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DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The "Global Horticulture Lighting Market with COVID-19 Impact Analysis by Technology (Fluorescent, HID, LED), Application (Greenhouses, Vertical Farms, Indoor Farms), Cultivation, Lighting Type, Offering, Installation, and Region - Forecast to 2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global horticulture lighting market is projected to grow from USD 2.3 billion in 2020 to USD 6 billion by 2025; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 21.4% from 2020 to 2025.

The market has a promising growth potential due to several factors, including the technological advancements in LED technology, rising number of government initiatives to promote the adoption of CEA practices, growing demand for food owing to the continuously increasing population, and ongoing legalization of cannabis cultivation. Moreover, increasing the adoption of CEA facilities to meet the growing demand for fresh produce due to COVID-19, and increasing awareness regarding benefits provided by LED technology to grow crops through the year amid the COVID-19 pandemic could play a key role in driving the growth of the horticulture lighting market.

Rising penetration of LED lights in indoor farming due to their long lifespan, spectrum adjustability, and energy efficiency

The LED technology segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2020 to 2025 for horticulture lighting market, by technology. Energy efficiency continues to be a key factor for the adoption of LED technology in the horticulture sector, along with additional benefits in the form of low heat, long lifespan, light weight, and enhanced controllability. This is expected to boost their adoption across various applications during the forecast period.

Fruits and vegetables is estimated to hold the largest share of the market during forecast period

The fruits and vegetables segment is projected to account for the largest size of the horticulture lighting market from 2020 to 2025, by cultivation. Increasing demand for quick and fresh horticultural produce owing to population growth and loss of arable land is a key factor driving the growth of this segment of the market. The surging number of vertical farms and greenhouses is also expected to contribute to the growth of this segment of the market.

APAC is projected to become the fastest geographical market between 2020 and 2025

APAC is projected to grow at the highest CAGR for horticulture lighting market during the forecast period. The growth of the market in this region can be attributed to its continuously increasing population, which leads to rising demand for food from APAC. This has led to an increase in the adoption of advanced farming technologies such as CEA to enable the supply of fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the year. Moreover, high pressure on cultivators to improve agricultural yields with limited available resources and increased requirements to protect crops from unexpected climatic changes are also contributing to the adoption of horticulture lighting in APAC during the forecast period.

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Restraints

Opportunities

Challenges

Companies Mentioned

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/m9p0un

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Global Horticulture Lighting Market (2020 to 2025) - Promising Trend of Farm-to-Table Concept Presents Opportunities - ResearchAndMarkets.com -...

Notorious River West dive Richards Bar, which was in the headlines earlier in 2020, made it plain its intention to defy the state and local pandemic safety regulations as Chicago continues to hover around a 13-percent COVID-19 positivity rate and the U.S. sees multiple record-breaking one-day death tolls.

Patrons have been seen hanging out inside the bar at 491 N. Milwaukee Avenue since early September. But on Thursday, Block Club Chicago reported the bar had posted a proud letter to the door declaring bar staff will refuse to comply with shutdown requests or citations from city officials. The report also included a photo of patrons sitting inside at the bar. The letter, as of Thursday morning, had been removed and replaced with a sign reading carry out only. The letter stated that Richards had retained an attorney, a Western Illinois-based lawyer who has specialized in representing suburban restaurants in challenging Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzkers pandemic executive orders. Bars havent been able to offer indoor service since late October.

The letter states safety is our one priority and mandates that customers should wear masks. In challenging the citys authority to close the bar, Richards uses an argument with wording other establishments outside of Chicago have used to justify staying open. The Illinois Second District Appellate Court has already ruled in November that the governor has the authority to issue multiple proclamations stemming from one ongoing disaster.

Richards has a reputation for ignoring rules by allowing customers to light up cigarettes inside nearly 20 years after Chicago banned indoor smoking in bars and restaurants. It became the site of a tragedy in February when customer Thomas Tansey, an ex-Marine, allegedly stabbed 23-year-old Kenneth Paterimos to death just outside the bar where they had both been drinking. Paterimoss family filed a wrongful death lawsuit in August against the bar alleging that staff over-served Tansey, who faces second-degree murder charges.

City officials must now figure out how to address the bars defiance. Ald. (27th Ward) Walter Burnett Jr., who represents the West Loop, told Block Club that Wednesday was the first time he heard about indoor drinking at the bar, though neighbors have reported claims to police that the bar was breaking COVID-19 rules back in March. The bar was cited and faces $12,500 in fines from the spring violations.

The alderman told Block Club that there arent enough people to enforce the regulations designed to help stem the spread of the virus. City officials seem to have no qualms about cracking down on other establishments that break pandemic rules Mayor Lori Lightfoots office this week issued a press release announcing that seven businesses were cited for violations from December 3 through 6.

