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SEPTEMBER 2023
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A CAR IN A PINEAPPLE FIELD:
LIFE LESSONS FROM GRANDMA
You might know from previous newsletters (and my website) that my family is originally from Hawaii. My maternal and paternal grandparents lived there after their parents moved to the island as agricultural immigrants from an independent region of Portugal called Madeira. I spent many summers and vacations from school with my grandparents in Hawaii, but if I’m being honest, I definitely spent the most time with my mother’s parents — specifically, her mother. I had always been closest with my maternal grandmother, and although I didn’t get to see her that often, there are certain memories we made together that I’ll never forget. One, for example, was when she taught me how to drive. That day, I got in her car behind the wheel, and she hopped in the passenger seat. Of course, as any parent or grandparent who has taught a teenager to drive knows, nothing ever goes smoothly. I wasn’t driving for long before I promptly crashed my grandmother’s car right into a nearby pineapple field. I bowed my head, ready for a scolding. To my surprise, my grandmother brushed it off. “Well, let’s try again,” she said. My grandmother was always like that: infinitely patient and incredibly giving with her time and resources (like, for example, her car to her teenage grandson). My grandmother was always focused on us when my siblings and I visited, and she never failed to spend time with us and make us feel truly special. I’ll never forget when we visited one summer, and my grandmother decided to take us to town. Now, where they lived in Hawaii was out in the country, so going to town was a big deal because you only went when necessary due to the long drive. But my grandmother loaded us up and made the trip all because she wanted to rent a Nintendo for us to play on during our stay.
During another visit, my grandmother even hiked the Haleakala Crater with us. At 13, the hike left my body so sore I could hardly move, so I could only imagine how my grandmother felt. But to her, that didn’t matter. What mattered was spending that time exploring the wilderness with us. It’s these memories and qualities that I’ve tried to absorb into my own life: to persevere, exist in the moment, and take the intentional time to make others feel special. Even the time and attention my grandmother dedicated to her own garden is something I try to channel into every job I do today. In many ways, she taught me the fundamentals I would later base BLG Environmental Services on. I strive to give every client that focused one- on-one attention and really exist in the moment with them because every client is unique and desires a different outcome for their space. Much like my grandmother made me feel special all those years ago, I want to make others feel special too. I want people to step into their outdoor spaces and feel just as my grandmother and I did when we walked into her garden and experienced the sights of beautiful flowers, the sounds of nearby birds, and a sensation of peace. For anyone who has grandparents still alive, I advise you to cherish every moment you have with them; they may yet show you qualities of life that can improve your business or your being. If you have kids who look to your parents
as Grandma and Grandpa, urge them to do the same. Grandparents have the power to impact their lives in immeasurable ways!
Robert Burns
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Japan’s Most Elegant Hedge Plant WHY ‘YEW’ WILL LOVE JAPANESE YEWS!
Want the privacy of a hedge but desire a visual appeal that’s a little more elegant or exotic than your stereotypical American style?
Enter podocarpus plants. Most commonly referred to as Japanese yews, podocarpus plants are actually native to both Japan and southern China. They’re extremely tough — being resistant to drought, salt, and heat — and are popular for screens and hedges because they have such a dense growth habit. The dark green needle-like leaves grow paler on the underside and reach about 5 inches in length while being 1/4 inch wide. There are so many reasons why we love podocarpus plants and why they’ve become so popular with our clients. Podocarpus plants grow best and form in full sun, which is no problem in our sunny, beautiful Florida climate. These plants will also tolerate various well-drained acidic soils — just avoid planting them in wet soils, or they may become yellow and sick. If you want to form and shape your hedges, podocarpus plants are still a great choice since they react well to pruning. You can prune them into a well-formed hedge or allow them to grow
GAVIN, ELLA, AND JULIET’S BANK GAVIN’S GUYS
Hello, newsletter friends, it’s Gavin! Normally, I have lots of stories about my work on the farm or some invention I’ve made. But this week, I’m here to inform you that I have officially moved into “finance,” as my dad calls it.
my bank, so with the help of my sisters, we began our building project. We made some pretty sturdy walls from couch
cushions and, of course, created a fantastic waiting room for our guests. We also understand that customers really appreciate fast service, so we installed an ATM too. We issued all of our customers custom cardboard ATM cards that they would insert into a convenient slot, and their money would slide out upon request. My bank even has a loan section, which my assistant, Juliet, handles. Borrowers have to fill out a sheet of paper that explains who they are and how much money they want to borrow, then we would accept or deny the loan. We pretty much accept all applications, but we always collect repayment. Working in finance isn’t easy — it’s a lot of math! — but serving our customers makes it worth it. In fact, I’ve known my two customers and both my staff members my whole life. I guess that’s what it means to have a family business! So, I hope to see you at the newly opened “Gavin, Ella, and Juliet’s Bank.” We have the most colorful money around!
