Take a look at our December newsletter!
DECEMBER 2025
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SMALL SHIFTS FOR STRESS‑FREE FESTIVITIES Keep the Joy, Drop the Juggle
‘Tis the season to … go stir crazy?
Above all, we’re excited to take the kids out for a fun trip and get out of ourselves for a little bit. Every single one of us has times when our goals and obligations force us to be inside ourselves, and our minds keep us from slowing down as much as we should. We all know the dreary days: when we look out the window, see the not-so-great weather outside, and think of a long list of things to do around the house instead of just using the day to chill out and give ourselves a proper rest. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that it’s not always good to be constantly moving and working. We can only be of service to others if we allow ourselves some grace every now and then. Sometimes, we all need to get out of our heads and let relaxation heal us.
I’ve always had difficulty standing still, especially during the holidays. This time of year is always full of joy, but I’d be lying if I said it isn’t stressful, especially as a father of three young children. My wife, Megan, and I are total perfectionists. Whether we’re buying gifts for family members, attending holiday gatherings, or getting the kids to and from their school events, we work hard to make every moment the best it can be. While striving for perfection isn’t necessarily a bad habit, it can be problematic when you can’t slow down long enough to enjoy all those special moments. I’m a person of action who tries to
Getting out of yourself is vital; you can fall too deep into yourself if you’re not careful. The holidays are demanding
live in the solution. I can only eat so much food and watch so much football this time of year, so I often obsess over unfinished projects or look out the window and contemplate my own yard instead of slowing down.
for everyone, but some have a heavier burden to carry than others. Several church members are currently caring for older family members, and their schedules don’t allow for much downtime. I wish for anyone reading this message who is in that situation to be a better friend to themselves and find the time to slow down, if just for a little bit. You can only move forward on a near-empty tank for so long.
“As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that it’s not always good to be constantly moving and working. We can only be of service to others if we allow ourselves some grace now and then.”
This year will be different. Recently, I read that December is National Stress-Free Family Holidays Month, so I’ve decided to put that spirit into action. We’ve made plans to go out of town for a couple of days between Christmas and New Year’s Day. We’re currently planning to take the kids to St. Augustine, near Jacksonville, for some much-needed relaxation and peace of mind. It’s about 90 minutes from our house, but it’s a fantastic getaway with an old fort and museums along the water. I used to visit that area growing up, and Megan and I spent time there before we had children. This will be the first time the kids will see it, and I’m excited to check out the huge Christmas lights display there for the first time.
Happy National Stress-Free Family Holidays Month! May
you find exciting, fulfilling, and restful ways to live up to that name this year.
Robert Burns
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WE MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR AREAS BEAUTIFUL
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Creating Peaceful Places: A New Space for a New Year
As the year winds down, most of us are juggling more than usual: holiday gatherings, family visits, end-of-year projects, and the constant feeling that there’s still more to do. For many, the holidays are a time of joy and celebration, but they can also bring a fair amount of stress. I’ve found that sometimes, we really need a place to pause, a quiet corner to catch our breath and recharge. In my line of work, I spend a lot of time helping people create beautiful outdoor spaces, but the best designs aren’t just about how things look. They’re about how they feel . A great landscape can calm you down, lift your mood, and make your home feel like a retreat. That might mean a small seating area tucked under a tree, a softly lit patio, or even a simple water feature that drowns out the noise of everyday life. December is also when many people start to plan for home improvements in the new year, especially if they’ve recently hosted family or friends. After all, nothing helps you see your space differently than a house full of guests! But whether you’re dreaming up new design ideas or just trying to make it through the holidays, it’s important to remember that your space should work for you . It should give you somewhere to unwind, not add to your list of things to manage.
GAVIN’S GUYS: DIRT AND BIG DECISIONS
Hello, everyone! I hope you’re all having a great time as the year winds down. Me? All is well here. I turned 12 last month and have been spending as much time outside as possible. This month, I want to share a big lesson I learned in 2025: If you want to do great things in life, you need a good plan.