Richards attorney, Tom DeVore who is based about 30 miles east of St. Louis has represented suburban restaurant owners in multiple lawsuits filed against Pritzker, arguing that the governor doesnt have the authority to shut down indoor dining in Illinois. Hes gained a social media following among restaurant and bar owners who feel the Democrat-controlled government in Springfield has overstepped its authority. DeVore saw success in October when a Kane County judge granted a temporary restraining order to FoxFire restaurant in Geneva that allowed it to stay open during ongoing legal challenges. However in November, an appellate court ultimately ruled in Pritzkers favor, and that decision is now legal precedent. That could be bad news for the several pending lawsuits challenging the states shutdown.

Chicagos larger population gives the city more authority than other cities in Illinois. The city told Block Club that it has the power to close Richards and other bars if needed. Alcohol and building licenses give the city more avenues to take action. The city is reportedly investigating Richards. The city is sharing more details on how its enforcing pandemic rules. This week, the city cited Ann Sather, the Lakeview restaurant owned by Ald. (44th Ward) Tom Tunney, for serving customers indoors.

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491 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60610 (312) 733-2251

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Infamous River West Dive Bar Openly Defies Pandemic Rules With Indoor Service - Eater Chicago

Whats Christmas without holiday lights? For starters . . . no worries that a hot bulb will melt your favorite plastic Snoopy ornament, or fears that adding one more string of lights will plunge your den into darkness. And maybe your heart wont skip a beat when you receive your December utility bill.

Yes, they have a reputation for being a hassle. But holiday lights have changed. Thanks to LED technology, the nightmares of Christmases past have largely been resolved. Even Clark Griswold would approve of the more reliable, energy-efficient options available these days.

As a consumer expert, I know how to find a great deal, but I havent untangled a string of lights in years since I moved to the city from a larger home in the mountains. So I asked several experts for their advice on light features, safety, storage and more. Here are our illuminating tips.

Make a plan. It doesnt have to be elaborate. Mike and Jenn Onstott, whose spectacularly lit Commerce City, Colo., home attracts thousands of spectators annually, suggest asking yourself: Do I want lights everywhere or in a few select spots? A classic look or more modern? Showy or subdued? Take some measurements. Remember: A 10-foot rail may need 16 feet of lights if you plan to wrap it tightly so the lights are close together. Choose a theme or color scheme.

Frank Skinner, director of marketing for online retailer Christmas Lights, Etc, says: If you know you like Christmas and will be decorating for years to come, build up a collection. Initially, you might buy clear lights and then add colors in subsequent years. You arent locked in, because you can mix and match and rearrange strings.

Choose your bulb. With their soft, warm glow, traditional incandescent lights evoke cozy memories for many. But the more vibrant LEDs have come a long way. LEDs use far less electricity, stay cool to the touch, last longer and come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, lens styles, colors and finishes.

Over the past six years, the Onstotts have converted 90% of their 27,000 lights to LED, mostly to save on electricity, reserving the remaining incandescent lights for special displays.

Whether you opt for incandescent or LED, experts agree its best not to mix the two in one display. Not only will the lights visually clash, but you may also experience power issues.

Decide how much you want to spend. Would you rather save money now or over time? A box of 50 mini-incandescent lights can cost as little as $3 in a big-box store, whereas a 50-count string of LED lights may start at $10. Outdoor-specific or commercial-grade lights will cost more. Although incandescent lights are less expensive, they use significantly more electricity and typically last one to three seasons. Though pricier, LED lights are energy-efficient, allowing you to plug more lights in to one outlet. And although most LED light manufacturers say they will last up to five seasons, Skinner says test sets lit 24/7 at his company offices are still burning bright after seven years.

Buy with confidence. Take note if lights are rated indoor or indoor/outdoor. The latter are usually more durable. Depending on your local climate, you may want to buy commercial-grade lights that hold up to extreme heat or cold. If you are especially picky, check a sample light string if the lights are on display in the store. Major brands, such as Wintergreen or Kringle Traditions, that supply detailed specifications (such as wire style, color or plug) to manufacturers will stamp their name on the tube near the plug. Thats a clue that the product is of a higher quality.

Try outside-the-box tricks. Substitute icicle lights (normally used outside) for traditional strings if you want a well-lit indoor tree, suggests Albie Mushaney, host of the HGTV holiday special Youll be Home for Christmas. Instead of wrapping your tree 20 times, you may only need two strands and three to four wraps to achieve the same amount of coverage and light.

Jenn Onstott says to look for lights with faceted bulbs and add reflective ornaments to your tree, so you dont need as many lights. If you have children or pets, consider erecting and decorating some sort of barricade around your lit tree. Incandescent lights do get hot to the touch, and pets that chew may find light strings tempting. The Onstotts use a baby gate. Mushaney, who has two Great Danes, built a small picket fence.

