season-after-season-header

Start the Garden Season at a Seed Swap

Posted by Chris Sabbarese on Wed, Jan, 11, 2017 @ 18:01 PM


SeedSwapDaylogo-compressor-1.jpg
Winter may not seem to be the ideal time for most people to think about their gardens. However this time of year, savvy gardeners are busy planning and preparing for the upcoming growing season. Including attending a local seed swap for seeds during National Seed Swap Day on 1/28/17.

There is more than seeds at a seed swap event. You'll find educational session from expert gardeners and horticulturists who share great tips and ideas for confident gardening. If you want to learn more about attending one in your area, join us for our first live streaming #plantchat on 1/16.  We'll have a live Q&A with Kathy Jentz, editor of Washington Gardener Magazine

Win Corona Tools and SeedKeeper Deluxe


IMG_5303.jpgA great way to learn how to grow is through asking questions. Just take a look at the topic highlights in the Discussion Overview below and submit  your question at the end of this post in the comments. Want to know how to find a seed exchange in your zone? Or maybe how do you start your own local seed swap?  You can also ask your question during the chat.

We'll pick the best question  to win an  amazing seed starting and saving package from Corona Tools.  It features Corona's ComfortGEL® garden hand tools (trowel, transplanter, extra large scoop), curved snips for thinning seedlings and  our printed guide, Principles of Planting.  You'll also need a great way to store seeds throughout the year,  which is made easy with a SeedKeeper Deluxe kit. The combined set is shipped from Corona follwoing the live event. ($85 value) .

Discussion Overview  

Share your thoughts and takeaway great information  including:

  • What is National Seed Swap Day - Hear how it got started and grown.
  • How to Find Good Seeds – learn how and where to get good quality seeds that you can grow with confidence.
  • Tips for Seed Starting and Saving – discover methods to help grow seeds and properly save them.
  • Truths and Myths About Seeds – from organic vs. non-organic  to  GMOs, here's what you should know about seeds.
  • Find Your Local Seed Swap – tips for finding your local seed swap.

About Plantchat

Connect and share with the green industry leaders live on social networks to learn and share about hot topics in the green industry. Now plantchat is part of the  Green Industry Leaders Network (GILN) presented by Corona and its partners.  We are an alliance of professional organizations who are advancing the horticulture, tree care, and landscaping industries.

Topics: Corona Tools, #Plantchat, seeds

Grow Daffodil Bulbs with Confidence

Posted by Chris Sabbarese on Thu, Oct, 06, 2016 @ 17:10 PM


daffodils_on_plantchat.pngIt's that time of year when gardeners everywhere start planting bulbs to produce amazing flowers in Spring. On the next  #plantchat, 10/17, we'll dive into  the specifics of daffodils bulbs, varieties and tips for growing them with confidence.


The   American Horticultural Society and  Longfield Gardens will be sharing their knowledge and how-to tips for growing one of Spring's most beloved bulb flowers. We will also be awarding prizes during this #plantchat including the Longfield Gardens  Golden Glow Collection and a Corona ComfortGEL® trowel and transplanter with integrated depth gauges for precise bulb planting!  Here's how  you can win  one of these great prizes.


Win Longfield Bulbs and Corona Tools
  

ComfortGELTrowel3214.jpgA great way to learn how to grow is through asking questions. Just take a look at the topic highlights in the Discussion Overview below and submit  your question at the end of this post. Want to know which bulbs grow best in your zone? Or what should you do with daffodil bulbs once they have bloomed? You can also ask your question during the chat.

The experts will be on hand and answer all your questions live. We'll announce the lucky winner of the Longfield Gardens Golden Glow Collection and Corona garden tools during the chat. So come join us and hopefully see you name in tweets!

You're Invited to Tweet  

Join @CoronaTools and #plantchat co-partner, American Horticultural SocietyDigital Communications Manager,  Charlotte Germane and Vivieka Neveln,  tweeting as  @AHS_Gardening, and special guests Kathleen LaLiberte and Marlene Thompson of Longfield Gardens tweeting as @LFGardens . Our topic is Growing Daffodil Bulbs with Confidence. The live chat begins Monday, October 17, 2106 at 11 a.m. PT / 2 p.m. ET, where we come together with green industry experts and fellow horticultural tweeps each week to discuss all things related to plants and horticulture, since 2014.

