Do It Yourself Gardening and Landscape Design

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Plan Your Landscape Gardening Project For The Best Results

Sunday, August 29th, 2010

It can be fun when it comes to designing and building your very own landscape garden. It can give everyone a chance to show their creativity and the results at the end are usually all worth while. There are so many different things which can be done to the landscape including decking in the garden or using great features to really give the garden that extra something special.

Landscaping Your Very Own Garden

Gardening can sometimes be a tricky experience and it needs a bit of thought put into it beforehand. When you want to transform your landscape you will need to plan everything in advance in order to get the required look that you desire. There is no use just buying a lot of features and putting them together as they may not necessarily go together properly. It is all about striking that perfect balance to make the garden look great. So, if you use a certain plant, make sure that you understand the requirements that it needs in order for it to grow properly.

Landscaping Your Garden to Make the Most Out Of Open Spaces

There are people out there with quite a bit of open lawns and they could use some of it to make some great features. You could make a nice little retreat somewhere and have a bridge or trellis to separate it. Adding extra features such as shrubs, potted plants, flowers and furniture such as a bench or a hammock could really add to the effect.

You could also make crazy paving too in order to add a bit of creativity to the garden and to make use of some of the open space available. There is so much that you could do with the space, it is all down to each individual on what they decide will look the best. However, if you do add things to the space, make sure that you get the balance just right because if you overdo it, it will affect the overall look and balance.

Adding the Extra Touches When Landscaping Your Garden

If you have decided to add a patio or decking to your landscape, it is now down to adding the extra features that makes it look complete. A great way to transform things is by the use of plants, shrubs and even trees. There are so many different extras you can add to any part of the garden to achieve the overall required look. It is just a matter of searching for the things which you feel will suit the look the best.

A.Caxton
http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/plan-your-landscape-gardening-project-for-the-best-results-101964.html

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Protecting our Future ~ Security Advisors Worldwide

Sunday, August 29th, 2010

History has shown us how to fight in wars to safeguard our energy supply, how to leave waste in our path, and how to struggle with purposeful imbalances of resources.   We witness, everyday where our history has taken us and quietly hope that there will be an ace up our sleeve to ensure our bright future. 

Renewable energy is entering the mainstream of our lives and creating a new and exciting global economy and environmental revolution.  Wouldn’t it be obvious, then, that ensuring the project’s safety and the public’s safety would be the foundation that it rests upon?

I’d like to introduce Mr. Ken Daniel, CEO of Security Advisors Worldwide or SAW.  Mr. Daniel heads up an elite team of specialists who have circled the globe many times protecting the United States and serving humanity’s unending needs.  They are currently forging the path in a new type of industry that will not only protect our nation’s glory, but will also share that protection with the world. 

Welcome Ken.  As we sit here and speak, all eyes are on renewable energy and the possibilities it has for economic stability and global healing.  It looks as though it’s the answer we’ve been waiting for.  With its importance, however, also comes the need for its protection, and it sounds like SAW is the company to do it.  Tell me about SAW.

Mr. Ken Daniel:

SAW stands for Security Advisors Worldwide.  We were formed in April of 2008 following a conversation we were having with Henry Herman, of Jetstream Wind.  During the conversation, Henry interjected and asked if there was any way we’d like to look into renewable energy and the security issues that may arise around the new renewable energy program. 

With a collective Seventy-five years of experience we are good at what we do.  But learning about renewable energy technology, its unique security demands, and its potential for freeing us from our dependency on fossil fuels was very exciting. 

So, with the help of my friends and Vice Presidents, Clint Waldrop and Yudi Wong, we formed Security Advisors Worldwide.  We will be providing worldwide security and vulnerability assessments for all types of renewable energy, whether it be solar, wind, solar thermal, or hydrogen.

So security, as it were, is venturing into a whole new type of industry.  Are there any other companies like yours out there?     

SAW is the only security company of its kind.  Like the renewable energy industry, Security Advisors Worldwide was one of those unforeseen businesses created by the renewable energy push.  