Know your power. Ive said it before, but it bears repeating: The biggest difference between LED and incandescent lights is the amount of electricity used. For example, Mike Onstott redid a reindeer display at his home. The original, with 300 incandescent lights, used 122 watts; the new version, with 360 LED lights, uses three watts. When youre not pulling as much power, you can put up more lights without short-circuiting your home, Jenn Onstott says. You need to determine not only what outlets are available, but also what else in your home lamps, electronics, appliances is being powered by that circuit. A kilowatt meter ($20 to $30) easily monitors an outlets power usage, so you dont overload it and trip the breaker.

Minimize hazards. Remember: Water and electricity do not mix. For outdoor displays, buy lights with a sealed connection. That means the base of each bulb has an acrylic seal to permanently affix it to the wire, keeping moisture out. To avoid standing water (or snow), Mike Onstott recommends using stakes to keep plugs above the ground. He also wraps any electrical connections in plastic bags secured by a rubber band.

And Skinner says you shouldnt use a staple gun to hang lights. You risk nicking or ripping off the wire coating, causing a potential electrical short. Instead, use inexpensive clips to attach lights to your roof or gutters. As a timesaver, in lieu of clips, Mushaney rims his house and windows with small screw-in hooks and leaves them up year-round.

Take the easy route. Sure, you could invest the time, money and effort in hand-wrapping lights around the trunks of outdoor trees or artfully decorating bushes, but you dont have to. Manufacturers have developed reasonably priced trunk-wrap lights (essentially lights woven into netting with loop clasps) that expand and stretch around a tree trunk. Net lights can be easily draped over bushes and hedges. So he doesnt have to run out nightly, Mushaney uses a solar switch on a timer. At sunset, his outdoor lights automatically turn on, then turn off a few hours later.

Store lights properly. Everyone has their own preferred method for keeping their lights organized when they arent in use. Skinner says to simply wrap lights in a circular pattern or roll them into a ball. Then store them in a box. The Onstotts suggest looping them, but instead of using the palm and elbow technique commonly used to store extension cords, start by dangling the strand and make decent-size loops, as if you were spooling a cord onto a vacuum cleaner without a hook at the bottom. Use Velcro or zip ties to keep cords together. Sort lights into plastic bins, and label either by location or specific tree. Mushaney hangs outdoor lights over chairs to dry, then puts lights in plastic grocery bags one strand per bag with the plug hanging out. Bags go into storage tubs labeled inside or outside.

Take advantage of post-Christmas sales. Although retailers run sales in November and December, to get the best deals, shop right after Christmas. You can often find lights and other decorations discounted by as much as 75% to 90%. Mushaney says he sets the following years theme based on what he scores at a discount.

Look into recycling options. Christmas lights are made from copper, glass and plastic valuable materials that can actually be recycled and reclaimed. Contact your citys municipal solid waste office. Many will recycle the lights if you bring them in. They may even run collection days for old lights or point you to a drop-off spot. If you live in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia or the District, you can drop off your lights at any Moms Organic Market.

- Get online help. Youll find all sorts of guides for holiday lighting on topics including artfully wrapping tree trunks, safely hanging lights on gutters or calculating wattage. Christmas Lights, Etc has a collection of lighting and decorating resources on its website, christmaslightsetc.com. Serious decorators should check out the Planet Christmas Forum (planetchristmas.com) or search for fellow holiday light enthusiasts in Facebook groups.

- Make memories. No matter the design, Christmas lights brighten the holidays, and they may spread joy far beyond your front yard. I grew up poor, and my family had to find ways to entertain us kids, so we drove around looking at holiday lights on houses, Mushaney says. That created wonderful memories Ill always remember. Now, maybe my house will be one that families drive by and build memories, too.

Read the rest here:
Light up your home with these illuminating tips - messenger-inquirer

A green light for a Covid-19 vaccine could come any day now in the US, but leading health experts warn the nation is only at the start of a winter thats projected to be one of the most difficult in the nations history.

We are in a totally unprecedented health crisis in this country. The disease is everywhere Midwest, West Coast, East Coast, North, South. Health care workers are exhausted, hospitals are totally full, former Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius told CNN Wednesday night.

December has already proved devastating. Wednesday recorded more than 3,100 Covid-19 deaths the highest daily death toll ever since the pandemics start, beating a record set just days ago. There are now more than 106,600 Covid-19 patients nationwide, the most ever, according to the COVID Tracking Project. And the countrys average of daily new cases is now more than 200,000 and thats as experts are soon expecting another surge to kick off, one fueled by the Thanksgiving travel and gatherings that took place last month.

Covid-19 vaccines are a really significant light at the end of the tunnel, Sebelius said, but in the coming months its crucial that Americans stay vigilant and follow safety guidelines, like wearing face masks, social distancing and staying away from indoor gatherings.

Weve got to take what weve learned in the last eight months and really put it into practice, so we dont continue to have this unthinkable death toll and disease toll, she said.