Discussion Overview  

Share your thoughts and takeaway great information  including:

  • When and How to Plant Daffodils  – tips for when to plant bulbs and proper planting methods.
  • Selecting  Daffodils – learn what the difference is between narcissus and jonquils varieties.
  • Bulb size relates to number of blooms – understand how size determines the number of stems many blooming stems.
  • Container Daffodils – growing in daffodils in containers creates brings bursts of Spring throughout the garden and patio.
  • Best Daffodils for Naturalizing – discover which cultivars multiply quickly and lead to more blooms.

Join the Conversation

Plantchat logo on Corona Tools

Don’t miss out on this exciting topic and join the conversation via Twitter. Just sign into #plantchat with your Twitter ID and you can follow the conversation and share with the community. Be sure to add the hashtag to all your tweets or join us in the plantchat room on Tweetchat.  They will automatically add it for you and it's easy to watch the conversation as it happens!

If you do miss the live event, you can still access the Storify recap, accessible 24/7 that will be posted following the live chat. The transcript includes all the information and links shared during the discussion. 

About Plantchat

Connect and share with the green industry leaders live on Twitter and 24/7 to learn and share about hot topics in the green industry. Now plantchat is part of the Green Industry Leaders Network (GILN) presented by Corona and its partners.  We are an alliance of professional organizations who are advancing the horticulture, tree care, and landscaping industries.

Topics: Corona Tools, #Plantchat, AHS

Amaryllis: The Winter Showstopper Bulb

Posted by Chris Sabbarese on Fri, Nov, 13, 2015 @ 12:11 PM

Ready to be a kid again this winter? Watch amaryllis bulbs push up their sturdy stems so fast you can almost see the growth with your naked eye. Then enjoy the trumpet-shaped blooms on each stem. This coming week on #plantchat, find out the best amaryllis bulb varieties, and the best ways to grow them (and get them to rebloom the next year).

The   American Horticultural Society , Longfield Gardens, and   Corona Tools  will be sharing their knowledge of Amaryllis: The Winter Showstopper Bulb with you. Prizes awarded during this #plantchat will be a Longfield Gardens amaryllis gift kit, and a  one-year membership  from the American Horticultural Society. 

You're Invited to Tweet  

Join @CoronaTools and #plantchat co-partner, American Horticultural SocietyDigital Communications Manager,  Charlotte Germane, tweeting as  @AHS_Gardening,Communications Manager & Associate Editor, Viveka Neveln, tweeting as @VivNevAHS, and special guest Marlene Thompson of Longfield Gardens tweeting as @LFGardens  on the topic of Amaryllis: The Winter Showstopper Bulb. The live chat begins Monday, November 16, 2015 at 11 a.m. PT / 2 p.m. ET, where we come together with green industry experts and fellow horticultural tweeps each week to discuss all things related to plants and horticulture, since 2014.

Discussion Overview  

Share your thoughts and takeaway exciting tips and info including:

  • How to plant amaryllis – Pros and cons of growing the bulbs in soil or water.
  • Which amaryllis bloom first – It’s the source of the bulb, not when you plant them.
  • Bulb size relates to number of blooms – How many blooming stems do you want?
  • New varieties of amaryllis – When you want more than just solid red, there are many options.
  • Reblooming year to year – Tricks of the trade to give your amaryllis such a good summer it will rebloom the following winter.
  • Amaryllis versus hippeastrum – Find out what to call these fabulous flowering bulbs.

Join the Conversation

Plantchat logo on Corona Tools

Don’t miss out on this exciting topic and join the conversation via Twitter. Just sign into #plantchat with your Twitter ID and you can follow the conversation and share with the community. Be sure to add the hashtag to all your tweets or join us in the plantchat room on Tweetchat.  They will automatically add it for you and it's easy to watch the conversation as it happens!

If you do miss the live event, you can still access the Storify recap, accessible 24/7 that will be posted following the live chat. The transcript includes all the information and links shared during the discussion. 

About Plantchat

Connect and share with the green industry leaders live on Twitter and 24/7 to learn and share about hot topics in the green industry. Now plantchat is part of the Green Industry Leaders Network (GILN) presented by Corona and its partners.  We are an alliance of professional organizations who are advancing the horticulture, tree care, and landscaping industries.

