Ever thought about how great it would be to grow a Sequoia tree in your living room??? Okay, sounds impossible, right? But not when it’s a bonsai tree. Even a tree like a California Redwood can be grown in the smallest of spaces using the time-honored techniques of bonsai, developed centuries ago in China. Join us as we explore this ancient art form on this week’s treechat,
The live chat begins at 5/7/13 at 11AM PST with guest host, Ron Elardo, Ph.D. @Whadyacallit. Ron is an author, editor for American Conifer Society's Conifer Quarterly and has been practicing the art of bonsai for 6 years at Hidden Lake Gardens in Michigan. Join @Coronatools and other industry experts each week at 11AM PST via Twitter for #treechat. Discussing all things related to trees and tree care since 2010!
Topic highlights in covered during this week’s chat includes;
- Plant Selection – what you need to know and look for when making a selection for bonsai
- Materials and Tools – a look at the materials used and tools used to maintain their shape
- Planting – understanding what goes into planting and tips for success
- Pruning and Shaping – understand the fundamentals shaping and pruning your bonsai
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – a healthy bonsai includes regular IPM schedule
- Watering and General Care – learn about general care and maintenance tips
- Overwintering Your Bonsai – what you need to know about to successfully overwinter your bonsai
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Ron has lots of great tips and information in store so you won't want to miss it. You can also submit questions to him before the chat so he can cover it during the live session. Just post your question in the comments here or tweet it to @Whadyacallit by 5/7/13, 12N PST.
During the chat we encourage participants to ask questions, learn about bonsai and also grow their own. To help inspire you, Corona is giving away a pair of curved snips to help make cuts in small spaces. All you need to do is win is tweet during the chat and ask questions. The most engaged participant during the live chat wins and will be announced on 5/8 at 8AM PST.
What if you miss the live session? You can access the #treechat Storify 24/7 that will be posted following the chat with all the information and links we discussed.
Come share with us on this great topic and discussion! See you on the chat!
bonsai image courtesy of Ron Elardo
Corona curved snips image ©Corona Clipper
With more than 1 billion of the world's population on today's social networks it doesn't take a mathematician to figure out that businesses or organizations looking to expand its customer base and reach, should be actively be engaging with them via social networks. But before you make the leap, it’s important to have a plan and strategy to maximize your time and to yield the greatest benefits.
Beginning in April 2013, the 3rd Tuesday of the month, treechat kicks off #SocialTuesday geared towards identifying trends, tips and strategies for taking advantages of social networks and applying them to tree care and landscape businesses. On 4/16, our topic is your social strategy with the key areas of discussion including;
- Your Internal Challenges – executive demanding ROI, internal departments who don’t support or understand social networks, budgets and resources
- On-the-Fly Social Evaluation – how do you know your social strategy is effective, how do you step up your efforts, and where do you go for new ideas and inspiration
- Social Framework for Businesses – a set of core objectives guidelines that supports your digital strategies within the organization
- Where to Start – developing the plan before you start and updating your current tactics to become more effective
- What’s Your Objective – identify why you’re on social networks will help guide your strategy to implement them effectively
- Your Audience – understanding who they are and what they want from you
- Brand Voice – structuring your brand guidelines and voice across networks
- Social Campaigns – if at first you don’t succeed, try something else
- Measuring Your Success – Did you meet your objectives or is it time to adjust or just start over
So whether you’ve been a social fanatic for years or about to set up your 1st Facebook page, come share with us on Treechat’s, Social Tuesday series and discover new ways to grow your business and your social media plan. In case you missed the live chat or any of the resourses shared, check out the complete Storify transcript.
As social networks become increasingly popular, it’s becoming more of a challenge to plan your marketing strategies for using them effectively. Especially when need to promote your tree care and landscape business. With new networks promising to be the next great thing to on-going changes in popular ones, how do you determine which you should participate in to make the best use of your time? Get some Vine, a comfy chair, a heaping helping of Pinterest or other favorite social network and well take a look at some of the ways to navigate through them, get your message out and help maximize your time! It’s all coming up on #treechat this week so don’t miss it.
