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Legend has it that St. Bridgid of Kildare complained to St. Patrick that maidens had to wait too long for their suitors to ask for their hand in marriage. St. Patrick decreed that on the extra day of a leap year, women could propose to men. |
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A publication of Ski Landscape Corporation |
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Landscaping an oasis for birds and butterflies
by Denise Whitney
Photos by Denise Whitney
Now is the time to plan your spring garden utilizing specific plants to attract birds, butterflies and other wildlife. What a fun way to encourage nature’s wonders. You never know who may show up.
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Rough bark trees help birds stash seeds for later and find bugs trying to hide
Types of plantings: River birch, pines, hickory, some oaks, and some maples.
Plantings for birds needing weather protection and safety from predators.
From a driving rain storm to extreme heat or a snow storm. Having evergreen trees and shrubs, thick dense deciduous shrubs and brush piles offer birds shelter.
Trees and shrubs like: spruce, pines, yews, junipers, pyracantha, viburnums, red cedar.
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Leaving dead trees (if safe) is another way to attract birds.
Woodpeckers find insects in dead wood and old holes or snags can be used for nesting and protection.
Native plants and wildflowers will attract butterflies, moths, bees, etc.
Types of plantings: monarda, butterfly weed, milk weed, asters, false sunflowers, coneflowers, joe pie weed, blazing star, primrose, blue stems, northern sea oats, switch grass.
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Summer annual flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Types of plantings: lantana, verbena, zinnia, salvias, sunflowers, pentas.
Set up a variety of feeders up year-round to help supplement the birds when natural food is scarce, especially in the winter.
You can attract a variety of migrant birds.
Types of foods: black oil sunflower, striped sunflower, thistle, suet, and a fruit and nut mix. This also helps with ground feeding birds like: juncos, mourning doves, towhees, cardinals, sparrows.
With a little bit of planning, your wildlife friends will stay healthy and active, providing great entertainment all year long.
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Employees poured concrete near the SKI Landscape products building.This "mulch holding basin" makes it easier to apply dye when creating black or brown mulch. Call SKI Landscape Products to order mulch or to find out about other products available, 317-757-5000.
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No barking allowed!
By Ann Wolski
On a recent trip to Germany we stopped in many small towns including Trier, Cochem, and Heidelberg. Standing in the town squares I noticed the strangest thing—all the dogs were ignoring other dogs and the busy city life around them. They only had eyes for their masters. They followed close, never barking or disobeying a command. As the owner of a 5 year old “wild” yellow lab, I was amazed!
When I asked the tour guide about this unusually good dog behavior, she told me that it’s expensive and time-consuming to own dogs in Germany. German dogs have been taxed for over 200 years to discourage dog ownership, to contain the spread of rabies and to make attacks on humans less likely. Those who could afford the taxes--$140.00/year today--could also afford to pay for liability insurance covering damages done to unsuspecting dog attack victims.
Currently, all dogs need to be licensed and re-registered every time the owner changes addresses. At least one German state requires a training class with a final exam which dog owners and dogs must pass.
In 2020 new dog regulations went into effect which required owners to take their dogs for a walk two times a day for an hour total. It is a law that you cannot leave your dog alone for more than 5 hours. They are required to be leashed and it is illegal to use any electrical devices for disciplinary purposes (electrical fences, anti-bark devices, collars with remote control). You are never allowed to use prong collars.
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Barking and whining are officially restricted by local noise ordinances. Dogs must remain quiet at night between 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. and during the afternoon from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Surgical neutering is considered “mutilation” and is prohibited by law. Surprisingly, there are very few stray dogs on German streets.
The German population love their furry companions and through the centuries have created a variety of very distinct breeds. The German Shepherd is the most recognized. Other popular German dog breeds include Dachshunds, Pomeranians, Great Danes, Weimaraner, Poodles, Dobermans, Boxers, Rottweilers and Schnauzers. And, of course, they are all well trained!
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Hinkle Fieldhouse (formerly Butler Fieldhouse) located on the Butler University campus in Indianapolis, Indiana is a monument to the love of Hoosier basketball.
Built in 1928, the original oak basketball floor is still in use today with an occasional strip, repair and restain. When you play on this historic floor, it creaks and is uneven giving the advantage to Bulldog players who know where the “dead” spots are.
The original court was oriented east and west but was changed in 1933 to run north and south for better viewing, to accommodate more seating and to avoid the glare of late afternoon sun on the court.
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We're looking for a hardworking individual to help in the SKI Landscape Products building.
Responsibilities include:
· Counter Sales
· Equipment Operations
· Product Deliveries
If interested please contact Eric Wolski for more information regarding the job and benefits.
317-757-5000 or ewolski@skilandscape.com
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Office Hours
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
(317) 897-5885
Products Office Hours
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Saturday
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
(317) 757-5000
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