BLG Environmental Services - April 2022

BLG Environmental Services - April 2022

APRIL 2022

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IN 2022, I HOPE TO BE MORE CHILDLIKE

REFLECTING ON THE IMPORTANCE OF SILLINESS

I have a sticky note on my monitor that says, “Be more childlike.” While some may have negative connotations towards the terms “childlike” or “childish,” there’s a lot we can learn from kids. If you’re a parent, you probably know what I mean.

control in order to achieve a certain outcome. So, I can’t say that I’ve had a lot of April Fools’ mischief or misadventures that I’m personally responsible for.

Yet, the spontaneity and adventure is part of the fun. A few weeks ago, my family and I were in the living room, dancing to Kidz Bop songs. We played ring-around-the-rosy, then we all fell down, feeling dizzy and silly. Afterward, my wife said to me, “You need to do more of that.”

Just recently, I took my kids to the farm. My daughter Ella took a piece of pipe and my youngest daughter, Juliet, claimed rolls of plastic — then, smiling and laughing, they galloped around on their “horses,” having the time of their lives. That put a big smile on my face. Somehow, the simplest things bring them the most joy. As adults, we might have to tell ourselves a million times to enjoy the simple things, but maybe we should start telling ourselves to be more childlike. As a Christian, we even have a Bible verse for this: In Matthew 18:2, Jesus says that we must “become as little children.”

Being childlike as an adult doesn’t necessarily mean we have to play ring-around-the- rosy — it might just mean allowing yourself to get silly every now and then and laugh at the simplest things, without any pressure or expectations.

Being childlike as an adult doesn’t necessarily mean we have to play ring-around-the-rosy — it might just mean allowing yourself to get silly every now and then and laugh at the simplest things, without any pressure or expectations. When life gets a bit intense — and you’re as focused on always doing things the right way, as I am — taking a moment to laugh at yourself or laugh at something silly, like an episode of “Seinfeld,” might be just what the doctor ordered.

One of my goals this year is to be more childlike. To me, that means living a fuller life, more readily able to enjoy every moment that presents itself.

But what does being childlike really mean as an adult?

I started thinking about this while looking at my calendar; April Fools’ Day, after all, is one of the most childish holidays ever. But I’ll be honest: I’m probably too serious most of the time. I enjoy good humor and having fun as much as the next guy, but it’s not always my style. I’d probably describe myself as a type A personality. I always make sure things work within my little box of

Robert Burns

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HOW ANNUAL FLOWERS CREATE STUNNING GARDENS OUR NOT-SO-SECRET INGREDIENT

The most beautiful gardens in the world — no matter how good the location and weather — still change from season to season. But seasonal changes are often what makes our landscapes so breathtaking. The shifting colors and appearance of the foliage give us good reason to become excited about spending time outdoors and enjoying the present, yet fleeting moment. I happily embrace this fact through all of my choices while landscape designing, which is why I typically incorporate changing color into my landscapes in the form of annual flowers.

Annual flowers include a huge variety of fast-growing flowers. Many of my designs include annual flowers that rotate 2–4 times a year. These flowers tend to be tropical plants or native to south-of-the-border locales, which is why they perform fabulously in Florida. Because they grow fast, they’re ideal for a high-impact garden or even a cutting garden if you’d like to regularly create your own bouquets. Either way, you’ll always have bursts of color with annuals all summer long and can often evoke different styles and historical eras when used in themed gardens.

JÜRGEN IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD TEDDY’S PAW-SPECTIVE

Hiya, newsletter friends! It’s me, Teddy! It’s no secret that I’m a big celebrity — all my buddies know that I’m a famous writer. After all, I get published regularly and everyone sees my photo. But, somehow, all my fame hasn’t changed who I am, and I still have all the same friends that I did before.