Her warning has in the past week been echoed by other leading health officials and experts who warn that while a vaccine may be almost here, the country will likely not see any meaningful impact until well into 2021 and thats if enough people get vaccinated.

Lets say we get 75%, 80% of the population vaccinated. I believe if we do it efficiently enough over the second quarter of 2021, by the time we get to the end of the summer we may actually have enough herd immunity protecting our society that as we get to the end of 2021, we could approach very much, some degree of normality that is close to where we were before, Dr. Anthony Fauci said in a Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health virtual event Wednesday.

One big challenge: reaching the American communities that are hesitant of the vaccine and skeptical about the science behind it.

We want to make sure that the vaccines are actually administered, and were afraid that wont happen, Paul Ostrowski, who is leading supply, production and distribution for Operation Warp Speed, told Good Morning America Wednesday.

We must build a trust in American people, he said. We just want to make sure that everybody gets this vaccine, because weve got to get our lives back.

While the pandemic rages on, local and state leaders continue to tighten restrictions in hopes of curbing both the spread of the virus and its deadly effects.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott announced new measures Wednesday, shutting down all restaurant dining and indoor recreation like bowling alleys, pool halls and hookah bars.

Based on the Covid-19 patterns, intervention was required, city health officials said.

Baltimore City has not had to implement such severe restrictions since the very earliest days of the pandemic and the implementation of the stay-at-home order, the citys health department wrote on Twitter. Unfortunately, with the volume of new cases that we are seeing and the implications it has on hospital utilization, during a period of widespread, community transmission, activities such as eating, drinking and smoking in close proximity to others, should not continue.

In Mississippi, Gov. Tate Reeves signed a new executive order adding stricter limitations on indoor and outdoor gatherings and moving more counties to the states mask mandate list meaning 61 of the states 82 counties are under a mask mandate.

Indianas governor said he will require hospitals to postpone or reschedule nonemergent procedures done in an inpatient hospital setting from December 16 through January 3 to preserve hospital capacity.

Gov. Eric Holcomb also announced new caps on social gatherings starting this weekend, based on which color zone (determined by weekly cases per 100,000 and seven-day positivity rate) counties are in.

In Alabama, Gov. Kay Ivey announced Wednesday shell be extending the states Safer at Home order that includes a statewide mask mandate for another six weeks. And North Dakota officials announced the extension of two orders that require face coverings and limit capacity at bars, restaurants and other event venues.

Now, more than half 53% of all Americans say they would likely get a first-generation Covid-19 vaccine as soon as its available, according to new poll results from Axios-Ipsos. That number is up from 51% before Thanksgiving and 38% in early October.

No vaccine has yet been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But an emergency use authorization is expected soon and about 20 million people could likely get vaccinated in the next few weeks, Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar told CNN Wednesday.

Meanwhile in the UK, thousands of people were vaccinated Tuesday, the first day of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine rollout, according to the National Health Service (NHS).

A day later, health officials said people with a significant history of allergic reactions should not be given the vaccine, after two health care workers experienced symptoms after receiving a shot.

The FDA will not cut any corners when deciding whether to authorize the vaccine, Azar said, saying he was sure what happened in the UK would be something the FDA looks at.

Vaccinations will also likely now kick off in Canada, where health officials announced Wednesday an emergency approval for Pfizers Covid-19 vaccine.

Azar said he remains confident that by the end of the second quarter of 2021, any American who wants a vaccine will be able to get one.

Even as we have such a bright future ahead, we face extremely concerning trends in the spread of the virus, Azar said. For now, we need to double down on the steps that can keep us all safe.

Read more from the original source:
A vaccine could soon get the green light, but Americans need to stay vigilant to avoid 'unthinkable death toll,' expert says - KTVZ

Based on the LED Indoor Lighting industrial chain, this report mainly elaborates the definition, types, applications and major players of LED Indoor Lighting market in details. Deep analysis about market status (2014-2019), enterprise competition pattern, advantages and disadvantages of enterprise products, industry development trends (2020-2027), regional industrial layout characteristics and macroeconomic policies, industrial policy has also be included. From raw materials to downstream buyers of this industry will be analyzed scientifically, the feature of product circulation and sales channel will be presented as well. In a word, this report will help you to establish a panorama of industrial development and characteristics of the LED Indoor Lighting market.

The latest report is inclusive of an extensive coverage of the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the LED Indoor Lighting business sector. The coronavirus outbreak has drastically impacted the global economic landscape, and consequently, this particular business vertical. Therefore, the report provides the reader with a clear concept of the current scenario of this business vertical, estimating its COVID-19 aftereffects.

