Wednesday 24 May 2017

UPDATE 2-Sam's Club focusing on remodels, new layout | Reuters



* Increasing space for produce, meat, bakery

* Decreasing space for sporting goods, movies, DVDs

* Sees labor hours in clubs down 6-8 pct in next 5 yrs

* Wal-Mart shares down almost 1 pct

(Adds CEO comment, details on club openings, byline)

By Nicole Maestri

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct 22 Wal-Mart Stores Inc's

(WMT.N) Sam's Club division is shifting its focus from opening

new clubs to remodeling existing ones as it strives to increase

sales, the company said on Best Remodeling Company Thursday.

The No. 2 U.S. warehouse club operator also said it is

testing a new store layout, revamping merchandise to add more

food and drugs, and streamlining operations so it can reduce

labor hours in its clubs 6 percent to 8 percent over the next

five years.

"We are absolutely raising the bar on club productivity,

while also focusing on improving that in-club experience,"

Sam's Club Chief Executive Brian Cornell said at Wal-Mart's

analyst meeting.

Earlier this year, Wal-Mart tapped Cornell, the former

Michaels Stores Inc chief executive, to be the CEO of Sam's

Club. Cornell replaced Doug McMillon, who became president and

CEO of Wal-Mart International on Feb. 1.

Analysts have been waiting to hear how Cornell plans to

increase Sam's Club sales and boost membership. Sam's Club

members pay a fee to shop in its clubs and rece ive discounts on

goods from computers to jumbo packages of paper towels.

Sam's Club sales fell 3.2 percent to $11.91 billion in

Wal-Mart's second quarter that ended July 31, while sales at

clubs open at least a year, or same-store sales, rose 0.6

percent.

NEW STORE LAYOUT

The retailer said on Thursday it will increase space in its

clubs for produce, meat and bakery items, over-the-counter

drugs, and health and beauty-care items. It is cutting space

for large appliances, sporting goods, furniture, movies and

DVDs.

The new store layout being tested also includes a large

center aisle and improved sightlines across the store.

Sam's Club is also adjusting its growth strategy.



"We're shifting our focus from new-store growth to

remodeling our existing base," Cornell said.

The retailer p lans to remodel 50 Best Remodeling Company In Houston to 55 clubs this fiscal

year, and 70 to 90 next fiscal year. That is up from 21

remodels last year.

Meanwhile, it will open or relocate 15 clubs this year, and

five to 10 clubs next fiscal year. That is a decline from last

year, when it opened or relocated 20 clubs.

While Sam's Club caters to individuals and small business

owners, the retailer said it is increasing its focus on a third

type of member -- the business owner who also shops there for

family needs.

Sam's has also launched a new program called "eValues,"

which is aimed at getting consumers to sign up for its more

expensive membership. Those that do will then get access to

special coupons to use in-store.

Wal-Mart shares slipped 44 cents , or less than 1 percent,

to $50.19 on the New York Stock Exchange.
(Reporting by Nicole Maestri, editing by Dave Zimmerman and

Maureen Bavdek)

http://www.reuters.com/article/walmart-samsclub-idUSN2254158320091022

Tuesday 23 May 2017

Landscape winner - 2016 Sony World Photography Awards - Pictures

The world's largest photography competition, the 2016 Sony World Photography Awards announced its Grand Prize winners.

Iranian photographer Asghar Khamseh, who works for the Mehr News Agency, won the "Iris d'Or Photographer of the Year and the $25,000 prize for a powerful series of portraits of acid attack victims, "Fire of Hatred."



Here are the winners and finalists, chosen from a record-breaking 230,103 entries, in 14 documentary and fine Sprinkler System Installation art professional categories -- each judged on a body of work. They winners were selected from a shortlist, announced in February 2016. Winners and shortlisted work will be on exhibit at Somerset House, London from April 22-May 8, 2016.

Landscape winner - "Land of Nothingness"



Maroesjka Lavigne, Belgium

A country named after a desert. One of the least https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sprinkler densely populated places on earth, Namibia's landscape draws you in, through a vast brown plain of scorched earth, and steers you over the white surface of a salt pan to finally arrive in the gold tones of the sand dunes.

http://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/2016-sony-world-photogra phy-awards-winners/

Tuesday 9 May 2017

How To Landscape A Sloped Lot

While a house in a hilly area comes with a promise of stunning panoramic views of the surroundings, to their utter chagrin, homeowners quickly realize that working on a sloping backyard can be a harrowing task. However, the old adage, "More work equals to better results" certainly holds true in case of landscaping a sloping yard which presents innumerable opportunities for aesthetically pleasing inclusions that would otherwise look mundane.