I guess I’m just naturally down-to-earth. And boy, do I like digging in the earth! Whenever I get the chance — especially in good weather — I’ll always find ways to escape the yard and visit all my next-door pals. One of my best friends is a German shepherd named Jürgen. I like to say we’re the same size, just at different altitudes. Not many people expect us to be close friends, but we couldn’t get along better. Jürgen’s perspective on life is a little taller than mine, but a little wiser, too. With the green leaves growing and flowers starting to bloom, I love running through the bushes — Jürgen always reminds me that it’s not the best thing to do. “By the time those flowers grow back,” he tells me, “it’s going to be summer. Why make them miss all the spring sunshine?” Then, he marked the nearby streetlight. Yeah, he’s the coolest pup ever. Whenever we take walks together, we find ourselves running around and making sure everybody knows that these are our streets — but maybe taking care of our streets is important, too. So, I’ve started to be just a little more careful nowadays when I’m running around. Even though I would’ve been scared to tell Jürgen what he told me, I know he didn’t mean badly. In fact, I respect him even more. I’m thrilled to have such awesome friends. Only a dog like Jürgen would make sure to pause and wonder how the little guys feel. (When I say “little guys,” I don’t mean me. I’m famous!) Anyway, I hope you have a wonder-fur rest of your month! Happy April!

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OUR CLIENTS SAY IT BEST! We recently asked BLG Environmental Services to provide a backyard landscape for our nearly 20-year-old home that would creative layout included a paver patio and pergola as well as a water feature set amongst a variety of plants and also included the much-needed play area for the dogs. Robert listened to us regarding our needs and desires and gave us a yard that is as gorgeous as it is functional. We were so happy with the entire experience — working with honest and courteous people and seeing the fantastic results — that we hired BLG Environmental to landscape the front yard as well. We are just as happy with the new front yard as we are with the backyard and our landscaping is the envy of the neighborhood.” – Kirk & Lisa S. include a play space for our three large dogs as well as a space for people to enjoy being outside. The result is amazing — the

Because annuals are ephemeral, you can even grow them beyond your landscape itself, such as in containers. These can create terrific beds that fill in empty spaces and add a huge splash of color! These flowers can dress up any cold space or patio to look more welcoming and inviting. I find that using annuals represents both a constancy and a change of seasons to my clients, bringing a warm smile to their faces. The annuals’ elegance and refinement even creates a great environment, not only for personal relaxation but also as a backdrop for parties and events. There are many types of annuals that can grow in your landscape. If you’re interested in creating a more colorful garden and don’t know where to start, don’t hesitate to give me a call! We’ll take care of you.

Robert Burns

“Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved.” –Ephesians 2:4–5 “Be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’” –1 Peter 5:5 “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” –Matthew 18:20 HAVE YOU HEARD THE GOOD NEWS?

EASY OUT

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WE MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR AREAS BEAUTIFUL

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What Does It Mean to Be ‘Childlike?’ The Secret Ingredient to a Gorgeous Garden Teddy’s Pawspective: Jürgen

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The Good News Hear From Our Clients Take a Break!

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The Ketchup Pill Craze

NOT JUST A CONDIMENT

KETCHUP ONCE CURED ALL

If you have a belly ache, one of the last things you’re likely to reach for is the ketchup bottle. But did you know that ketchup was once utilized as a cure for indigestion? In 1834, Dr. John Cook Bennett came up with a recipe for tomato ketchup that he advertised as a cure for indigestion, jaundice, diarrhea, and rheumatism, according to his research. The ketchup was even packed into pills and his research made its way into well-respected American newspapers. Before this, many Americans were under the impression that tomatoes were poisonous and avoided them like the plague. According to the Smithsonian magazine, in the 1700s, Europeans thought tomatoes were poisonous apples. Entrepreneur Alexander Miles discovered Bennett’s research and partnered with Bennett, calling the ketchup pill “extract of tomato.” The craze over the ketchup pills grew, and many other entrepreneurs began creating their own versions of the “extract of tomato” pills. Some versions didn’t contain any tomatoes at all and, instead, were filled with laxatives. Americans began believing these ketchup pills were the key to ultimate health.

Scientists then began to look into Bennett’s research claims, and just when wild claims surfaced that the pills could even cure scurvy, a disease caused by a deficiency in vitamin C, and broken bones, the claims were dispelled and the ketchup pill craze died down by 1850. Modern research today shows that tomatoes contain the antioxidant lycopene, which is linked to reducing the risk of cancer and heart disease. They also are abundant sources of potassium, vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. While Bennett’s research was exponentially exaggerated, we can say it wasn’t completely inaccurate.

Today, Heinz, the leader in the ketchup industry, sells 11 billion single-serve packets and over 650 million bottles annually.

So, would you like a ketchup pill with those fries?

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LANDSCAPE - HARDSCAPE - IRRIGATION - OUTDOOR LIGHTING

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