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APR 2025
Why Gardening Is Good for the Soul THE SECRET TO A LONGER, HEALTHIER LIFE?
Something about getting your hands in the dirt just feels right — maybe it’s the fresh air, the satisfaction of watching something grow, or the fact that gardening can do everything from lower stress to increase your lifespan. That’s why Lawn and Garden Month is the perfect time to roll up your sleeves and give your yard some love. Whether planting a garden or keeping your lawn in shape, spending time outdoors has more benefits than just an attractive yard — it can boost your mood, increase the value of your home, and improve your health. People have long known the benefits of getting into nature, and gardening lets you get up close and personal with the soil we walk on. Have you ever put your feet in the sand or walked barefoot in the grass and swore your mood changed for the better? It’s not just you; it’s called “grounding,” which happens naturally when you are out doing yard work. Having soil in your hands is good for you, as it improves your feelings, boosts cognitive function, and encourages mindfulness. For me, mowing a lawn or trimming trees is meditative — a moment of peace. When you enter a flow or rhythm, the world’s worries dissipate and leave you excited for the blooms.
garden, having plants and flowers around makes a space feel more inviting and homey. Maybe it’s because our biology is hard-wired to connect with nature, or maybe it’s just the simple
joy of sitting back and watching something you nurture grow.
One of the many things I love about landscaping is that it can help increase
the value of a home. For some homeowners, a landscaping project can bring a return on investment as they beautify the space with natural and
eye-catching plants or a lush lawn. While the housing market is constantly in flux, the right front yard gives properties a step up. To this day, I remember our very first house and how happy it made me to mow the lawn or relax in the beautiful yard we had created. It’s a true zen moment when you realize your outdoor space is clean, organized, and clearly cared for.
So, why not get your hands dirty this April in honor of Lawn and Garden Month? Whether you have a complete landscape remodel in mind or just want to start your first herb garden, the benefits go far beyond curb appeal. It’s about creating a space that always feels good to come home to, creating an oasis that lifts your spirits, keeps
During the famous Blue Zones research, which examines common traits for the world’s longest- living populations, researchers discovered that gardening was a common practice among centenarians, people who live to 100 or older. It makes sense, given that it has proven benefits for cardiovascular health, blood pressure, strength, and immune function. But beyond the health benefits, there’s something deeply satisfying about walking out your door and seeing bursts of color in vibrant flower blooms, lush green grass, and a well-kept lawn.
Beat the Rush Ready to spring into the growing season with a landscaping or gardening project? Beat the rush and call us at 812-345-5694 to schedule your services with Anthony’s Lawn Care today!
you healthy, and improves your property. Grab those gloves, fire up your mower, and start turning your yard into a place you love. And, if you need a helping hand, the crew here at Anthony’s Lawn Care is always looking for a chance to get their hands in the soil.
—Anthony Hilb
Whether you own a home, rent an apartment, or just have a small patio
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Capture Nature’s Beauty Like a Pro
EASY STEPS TO ENSURE THEY STAY STANDING IN BAD WEATHER Storm-Proof Your Trees
QUICK TIPS FOR BETTER OUTDOOR PHOTOS
Spring storms in Bloomington can be unpredictable. One minute, it’s a drizzle, and the next thing you know, fierce winds and heavy rain are hitting your yard with force. One strong gust can turn a weak limb into a dangerous projectile, and soggy soil can
Nature photography offers a great way to get outside and capture the beauty of the natural world. Whether you’re new to this hobby or have been snapping photos for years, you can always enhance your skills with these four tips for producing compelling outdoor photos. PLAN AHEAD Before heading outside with your camera and other gear, research your chosen location and the subject you aim to photograph. Understanding the local wildlife, plant life, and weather conditions can inform your equipment selection. Timing is also key. Early morning and late afternoon, known as the “golden hours,” offer soft, diffused light that enhances natural scenes. MASTER YOUR EQUIPMENT Be sure to familiarize yourself with your camera’s settings. Some of the most important include aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, which control exposure and depth of field. For instance, a wide aperture (low f-stop) can help create a shallow depth of field and isolate your subject from the background, which is particularly effective for wildlife photography. Conversely, a narrow aperture (high f-stop) is ideal for landscape shots because it increases the depth of field and helps keep more of the scene in focus. CONSIDER COMPOSITION In photography, composition is key. When taking nature photographs, apply compositional rules such as the rule of thirds (placing subjects off-center), leading lines (guiding the eye with pathways or rivers), and framing (using natural elements to highlight the subject). Experimenting with different perspectives and angles can also add depth to your photos. BE RESPECTFUL Whenever you’re out in the field, respect the environment by following local guidelines, maintaining a safe distance from wildlife, and minimizing your impact on natural habitats. Always stay on designated paths and never remove any natural objects. Following a few simple rules protects wildlife and the landscape and maintains the integrity of your photography.
make even the healthiest trees unstable. With a bit of preparation and planning, you can protect your trees and property from the season’s rainstorms, ensuring your yard stays attractive and safe for your family. Get ready to wrap the metaphorical raincoat around your yard with these tips to keep storm damage at bay.