When planning a landscape for a hilly yard, it is quintessential to include this topographical feature as a crucial consideration when deciding on every aspect of the landscape, from the type of plants that you intend to use to the design of the garden. Preplanning will help you to tackle the more cumbersome aspects of landscaping a slope while yielding astounding results. So, here are some tips on how you can landscape your sloping backyard to create a stunning medley of colors and textures.

Get to know the terrain

Grading th e terrain: Before you draw up plans for landscaping your sloping backyard, it is imperative to study the terrain and the slope to ensure that your landscape will be able to efficaciously handle the drawback of gardening on a slope, while making the most of the natural features of the terrain.

A simple thumb rule to understand how the extent of slope will impact your gardening efforts is that the steepness of the slope will be directly proportional to the water you will need for your plants. Because steeper slopes tend to funnel moisture away from the plants, forcing the water and soil to flow downhill, it is vital to get the slope graded. As a matter of fact, most experts suggest that getting a sloping yard professionally graded can help you to save a significant amount of money on watering the steep terrain in the future.

Visual analysis: Alternatively, you could also do a visual analysis of the area. Gauge the severity of the slope and create a quick diagram labeling the steepest portions of the yard; make a note of the amount of sunlight that the different portions of the yard receive. You may also want to include comments on any drainage problems that may be encountered in specific areas.

List the various elements of the landscape: With the diagram in hand, you will be in a better position to place the various landscaping elements in the drawing such as tress, flower beds, fountains, walkways, boulders etc. It is crucial to accurately anticipate the area that the plants and shrubs will cover at maturity so that the landscape does not look too crammed.



Mark the areas for planting: Ideally the trees should be planted at the bottom half of the slope so that they can add stability to the landscape and prevent soil erosion. The steepest sections should have shrubs with deep reaching fibrous roots that will hold on to the soil while the wider plants that will cover large areas at maturity should be planted at the bottom of the slope so that they can create a neat hedge while affording you all the privacy Sprinkler System that you need to enjoy your garden.

Preventing soil erosion

Stability and accessibility: Soil erosion is a huge concern when gardening on a slope; however, depending on the steepness of the area, you will also need to give a thought to accessibility requirements such as a ladder or other forms of assistance for climbing. The type of soil and the steepness gradient will also impact the sta bility of the yard.

Drainage and soil erosion: The direction in which the water drains from a slope will have a bearing on the extent of soil erosion; for instance, if the water runs down straight to the lower ground, there will be massive erosion. Using non porous material for landscaping on a steep terrain will further augment the soil erosion problem.

Solving the soil erosion problem: There are several anti erosion measures that can yield remarkable results such as:

Terracing

Laying garden paths across the slope

Using boulders and logs to reduce drainage

Building retaining walls with small rocks

Planting specific types of grass

Interlocking walls etc

Using the right types of plants can not only add to the aesthetic appeal of your garden but also help to reduce soil erosion. As a matter of fact, mixing different types of greenery is the ideal way to reduce the water from draining away too quickly. Plants such as deep r ooted shrubs combined with trees like manzanita and juniper will hold the soil tight for the shallow rooted perennial shrubs and flowering plants like clematis and day lilies.

Preparing the ground

With a list of plants that you intend to use to reduce soil erosion, you are all set to prepare the ground for your landscape

The compass points need due diligence: Knowing the direction in which your yard faces will prove immensely useful when choosing plants for the landscape. Slopes that face to the south or west tend to drain faster and will have to be watered more than yards facing the east or north. So, if you are handling a western or southern slope, pick drought resistant shrubs or your water bills may go through the roof.

Ground cover will help: Although for regular areas, bare soil will be adequate to grow a bountiful flowerbed; the story will be different with sloping surfaces where the soil will dry up and erode quickly due to the slant. Use ground c over plants such as Vinca, Sedum and Liriope muscari for best results.