For SAW, every project is a construction site first.  Whether the project is located in a remote area, away from everyday traffic, or next to the local high school, it’s essential to provide effective security on the construction site to begin with.

And so, what we do is provide assessments from the time that we first take a look at the dirt until one year after power is being generated.  SAW conducts risk assessments to protect our client’s projects against theft, vandalism, and those little things that slow down the time line of that project.  We assess not only the state of the physical security on site, but also the state of those people that are on the inside; safety concerns are also evaluated.  And with regards to insurance issues and potential insurance issues with these large energy facilities, we show due diligence to insure the safe and timely implementation of the renewable project. 

In a nut shell, we work hard to guarantee that the project has the opportunity to get off the ground.  We believe that security is a proactive commitment that says, “This is not an easy target”, regardless of where you’re located.” 

What projects have you been working on since you were formed?

Jetstream Wind became our first client in April of 2008 and we’ve signed an exclusive contract with them for five years.  Since then, we’ve been contacted by other energy programs to provide assessments of their security.  Taos Wind and Power, (Billy Lockwood, CEO), has also chosen to be under the watchful eye of SAW.  

What types of security and safety issues are you looking at?

I really give a lot of credit to Henry (Herman) at Jetstream Wind.  He had the foresight to realize that building renewable energy sites unprotected, had the likely potential of creating huge liability issues.  SAW believes that renewable energy companies must be more security conscious, protecting their valuable assets and finishing projects on time.  We want fifteen projects to spring up, but right now, our best efforts are going toward keeping the projects on time, which includes both safety and security.

Is there a difference between safety and security?

Well, if you just look at security, you’re missing an even bigger picture.  Safety is actually a big part of security too.  

First of all, you’ve heard the old phrase, “If you build it, they will come”.  People will come to the site to be inquisitive, curious, or to salvage items like copper, steel and other metals.  Then you’ve got the tools and equipment…there’s a 5.4 trillion dollar insurance loss on construction projects per year. 

You’re also going to have everyone from construction workers, electricians and technical experts at the site.  Each of these groups will require different security accesses and will work different hours.  To control all of this traffic and provide a safe and secure environment SAW will use “State of the Art” security systems to help in the monitoring.  

We’ll also be sure that basic first-aid training is provided as well as reliable ingress and egress routes for emergency vehicle access to the site.  You have to realize that most of renewable energy sites are located for off the beaten path. It’s important for Project Managers to know that their employees are well trained and will be taken care of while they’re on the job site.

Are these job sites going to be like other construction sites? As a renewable energy security company, do you consider the environmental impact of these projects?

Well, we’re going to have to put up some fences and barriers in the early stages of construction. These are renewable sites, however, and SAW intends to use as many passive systems as possible, leaving as small a footprint as possible.   

I love riding my Harley through the mountains, and I don’t want to see the landscape ruined any more than anyone else.  But there’s so much new and cost effective security technology out there in the way of infrared, cameras, and monitoring gear.  This will allow one person to easily sit inside the control room and monitor everything going on, and this goes back to my promise to Henry.  SAW will create the smallest possible footprint on the land for renewable energy areas, and leave the land as pristine as we possibly can.

That’s really nice to hear. 

Because you’ve had such an amazing military career, you probably see the world from a slightly different perspective than most of us.  So tell me, why did you choose this renewable energy path?  What’s the bigger picture for you?

We all realize the impact on people, gear, and equipment that comes from having to go someplace to bring the energy home.  If we can develop the energy here, maybe we won’t have such a need to go and risk that anymore.

I guess that when you pass through counties like the Middle East for example, and see oil burning in ponds everywhere, you realize that there’s gluttony in some areas and there’s a demand in others.  What I’d like to see is a more energy independent United States, without having to rely on foreign oil to get though our day-to-day business.

Also, standing on a beach outside of Phuket, Thailand watching the sun go down, made me realized what a pretty place the world is.  But if we don’t do something, we’re going to be continually creating our own mess.  We can do something right now.  And if SAW has anything to do with it for whatever our lineage is, then I think that this would be my legacy.

With the experience that you, Clint, and Yudi have had, do you believe that renewable energy will assist with National Security?  Are renewables a threat for terrorism?

