<![CDATA[Five Star Contractors Referral Service blog/news comments]]> http://oly5star.com en Sun, 19 Feb 2012 01:56:35 GMTFive Star Contractors Referral Service blog/news commentshttp://oly5star.com<![CDATA[Safe Power for Your Home]]> What about out buildings with a separate breaker panel, but the power comes from the house? In my circumstance I have a shop with power from the house, but it has it's own panel.  However my transfer switch is installed in my house- can I still use the generator at the house, and be able to run my shop office off the same transfer switch without having to install a new switch in my shop? My power needs would be minimal- i.e. lights, computer, printer, DSL modem, phones, etc.

]]>Sat, 11 Feb 2012 17:53:55 GMT<![CDATA[RE:Robin Lee, Joyous Creations – Art and Decorative Tile]]> Robin contact me and give me an update where you are. John

]]>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:07:56 GMT<![CDATA[Guidelines for applyiing paint during the Winter Season]]> Great info John. I am recoating a primed door at our new house and was afraid it was too cold to paint. I am more confident now. Thx!

]]>Sun, 29 Jan 2012 04:08:51 GMT<![CDATA[Guidelines for applyiing paint during the Winter Season]]> I thought you couldn't paint outdoors in the winter.  Good info, thanks

 

]]>Fri, 27 Jan 2012 01:33:33 GMT<![CDATA[So, What is ]]> Good question, Rick. Bamboo has the potential to make a great hedge type screen. I'll do a separate article discussing different types of bamboo and their general uses. Depending on how much room you have in this median one of the clumping bamboos might work. Even though clumpers don't spread like some of the bamboos that have been used incorrectly in landscapes, they are still big plants. With most clumpers we like to allow about 8'-12' circumference growing space. If the space is more narrow than that bamboo can be easily managed, but you might want to consider another narrow plant such as an upright, columnar juniper like Juniperus scopulorum 'Moon Glow'. 

]]>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:30:54 GMT<![CDATA[Snow, Snow, Snow]]> Thanks John.  Another thought is safety.  Keep drains clear and clean so water can drain away and ice doesn't accumulate.  Also, when the snow melts off, it can quickly and easily drain away.

]]>Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:07:03 GMT<![CDATA[Snow, Snow, Snow]]> Rick- This is great information especially since we don't get snow that often and just moving the stuff off my walks could hurt my plants- never thought about that!

]]>Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:15:07 GMT<![CDATA[So, What is ]]> Great article.  I have a question about the use of bamboo.  I have a unique situation (aren't they all!)- Where I need a hedge screen, in a narrow median between two drives, along a property line. Soil is so-so, but can be amended.  Any reccommendations?

 

]]>Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:08:58 GMT<![CDATA[Checking in]]> John,

I have several old cans of paint and stain in the garage.  How can I safely recycle or dispose of them?  Do I need to do something different for water based versus oil based products?

Erik- Olympia

 

]]>Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:32:55 GMT<![CDATA[Thanks for your attention]]> Good Job on the presentation!  very informative!!

]]>Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:19:11 GMT<![CDATA[Cold Weather/Your Landscape]]> Also- here is a link to WSU and some tips on renovating a lawn.

http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublications/EB0924/EB0924.html

]]>Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:30:09 GMT<![CDATA[Cold Weather/Your Landscape]]> Erik-

  1. Re-seed anytime after mid-March.  You need the ground temperatures to be at 50 to 55 degrees minimum.  Also make sure you are using a certified seed. This is a label on the package.  Most seeds are.
  2. Scratch the surface that the seed is being applied too. Good seed to soil contact is necessary.
  3. At this time apply some lime and starter fertilizer. The lime helps adjust soil pH and the starter fertilizer has the  necessary nutrients to establish the new roots.
  4. Use peat moss over the top of it all.  The peat moss helps prevent erosion, keeps moisture around the seeds, provides a little warmth, and will help keep those birds away.
  5. Depending on the weather, you should see germination in 10-14 days and be able to mow at a high setting between 21 and 28 days.
  6. After your first or second mowing, apply another round of starter fertilizer.   
  7. If you use any type of weed control product- wait several mowings, or for a season to pass- that new grass is tender.
]]>Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:25:40 GMT<![CDATA[Cold Weather/Your Landscape]]> I thatched, aerated, and re-seeded last fall.  I now have a lot of little birds eating my grass seed.  When is a good time to re-seed and how do I keep from feeding the birds with grass seeds?    Erik from Olympia

]]>Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:00:32 GMT<![CDATA[How to BLOG on Oly5Star]]> Thanks John

]]>Mon, 9 Jan 2012 17:32:40 GMT<![CDATA[RE:Speed Networking Event a Big Success]]>
I agree.  I got a lot out of this meeting and hope we do it again!

]]>Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:47:28 GMT<![CDATA[RE:Speed Networking Event a Big Success]]> It was a great event, and this is a great article!  it's nice to see Olympia 5 Star's logo showing up all over my status updates, great job Russ!

]]>Tue, 26 Apr 2011 02:35:06 GMT<![CDATA[photo by Buddy Stevens]]> LOL, well atleast I'm not over paying for my hardware and have plenty of support when I need it!  Crapple does have a decent operating system I will say that :)

]]>Fri, 18 Mar 2011 19:48:29 GMT<![CDATA[photo by Buddy Stevens]]> Well, that's because you're using a Pee Cee.  Poor  you :)

LOL

]]>Wed, 16 Mar 2011 21:34:04 GMT