Michael S. Ameigh

TAG tip on Winter HVAC

Michael S. Ameigh and Ellis Guiles — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:38:36 +0000

Moving indoors during the colder months has its advantages - shelter from cold and wind, maybe pleasant evenings by the fireside. But keeping indoor air quality at its optimum takes thoughtful preparation. In this podcast Ellis Guiles has a number of tips that any homeowner can use to keep quality air flowing - and to do so in the most efficient way possible.

Planning for a Net Zero Energy Footprint

Michael S. Ameigh — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 14:45:56 +0000

Ninth Annual Symposium on Energy in the 21st Century
Friday, April 12, 2013
The Links at Erie Village, East Syracuse, N.Y.

Invasion - Landscapes in Crisis

Michael S. Ameigh — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 20:33:58 +0000

Invasion: Landscapes in Crisis describes the effects of deer-browsing, buck rubbing and other environmental threats to plants and trees in and around Cornell Plantations Botanical Gardens and Arboretum at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY.

Innovative Aging Symposium

Michael S. Ameigh — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 18:51:55 +0000

Creating and Sustaining the Academic-Clinical-Business Partnerships that Drive Innovation for Aging in Place

A panel discussion moderated by Catherine Loper, WRVO Director of News and Public Affairs; Thursday, October 11, 2012; IMPARA/Menorah Park, Dewitt, NY

Organized by WRVO Public Media, the SUNY Oswego Metro Center and IMPARA of Central New York

Weather or Not

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 18:44:49 +0000

Did you know a Quaking Aspen, one of the lovliest trees in the fall landcape, can predict the weather? Keen observers note weather changes underway just by listening to trees. Jim has a better method: he keeps changing channels on the TV until he sees a forecast he likes. Here are some natural things to look for that may help you predict the weather in your neighborhood.

Dig, Drop and Done

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 18:37:22 +0000

Jim has a rule when he bites into a really hot pepper sprout in one of Megan's five-alarm hot shot panini sandwiches while lunching out on the job; 'stop, drop, and roll.' After recovery he then stumbles back to the flower bed to resume planting those spring bulbs. The rule there is 'dig, drop, and done.' It's really simple, and guaranteed to bring many springtimes of pleasure.

Love 'em and Leave 'em

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 18:17:56 +0000

Fall is the time of year you can be a heartbreaker without remorse. Love 'em, then leave 'em. Be a landscape Casanova or Cleopatra with a lawn rake and a lawn mower. Shower those favorite leafy shrubs and trees with your attention and affection from spring through summer and then, when autumn leaves start to fall, mulch them into your lawn. No tears will be shed and your lawn will love you for it.

Get the PHD

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 18:06:52 +0000

And you thought getting a PHD would take years of hanging around the library when all you needed to do was go outside to dig a hole. For that you DO need a PHD - a Post Hole Digger. Making that hole productive for a new planting does require a bit of art and a science, but there are no early morning classes or exams to sleep through. So get your PHD and start planting! Your landscape will be ready to enjoy by spring break.

Needles, Leaves and Lights

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 17:53:09 +0000

"Lights, Conifers, Action!" That's what they shouted in Hollywood just before they shot the last scene in 'White Christmas' (well, something like that, surely). Now you can be the director of your very own holiday special by bringing your home landscape to a dazzle with holiday lighting that repels deer. Better yet, make it a double feature starting with fall colors that razzle as well as dazzle.

Cutting Edge

Michael S. Ameigh and JIm Sollecito — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 17:40:42 +0000

Jim talks about his trip to Washington, D.C. to see the White House Rose Garden and Michelle Obama's Kitchen Garden. Listen to his tale about how he donated his pocket knife to the Secret Service. Looks like no more mumbly peg for Jim until Santa brings him a new one.

Angel's Share

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 17:30:39 +0000

When fruits, vegetables and other vegetation disappear from the landscape, old timers declare that's 'the angel's share.' Other people blame deer - and they may just be onto something. Fruits and vegetables will regenerate, but when trees and shrubs are damaged - by mice and other woodland creatures as well as deer - the damage can be permanent. Jim has some ideas about how you can help protect your landscape from these pesky nibblers.

Deer Munchies

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 17:21:15 +0000

Fall is 'bulk up' time for deer. You think they wreak havoc in spring and summer? Fall is the peak of chow down time. But you can do something to pull the plug on the gravy train in your back yard. Jim has some ideas about how you can turn the herd around and keep them away from your plantings.

Landscapes Alive

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 22:11:50 +0000

Jim says the best use for landscape fabric may be shower curtains or really unique high fashion ball gowns. He won't sell it in his shop, and he says you should not use it in your landscape. Learn why.

Woodsman Pare That Tree

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 21:54:44 +0000

Why is it that a bird can fly through a tree canopy repeatedly without so much as a ding to a wing but a golf ball will find a limb every time? No answer here, but Jim has some great tips for pruning your trees to enhance their appearance. Careful pruning will add elegance to your landscape for years to come.

