 27, in south Corvallis. For details, send email to info@sustainablecorvallis.org or call 541-230-1237.

See original here:
Third annual Edible Front Yard Garden Tour set for Thursday

Mandevilla can be grown on a trellis to add landscape privacy.

Click photo for gallery

Do you need some landscaping ideas that will allow you to enjoy privacy and quiet in your yard and garden?

It is not entirely possible to eliminate all of the annoying disturbances that are irritating, but there are solutions to minimize, filter and reduce many outside noises.

Here are some landscaping techniques to help reduce noise from traffic, pedestrians and noisy neighbors.

Sound barrier

One approach to decreasing the sound from nearby traffic is a sound barrier wall like the one you see along major highways. Made of stone or concrete, these are tall, large barriers that often can be unattractive and aesthetically unappealing.

However, they can be transformed to an attractive sound barrier with good design and the correct materials. Planting vertically with thick growing vines going up and over the wall, or incorporating an eye-catching design with stone or concrete can be pleasing to you and passers-by.

Fencing

Another alternative for minimizing irritating noises is attractive fencing. A fence made of wood with plantings growing on the fence will help break up light, irritating sounds that interfere with enjoying your yard.

Follow this link:
Creating privacy with plants

Published: Friday, July 25, 2014 at 9:02 p.m. Last Modified: Friday, July 25, 2014 at 9:02 p.m.

Landscape firm names consultant/business development manager

Richard Harris joins Yard-Nique Inc. Diversified Services in the Wilmington and Jacksonville branches as landscape consultant/business development manager . Harris is a 30-year veteran in the commercial landscape and green industry.

WILMINGTON | Michael Jaskolka has joined the maxillofacial surgery team of New Hanover Regional Medical Center Physician Group. Jaskolka graduated with distinction from the University of Toronto with an honors bachelor of science degree in biology. He earned his doctor of dental surgery degree with distinction from the University of Western Ontario and completed a general practice residency at the University of British Columbia and Vancouver General Hospital. He received his doctor of medicine degree from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, where he also completed a general surgery internship and residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Jaskolka went on to serve as a fellow in the Department of Pediatric Cleft and Craniomaxillofacial Surgery at the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando. He has continued his association with UNC and currently holds the position of adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Jaskolka is a diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, a fellow of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and a recent initiate into the American College of Surgeons.

Jaskolka has been published and regularly lectures on a variety of topics regarding the care of children and adults with facial injuries, pathology and congenital differences.

Jaskolka moved to Wilmington with his wife, Beth, a pediatrician, and his two children, Maggie and Eli. In his free time, he enjoys the outdoors by rowing, running, hiking, participating in triathlons and camping with his family.

WILMINGTON | Andrew Mullins has joined Homeowners Mortgage Enterprises as a mortgage loan officer.

WILMINGTON | Wilmington Area Hospitality Association announced the 2014-2015 board of directors and committee members: President, Heather Loftin, promotions director, Battleship North Carolina; vice president, Michelle Hardee, director of sales for Staybridge Suites, Wilmington; treasurer; Molly Johnson, director of group sales, Hilton Wilmington Riverside; secretary, Holland Soucy, sales and marketing manager, Wilmington Convention Center; membership director, Barbara Smiechowski, director of sales, Holiday Inn Express and Suites University Center; and communications director, Katie Eagle, sales manager, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Wilmington-Wrightsville Beach.

Visit link:
People in Business - July 27, 2014

A A

SEATTLE Nothing spilled when three tanker cars in an oil train from North Dakota derailed at a rail yard early Thursday, but it alarmed environmentalists.

This is a warning of how dangerous this could be, said Kerry McHugh, communications director for the Washington Environmental Council.

She noted the train derailed near Puget Sound, under Seattles Magnolia Bridge, the main connection to one of the citys neighborhoods.

The potential for environmental damage, economic damage and the disruption of peoples lives is huge, she said.

The train with 100 tanker cars of Bakken crude oil was heading for a refinery at Anacortes and pulling out of the Interbay rail yard at 5 mph when five cars derailed, said BNSF Railway spokesman Gus Melonas.

They included one of the locomotives, a buffer car loaded with sand and three tankers. The locomotive, buffer car and one tanker remained upright. Two of the tankers tilted. One leaning at a 45-degree angle had to be pumped out and taken elsewhere for repairs, Melonas said.

No one was injured in the accident and a railroad hazardous material crew was on the scene in 5 minutes, he said.

The Seattle accident occurred on the same day the Corps of Engineers is holding a hearing in Seattle on a draft environmental statement for a pier that BP built at its Cherry Point refinery north of Bellingham to handle oil tankers and oil trains. Environmental groups planned a rally before the hearing.

Theres a lot of risk associated with oil trains and right now were not prepared to deal with them, McHugh said.

The rest is here:
Oil train derails in Seattle rail yard; no spill