I’m happy to help the farm come together and learn how to stay organized, think things through, and begin a project with the end goal in mind. Dad tells me that I remind him of Stephen Covey’s book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” and that I’m doing a good job putting the things it discusses into action. All this work and organizing has helped me become a better leader. Of course, being a good leader is more than just barking orders at
For the past few months, I’ve worked with my dad and his partner on a 40-acre farm. Working outside and learning to use heavy equipment has
been a lot of fun. The farm is a big project, so it would be hard to do things right if we didn’t map out how we wanted to do them. Whenever we get together to map out a section of the farm to work on, I pay close attention to everything being said and try to be a good assistant. For example, if we talk about irrigation or another project, I take notes and pictures and summarize the whole meeting when I get home. Here is an example of my notes!
people and bossing them around. My dad has been teaching me the importance of being respectful when asking people to do things because that’s a sign of a good boss. Well, that’s all from me until March. Happy holidays to everyone reading this newsletter! I hope everyone has a great start to the new year … and remember, having a plan in place will help!
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We Love Referrals — and We Appreciate You! Most of our best clients come from word-of-mouth, and we truly appreciate your support in growing our client family. If you know someone who could use our services, we would love the opportunity to help them!
This year, I’m reminding myself to take that same
advice. Even as I help clients design peaceful places, I’ve learned that I need to create those moments for myself, sometimes by simply stepping outside, slowing down, and taking in the view. The end of the year is the perfect time to reflect, recharge, and design more peace in our homes and our lives.
Referring is easy! Just share our contact info: Robert@blgenvironmental.com 407.702.7905 BLGEnvironmental.com Or simply have them scan this QR code to get in touch instantly!
If you’re thinking about improving your outdoor space in the new year, winter is the perfect time to start planning. Great design takes thought and vision, and there’s no better season to begin.
Thank you for trusting us and for being part of our client family. Your referrals mean the world to us!
Robert Burns
OUR CLIENTS SAY IT BEST!
“Outstanding from consult, design, installation and follow-up! From professional
HAVE YOU HEARD THE GOOD NEWS? “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.” PSALM 133:1 “My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.” ISAIAH 32:18 “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.” PROVERBS 24:3–4 “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” PHILIPPIANS 4:7
design product delivery to timely installation, all work done with expertise, care and attention to detail. Highest recommendation for Robert and his team.” –Stephen K. TAKE A BREAK!
EASY OUT
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WE MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR AREAS BEAUTIFUL
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Schedule a Free Design Consultation With Robert Burns
WE MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR AREAS BEAUTIFUL
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Choose Peace Over Perfection
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Beauty That Grounds You
A Plan Before Planting
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The Good News
Hear From Our Partners
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3 Train Trips to Take Today
TRACKS AND TREASURES Scenic Rail Journeys Worth Riding
Flying over beautiful landscapes can be exhilarating, but what if you could experience those beautiful sights in a closer and more personal way? With railway vacations, you can. Whether you’re a seasoned train traveler or curious about cruising on the tracks, here are three travel options you can only experience and appreciate on the rails. A Euphoric European Escape While there are plenty of thrilling sights to behold in America, the glamorous international excursion of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is incomparable. From its pristinely preserved 1920s/1930s-era carriages and stunning Art Deco interior to its remarkable gourmet food (including breakfast in bed!) and live entertainment, this world-renowned train will take you through Venice, Paris, Istanbul, and other legendary European destinations. A Symphony of Swiss Scenes For many travelers seeking some of the most breathtaking visuals imaginable, all rails lead to the Swiss Alps. The Glacier Express’ 292-bridge/91-tunnel track from Zermatt to St. Moritz gives passengers a personal view of picturesque valleys, mountain streams, and alpine meadows. Often referred to as “the
slowest express train in the world,” it travels 24 miles per hour, allowing you to feast your eyes on the scenery through its panoramic windows. Boasting millions of passengers in its decades-long history, the Glacier Express has earned its rightful place as one of the most celebrated names in tourism. An Alaskan Adventure If you’re looking for railway adventures closer to home, consider hitting the tracks in Alaska. Since 1903, the Alaska Railroad has provided travelers an intimate way to explore what later became our 49th state. Getting a seat will guarantee a breathtaking journey through scenic landscapes, national parks, fjords, snow-capped peaks, and valleys brimming with wildlife. For the ultimate Alaska experience, opt for the Alaska Railroad’s GoldStar Service, which offers glass-dome ceilings for panoramic nature viewing, a full- service dining room, and a one-of-a-kind upper-level platform for additional sightseeing.
The next time your wanderlust inspires you to explore new wonders, skip the plane and take a train!
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LANDSCAPE - HARDSCAPE - IRRIGATION - OUTDOOR LIGHTING
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