May 2020 Tree Care
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Look to the Trees and Plants Growing Community Over the last month, our world has gone through intense changes. Our society and environment are in strife,
provide shade and protection to a home or sidewalk, I take a lot of pride in it. I hope you, too, find solace and comfort in seeing this beautiful life take root and grow. Now more than ever, it’s important to invest in things that bring us joy and well-being. In a time when we can’t go out to see a concert, our gardens and backyards continue to be sources of beauty, peace, and connection with the natural world. As we’re homebound, the natural landscape of our homes can contribute so much to our enjoyment of life. Through great landscaping, we can connect to an experience, to treasured memories. It’s the shrub that brings someone back to their childhood summers spent swimming in the river or visiting a grandparent’s house and playing backyard games. There’s not much better than enjoying your own backyard, and the right trees and plants will create an environment you can call home. As we’re homebound, our gardens
and we are all figuring out how to cope with new routines and norms.
and backyards also provide a source of activity and exercise. Take a little time each day to care for some of your plants or do a little weeding; it will be an easy way to get some movement in. During this time, let’s do what we can to be there for one another. Call a friend to say hello and donate to a local business that can’t operate right now. By finding ways to help one another out, we’ll all come out of this stronger. As we go through this, know that we’re here for you! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Give us a call at (860) 888-8472, and I’ll be happy to talk to you.
In times like these, I find solace in the natural world. Despite everything, the trees still blossom. Flowers still bloom. Our gardens grow, the grass gets longer, and the natural world offers beauty and perspective. Living in Connecticut for more than 30 years, I’ve cultivated a deep appreciation for the natural world and a deep understanding of the organisms that inhabit it. Among the trees and shrubs is where I’m happiest. Now more than ever, I’m turning to this constant: the flora that adds color to our environment and gives us something to depend
on each spring, even when everything else is uncertain.
–Andrew Bachman
Sometimes I drive by the trees in our town, and I’m just awestruck by how beautiful they are. When I see a tree that I’ve planted begin to
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LOOKING FORWARD TO SUMMER
According to the Roman historian Livy, in 211 B.C., the occupants in Rome were expecting a long siege from Hannibal, who had been unstoppable in his invasion of Italy. Hannibal’s invading army was camped outside Rome in a field. Many Romans were panicked, but inside the city walls, a real estate transaction between two Roman citizens took place. In this transaction, the farmland on which Hannibal’s army was camped sold for the same price it would have before Hannibal even entered Italy. This story exemplifies the supreme confidence felt by the Romans and also the way in which normal life continued under threat of invasion. Think about that for minute. Confidence is everything. Americans, like Romans, are
Trout Brook Landscaping is still working every day thanks to being an essential business. Due to our hard work during the recent strong economic times, we have paid ahead on our bills and are on solid financial footing. We are concerned for the businesses that cannot continue during the shutdown, and we will, as always, continue to support local businesses with our purchases. We are looking forward to summer fun and an improvement in the weather. There is an extraordinary story from ancient Rome that I want to share because it is relevant in these times:
staunchly self-confident. It’s a strength. Regardless of your situation, the key now will be to develop and train your confidence and adapt to the new world we live in.
COMMENTARY ON THE ECONOMY
Carolina Sweetshrub ( Calycanthus ) One of my favorite shrubs is the little- known Carolina sweetshrub, also known as Carolina allspice. This plant shows ebullient late spring and summer flowers and exudes bee- attracting, nostalgia-inducing candy scents. The two Calycanthus species, floridus and occidentalis , are both native to America. They are exotic looking shrubs with a fast growth ability and a proud, large, leafy structure. The unusual reddish- brown flowers have a wonderful scent of pineapple or cotton candy, and the peeled bark smells of cinnamon and is used in the perfume industry. This plant is native to the East Coast, and it grows up to 5 feet tall. I recommend this shrub as a conversation piece and stimulating plant you, bees, and hummingbirds can enjoy. PLANT HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH
It’s now the fourth time since 2000 that the stock market is acting more like a highly leveraged casino than an “investment.” Financial assets are falling like rocks, as if they didn’t have major problems to begin with. Follow my lead and invest locally for peace of mind and profit. Going forward from the old economy to the new, localized, pedestrian economy, you can invest in things you can right see in front of you. I think we have stepped back 110 years in time to a hyperlocal society. Support small businesses with your spending, and if you have a skill to offer them, now’s the time to give
your consultation or equity investment. Small and midsize businesses are the engine that will drive this economy through a recession. It’s through free and creative entrepreneurial innovation that new value is created and solutions are tested. Contact us for your spring work! Beyond tree planting and removal, we provide lawn care, spring cleanups, and
garden installation. We provide a professional, finished look every time, and of course, you’ll know us by our bright
fluorescent shirts because safety always comes first. CALL or TEXT (860) 888-8472 to connect with us.