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The global LED Indoor Lighting market is highly consolidated due to the presence of numerous companies operating across this industry. The report depicts the current market standing of these companies, their past performances, demand and supply graphs, production and consumption patterns, sales network, distribution channels, and growth opportunities in the market. The leading market contenders listed in the report are:

A brief outlook of the key companies in the LED Indoor Lighting market, focusing on companies such as

Digital Lumens, Inc. (United States), Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc. (United States), Philips Lighting (Netherlands), General Electric Company (United States), OSRAM Licht AG (Germany), Honeywell International (United States), Cooper Industries, Inc. (Ireland), Legrand (France), Schneider Electric SE (France), among others.

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The report analyses the gathered information relating to the profits accrued, sales, gross margins, price patterns, revenue and updates on the activities of the company.

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This report on the LED Indoor Lighting market delivers a cumulative synopsis of the speculations of this business, overall, along with an evaluation of its segmentations. It predicts the LED Indoor Lighting market to advance as one of the most profitable verticals, generating massive revenue by the end of the forecast years, exhibiting a sizable growth rate over the calculated period. The opportunities for growth and expansion that are prominent in the sector as well as the geographical coverage of the industry have also been investigated by the report.

Light Source (Revenue, USD Million; 20162026)

Application (Revenue, USD Million; 20162026)

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In this section of the report, LED Indoor Lighting market analysts have provided valuable insights into the geographical segmentation of the LED Indoor Lighting market. They have further estimated the current and future market valuations on the basis of the demand-supply dynamics and pricing structure of the leading regional segments. Moreover, the growth prospects of each regional segment have been meticulously extensively discussed in the report.

The global LED Indoor Lighting market is classified into the following regions:

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LED Indoor Lighting Market Global Growth by Manufacturers, Regions, Product Types, Major Application Analysis and Forecast to 2027 - The...

NEWBURY As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, town employees will return to a remote work rotation schedule and the Triton Regional School Districtwill consider suspendingall indoor sporting activities until further notice.

At a Select Board meeting Tuesday night,Newbury police Chief John Lucey shared these updates, which were decided by the town's COVID-19 Unified Command Team.

As of Tuesday, there had been 34 new cases over the previous 14 days,he said.

"From Nov. 19 to Dec. 3, there's been 796 tests administered in Newbury and of those tests, 27 positive cases have been found, which is a 3.39% positive rate," Lucey said.

The flexible remote rotation schedule at Town Hall will begin on Dec. 14 at 8 a.m.

"We had a lot of discussions in light of the second surge," Town Administrator Tracy Blais said. "We're going to try to limit exposures as much as possible while continuing to serve the residents of Newbury in the most effective manner that we can. The flexible work policy will become effective on Dec. 14."

Town employees will rotate between working in the office and working remotely.

"The town staff will be scheduled office times, as well as remote work times," Blais said. "So, we're going to do a similar model as to what we did last March, so that one office will physically be in the building on each floor, one person will be in the library and one person will be in the Council On Aging. We will rotate the personnel in and out of the building."

Additionally, Lucey said he directed Triton Regional School District Superintendent Brian Forget "to suspend all indoor organized sporting activities" at both the middle school and the high school, as well as Newbury Elementary School until further notice.

"That was a difficult decision, as you can imagine," he said. "There was a lot of thought, a lot of processing."

In a follow-up statement, Triton athletic director Tim Alberts said the request to suspend indoor sporting activities will be discussed at the School Committee meeting on Wednesday.

"A decision has not been made yet," he said. "Ive been told the suspension of indoor activities applies to any facilities within the Town of Newbury."

Lucey said the district athletics department put together a "comprehensive, very well thought out plan to try to mitigate, as best as possible, a safe environment for the participants of indoor sports."

With basketball especially, Lucey said there were concerns about how much contact would be involved with the sport.

"In light of the statistics and the direction the state is going in, it seems like an unnecessary risk to allow that," he said.

"We, as the COVID-19 Unified Command Team, will continue to closely monitor situations and adjust Newbury's response to this emergency, solely in what we feel is in the best interest of public health for the town," Lucey said.

G. Mello Disposal Corp. recently shut down the town's transfer station on Boston Road due to staffing issues brought on by precautionary COVID-19 measures.

Blais said there are staff members in quarantine following Thanksgiving, which caused the transfer station to be understaffed.

Until further notice, Newbury residents may use the transfer station at 203 East Main Street on Route 133 in Georgetown and pay the same fees. The Georgetown transfer station is open from Monday to Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and from Friday to Sunday, 7:30 a.m. to noon.

For more information, visit http://www.mellodisposal.com/transfer-station.

"Understanding that this does create an inconvenience for some people, we're very appreciative that the residents are willing to adapt in the face of COVID," Blais said.

We are making critical coverage of the coronavirus available for free. Please consider subscribing so we can continue to bring you the latest news and information on this developing story.

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Newbury employees will work partially remote, schools may suspend indoor sports - The Daily News of Newburyport

The Merriweather Post (local blogger in Howard County) is reporting CA continues to seek an injunction in the never-ending Symphony of Lights dispute. In that post he mentions:

Read the full article with details here: https://www.themerriweatherpost.org/post/ca-continues-to-seek-an-injunction-in-the-never-ending-symphony-of-lights-dispute

Goodness we thought this was behind us.but as a reminder that the Columbia Association did say the following back on November 25th:

I guess they were serious about the does not end this process.