Yes, you read that right! If you know me, you know I’m always looking for great ideas. I’ve made tree houses and hand-washing stations, but now, I’ve built my very own bank! I even hired Ella and Juliet to work there with me. My bank idea started when we played Monopoly a few months ago, and I was really good at it — I mean really good. I beat everyone in my family! I realized then that I had a talent for spending, saving, and even lending money, so naturally, I thought to start a bank. I gathered up all the Monopoly money from our game, but
I also took the money from a second Monopoly box I found lying around for some starting funds. Then, I began construction on my building. I decided the corner of the condo we were staying in would make the perfect spot for
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OUR CLIENTS SAY IT BEST! I am so pleased with the transformation of my backyard by BLG. I had a vision of a backyard oasis. Robert and his team well exceeded that. My property backs up to a conservation, that is very swampy. I constantly struggled to get anything to grow and to look nice. Now I have a fire pit, a paved sitting area, a turf area for my dog, a raised planter for my herbs, and an amazing array of plants, shrubs, and trees. It really comes alive at night with the beautiful lighting. It’s a real Disney atmosphere! I can’t thank Robert and his team enough for transforming my backyard into a place I love. His team was very professional. They kept the property very clean during the project and completed everything in a very timely manner. It’s the best money I ever spent!” – Tomasena Bivins
larger and showier. Podocarpus plants have a moderately slow growth rate (another bonus if used as a hedge), but they can become huge if they are allowed to keep growing. Want your garden to change with the seasons? Planting fertilized female cones will produce attractive, technically edible, purple berry-like fruits that ripen in summer. Why “technically”? Since the leaves and bark are toxic, you’ll want to remove the poisonous seeds from your yew berries before giving the safe berry flesh a try. Still, these are a great choice if you prefer the visual appeal of berries in the summer months! Podocarpus plants are entirely adaptable to urban environments and work well despite poor soils or restricted rooting space. Whether in your garden, along a street, or to add privacy, we think you’ll love a Japanese yew planted wherever a tall, narrow, attractive plant is needed. Contact us today if we can help with your new podocarpus hedge!
Robert Burns
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters.” –Psalm 23:1-2 “For the Lord your God will bless you as he has promised, and you will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. You will rule over many nations but none will rule over you.” –Deuteronomy 15:6 “Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.” –Proverbs 16:20 HAVE YOU HEARD THE GOOD NEWS?
EASY OUT
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BLGENVIRONMENTAL.COM 407.702.7905
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WE MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR AREAS BEAUTIFUL
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How My Grandmother Impacted My Business and Life Your Stylish Answer to Privacy and Beauty in One Plant Gavin’s Guys: Gavin, Ella, and Juliet’s Bank
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The Good News Hear From Our Clients Take a Break!
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Simple, Affordable DIY Projects You’ll Love
GET YOUR HOME FALL-READY
SIMPLE, AFFORDABLE DIY PROJECTS YOU’LL LOVE
Housewares stores are currently full of cute autumn decor, but the cost of refreshing your house’s look each season adds up quickly. Fortunately, you can do a lot for less. Many DIY crafts are not as complicated as you might think. In addition to saving money, you’ll create personalized charm
succulents in the top of your pumpkin, you can set wax and a candle wick to create something unique. If you’re bored with pumpkins, try the same with acorn caps. An even simpler idea involves glazing real or fabric leaves on the outside of mason jars with craft glue. Then add decorative stones and a wax or battery-operated tealight for a seasonal twinkle. Decorate your door. Wreaths are a DIY staple for several reasons. They’re easy for beginners to make and can set the tone for your home by offering visitors an autumnal focal point. You can buy a variety of starter wreaths at the craft store, so find one that suits your taste. Then pick up other supplies like leaves, pine cones, dried corn, and ribbon. Now you’re ready to hot glue to your heart’s content and create something distinctive. If you need further ideas, look closer the next time you shop. Many of the fun fall items for sale aren’t very difficult to make yourself with a few minor adjustments and a little creativity.
none of your neighbors can match. Repurpose your pumpkins. Small gourds are incredibly versatile. Just
sprinkling a few around your dining room table or mantle makes it feel like fall. But you can quickly elevate them using metallic paint to add cute designs, phrases, or names. Another option is to wrap seasonal fabric around them like a pouch, gathered at the stem. If you feel more ambitious, you can also use pumpkins to make succulent planters. Cut a crater in the top of the pumpkin, pop in the succulent and soil, and press the dirt until snug. Light up the night. The soft glow of a lantern or candle is the perfect way to get the cozy vibes started. Instead of
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