Topics: Corona Tools, #Plantchat, AHS

Growing Evergreens - In and Out of Containers

Posted by Chris Sabbarese on Fri, Oct, 16, 2015 @ 16:10 PM

Evergreens can be reliable garden friends 12 months of the year, and we have clever ways to use them, both in and out of containers. Don't miss this informative #plantchat to learn about the best ways to grow evergreens in your cold OR warm climate.

The   American Horticultural Society , Monrovia , and   Corona Tools   will be sharing their knowledge of Evergreens: In & Out of Containers with you. Prizes awarded during this #plantchat will be a signed copy of Planting in a Post-Wild World , by Thomas Rainer and Claudia West (Timber Press) , and a  one-year membership  from the American Horticultural Society. 

You're Invited to Tweet  

Join @CoronaTools and #plantchat co-partner, American Horticultural SocietyDigital Communications Manager,  Charlotte Germane, tweeting as  @AHS_Gardening,Communications Manager & Associate Editor, Viveka Neveln, tweeting as @VivNevAHS, and special guest Content and PR Manager, Kate Karam of Monrovia, tweeting as @MonroviaPlants on the topic of Evergreens: In & Out of Containers. The live chat begins Monday, October 19, 2015 at 11 a.m. PT / 2 p.m. ET, where we come together with green industry experts and fellow horticultural tweeps each week to discuss all things related to plants and horticulture, since 2014.

Discussion Overview  

Share your thoughts and takeaway exciting tips and info including:

  • Best soil for evergreens in containers – The extra ingredient you need to add to potting mix.
  • Use evergreens as groundcovers – Why evergreens make great groundcovers in both Western drought and Eastern Polar Vortex.
  • Unusual containers where evergreens shine – The container you‘ve probably not thought of for evergreens.
  • Most dramatic evergreens – Which weeping form evergreens are most effective in your landscape.
  • An evergreen cutting garden – Plant some “sacrifice” evergreens to use in indoor and outdoor arrangements.

Join the Conversation

Plantchat logo on Corona Tools

Don’t miss out on this exciting topic and join the conversation via Twitter. Just sign into #plantchat with your Twitter ID and you can follow the conversation and share with the community. Be sure to add the hashtag to all your tweets or join us in the plantchat room on Tweetchat.  They will automatically add it for you and it's easy to watch the conversation as it happens!

If you do miss the live event, you can still access the Storify recap, accessible 24/7 that will be posted following the live chat. The transcript includes all the information and links shared during the discussion. 

About Plantchat

Connect and share with the green industry leaders live on Twitter and 24/7 to learn and share about hot topics in the green industry. Now plantchat is part of the Green Industry Leaders Network (GILN) presented by Corona and its partners.  We are an alliance of professional organizations who are advancing the horticulture, tree care, and landscaping industries.

Topics: Corona Tools, #Plantchat, AHS, Monrovia Growers

Benefits of Off Season Cover Crops

Posted by Chris Sabbarese on Mon, Oct, 12, 2015 @ 12:10 PM

For many gardeners, fall and winter months at the end of the gardening seasons. However the Rodale Institute has outlined the benefits of planting off season cover crops to help maintain gardens throughout the year.  From taking advantage of bugs natural cycles to keeping weeds and other wild life from reclaiming your garden, cover crops are a great way to control pests and diseases.  Join us on this information packed topic on the next #plantchat!  

You're Invited to Tweet 

Join @CoronaTools and #plantchat co-partner, Aaron Kinsman of Rodale Institute tweeting as @RodaleInstitute hosts the Benefits of Cover Crops.  The live chat begins Monday, October 12, 2015 at 11 a.m. PST / 2 p.m. EST, were we come together with green industry experts and fellow horticultural tweeps each week to discuss all things related to plants and horticulture, since 2014.

Discussion Overview  

The discussion highlights include:

  • Protect crops by interplanting with herbs, flowers, or even other crops
  • Take advantage of bugs’ natural cycles so that crops grow when the bugs are not around
  • Select resistant varieties
  • Keep weeds and wildlife from reclaiming the garden
  • Using biological controls – without toxic chemicals

Join the Conversation

Plantchat logo on Corona Tools

Don’t miss out on this exciting topic and join the conversation via Twitter. Just sign into #plantchat with your Twitter ID and you can follow the conversation and share with the community. Be sure to add the hashtag to all your tweets or join us in the plantchat room on Tweetchat.  They will automatically add it for you and it's easy to watch the conversation as it happens!