With a TREEmendous amount of information to cover, we’re kicking off the chat 30 minutes early on 3/12/13 at 10:30 AM PST for this special 90 minute chat. Please join @Coronatools and other industry experts each week via Twitter for #treechat. Discussing all things related to trees and tree care since 2010!
Topic highlights covered during this week's chat includes;
- Social Networks for Business – which ones are right for you and how to use them
- What Works for You – which networks are working for you and which do you avoid
- Up and Coming Networks – a look at growing niche networks
- Budget Your Time – tips for making the best use of your time for maximum results
- Hands on Demos – real-time discussion of Vine for Twitter and how it may work for you
- And Much More!
Whether you’re a tech savvy guru, new to social networks and still deciding where you should be spend your time, or a seasoned tweep that ready to up your social game, you will not want to miss this chat. We’ll have plenty of experts and resources available during the special 90 minute chat so come join the conversation and knowledge.
And if you have questions related to this topic that you would like to discuss during the chat, please leave it in the comments below or tweet it to @Coronatools prior the live chat. Questions are always encouraged during the live event too.
If you do miss the chat, don't worry, you can still access the #treechat Storify 24/7 that will be posted following the chat. The transcript includes all the information and links we shared during the discussion.
Come share with us on this great topic and see you on the live chat!
Believe it or not, there is a lot to consider when it comes to planting trees. On this week's #treechat, we're discussing what home and property owners should consider during the tree selection process to ensure you put the right tree in the right spot!
The live chat begins at 1/15/13 at 11AM via Twitter with Corona as this week's host. Join @Coronatools and other industry experts each week at 11AM PST via Twitter for #treechat. Discussing all things related to trees and tree care since 2010!
Topic highlights covered include;
Considering Size & Growing Space - mature tree size, room needed for planting, avoiding hazards, root run, the neighbors, and much more.
Growing in the Zone - Sun exposure requirements, planting for heating/ cooling efficiency in your home and proper watering.
Maximizing Your Space - how to grow trees in even the smallest of spaces
Missed the live session? You can access the #treechat Storify 24/7 with all the information we discussed. If you have a question about what was covered or something else related this topic, just post your comment and we'll get an answer for you.
For the dads who have everything to the dads that need of everything, we've put together a list of some great Corona tools that any dad who's into gardening, landscaping or the great outdoors would love ! Having the right tool for the job is the key to success and here are a few Corona favorites that are sure to be a hit!
Folding RazorTooth Saw (RS 7245) - Compact and lightweight construction, this folding saw is super sharp to make cutting larger limbs and branches easy. Great for seasonal pruning or out on the hiking trails and has a replaceable blade to last him season after season. National Home Gardening Club's members tested it and gave it one of their highest recommended ratings. Available on
coronatoolsusa.com for under $26.
Folding QuickSaw (QS 7800) - The name says it all...this folding saw is the one professionals rely on that cuts 20% faster than other saws in its class. Its patent-pending tooth pattern helps keep the cut channel free of sawdust, resulting in a faster cut. It's the ideal choice for the Dad who wants to power through his outdoor tasks and get on with his day. Available on
coronatoolsusa.com for under $40.
Dual Cut Loppers (SL 7180) - Give Dad a little help in the yard this season with the forged steel Dual Cut Lopper. Its patented blade and hook design will have him cutting through branches up to 2 inches thick with with the greatest of ease. What's the secret? The notched hook helps hold the branch in place while the angled blade bites down and pushes it back towards the pivot point. That's the point where you get maximum cutting power and makes Dad feel like a superhero in his yard. Available on
coronatoolsusa.com for under $60.
Dual Cut Hedge Shear (HS 7140) - Does Dad have an unruly shrub that's always out of control or those perfectly manicured boxwood hedges or topiaries? Then a good pair of hedge shears is just what he needs to keep them looking great all season long. Environmentally friendly, these forged shears are insanely sharp to give him those nice clean lines, with contoured grips and cushioned bumpers for added comfort, he may just keep working all day long! Available on
coronatoolsusa.com for under $60.