You Are how you Plant

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 21:33:38 +0000

Question: which of the following is the most sensible statement?
A) best time to do your landscape chores is on a hot, sunny day at noon.
B) best time to water your plants is on a hot, sunny day at noon.
C) best way to keep your landscape verdant and thriving is to ignore it.
D) best way to keep plants thriving is to place them where the sun and other natural conditions will work to their advantage as they become established.
(correct answer is D, unless you are a mad dog or an Englishman and inclined to take song lyrics by Noël Coward literally)

Bling Bling Plants

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 21:04:54 +0000

Bling is all about flash, sparkle, and impact. Bling has a place in the garden, too. Here's Jim's list of 'look-at-ME!-plants.' Add some visual noise-makers to your landscape.

Dog Days

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 20:40:12 +0000

The 'Dog Days' of summer. Not much more to do in the garden, but the weeding goes on. If your sidewalk or patio cracks are in a weedy pickle, put the gherkin to workin' on the problem. You will relish the results.

Just Add Water

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 20:19:11 +0000

Feeling cranky because it's too hot, sticky and uncomfortable to work outside? Think of it this way: when is the last time you had to shovel sunshine? To improve your disposition, jump into a cold shower, then go out and water those thirsty plants and trees. Nothing to it - just add water.

Global Warmups

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 19:55:25 +0000

What's white and black and red all over? A sunburned polar bear in a black bikini? Okay, not so funny. Global warming is no laughing matter. But for all its negative effects, the extended growing season in this region may not be one. Jim has some startling news.

Everbrowns

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 19:35:30 +0000

Have the stars in your landscape turned from evergreen to everbrown? Here are some ways to determine whether the condition is permanent, and a few suggestions about what to do if it is.

Fall Planting

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 19:16:27 +0000

It's fall, the time of year we start thinking about closing up the garden shed and moving inside. Before you put away that shovel, plant a tree. Fall is the ideal planting season for trees, shrubs and other hardy plants. Their roots will respond well to the head-start on spring.

Proper Planting Tips

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 17:40:20 +0000

Are you developing a chemical dependency as you manage your landscape? After killing weeds with herbicides, do you try to kill them AGAIN with a second application? Friend, it is time to enter rehab. Jim has some tips to help you avoid putting your plantings in harms way in the first place.

Trees are Tribal

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 12:03:55 +0000

When a breeze blows through the trees is the wind talking - or are the trees chit-chatting? Trees are tribal. They protect one another from dings and nicks of lawnmowers, and, working together, manage the soil around their roots much more effectively than do man-made lawn chemicals.

Bee Smart or Be Smarting

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 11:44:30 +0000

Knowledge may be power, but wisdom is the real deal. Wise weekend warriors read the label - and follow the directions. In this commentary Jim talks about how we sometimes get in the way of Mother Nature and, that when we need to nudge her a bit, we should do so wisely.

Fruits of Fall

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 01:35:24 +0000

If you think Weeping Louisa is a character from the board game 'Clue,' think again. Think ornamental flowering apple tree. Think pink buds, yellow fruit. Think how great such a tree would look in your landscape in relief against winter snow. In this commentary learn how a little planning - and a little tree - can add interest and value to your little piece of heaven through four seasons.

Rachel's Coffee Filter Fixes

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 22:32:06 +0000

In this commentary, Jim's daughter Rachel describes lots of uses for disposable coffee filters in addition to filtering what she calls her vitamin 'C.' Rachel will have you asking yourself 'Why didn't I think of that!" She's a chip off the old block, and serious about taking care of the only planet we have.

Oh Deer

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Fri, 25 May 2012 20:45:51 +0000

Question: Name a woodland creature that will leap a six foot chain link fence in a single bound to get to that luscious-looking vegetable garden on the other side but will not leap a four-foot slat-sided fence through which it cannot see. If you said 'hippopotamus,' please review your field notes more thoroughly before attempting our next quiz. If you answered 'deer,' you are correct. Deer are smart - but you can outsmart them. Here's how.

Water Those Plants

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Fri, 25 May 2012 19:12:49 +0000

As the summer roles on, landscape and garden soil becomes drier from constant sun at its most intense. Many plants go dormant, but that does not mean they are dead. They are very much alive and will appreciate your occasional offer of liquid refreshment. Water your plants during the cool part of the day to keep them happy.

Light and Shade

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Fri, 25 May 2012 18:47:38 +0000

Which is better, morning sun or afternoon sun? And where does mid-day sun fit into the growing cycle? Well... it all depends. To learn how and why, grab your polarized sunglasses and tune in as Jim sheds light on the many shades of sunlight.

Slugging It Out

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Fri, 25 May 2012 18:31:14 +0000

Slugs. They creep while you sleep, often wreaking havoc on garden plants along the way. Fortunately there are ways to fight back. Maybe a slug mug filled with beer or a solution of ammonia and water that kills slugs on impact while fertilizing your plants at the same time. Learn how you can slug it out with slugs and snails.