If you do miss the live event, you can still access the Storify recap, accessible 24/7 that will be posted following the live chat. The transcript includes all the information and links shared during the discussion. 

About Plantchat

Connect and share with the green industry leaders live on Twitter and 24/7 to learn and share about hot topics in the green industry. Now #plantchat is part of the Green Industry Leaders Network (GILN) presented by Corona and its partners.  We are an alliance of professional organizations who are advancing the horticulture, tree care, and landscaping industries. 

photos courtesy of Rodale Institute

Topics: Corona Tools, Rodale Institute

Understanding Plant Propagation

Posted by Chris Sabbarese on Mon, Oct, 05, 2015 @ 13:10 PM

plant_propagation_on_Corona_ToolsEver wonder how plant breeders introduce new plants each year? It could be a color variation of the leaves or flower, or greater resistance to diseases or pests. Propagation includes the process of blending the characteristics of one plant with another to create something new and unique. Part science and part artform, plant propagation is a fascinating way of providing the right plant for the right spot in the right environment and it's our topic of discussion on #plantchat.

You're Invited to Tweet 

Join @CoronaTools and #plantchat partner, Stacey Hirvala representing Proven Winners @Proven_Winnerson this week's topic, plant propagation. The live chat begins Monday, October 5, 2015 at 11 a.m. PT / 2 p.m. ET, were we come together with green industry experts and fellow horticultural tweeps each week to discuss all things related to plants and horticulture, since 2014.

Discussion Overview 

  • Propagation is both art and science
  • Five different ways to propagate plants
  • What is the ideal time for propagation
  • What are the ideal conditions for propagation
  • Share your propagation success stories

Join the Conversation

Plantchat logo on Corona Tools

Don’t miss out on this exciting topic and join the conversation via Twitter. Just sign into #plantchat with your Twitter ID and you can follow the conversation and share with the community. Be sure to add the hashtag to all your tweets or join us in the plantchat room on Tweetchat.  They will automatically add it for you and it's easy to watch the conversation as it happens!

If you do miss the live event, you can still access the Storify recap, accessible 24/7 that will be posted following the live chat. The transcript includes all the information and links shared during the discussion. 

About Plantchat

Connect and share with the green industry leaders live on Twitter and 24/7 to learn and share about hot topics in the green industry. Now plantchat is part of the Green Industry Leaders Network (GILN) presented by Corona and its partners.  We are an alliance of professional organizations who are advancing the horticulture, tree care, and landscaping industries.

 

 

Topics: Corona Tools, #Plantchat, Proven Winners

Tips for Caring for Young Trees

Posted by Chris Sabbarese on Tue, Sep, 29, 2015 @ 11:09 AM

NJT_treechatFall is officially here and the time for planting trees before the harsh winter months. Once you've planted your young trees, there are some important things to keep in mind to help them get properly established. On this #treechat, we're discussing tips for getting them starting off right and thriving for many years to come.

photo: young trees ready for planting courtesy of New Jersey Tree Foundation

You're Invited to Tweet 

Join @CoronaTools along with chat partner and host, Bartlett Tree Experts with Marketing Manager, Tina McNulty @BartlettTreeExp The live chat begins Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at 11 a.m. PST / 2 p.m. EST. This is the Twitter chat were we come together with industry experts and fellow tree tweeps each week to discuss all things related to trees and tree care, since 2010!

Discussion Overview 

Key takeaways from Caring for Young Trees
  • Why young trees are so prone to failure
  • How to recognize transplant shock
  • Helping young trees become established in a landscape
  • Growing structurally strong trees that can better withstand stress 

    Join the Conversation

    Corona Tools Treechat

    Join us for this information-rich topic live on Twitter! Just sign in, search for #treechat and tweet using the hashtag. You're tweets will appear in the live tweet stream and you will be part of the conversation.  Be sure to add the hashtag to all your tweets or join us in the treechat room on Tweetchat.  They will automatically add it for you and it's easy to watch the conversation as it happens!

    If you do miss the live chat, you can still access the complete Storify transcript, available 24/7 following the live chat.  It includes include all the information and links shared during the discussion.

