Take a look at our August newsletter!
AUGUST 2024
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SELF-CARE AND MENTAL WELL-BEING: IT’S KINDA LIKE CAR MAINTENANCE
National Relaxation Day, set aside in August, is a great time to reflect on why we need to take time to relax and care for ourselves. Most of us get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our lives and forget how important relaxation is to overall well-being, yet it has a significant effect on all other aspects of our lives.
Another activity that helps me reset and relax is laughing. Watching a funny movie or laughing with the kids can really melt away the tension. Even just forcing myself to smile is actually very effective. If I do it long enough, I start to truly feel lighter and happier. Although these tactics may seem small, engaging in some of my favorite hobbies and finding ways to laugh always helps me reset my mental state. It’s incredibly therapeutic.
I’ve found that maintaining a proper work-life balance is a lot like maintaining a vehicle: You have to check and change the oil, change the brakes periodically, check
If I could offer any advice to others about how to bring more relaxation into their lives, start by carving out time for it. While work responsibilities are essential, personal well-being should never fall by the wayside. Look to mentors who have found a comfortable work-life balance and try to practice what they recommend. The hard truth I’ve learned is that if I don’t take the time to relax and maintain that healthy balance, it can take weeks to recover. It’s like digging out of a hole.
the tires, refill the windshield wiper fluid, etc. Likewise, we need to prioritize our own self- care to remain calm and happy. Finding a good maintenance routine that works for you can significantly improve your overall well-being.
“We can achieve a healthier and more balanced lifestyle by understanding our limits, engaging in comforting practices, finding joy and laughter daily, and prioritizing self-care.”
Everyone’s needs differ, so you must ask yourself what you require to feel balanced
and fulfilled. For me, it’s taken a few years, but I’ve learned I need to tap out when I reach my capacity because I pay a hefty price when I neglect my psychological and physical needs. Along the way, I’ve discovered several effective methods that help me unwind and maintain balance.
The bottom line is that we can all achieve a healthier and more balanced lifestyle by understanding our
limits, engaging in comforting practices, finding joy and laughter daily, and prioritizing self-care. We don’t want to break down like a poorly maintained vehicle when we really need to get somewhere. I encourage everyone to reflect on their needs and develop a personalized maintenance routine promoting relaxation and happiness. Put yourself first; you deserve it!
I’m a big fan of developing rituals and sticking to them. Having a plan and a predictable way of doing things helps keep me organized and focused. However, when things get really busy, and I feel overwhelmed and exhausted, I’ve got other ways of stepping back. One is to get out of the office for a while for some fresh air or go for a drive. I listen to something in my car, or I go get some coffee just to reset. I also love to hit golf balls when I’m stressed — golf is one of my favorite ways to clear my mind.
Robert Burns
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WE MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR AREAS BEAUTIFUL
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As you transform your backyard into an outdoor oasis, you want a talented landscape designer deeply rooted in the latest horticulture knowledge. That’s where an FNGLA-certified landscape designer like myself comes in — we’re your gateway to a thriving, sustainable Florida landscape.
WHY CERTIFIED DESIGNERS MATTER IN FLORIDA The FNGLA Advantage
You may wonder, what exactly is the FNGLA, and why does it matter? The Florida Nursery, Growers, and Landscape Association is the state’s oldest and most prestigious green industry organization, founded in 1952. Their mission is to elevate the standards of horticulture professionals through a rigorous certification process that ensures we’re up-to-date on the ever-evolving best practices for Florida’s unique climate and soil conditions.
Becoming an FNGLA-certified designer is not easy. It requires in-depth knowledge of Florida-specific gardening and landscaping principles, comprehensive exams, and practical assessments. But the payoff is well worth it — we’re equipped with the latest techniques to help your outdoor spaces flourish in a way that’s tailored to your vision and the local environment.
Beyond the initial certification, FNGLA-certified professionals like myself are required to earn continuing education credits every three years. This ensures we are aware of emerging trends, innovative products,
The Magic of Sisterhood CHICKS DIG IT
Hi everyone, I’m Ella, and I am 8 years old! Lately, I have been feeling blessed because I have one big room I share with my little
sister. Bedtime is my favorite because my sister and I jump on the beds or sing some of our favorite songs before we fall asleep. It makes us feel safe and happy. We
snuggle up close and whisper some pretty funny secrets to each other. I love making her laugh, especially when we joke and giggle until our tummies hurt.