Well, let’s take a look at what terrorism really is…Are we talking about international terrorists coming over here to wreak havoc on our wind farms?  Nah.  What would really be the point? 

Homeland Security sees renewable energy as security for the country.  The more secure our energy sources are, the more independent we are of other things.  The Department of Energy and Homeland Security realize this.  But these new and up-in-coming companies may not have the background in security and will have to hire companies like SAW to manage the security nuts and bolts.  Make them safe, make them secure so we can start producing the clean energy our country needs and wants.

Let’s talk about the economy and how it may effect renewable implementation here in the United States and also in foreign countries.

You can estimate that the construction of a renewable energy facility could take up to eighteen months before it’s producing power.   During this period, there’s going to be a great boost to the local economy, from the local gas station that has to fill up and service construction vehicles, to the local physical security company who will provide people, to the local hardware store that will supply all of those little things that you didn’t get but needed.

Internationally speaking, I’ll be going into Haiti soon, and one of my big questions is, “how can we secure the project and materials?”  Once the decision is made to go we will make sure that equipment stays where it belongs, which will help bring the project in on time.  This will require hiring from the local communities which will, in turn, strengthen that country’s economy.  And then, far beyond the initial construction and implementation, Haiti will have a continuous source of income for thirty years. 

Why are you going to Haiti?

I’m on my way to Haiti to do a renewable assessment for Jetstream Wind and to meet with a group of people that have just developed and opened a new hospital there.  Currently, they’re running it off of generators because the electrical issues in Haiti are very difficult. I’m scheduled to meet with the US AID for Haiti, the US Ambassador for Haiti, and several Prime Ministers.

This is the type of project that’s going to take years to complete and that will be there for years to come.  There are going to be people travelling in and out of that country and they need to feel and be protected.   

Can we speak again after you’ve returned from Haiti?  I’d like to hear about how it went.

Absolutely.  I look forward to it.

Do you feel that the government is doing everything that it can to assist in this endeavor?

Well, big oil companies, for example, have a profit/loss margin too.  They’re in business, you know, and they’ve been in business for a long time.  If the “government” was really serious about renewable energy, you would have power plants springing up called Chevron.  But it’s not happening that way.  It’s going to be the entrepreneurs and it’s going to be the hard-working people seeing it through. 

With the new president-elect, Barack Obama, and his policy on renewable energy, there are going to be some doors opening.  I think we all realize that we can’t do without (renewable energy) and none of us can turn our backs to what’s already going on.

Last question…There are plans for more nuclear power.  Besides waste and safety issues, these plants create security risks will require substantial security standards.  What role will your company be playing in this scenario?

Yes, from what I understand, the Department of Energy and other groups are looking at more nuclear power plants.  Nuclear power has been proven, right now, to be a decent energy source.  Yeah, it takes a lot of people to safeguard it, that’s because it’s such a powerful energy source.  How is SAW going to be involved with this? Well, if we do our job right, and Henry and other renewable energy programs are able to put as much power as they can on the grid, we’ll have to build less nuclear power plants. 

A renewable site can be torn down and the land can be put back to as close to pristine as possible, and the parts from the retired site can be used at other locations.  That’s a little harder to do with nuclear waste. 

I just really believe that nuclear energy was good for its time, and may still have a place in our energy future, but if we can safely and securely produce renewable energy and upgrade this country’s power grid to transport it, than do we even need nuclear energy?

Hmmm…Good question.  Thank you, Ken, for taking the time to show us a different side of renewable energy.   I believe that I remember you saying, “There are doors to be opened and so there will also be someone there to open them first.  But then, of course, they have to be the first one to walk through”. 

I hope, Ken, that I didn’t butcher that too much.  What I understood from it, though, was that companies such as SAW, Jetstream Wind, and Taos Wind and Power have already opened that door and aren’t afraid to be first. 

Thank you for all that you’ve done and will continue to do on behalf of so many others.