    About Treechat

    Connect and share with the green industry leaders live on Twitter and 24/7 to learn and share about hot topics in the green industry. Now treechat is part of the Green Industry Leaders Network (GILN) presented by Corona and its partners.  We are an alliance of professional organizations who are advancing the horticulture, tree care, and landscaping industries.

     

Topics: #treechat, Corona Tools, Bartlett Tree Experts

Enjoy Spring Color in Autumn With Fall Crocuses

Posted by Chris Sabbarese on Mon, Sep, 14, 2015 @ 11:09 AM

colchicum_autumnale_usbg

Did you know there are fall-blooming crocuses? Two major kinds are readily available and easy to grow in your garden. One is edible and one is poisonous, so you need to know which is which!  Don't miss this informative #plantchat to learn about growing these impressive fall flowers.

The  American Horticultural Society  and  Corona Tools  will be sharing their knowledge of Fall Crocuses with you. Prizes awarded during this #plantchat will be a bulb-planting trowel from Corona Tools, and a one-year membership from the American Horticultural Society.   

You're Invited to Tweet 

Join  @CoronaTools  and  #plantchat  co-partner,  American Horticultural Society Digital Communications Manager, Charlotte Germane, tweeting as  @AHS_Gardening and Communications Manager & Associate Editor, Viveka Neveln, tweeting as @VivNevAHS , on the topic of Fall Crocuses. The live chat begins Monday, September 14, 2015 at 11 a.m. PT / 2 p.m. ET, where we come together with green industry experts and fellow horticultural tweeps each week to discuss all things related to plants and horticulture, since 2014.

Discussion Overview 

Share your thoughts and takeaway exciting tips and info including:

  • Some crocuses bloom in the fall – If you enjoy crocuses in early spring you can host their cousins in the fall too.
  • Choose the right spot for your crocuses – Get tips on garden location, planting, irrigation, and culture for fall crocuses.
  • Some autumn crocuses are poisonous – Learn which fall-blooming crocuses are poisonous to dogs and cats (and humans).
  • Some fall crocuses are edible – Find out which crocus is not only edible but a “gold mine” of an expensive seasoning.
  • Harvesting tips – Make the most of your crocus harvest with tips on the best time of day to gather, and how to store the harvest.

Join the Conversation

Plantchat logo on Corona Tools

Don’t miss out on this exciting topic and join the conversation via Twitter. Just sign into #plantchat with your Twitter ID and you can follow the conversation and share with the community. Be sure to add the hashtag to all your tweets or join us in the plantchat room on Tweetchat.  They will automatically add it for you and it's easy to watch the conversation as it happens!

If you do miss the live event, you can still access the Storify recap, accessible 24/7 that will be posted following the live chat. The transcript includes all the information and links shared during the discussion. 

About Plantchat

Connect and share with the green industry leaders live on Twitter and 24/7 to learn and share about hot topics in the green industry. Now plantchat is part of the Green Industry Leaders Network (GILN) presented by Corona and its partners.  We are an alliance of professional organizations who are advancing the horticulture, tree care, and landscaping industries.

Topics: Corona Tools, #Plantchat, AHS

Stories of Corona Tools Through the Decades

Posted by Chris Sabbarese on Thu, Sep, 10, 2015 @ 14:09 PM

Learning About People Who Helped Make Corona

Corona_Tools_historyI'm a total history buff and love to discover things about the past.  Earlier this year, I did a little historical research on Corona's history.  Needless to say, I found some totally cool and interesting facts. Such as during World War 2, Corona stopped production of garden and landscape tools and began forging wrenches to support the war effort and had 100 people working in the factory.

There actually wasn't a lot of information to be had in the Corona library or in historical books from this area.  I did come acrosss a company photo of the "Corona Clipper Clan" circa 1943 that was posted in a local newspaper.  Someone had written in the names of a few of the people however most were nameless people that help build Corona from its humble beginnings in the citrus industry.

tbt1

Occassionally I do get the priviledge of hearing stories like, "oh my grandfather worked at Corona" and those from Corona team members who have been around for the last 20-30 years. And being on social media sites like Facebook has enabled folks to connect with us and share bits and pieces of our past with us.  Like this pin that one of our friends on Facebook sent us.