Landscape & Irrigation Bypass Pruners (BP 3670) - Many dads take pride in doing all the work in their yards. From pruning bushes to maintaining sprinklers, here's one tool that will help save him trips back to the tool shed. This pruner with its forged steel construction and ergonomic handles are great for cutting branches up to 1 inch in diameter. And the unique built in screwdriver tip at the end of the hook lets him adjust the sprinklers all with the same tool. The available replacement blade and service parts means he'll be using this one season after season! Available on
coronatoolsusa.com for under $35.
Corona Sharpener (AC 8300) - It may be small in stature but it can be one of Dad's biggest helpers in the garden and landscape. This little carbide file is great for keeping pruning tool blades sharp for maximum cutting performance. It also works wonders on tools like shovels and hoes to help penetrate the soil more easily. And an extra file for the kitchen helps keep knives and scissors sharp too! Available on
coronatoolsusa.com for $10.
Corona App - Want a great idea for Dad to use when he's not out in the yard? Why not check out the Corona Tools Garden App for iPhones, iPads, iTouch and Android devices? It's loaded with seasonal tips, tool info, how-tos and instructional videos he can install for 24/7 access. It's like having a professional gardener and landscape maintenance contractor right at his finger tips. Scan this code with your device now and get the Corona Tools Garden App for just $0.99 in iTunes and Android Market!
Those are few of our favorite Corona tools but there are so many more to choose from! What's your favorite? You story could win you and Dad
$200 worth of Corona tools this Father's Day! Click
here for details and enter today!
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As a father, one of my favorite things to do is teach my two young kids about gardening. It’s always a challenge to make it fun and interesting for them but one Monday night I was on Brenda Haas’ #gardenchat with her host, @Growums. And by the luck of the draw, I won a complete Growums kit, designed to get kids introduced to gardening.
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I love that it comes with everything you need to grow a complete meal (ours was a pizza kit) and it’s made just for kids. Both my kids got into the great characters and videos they have when you register it on the Growums website. The kit tells you how to get your seeds started, watering, planting and fertilizing in a way that kids relate to. The planter box is easy to put together and it even tells you when it needs water. Best of all, my kids still go outside, check it out, check the water and are excited to watch them grow. Well done Growums!
As a parent, we all want our kids to live long, healthy lives and anything that gets children interesting in growing fresh food (and hopefully eating them) makes me feel like I’m getting them off to a good start.
How Does Your Father Inspire Your Gardening Giveaway
So with Father’s Day just around the corner, we want to hear your story of how your father, or even your grandfather, helps inspire others to grow fresh healthy foods. Starting today, you can send us your story and picture of Dad and share how he influences your passion for gardening. Doesn’t need to be a novel, just a thank you for what he teaches you, words of wisdom he imparts, a memory from your childhood that stuck with you over the years…etc. You get the idea…!
On 6/13, Corona will select 3 posts and celebrate them on our Facebook page. Corona Tools fans will comment or like them to cast their vote for the post they think celebrates a father’s inspiration to gardening. Then on Father’s Day, we’ll award the post with the most comments and likes with $100 shopping spree on coronatoolsusa.com. And of course, since he’s inspired you, we’ll give you a matching gift. The other 2 shares selected, will each get a set of or new ComfortGEL snips and pruners or our e-Grip Garden Hand Tools with Corona tote.
Share your dad’s story with us and we’ll help you both celebrate this very special Father’s Day! And for those dads who garden with us in spirit, it certainly doesn’t diminish the contributions they've made in our lives. Keep the tools and think of him when you use them or share them with someone you know who may be new to gardening. Happy Father's Day and happy story telling everyone!
When you go out into your garden and landscape, do you carry your Corona tools? If that's how you roll, and you want to tell the world about it, then we have a giveaway made just for you! We promise it will be fun along with some very cool prizes with 1 person winning a collection of Corona's best in class tools and filling your shed with RED! It's easy, anyone can do it and here's how!