Ornesha De Paoli

Green Ascension ~ Evolving People on an Evolving Planet

If you would like further information about Security Advisors Worldwide, or would like to contract them:

Security Advisors Worldwide

Ornesha De Paoli
http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/protecting-our-future-security-advisors-worldwide-705667.html

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Here is Why You Should Use Gypsum in Gardening

Sunday, August 29th, 2010

Do you have clay or layer of hard subsoil problems in your
garden? Then gypsum may be the answer to help loosen the soil
structure. It is not considered a miracle substance and you will
find that it doesn’t work right away, but a 3 year program of
applications should help improve the poor soil conditions. It is
not expensive and is easy to spread where needed.

Gypsum also has a job of repairing the soil that has been
damaged through compaction from heavy stock, machinery, in the
recovery of sub-soils exposed by earth movement and in soils
affected by salinity.

A gardener faces one of the biggest problems in a new or
established garden if they have a clay or layer of hard subsoil
type of soil. This type of soil creates poor drainage, soggy
soil and soil compaction.

When you have a new garden you can work organic humus, which
should be done anyway, to loosen the poor soil. Manure, compost,
peat moss and soil mulches and conditioners are normally used
for this purpose.

You might ask, what do you do in an established garden? A lot of
work and time to recondition soil would be required. Gypsum may
be just the answer for reconditioning the soil, because it can
be spread on the surface of the soil like in the vegetable
garden, flowerbeds or on the lawn. What this means is it does
not have to be worked into the soil, it can just simply be
spread on the surface.

What does Gypsum do? It’s main purpose is to penetrate the many
clay particles in heavy or the layer of hard subsoil type soils
and loosen the soil structure. Then this creates air and
moisture slots that will loosen and break-up the soil structure.

Be aware that gypsum does not contain any major plant nutrients,
so continue a regular fertilizing program even though it
contains calcium and sulfur which is needed for plant growth. In
addition, continue to put out organic humus as you plant.

Gypsum is easy to apply! Just spread it on the lawn, using the
granular type, with a lawn spreader at the rate of 40 pounds per
thousand square feet. Gypsum fertilizer can be spread any time
of the year and only one application per year is needed. To get
it started working, water immediately after applying. If applied
properly it does not affect the pH of the soil, not harmful to
humans and your animals and will not burn. And because Gypsum is
neutral and will not change the soil pH, you can use it in
places where plants like Azaleas, Camellias, Rhododendrons and
other acid loving plants grow, they need a little calcium too.
Of course, gypsum should be applied per directions.

What is gypsum? Hydrous calcium sulfate Calcium Sulfate – CaSO4
Another Name: Gypsite

James Ellison
http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/here-is-why-you-should-use-gypsum-in-gardening-1490.html

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Relax in a Siesta Key Rental

Sunday, August 29th, 2010

Although you may have never heard of this little barrier island off the coast of Florida, Siesta Key is certainly worth a look the next time you want to escape into a tropical paradise. Offering all of the beauty that you expect to find in Hawaii without any of the crowds or tourist attractions to detract from the scenery, you can truly escape from it all and surround yourself with boundless waterfront excitement in a Siesta Key vacation rental.

Even if you are unfamiliar with Siesta Key’s many delights, its name should give you a hint about what drives vacationers to its shores. Away from the hustle and bustle of popular Florida vacation spots and surrounded by the sparkling blue water of the Gulf of Mexico, you simply cannot help but relax and leave all of your worries on the mainland. Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and boating adventures are at your beck and call, and the calming sight of the water is never too far away whenever stress-inducing thoughts creep into your head.

You may be saying to yourself that the Gulf of Mexico is a large body of water, and you can enjoy all of your favorite water sports in other cities like Panama City and Tampa. So what makes Siesta Key so special? While the three white sand beaches are certainly spectacular with their cool, quartz sand, it is their variety that sets them apart. Siesta Key Public Beach features your typical beach atmosphere and activities; Crescent Beach offers a secluded, private environment for relaxing; and Turtle Beach is a family-friendly option with its excellent shelling, playground, and picnic areas. Offering three diverse and distinct beaches, the perfect strip of sand is waiting for you in Siesta Key.