Corona_Tools_pin_1943

Benjamin Gunderson sent us a picture of a visitor pin he found that was once used at Corona.  I asked him if he knew how he came to have it or if there was any story behind it. Apparently he received a collection of his grandfather's pins back in the 90s and said the pin was from 1943.  Benjamin asked his family if they had any information on this and sure enough, someone did and he shared it with me.

"Granny worked at Corona Clipper in the early early days when all the kids were still at home and in school. When CC was behind where the old Corona Show still is. She used to put the plastic handle grip covers on the clippers. It was hard to do and she would bring them home with her. Your Uncle Phil showed her how to put the grips in water to loosen then them to make them easier to slip on the handles."

What a treat to hear what life was like back in the day and how Corona played a part in Benjamin's family. Of course I had to ask him, since the pin was 1943 and the company photo I found was also 1943, if his great grandmother was possibly in the photo.  He sent back a reply pointing out his great grandmother, Florence Gunderson (noted in the picute above) and also sent in a family photo of her too (front left).

tbt3

I really don't know what was more exciting, stumbling across a lost peice of Corona history or the fact that it was really made easier thanks to something called Facebook.  In any case, this story was something that history nuts like me love to come across and helps fill in some of the pieces on how Corona began with one tool in the 1920s to over 400+ tools that we have today.

Do you have a connection to Corona's long history? We'd love to hear from you here or any of our social media networks! 

Topics: Corona Tools, Corona History

Attracting Beneficial Garden Insects with AHS, Jessica Walliser and Corona Tools

Posted by Chris Sabbarese on Fri, Aug, 21, 2015 @ 11:08 AM

AHS-walliser-8-25-2015

 

Do you have insect pests in your garden, munching on your favorite veggies and flowers? Come learn how to bring in “good bugs” that will get rid of those “bad bugs”.

The American Horticultural Society and Corona Tools are pleased to welcome their guest, Jessica Walliser, author of “Attracting Beneficial Bugs to Your Garden”. Jessica’s book won a 2015 AHS Book Award this spring.

Jessica Walliser co-hosts “The Organic Gardeners” on KDKA-Radio in Pittsburgh, PA. She is a former contributing editor for Organic Gardening magazine and the author of four books. We are delighted to have her join #plantchat for the first time. We will be sharing tips on attracting beneficial insects to the garden.   

You're Invited to Tweet 

Join @CoronaTools and #plantchat co-partner, American Horticultural SocietyDigital Communications Manager, Charlotte Germane, tweeting as @AHS_Gardening.  Special guest, garden writer, Jessica Walliser, leads the topic, Attracting the Good Bugs to Your Garden,  and tweeting as @jessicawalliser. The live chat begins Monday, August 24, 2015 at 11 a.m. PT / 2 p.m. ET, where we come together with green industry experts and fellow horticultural tweeps each week to discuss all things related to plants and horticulture, since 2014.

Discussion Overview 

Share your thoughts and takeaway exciting tips and info including:

Two kinds of beneficial bugs - The pollinators, who help pollinate our plants, and the predators/parasitoids, who help us by controlling garden pest populations.

Three ways to encourage beneficial predatory bugs - Tips to make your garden a haven for the hunters of bad bugs.

How many bad bugs are there? – Learn the surprising statistic on how few “bad” bugs there are.

ID the good bugs – How to recognize the good guys.

Plants that feed the good bugs – Plant combos that will attract the good bugs to your garden, and keep them and their descendants there.

Join the Conversation

Plantchat logo on Corona Tools

Don’t miss out on this exciting topic and join the conversation via Twitter. Just sign into #plantchat with your Twitter ID and you can follow the conversation and share with the community. Be sure to add the hashtag to all your tweets or join us in the plantchat room on Tweetchat.  They will automatically add it for you and it's easy to watch the conversation as it happens!

If you do miss the live event, you can still access the Storify recap, accessible 24/7 that will be posted following the live chat. The transcript includes all the information and links shared during the discussion. 

About Plantchat

Connect and share with the green industry leaders live on Twitter and 24/7 to learn and share about hot topics in the green industry. Now plantchat is part of the Green Industry Leaders Network (GILN) presented by Corona and its partners.  We are an alliance of professional organizations who are advancing the horticulture, tree care, and landscaping industries.

Topics: Corona Tools, #Plantchat, AHS

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