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TAKE A BREAK
BIRD-WATCHING FOR BEGINNERS
Bird-watching is like a lifelong scavenger hunt that you can play anywhere on Earth. The activity provides a mixture of science, travel, and beauty, and it’s a chance to get outside for feathered adventures and quiet reflection. The month of May is a great time of year to go birding because rising temperatures prompt spring migration. So if you’re eager to begin bird-watching, there’s no better time than now. Here are some tips to get started. EDUCATE YOURSELF Thousands of species of birds span all corners of the globe. That’s why finding them is an exciting prospect — there’s no end to the hunt! Start by researching birds that are native to your location. Purchase a field guide with pictures of each bird and maps of their range and use it to figure out where different birds live. From there, it’s easy to pick your first spotting goal. You can even get yourself extra excited by watching a few bird documentaries. GEAR UP One of the best things about birding is that you don’t need a lot of equipment to do it. As long as you’ve got your field guide and comfortable walking shoes, the only other thing you’ll need is a pair of binoculars. And they don’t have to be fancy. As long as they can zoom in on faraway trees and perches, they’ll work for now. You can always upgrade later. GO EXPLORING Your very first birding excursion is important because you don’t want to be overwhelmed or underwhelmed. So use your field guide to home in on a single bird and go find it. It may be local, or you can plan a trip to a specific bird’s natural habitat. Stay focused and don’t get distracted by other species. The thrill that comes with spotting your first bird will keep you coming back to find the rest. Bird-watching is a wonderful hobby because it’s easy to get started and can last a lifetime. As long as you can walk, drive, or look out a window, you can be a birder. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and find some birds!
Grilled Prime Rib
Ingredients
Inspired by Primal Palate
• 1 1/2 lbs beef rib roast • 1 tsp Himalayan salt • 1/2 tsp black pepper
Directions
1. Take rib roast out of the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to grilling. 2. Season roast with salt and pepper and allow it to rest for 10 minutes while you heat a gas grill to 600 F. 3. Sear roast for 3–4 minutes on each side. 4. Turn off the grill but continue cooking the steak, flipping every 4–5 minutes, until it reaches an internal temperature of 125 F. Remove from grill. 5. Allow the roast to rest — its internal temperature will continue to climb — for 5–10 minutes. Slice and serve.
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WWW.TROUTBROOKTREE.COM (860) 888-8472
Tree Care May 2020
69 TALCOTT RD. WEST HARTFORD, CT 06110
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
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Find Sanctuary Among the Trees
Looking Forward to Summer
Commentary on Investing
Plant Highlight of the Month
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Bird-Watching for Beginners
Grilled Prime Rib
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2 Health Tips to Try Now
2 WAYS YOU CAN BOOST YOUR HEALTH NOW MENTAL AND PHYSICAL GOODNESS
IMMUNE-BOOSTING SMOOTHIE RECIPE From “Run Fast. Eat Slow.:Nourishing Recipes for Athletes” This delicious and nutritious smoothie was created by chef Elyse Kopecky and Olympian Shalane Flanagan. Enjoy it as breakfast or a snack! Ingredients: • 1 apple, quartered, core removed
It’s been a stressful last couple of months, and with all the uncertainty most of us could probably use some grounding. Here are two ways you can bring more health, wellness, and mental clarity into your life. MEDITATE Mindfulness teaches you to live in the present moment and observe thoughts and feelings rather than letting them overwhelm you. Often, feelings of anxiety come from contemplating the future, over which we can only speculate. Adopting a meditation habit can help you return to the present and let go of negative thoughts. Check out apps like Calm or Headspace to get started. Some meditation studios, like Source Meditation (SourceBoise.com) are also livestreaming classes through Facebook or Instagram. EAT MORE PLANT-BASED FOODS Maintain your health with nutritious, plant-based foods. If you can find it in the produce section, chances are it’s good for you. Veggies, fruits, beans, legumes, and whole grains like rice and quinoa are great options. Here’s a recipe to try:
• 1/2 lemon, seeds removed, peeled • 1/4 cup parsley leaves • 1-inch knob fresh ginger, peeled (optional) • 2 cups coconut water • 1 cup ice
• 1/2 frozen banana • 2 kale leaves, stems removed • 1 celery stick, quartered
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until consistency is smooth. Enjoy!
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