Howard County Executive stated the following back on November 25th about this event:

I wonder what our County Executive thinks of this latest attempt by the Columbia Association to stop this event?

This is a list of the current Columbia Association Board of Directors:

The next Columbia Association Board of Directors Virtual Meeting will be held on December 10th at 7:00pm. See the agenda here: https://www.columbiaassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Agenda-December-10-2020-BOD-Mtg.pdf. Maybe we should send them emails to Board.Members.FY21@columbiaassociation.org about this issue in advance of that meeting today?

If interested in what the Columbia Association is trying to stopcheck out these photos from the 2020 Merriweather Symphony of Lights.

Here are some past articles from this blog on this topic: https://scotteblog.com/?s=symphony+of+lights

Scott E

See the original post:
Columbia Association continues the legal fight to shut down the Symphony of Lights - scotteblog.com

In all places, then, and in all seasons,

Flowers expand their light and soul-like wings,

Teaching us by most persuasive reasons

How akin they are to human things.

-- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

2020 New Years Tree Resolutions

Often we fail to follow up on most of the resolutions we make each December for the coming year. However, it is still worthwhile to take some time to engage in the thoughtful process of developing goals for various aspects of our lives. Here are some suggestions for honoring and supporting the trees in your yard.

Start learning the species names of your trees.

Examine tree bark for Spotted Lanternfly egg masses.

Schedule at least one visit from a certified arborist to evaluate the health and location of existing trees.

Arrange to have hazardous branches and dead or dangerous trees removed promptly.

Plant more trees, especially native types.

Water all trees faithfully when dry weather arrives.

Protect tree trunks and roots from weed trimmers, lawnmowers, deer damage and winter salt water runoff.

Thank the trees each season for their service: beauty, shade, rainwater management, wildlife support, soil stabilization, oxygen production and dried leaves for mulch to protect and improve soil.

Cardinals at Christmas

A perfect decorative wildlife image for the holidays, the northern cardinal is everywhere this time of year. Images of these gorgeous birds, the males known for their stunning deep red feathers, appear on Christmas cards, yard decorations, tree ornaments, mailboxes, blankets, dinnerware and numerous other items. Are there live ones in your yard? I hope so. James Audubon noted that In richness of plumage, elegance of motion, and strength of song this species surpasses all of its kindred in the United States. As our climate has warmed over the decades, and more and more local homeowners have put out feeders loaded with sunflower seeds, this southern bird has become totally comfortable in northern regions. Your landscape trees will act as forest edges, the preferred habitat for cardinals, while an assortment of other native landscape plants will provide accessible natural food during the growing season.

Do you know?

Our yards are not only a gift to wildlife throughout the year. By planting trees that hold the soil and have foliage canopies that manage rainfall, and by developing and maintaining a yard that is also rich in diverse plantings that foster diverse wildlife, we are contributing to the health and welfare of our neighborhoods and community as well.

Wood ashes from the fireplace or firepit are alkaline and very high in potassium and trace elements. Spread on soil they will reduce its acidity a bit.

Houseplants

These are difficult days for our indoor plants. First, they have been having to adjust to less natural light as the days have grown shorter this month. Secondly, they probably have been temporarily moved from their newly comfortable indoor spots to make temporary room for decorative holiday plants such as poinsettias. Then some of their temporary holiday locations may lack light or be too close to heating vents that reduce desirable humidity. Once the holiday decorations are removed and packed away, take time to consider the best locations for these plants that will be giving you comfort and even some indoor air quality during the winter. Plants that currently or eventually will bloom indoors such as amaryllis bulbs, orchids, African violets and begonias will need at least bright light, but not necessarily full sun, for several hours daily. Foliage plants such as ivy, ferns, succulents, palms, and philodendron, can manage with indirect light. Remember, as the winter progresses, the length and angle of sunlight changes so these locations may have to be adjusted during these months. It is worth the effort though, to help our resident plants to resist pest problems. Then we can enjoy the morale lift that they provide.

2020 Liz Ball

View original post here:
Yardening: New Year's resolutions for the trees in your yard - The Delaware County Daily Times

Town Council holds its regular monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Dec. 8 in the Conference Center.

Jo Grey

Mayor Anne Harwood and Better Badin, Inc. invite everyone to view the new Christmas tree in the Town Green across from Town Hall. The tree was officially brought to light last Monday evening when Public Works Supervisor Wayne Carter flipped the switch. Carter recently retired following 28 years of service to the Town of Badin. Mayor Harwood expressed the towns appreciation for the unnumbered contributions Carter has made to the town including 28 years of hanging Christmas lights and extended good wishes for a happy retirement.