CHECK TREE HEALTH Give your yard a health check before the storms roll in, evaluating trees for any signs of damage like cracks, splits, or holes in the trunk or limbs. You should also look for peeling bark, a common red flag of insect damage, or unusual growths. Remove damaged, diseased, or dead branches so adverse weather doesn’t knock them down. Pay special attention to trees near your home, as falling branches could damage your roof or nearby powerlines. You can thin out the canopy of trees by removing some branches to allow more air to pass through, stabilizing the plant. PROVIDE EXTRA SUPPORT To give extra protection to your trees, add a ring of mulch around the base to act as a buffer between the sensitive roots and stormy weather. Keep some distance between the mulch and the trunk to prevent rot. Mulch can ensure soil erosion doesn’t damage the tree’s roots. If you have young trees, use metal or wooden stakes to support them against powerful gusts of wind. KEEP SOIL HEALTHY The healthier your soil is, the more likely your trees and other plants will have a fighting chance against storms. Regularly test and maintain the soil quality of your yard to ensure it has the proper nutrients and drainage. Healthy soil will protect the root systems of trees so they can withstand heavy winds or rains. You can aerate your lawn around plants to ensure the ground is not too compacted.
With these tips in mind, you’re ready to enjoy the outdoors while capturing images that reflect the beauty of the natural world.
If you want to keep your trees and lawns spring storm ready, contact Anthony’s Lawn Care and Landscaping today!
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THE DIRT ON YOUR DIRT
SIMPLE SOIL TESTS FOR A THRIVING GARDEN
Is your soil ready for the growing season, or does it need a little TLC? Healthy, well-drained soil is the foundation for a thriving garden and vibrant lawn, but
water supply to grow. Start by digging a hole at least 12 inches deep and fill it with water. Wait to see how long it takes for the water to be entirely absorbed by the soil, a process that can take a few hours or the entire day. Once fully drained, add more water and measure its depth with a ruler, repeating the step in 15 minutes. You can multiply that number by four to get a sense of how much water is draining per hour. If the soil drains 1–3 inches per hour, it’s good to go for most plants. Anything below that indicates that your soil is not draining as fast as it needs to and you’ll need to take steps like aeration or composting to improve its quality.
not all dirt is created equal. Testing your soil for proper
drainage and nutrients is the first step in ensuring your plants get the best start possible. With
TEST PH LEVELS Your soil’s pH levels can significantly impact its overall health and determine what nutrients are available to your plants. To test how acidic or alkaline your dirt is, collect a sample to send to a soil testing lab, buy a pH kit, or try this DIY method. Gather a handful of soil and wet it with vinegar. If the soil begins to fizz and produce bubbles, it indicates you have alkaline soil, which is not ideal for most plants. Take another handful of soil and add a mix of baking powder and distilled water. If it fizzes, your soil is acidic, which can benefit certain plants. In general, overly acidic soil can cause damage to root systems.
a few simple tests, you can see what’s happening beneath the surface and make sure your soil
is ready to support your yard’s growth throughout the season. Let’s dig in!
CHECK SOIL DRAINAGE Proper drainage is necessary to ensure your plants and trees get the right amount of water; too much can
cause roots to rot, and not enough will cut off their crucial
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PO Box 5427 · Bloomington, IN 47407 What’s Inside?
1 Grow Happiness 2
Mastering the Art of Nature Photography Spring Storms Got You Nervous? 3 How to Give Your Soil a Health Check 4
Escape to Paradise: Savoring the Beauty and History of Antigua
Journey Through Time Discover the Endless Beaches and Vibrant Culture of Antigua
Can you imagine escaping to a tropical island where you can visit a different beach every day for a year without ever seeing the same one twice? It’s not a fantasy. It’s Antigua. Antigua has long been known for its 365 beaches, from Halfmoon Bay’s silvery sands to Galley Bay Beach’s surfing waves. Unique for its history and native crafts, this eastern Caribbean island is rich in recreational and cultural attractions, as well as natural beauty. Christopher Columbus encountered Antigua in 1493, and the British subsequently colonized the island and neighboring Barbuda in the 1600s. Barbuda was originally planned as a slave-breeding colony, but the enslaved people brought to the island rebelled against colonial rule. After years of domination by the United Kingdom, Antigua and Barbuda achieved independence as a single nation in 1981. Although Antigua covers only 108 square miles, it has a rich history and cultural traditions. Nelson’s Dockyard National Park offers archaeological sites and more than 12 miles of hiking trails. The 8th of
March Project commemorates the lives of enslaved and free Africans who labored on the docks for centuries. Energetic hikers can make their way up a steep trail to Shirley Heights, 492 feet above sea level, to enjoy a panoramic view across the sea. Among Antigua’s unique attractions is the centuries-old artisan craft of forming tamarind seeds into jewelry and home decor. The island is also home to one of the rarest fruits in the world, the Antigua black pineapple, which is sweet and delicious sliced fresh or in jelly form. Also, a weekly archaeological tour called “Rum in the Ruins” offers a history of the sugar trade and the island’s famous rum. Antigua’s Summer Carnival is one of the most popular in the world. The celebration began when people took to the streets in 1834 to celebrate the emancipation of enslaved people and independence from England. Visitors to the Carnival today can enjoy wildly colorful costumes and 10 days of music, dancing, and parades. Among the most memorable experiences are steel band competitions playing calypso and soca music.
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