Friday 26 May 2017

Organic gardens take root in Canada| Reuters

By Julie Gordon

| TORONTO

TORONTO As climate change makes longer, drier summers a reality in many parts of the world, a new trend in landscaping is taking root in Canada.

In Toronto, where precipitation levels were 52 percent below the seasonal average over the past six months, according to government data, residents are trading in their manicured lawns for environmentally friendly organic landscapes.

"Irrigation is a huge issue as water is such a valuable resource," said Claire Suo-Cockerton of landscaping company Aesthetic Earthworks. "We are trying to plant material that is more appropriate today in our climate."

Organic landscapers use drought resistant plants and shrubs native to the region, which encourage the development micro-organisms in the soil. This attracts birds and insects to act as natural pest and disease control.

A well-managed organic landscape is self-sustaining, whereas a traditional yard needs to be watered at least onc e per week, Suo-Cockerton said.

"It's a drastic lifestyle change for those who incorporate it in their homes," she added.





But the change may be a bit too drastic for average homeowner.

Kevin MacDonald, operations manager of Humber Nurseries near Toronto, said he hasn't seen an increase in the sale of native plants and shrubs. He said the downside to native plants is they are more susceptible to native insects.

"By planting a cultivated variety, that is non-native, you may not end up with diseases and insect problems, simply because the diseases and insects that would traditionally attack that plant are not found in the new location," he said.

Still, the main reason why traditional gardens remain popular may be purely aesthetic.

"In most cases homeowners will have a preference for what looks best," MacDonald said.

While the bare shrubs and woodchips of an organic landscape don't quite have the curb appeal of an ornamental garden, commercial and residential buildings looking to go green are picking up on the trend.

"From a developer's standpoint it's a great marketing tool because people are becoming very conscious of the environment," said Melissa Ferrato of the Canada Green Building Council (CGBG).

The CGBG uses https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRbW3ayDWVQ the leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED ) standard developed in the United States to measure the "green factor" of a building. Avoiding pesticides, lawnmowers and leafblowers all reduce a building's carbon footprint, contributing to a higher LEED score.

"Native, organic plants is what we're all about," said Ferrato. "We really discourage the use of manicured lawns and pesticides."

While organic landscaping is only now gaining popularity in the private sector, it has long been used by city parks departments.

"We've been moving away from traditional lawns for many https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRbW3ayDWVQ years now," said Patricia Landry a liaison officer at the Toronto parks department. "We are using plants able to withstand drought, pollution and the changing climate."

Organic landscaping makes economic sense for urban municipalities, Landry said. Less money is spent on labor and irrigation. And reintroducing native plants provides hab itat for birds and small animals.

While efforts to convert Toronto's ornamental flowerbeds to organic gardens were met with public opposition, some of the cultivated annuals were swapped with native plants.

"It's about trying to keep a balance," said Landry. "Finding http://www.homedepot.com/b/Outdoors-Garden-Center-Watering-Irrigation-Sprinkler-Systems/N-5yc1vZc63n different ways to keep those areas a little more environmentally friendly."

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-landscaping-idUSN2563030420071101

Saturday 13 May 2017

50 Landscaping Company Names | hubpages

Landscapers are the elves of Mother Earth, giving her life, keeping her beautiful and healing her wounds. In return, the earth gives high doses of Vitamin D and a way to earn a living.

Seems like quite the beneficial relationship! If professional landscaping is something you are interested in, read on!

Having professional-level equipment and excellent service can help you land some clients, but you'll need something that will lure them in first so they can experience what your company has to offer.

What better way to https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens do this than to have a great business name? Your name is the first impression you will make on a potential customer, and it could mean the difference between them choosing you or your competitor.

Since most regions have lots of different landscaping companies, you're going to face some stiff competition. You need something that will set you above the rest right off the bat. Your business needs Sprinkler Installation to sound professional as well as unique and catchy!

Here's a list of 50 names to help you get some inspiration.

Brainstorming Tips

When brainstorming, keep the following in mind:

Use your industry: Have a name that indicates what type of company you are, even if you don't say it directly.

Use your specialty: If you specialize in something specific such as landscape design, make this clear since it can help you attract a different set of customers.

Use rhymes: Rhymes just have this way of sticking in someone's head, and the stickier your name, the better!

Use your own name: You own this company, right? Be proud! There is nothing wrong with that. Bonus points if there is a clever way to squeeze it in.

Use your location: Your town or street name could be a good source of identity and inspiration. Be sure it doesn't limit you, however. Who knows where you'll grow!

Keep it simple: Your first or last name + Landscaping is a great name for a company.

Other Things to Consider

A few more questions to ask yourself when thinking of your name:

Is it brandable? You're competing with some top-dog companies for the spotlight.

Does it have the green light online? Check for available web domains and social networking pages to see how common the name is.



Does it really stand Sprinkler System out? Ke ep in mind your local competition and steer clear of any names that sound similar.

Is it easy for the average person to spell and pronounce? This will help your name be memorable.

What are the most popular or biggest landscaping companies in your region called? Use them as examples of what works.

Now that you know what to look for in a name, it's time for you to start making a list of your own. Write down 100 names and don't stop until you do! Let some of them be bad. It's okay. It's all part of the process.



Deciding on a Business Name

After you've made a list of potential names, you will then begin to chop and hack away at it to narrow it down to the ones that are really good.

Ask for help if you are the indecisive type; you might be surprised at the ideas in the heads of others! And let's face it, people are pretty opinion ated, and this is a time when you really want peoples' true opinions.

If all else fails, find inspiration in your work, whether it's cutting grass or planting a new garden. It just might plant the seed that you need to grow a few ideas!

https://hubpages.com/living/landscaping-company-names

Friday 12 May 2017

Home Improvement Archives - ArticleCity.com

Home Improvement

Should You Repair or Replace Your Driveway?

Mar Sprinkler System Installation Euless 09, 2017



by ArticleCity Blog

0

0 Comments

A well-paved driveway is a safe driveway, but when is it time to replace rather http://www.vikingcorp.com/products/viking-fire-sprinklers/standard-coverage/quick-response/pendent than repair? If you're unsure, you'll find Sprinkler System your answers here....

Read More

http://www.articlecit y.com/articles/home_improvement/article_2880.shtml