My sister and I love doing things for our mom, too. One time, my sister and I made unique cards for her. Drawing and writing little messages was so much fun to show how much we love her. We get so excited to see her reaction and how happy she gets! Another thing my sister and I love to do together is go shopping. When we go to the store with our mom, I push my sister Juliet in the shopping cart. I feel like such a good big sister when I help care for her. I feel so lucky to have such a wonderful sister and a cozy room to share with her. We have so many adventures together, and every day is filled with love and laughter. Being a big sister is terrific because I teach her new things and watch her grow. Our bond is so strong, and I know we’ll always be there for each other, no matter what.
2 LANDSCAPE - HARDSCAPE - IRRIGATION - OUTDOOR LIGHTING
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OUR CLIENTS SAY IT BEST!
and best practices for creating lush, vibrant landscapes. Imagine having a designer who’s constantly improving and exploring new ways to elevate your outdoor living experience! The horticulture industry is a powerhouse in Florida, generating billions in revenue and employing hundreds of thousands. The FNGLA plays a crucial role in shaping the standards and practices that drive this dynamic field forward. When you work with an FNGLA-certified designer, you’re tapping into a network of passionate professionals dedicated to the growth and sustainability of Florida’s green spaces, both for the present and the future. So, why settle for anything less than an FNGLA-certified landscape designer? We’re not just artists — we’re horticultural scholars committed to transforming your outdoor dreams into lush, flourishing realities. Get ready to unlock the green secrets of Florida and create a landscape that will be the envy of your neighborhood! Contact us today to get started!
“Our experience with the entire BLG Environmental team was incredible. Robert Burns and his team are visionaries, and the entire design process, all the
way through to installation was spectacular. Robert, Danny and Carey listened closely to our concerns, desires, and requests and did an amazing job of incorporating everything into a seamless installation. We contracted BLG for irrigation, low voltage lighting, landscaping, hardscaping, an outdoor fire pit, and several other items. There is no one I would trust more to bring your outdoor dreams to reality than the BLG team. First class!” –Scott B.
Robert Burns
HAVE YOU HEARD THE GOOD NEWS? “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” MATTHEW 5:6 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” EXODUS 20:12 “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” COLOSSIANS 3:14
EASY OUT
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WE MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR AREAS BEAUTIFUL
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WE MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR AREAS BEAUTIFUL
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Recharging Our Batteries
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Enhance Your Outdoor Oasis With an FNGLA-Certified Designer Ella and Juliet’s Precious Bond
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The Good News Hear From Our Clients Take a Break!
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How One Teenager’s Idea Sparked a Global Cleanup Movement
SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT LADYBUGS GARDEN GUARDIANS BOYAN SLAT’S INSPIRING JOURNEY TO CLEAN OUR SEAS TEEN TURNS THE TIDE ON OCEAN TRASH
Have you ever heard about the teenager who decided to clean the ocean? Meet Boyan Slat, the eco-warrior who founded The Ocean Cleanup at 18. His story of innovation and determination shows how one big idea can make waves worldwide. Boyan’s journey began unexpectedly at 16 during a scuba diving trip in Greece. Instead of marveling at exotic marine life, he was shocked to find more plastic floating around than fish. This unsettling experience sparked a burning question in his young mind: “Why don’t we just clean it up?” That question didn’t disappear with the ocean currents; it followed him home to Delft, the Netherlands, and propelled him into action. Turning his curiosity into a high school science project, Boyan faced countless reasons why cleaning the ocean was “impossible.” Not satisfied with just understanding the problem, he started experimenting with solutions. He envisioned a passive system that would use the ocean currents to gather plastic on its own — essentially, setting a trap for the plastic to come to him rather than chasing after it.
After presenting his initial ideas at a conference in 2012 and barely scratching the surface of his aerospace engineering studies at TU Delft, Boyan decided to go further. With just 300 euros of savings and a sea of passion, he founded The Ocean Cleanup and dropped out of school. The big break came when his video talk went viral overnight, raised $90,000 through crowdfunding, and recruited a motivated team. By April 2013, Boyan launched his first Indiegogo campaign with a spirit that matched the ocean’s vastness: “I don’t know if it’s possible, and that’s exactly the reason I’m doing it.” Fast-forward to 2023, and The Ocean Cleanup has removed an astonishing 5.4 million pounds of trash from the ocean and even turned some of that recovered plastic into 25,000 pairs of sunglasses! So, next time you think you’re too young or your ideas are too ambitious, just remember Boyan Slat and his ocean-cleaning dream. It’s a reminder that sometimes, you just need to set a wide net to catch a big dream. And who knows? You might just clean up a whole ocean along the way.
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LANDSCAPE - HARDSCAPE - IRRIGATION - OUTDOOR LIGHTING
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