Use good ol mulch: This is a natural and affordable way to deal with soil erosion; also it helps to fertilize the soil. However, it is certainly not a permanent solution as the soil will drag the mulch away slowly, leaving bald spots in your landscape. Another issue is the fact that dry and dead leaves, twigs and branches are not exactly a visually pleasing sight.

Choosing plants for your sloping yard

Ornamental grasses: Local, ornamental grass varieties with their deep reaching root system that spreads horizontally is ideal for controlling erosion. Since grass is low maintenance, you will not have to worry about fertilizing the ground. Some attractive ornamental grass species include:

Little bluestem

Inland sea oats

Plains lovegrass

Texas beargrass

Estern woodland sedge

All of these grass varieties thrive when planted on hilly terrain.

Ground cover plants: For a slope that receives a fair mount of sunlight; prostrate juniper should work just fine while for a shady area, you might want to use creeping boxwood, also known as pachysandra. Other ground cover plants include wintercreeper and periwinkle which also flourish on hilly grounds.

The decorative varieties: Plants that can be used in different areas of the landscape include:

California Privet: This is a tall shrub Spinkler Installation that can grow to a height of 10 feet and has a foliage width of almost 4 feet; the shrub grows in part sun and part shade producing cream colored flowers. The plant is hardy and drought tolerant so it's an ideal choice for steep slopes.

Japanese Spirea: This is another plant that is a fabulous choice for a sloping yard; the deciduous shrub grows almost 6 feet tall with a foliage width to match. The leaves grow in a riot of colors from rich bur gundy to bright green and every hue in between. The flowers are equally beautiful, an eclectic mix of purple and pink. However, the plant does need full sun and flourishes in warmer weather

Verbena: With its airy stems, the shrub can be coupled with plants that sport dense foliage. The plant is a superb choice for a sunny slope and works well as a foreground shrub. It grows about 6 feet tall with a foliage width of 3 feet. Its drought tolerant and the purples flowers can add a touch of color to your landscape.

Oleander: A favorite with homeowners all over, few plants can create a Mediterranean ambience like Oleanders in white and pink. The plant can grow tall to almost 20 feet with a foliage width of 12 feet. The flowers bloom in bunches almost continuously and are available in a myriad of colors such as yellow, white, pink, red and apricot. It's extremely drought tolerant and easy to grow.

Statues

You could also try growing hibiscus and roses on a terrac e. Remember to water a slope; a drip hose will be more appropriate than overhead sprinklers.

Innovative planting ideas

Bordered Tiers: Use boulders or landscape timber to create the appearance of tiers. When using timber, you will need to stick the pieces together and drive a rebar through them to hold the wood in place. Use glue to stick pavers on the timber and your tiers will be all ready. Use plants such as day lilies, lavender or other flowering perennial shrubs. You can use decorative stone or mulch to hold the moisture in.

Planted slope: You could also use a combination of flowering shrubs, evergreens and perennial flowers scattered all over the yard. Alternatively, create neat rows of greens and flowers for a formal look.

A flowing deck: You could also build a series of decks, each falling successively with the slope of the yard. Try building a series of walkways and steps connecting the decks. Use flowering shrubs and solar lighting to create an enthralling ambience.



Plant in basins: Another innovative approach is to chuck the traditional rows of shrubs in favor of basin like formations. Each basin will serve as an exclusive spot for certain types of plants.

Completing the landscape

To add the finishing touches to your landscape: Remove the grass and other growth from the areas designated for the walkway. Use gravel, stone or any other type of hardscape material to cover the surface and pack pea gravel or sand in between.

Use large boulders placed across the yard to create a natural and earthy appeal; the large stones should be placed at the bottom of the slope away from the steep areas for safety. Once all the stones have been placed as desired; bury them one fourth of the way into the ground, so that you get stability along with a natural look.

Finally add the finishing touches with a fou ntain placed in a central location, you could also use ornamental lights or antique wooden benches or wrought iron furniture to complete the landscape.



By: Ella Schwartz

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Ella C Schwartz is a writer for Hunterstruct Construction, offering design, building, structural repair and home renovations in Vancouver and throughout Southwest British Columbia, including the BC interior and Sunshine Coast. Best known for its functional and great looking sundecks, Hunterstruct showcases its best Vancouver decks on the Hunterstruct.com website. We love building, and it shows!

http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/How-To-Landscape-a-Sloped-Lot/2913380