Round 1:How I Roll Photo GiveawayStarting today, upload a picture to
Corona Tools Facebook page using your favorite tool and tell us why it's your tool of choice in your yard. Be fun. Be Creative. And by all means, don't be afraid to show your love of red because it's up to our friends on Facebook to help you win. Is it your trusty Corona bypass pruner? An E-grip Weeder? The
Corona Tools Garden App?(it counts too!) If you've never owned a Corona tool, now is the time get your hands on one, try it out and share it on Facebook since this contest is open to everyone. Well, okay it's open to anyone in the continental USA and you can't work for or be related to employees at Corona!
On October 1
st, the 5 pictures with the most "likes" wins a Corona t-shirt and hat so get those pictures ready and posted! The more time people have to vote, the better your odds are of winning. In addition, the folks at Corona will pick up to 5 winners from the remaining pictures regardless of how many votes are cast. That gives you 2 ways to win and get you into the next round for the real giveaway!
Round 2: How I Roll Video Giveaway
If you didn't have enough fun in round one, things get even more interesting for the winners who advance to round 2. That RED t-shirt becomes your golden ticket to winning some great Corona tools in this round! To get to that prized collection of Corona's finest, you'll have 3 weeks to create a short video using your favorite Corona tool in your new t-shirt and telling people why you love it! Tap into your creative side and tell us why you like it, how you use it, how much time it saves you or why it's the tool you chose when you roll. Just post the video on YouTube, blog or other video hosting service that allows viewer comments along with a link to it on the Corona Tools Facebook page.
Do that and you are guaranteed to win something come November 15, 2011. Whether it's a Dual Cut Bypass pruner, a complete set of the Dual Cut series, an iTouch to download the new Corona Tools App and the grand prize, a collection of Corona's best-in-class tools including everything from rakes, shovels, pruner, lopper, head shears, saw, hand tools, extendable handle series, and a Corona wheelbarrow to fill up your shed with RED and be ready to roll with Corona, season after season!
Giveaway Rules - Because someone always asks...rules are rules and here they are:
- Open to US residents in continental US
- Not open to members of Corona, relatives or individuals directly affiliated with Corona
- Photos and videos must be G rated for all to view. We are a family company after all!
- Video lengths should be no longer than 02:00 (2 minutes)
- All entrants will grant rights to use photos and videos in print, digital and online promotional materials
- Use official #CTHOWIROLL on Twitter
Round 2 Giveaway Rules:
Corona will judge entries on 3 main categories;# of views, best use of the tool, creativity
- 1st Place: Corona Tool Collection valued at approximately $850
- 2nd Place: iTouch compatible with the Corona Tools garden app
- 3rd Place: Dual Cut Series
- Remaining Entries: Dual Cut Bypass Pruner
Beyond the opportunity to connect with some truly remarkable voices in the tree care industry, one thing I have really started to appreciate about #treechat on Twitter, is discovering how much trees impact daily lives. Yet so often we tend to overlook the many values they provide us like their beauty, clean air, privacy, shade, and the list goes on. On our last chat, we touched on a topic that had a great deal of meaning to quite a few of the participants; planting a tree memorial.
A Living TributeA tree memorial serves as a lasting tribute to remember or honor people who have touched our lives. Planting a tree memorial can be cathartic as well as being a comfort. Immediately following the chat I shared a story about a tree that I planted in memory of my mother who passed away on 16 years ago on Earth Day of all days. Looking at it everyday from the dining room table not only reminds me of her, it provides a bit of comfort knowing that I am caring for something that gave her great joy in her life.
Share Your Memorial Tree StoryWith so many of us having planted tree memorials, I thought it appropriate to set up an album on the
treechat Facebook page for others to share pictures and their stories. Have a tree memorial with a picture and story you would like to share? Just go to our page, click on photos and add yours to the
album. It's a great way for others to share in your memories.
If you would like to join
Corona Tools on treechat on Twitter, just go to
tweetchat.com on Tuesdays, 11:00am PST and log in with your Twitter account. You'll be connected with tree experts across the country who share and exchange valuable tree cares tips and information. Don't miss it!
