CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Bethel Farms of Arcadia, Florida donated drought tolerant Empire Turf for use by ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. The project took place last February in Tallahassee, Florida and aired on the network in mid-April. Bethel Farms selected Empire Turf for the yard because, like the design of the new home, Empire will save the winning family time and money.
"When we were contacted about teaming up for a home makeover project, we jumped at the chance to help out and told them our first choice was to put in Empire Turf," said Will Nugent, President of Bethel Farms. "Empire will need fewer inputs from this family. They won't have to fertilize or treat it with chemicals as much and with Empire's drought-fighting abilities, they won't have to worry if water restrictions come their way."
The Empire zoysia grass was delivered from Bethel's southwest Florida location on day five of the building project and was installed the same day. Empire, which meets Florida Green Building Coalition standards for "green-home" certification, fits in with the energy-saving style of ABC's other home makeover projects. It should provide the Kadzis family many years of an aesthetically pleasing lawn.
"Bethel Farms is always willing to give back to the community and we were pleased when we heard they were going to donate Empire," remarked Tobey Wagner, President of Sod Solutions, Inc. Wagner's company is the developer and patent holder of Empire Turf. "Empire is a grass that is great for the Florida climate. It's great at repairing itself, which will come in handy with a family that size. It handles wear and tear. I think Bethel couldn't have picked a better grass for the project and we are proud to know its going to be used by such a deserving family."
About EMPIRE Turf
Empire Turf, America's first greatly improved zoysia grass, is a drought-tough cultivar. Originally developed in Brazil, Empire offers a beautiful green color, softer texture and lower maintenance needs. Florida builders can also receive "green credits" by using Empire. Empire Turf is a product of Sod Solutions, Inc., an international turfgrass development company incorporated in the early 90s. The company's primary research facility and headquarters is located near Charleston, S.C. Along with Empire Turf, Sod Solutions has released Palmetto® St. Augustine, Captiva TM St. Augustine, Celebration® Bermudagrass, Sapphire® St. Augustine and Bella™ Bluegrass. For more information, visit www.empireturf.com or call 843.849.1288.
About Bethel Farms
Bethel Farms is the leading grower and supplier of premium lawn sod and grass plugs in the southeastern United States. Bethel has turfgrass operations throughout Florida, Georgia and Texas. From major theme parks and municipalities, to golf courses and backyard lawns, Bethel Farms has helped beautify homes and communities since 1958. For more information, visit www.bethelfarms.com or call 863.494.3057.
Media Contact:
Justin Wallace
Director of Communication
Sod Solutions, Inc.
(843) 849-1288 x.108
jwallace@sodsolutions.com