Details about curbside leaf pickup dates are available at http://www.badin.org.

Morrow Mountain

International Mountain Day will be observed Dec. 11 with a ranger-led 2.8-mile hike to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. Please meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Bridle Trail parking lot. The trail is very strenuous, and hikers must bring adequate water and should wear sturdy, supportive boots. Plenty of breaks will give time to discuss mountain wildlife, geology and history. Please register by email with Ranger Early: Alden.Early@ncparks.gov.

Read-With-a-Ranger is Dec. 19 from 2-3 p.m. at the Kron House parking lot. This event includes reading The Story of Pinus Palustris: A Longleaf Pine Growing-Up Story, plus a short activity. Register via email: Maggie.miller@ncparks.gov then come and learn about Good Fire.

Seasonal park hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Better Badin, Inc.

The volunteer organization will hold its regular meeting Dec. 14 at 6:30 p.m. at Loafers and Legends, Falls Road. All newcomers are welcome to join in helping the group plan for 2021 Badin events.

Cart Parade

The first Badin Jingle Bell Golf Cart and Lawnmower Parade is planned for Dec. 18. Please gather at 6:30 p.m. at the Badin Volunteer Fire Department on NC 740. Refreshments will be served afterwards. Decorations encouraged. Have questions? Call 610-248-2257 or 704-984-3701.

Badin Presbyterian

The church continues gathering indoors for 10 a.m. Sunday worship services. Everyone is asked to wear masks and observe the current seating arrangements. Check the churchs Facebook page for postings by Pastor Dan Wray of additional messages and timely articles of interest.

Stony Hill UMC

Hanging of the Greens took place last Sunday and this Sundays drive-in service will be at 10:30 a.m. The Youth and Children of Stony Hill are presenting a Drive-in Nativity at the church on Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. at 28996 Stony Hill Road.

Pastor Kaye encourages participation in the Giving December drive for Stanly Community Christian Ministries. SCCM Facebook page gives details.

Badin UMC

The churchs traditional Candlelight Christmas Eve service is planned for Dec. 24 at 4 p.m. Special Christmas music and Communion will be included in the service.

Palestine UMC

The Palestine congregation is meeting indoors for Sunday worship at 10 a.m. Everyone is asked to wear masks and observe social distancing guidelines.

Badin News is by Jo Grey. Contact her at Jo.greync@gmail.com at 704-995-2475.

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BADIN/PALESTINE NEWS: Badin lights up town - The Stanly News & Press - Stanly News & Press

Potted pansies wilt under a blanket of snow March 14, 2017, in Frederick, Maryland. (Photo by Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Potted pansies wilt under a blanket of snow March 14, 2017, in Frederick, Maryland. (Photo by Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Photo: 2017 The Washington Post

Potted pansies wilt under a blanket of snow March 14, 2017, in Frederick, Maryland. (Photo by Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Potted pansies wilt under a blanket of snow March 14, 2017, in Frederick, Maryland. (Photo by Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

How to cultivate of tropicals, tender perennials in northernclimates

By Christopher Imler and Sarah Rautio

MSU Extension

Many northern gardeners are using tropical, semitropical and desert plants in outdoor gardens and containers in the summer, but may not realize those same plants can be transferred indoors for the winter.

Bringing tropical plants indoors adds an exotic flair to a northern home, drawing a visitor's eye to lush foliage and unusual shapes. When making that transfer, there are four major things a gardener should assess: temperature, pests, lighting and fertilization/watering.

TEMPERATURE EFFECTS

Tropicals and other cold sensitive perennials must be brought indoors during the winter for two main reasons.

1. They lack the ability to adequately photosynthesis at low temperatures. With less photosynthesis, plants consume and deplete stored energy, which can cause plant death.

2. Cold-sensitive plants cannot prevent ice formation between their tissues during a freezing event in the same way cold tolerant plants can. Even with adequate stored carbohydrates, a single frost may kill a healthy plant.

Tropical and temperate cold-sensitive species should be brought inside well in advance of the first frost. While many plants can survive sustained temperatures below 50 F, relocating them indoors before temperatures drop below 60 F during the day will help reduce any stress from sudden temperature changes.

Michigan's varied climate across the state means there is no single best time in the fall to begin this process. Instead, indoor gardeners should stay updated with their area's weather reports and plan accordingly. Once plants have been brought indoors, they acclimate to their new environment and should remain indoors until frost risk is gone in spring.

PREVENTING PEST PROBLEMS

Containers should be inspected thoroughly before being moved inside. Insects, fungi and bacterial infestations might not be readily apparent and can be hidden in various parts of the plant. For each container, check the undersides of leaves, within the tips of new growth, and just below the surface of potting mix.

In addition to looking for the insects themselves, look for signs of feeding such as chewing, stippling or mottling. Regularly check for the presence of sticky honey dew that sap-feeding insects leave behind, webs created by spider mites, or the exoskeleton remains of insects like aphids.