While the beaches are the main attraction, Siesta Key is home to quaint shops, unique restaurants and pubs, and a lively nightlife. Outdoor seating, complete with breathtaking views, are complementary with your brew or ale and live music is the calling card of the nightlife. There is even a Sunday night party at sunset called “Drum Circle” that is sure to delight both your eyes and ears as the weekend comes to a close. As the fun of Siesta Key centers around the fabulous weather and the great outdoors, there is no reason not to take advantage of your wonderful surroundings at all hours of the day.

When you begin to plan your Siesta Key getaway, you will probably research the excursions and water-filled trips you want to take, whether it be a deep sea fishing adventure or scuba diving expedition off the coast. However, one part that should not be left to the last minute is your accommodations. A large part of the whole Siesta Key experience is soaking in the beauty of your surroundings and this should be an inviting option for you from sunrise to sunset. Fortunately, there is a wide selection of Siesta Key vacation rentals that offer a cozy and comfortable atmosphere so you never feel pressured to escape your lodging.

Whether you are watching the sunset from your private balcony, reliving the day’s events in the family room, or relaxing around some delicious food in the kitchen, your Siesta Key rental ensures every second you spend indoors is just as satisfying as your time outdoors. If the sun has worn you down and you simply don’t have the energy to go out for some live music, you can kick back in your home away from home with a good book, in front of the big screen TV, or out on the terrace in full view of the watery expanse. Never feeling as if you are missing out on the fun, you can rest and enjoy your vacation at your own leisure and on your own terms.

When you are in dire need of a vacation that rejuvenates your spirit and calms your nerves, look no further than Siesta Key, Florida. With the ambiance of a hidden Caribbean jewel, some of the most beautiful beaches in the entire country, and luxurious vacation rentals that pamper you with all the comforts of home, it would take a Herculean effort to not experience the relaxing and serene vacation you always imagined.

Jen W.
http://www.articlesbase.com/vacation-rentals-articles/relax-in-a-siesta-key-rental-119866.html

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Improving Your Garden With Patio Landscaping

Sunday, August 29th, 2010

People who have a patio do not always make the most out of them and they do not bring out the full potential of the patio landscaping.

There are a lot of different ideas out there to help you to transform the patio and make it look really impressive. It can be a great area for everyone to enjoy, so it is really just a matter of doing your research and finding an idea that you like. Make sure however, that you know exactly what you want to achieve before attempting to fit a patio into the landscape. This is because it could turn out wrong and that could cause it to have a complete reverse effect on what you wanted the patio to look like.

Which Materials Should You Use When Landscaping Your Patio?

The way that a patio looks is all down to a person’s individual needs and tastes and when it comes to choosing the materials, this is the considering factor.

There are quite a few different materials which you can use for the patio such as rock, stone, concrete or absolutely anything that you think looks good. It is a good idea to consider using a material that will complement the space that is readily available as well as one which will suit yours and your family’s needs the most. Most of the materials that you can use will make the patio look great and it will give it a great base ready for you to add furniture and other features to it.

How to Place the Materials on the Floor When You Are Landscaping a Patio

Once the area has been prepared and properly marked out, it is time to place the materials of your choice onto the floor. Make sure that you understand the directions for the materials and once you do it is then time to place them down into the appropriate place. This is something that needs a bit of time and effort put into it in order to ensure that it looks as good as it can. You can be extremely creative with the patio but it is important to make sure that it is very secure too. The overall look is important but not as important as safety!

Adding the Final Touches When Landscaping the Patio

Once the patio has been fitted, you may want to add some color and vibrance to the area. This is now the time to show your creative side by adding anything that you like such as features and furniture. You may want to add some nice potted plants, tables and chairs or even ornaments. This is all down to personal preference but you can really add something special to the patio area if you do use your imagination. Potted plants are a great alternative to using flowers and they are extremely easy to manage as well so they really do offer a great look with low maintenance.

As you can see, using a patio for your landscaping project can really add something special to any landscape. It allows a person to be as creative as they like, but it is always important to do the adequate amount of research beforehand.

A.Caxton
http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/improving-your-garden-with-patio-landscaping-96548.html

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