Insects can be removed by picking, wiping or scraping. Heavy infestations may also need to be treated with an insecticidal spray such as a horticultural oil or soap.

Fungus gnats can be very common hitchhikers of plants that move from the outdoors in. Adult fungus gnats are merely a nuisance, but their larvae in soil can damage roots. The most effective method to get rid of fungus gnats is to use an integrated approach, combining multiple forms of control: Avoid a constantly moist top layer soil of soil by watering from the bottom, use fresh soils, apply predatory nematodes and attach sticky tape to trap adults.

When possible, removing plants from their containers can reveal symptoms of an infected root system. Do so by gently inverting the container while supporting the base of the shoots, patting or massaging the bottom of the pot until the root ball comes free.

A healthy root system will have lighter colored roots and fine root hairs. Unhealthy roots will be darker, may have larvae of harmful insects (e.g., fungus gnats) or may be covered with a thin layer of sticky film. This is also an ideal time to repot the plant into clean, fresh soil.

Although a mildly infested plant may survive, it is not recommended to bring a potential source of pests into the home unless appropriate control measures are taken. If pests are not apparent, keep new indoor plants separate from plants already indoors until you have time to observe them for infestation.

Powdery mildew should be a major consideration when relocating plants since this pathogen is rampant at the end of summer and early fall. If detected, keep the plant in question in the warmest/driest part of the house, limit handling to discourage further spread and apply a compound such as a sulfur-based fungicide to reduce the infection. Heavily infested plants are best discarded, particularly if they show signs of difficult to eliminate pests such as scale.

LIGHT ENVIRONMENT

In winter, the earth is tilted away from the sun on its axis, dramatically changing in-home light environments in northern latitudes. Areas within the home become darker and have less natural light, reducing what is available to plants. Otherwise healthy plants may become weaker and more susceptible to disease if they do not receive adequate sunlight.

Here are some important lighting considerations:

Light coming through a south-facing window will be less intense but may still be too bright for full-shade species like Begonias and Fuchsias.

Areas in the home with minimal natural light should only be used for a gardener's most shade-tolerant plants.

Plants that shed their foliage and go dormant can be placed in cooler, darker areas of the house.

Avoid positioning containers in the direct path of vents and space heaters or in immediate contact with radiative sources of heat. Failure to do so may result in heat or water stress, exacerbating the loss of vigor from other issues (e.g., low light). Exceptions can be made when there is adequate light to sustain the growth and transpiration that a plant normally exhibits.

If there is insufficient natural light, supplementing with LED or fluorescent lighting can help. The primary considerations when selecting a light are (1) sufficient light intensity and (2) high spectral quality -- typically either white light or a mix of red and blue. Gardeners growing under artificial light as a sole source of lighting are best served by selecting bulbs specifically manufactured for sustaining plant growth.

For the budget-conscious, using compact fluorescent bulbs or small LED fixtures is a good compromise over more expensive growing lights. Incandescent bulbs are not recommended due to their low efficiency and high heat output, which can burn plant leaves.

It is also important to consider the total time of available light in a 24-hour period. Many plants use perceived daylength as a cue for developing their flowers. These plants are referred to as photoperiodic. In Michigan, daylight falls under 12 hours starting in mid-September.

Bringing cold-sensitive varieties of fall blooming species, such as kalanchoe, indoors at this time may help extend their lifespan, but providing more than 12 hours of artificial light runs the risk of inhibiting the production of flowers. This can be avoided by not growing them under natural light, but instead setting light timers to turn on after the sun rises and off before the sun sets.

FERTILIZING, WATERING

Shade tolerant herbaceous perennials such as palms, philodendrons, colocasias and arums may continue to put on new growth and may still require some fertilization during winter months. In contrast, succulents, tender woody ornamentals and other slow growers may need less fertilizer and should especially not be fed prior to moving.

As a rule of thumb, plants that are not actively unfolding leaves or elongating their stems (e.g., succulents) do not need fertilizer.

Additionally, avoid fertilizing plants that appear to have gone into dormancy. During dormancy, plants do not use nutrients at their typical rate, so adding fertilizer can stress the roots by increasing salinity to intolerable concentrations. Ferns are particularly sensitive to overfertilization and should be fed sparingly if fed at all.

Plants under artificial lighting or in warm, sunny spots may benefit from some fertilizer albeit a reduced feeding schedule. For these plants, begin with one-fourth the amount of water-soluble fertilizer and slowly increase if plant growth rate accelerates.

Lastly, avoid over-watering indoor plants. As with fertilization, plants not growing as rapidly as they would outdoors do not require as much water. Allowing the top layer of soil to dry down in between watering will ensure that the potting mix stays aerated, giving roots ample oxygen to survive.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit extension.msu.edu.

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How to cultivate of tropicals, tender perennials in northern climates - The Pioneer