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FEBRUARY 2024
Chilling Out and Planning Ahead WHAT GREEN THUMBS DO DURING THE COLD MONTHS
February is too chilly for mowing, and the ground is still too frozen to build retaining walls, but this doesn’t mean we’re hibernating! Behind the scenes, this is a bustling time for us. It’s a crucial period to set up the upcoming growing season so it blossoms brilliantly for our clients. During the colder months, we strategize and recalibrate our processes and schedules to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. We scrutinize the nuts and bolts of our operation so when the thaw comes, we’re not just ready; we’re ahead of the game. A big part of this preparation involves our fantastic team. We assess our crew, recognizing those who have shown exceptional skills and are ready for more
trimmer, and tool is inspected for needed maintenance or repairs. We can’t afford breakdowns or delays when the season hits its stride. Our attention to detail ensures everything is in top-notch condition, primed to roll out as soon as the warm breeze of spring whispers through the trees. Our approach is proactive, not reactive. We take this quiet time to prepare and plan ahead. We also map out our route and service schedule to maximize efficiency and meet the unique needs of every lawn we tend. This quiet period is also a time for personal rejuvenation. Finding the right work-life balance is important as it reflects our service quality. For the team and me, this is a time to recharge our batteries so we head into the bustling season with renewed energy and focus.
create beautiful, enjoyable outdoor spaces that families like mine can relish.
I also love playing the drums in my spare time. It’s a creative outlet and a form of relaxation. Jamming with other musicians is a fun way to spend time with friends. Experimenting with new songs and exploring different rhythms is another type of cultivation. There’s something rejuvenating about learning new ways to play, celebrating the progress, and feeling the rhythm flow through you — it nurtures the soul and the mind. February is a pivotal time for us. It’s a time to make the technical preparations for the upcoming season and become mentally and physically ready. We aim to be our best selves for our customers: energetic, inspired, and fully committed to making your outdoor spaces as beautiful and welcoming as possible. Thank you for entrusting us with your lawn, tree, and landscaping needs. Here’s to a blooming and vibrant season ahead!
responsibility. Promotions are on the horizon for some; for
others, we see the need to build their team and add more staff. We believe in nurturing talent and building a robust, well-rounded team ready to tackle the diverse needs of our clients.
Spending time with my wife and children brings me joy and solace. Whether it’s a quick getaway or enjoying activities together at home, these moments ground me and remind me of what’s truly important. After all, the essence of our work is to
Regarding schedules, here is a friendly reminder to our valued customers: If you haven’t booked your service yet, now is the perfect time! Waiting might push you into our peak season, making securing your preferred day and time harder. So, give us a call, and let’s get you on the calendar.
Equipment checks are another
important part of our
winter duties. Every mower,
—Anthony Hilb
AnthonysLawnCare.com • AnthonysTreeRemoval.com • 812-345-5694
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To some, a nap is a vital part of a daily routine. To others, naps are accidents and should be avoided. Power naps — also known as “cat naps” — are short, usually around 15–20 minutes, and many believe such a tiny amount of sleep can’t be helpful. You can’t even get to the REM sleep stage. However, peer-reviewed studies show power naps can have many benefits for their minimal time investment. Here are three ways you benefit from adding a 15-minute sleep session to your daily routine. Think Clearer Napping is excellent for sharpening your cognitive powers. High sleep quality leads to better memory, fast response times, and mental clarity, so a power nap is perfect for fitting a little more into your schedule. But while a cat nap can sharpen your focus, a longer nap might hinder you. Long naps go through the entire sleep cycle and result in grogginess, impairing brain function for a short time. Lower Stress People get cranky when they’re tired. Less sleep causes aggression, emotional outbursts, and mood changes. Adequate sleep makes you feel a lot better — emotionally and physically. While power naps aren’t the solution to every problem, they can be a lifesaver in high-stress situations. Consider taking a cat nap if you’re under a tight deadline. Doing so can boost productivity and lower stress levels. Live Longer Power naps help more than just the brain. They also benefit the cardiovascular system, as regular naps can lower blood pressure, which means you’re at a lower risk of a stroke or heart attack. People who don’t get enough sleep have more frequent headaches, immunological issues, and an increased appetite. Gaining weight then leads to many other health problems, so those who want to lose weight should also watch their sleep schedule. In short, fit a power nap into your schedule regularly. Cultures around the world take midday naps for a reason. If power naps don’t help you feel better, consider visiting a doctor. Constant exhaustion — especially insomnia — can indicate other health problems lurking. A 15-MINUTE NAP CAN BOOST YOUR MOOD, HAPPINESS, AND HEALTH The Power of Power Napping
The True Story of the Battle of Weeds vs. Grass
A LANDSCAPER’S SECRETS TO A LUSH LAWN
Weeds are sneaky, prolific robbers stealing vital resources like water and nutrients from your lawn. The biggest bullies even steal sunlight from neighboring plants. The worst part? When you lovingly apply fertilizer to your lawn, thinking you’re nurturing your grass, wily weeds are the first to gobble up those nutrients — it’s grand larceny on a botanical scale. Some weeds play a devious game by secreting chemicals into the soil, sabotaging the growth of your grass and garden plants. It’s a sneaky strategy to gain more room to thrive while your grass struggles to keep up. As the grass becomes weaker from this unfair competition, it becomes prone to other problems. A weak lawn attracts insects and diseases like an all-you-can-eat buffet. The battle between weeds and grass is as old as time, or at least as old as grass and weeds. The key to a grass-winning victory requires a well-rounded approach that includes more than attacking the weeds. The best advice is to foster an environment where your grass can thrive. One common mistake is mowing lawns too short or cutting the edges around landscaping too wide. Letting your grass grow a bit will create a dense, healthy, and natural defense against weeds. Keeping up with regular maintenance, like reseeding, proper watering, and aeration, is like building a strong army; the thicker your grass, the less room and resources are available for weeds to establish themselves. In this battle, we have to be realistic. Achieving an entirely weed-free lawn is like finding a unicorn. Weeds are persistent. Dandelion seeds can drift into your yard from miles away. Having a few weeds doesn’t mean you’ve lost the battle. Even nature isn’t perfect. Be proactive, diligent, and patient. Keep up the good fight, and know that in the end, your lawn’s beauty and the enjoyment of your outdoor spaces provide everlasting rewards.
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HOW TO PREP YOUR LAWN FOR SPRING UNEARTH THE FULL POTENTIAL OF YOUR YARD
A little preparation in February and early spring can set the stage for a lush and stunning lawn. While it’s
Next, give your lawn a little snack. A light dose of fertilizer, rich in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, works wonders. These are like the lawn’s building blocks, providing the essential nutrients for robust growth. Applying this early in the season is best. It will give your lawn a head start in the race toward lushness. The initial boost of nutrients helps the grass grow strong and dense, making it less hospitable for pesky weeds. Speaking of weeds, early spring is the perfect time for the first preemergent herbicide application. It becomes a protective barrier, preventing weed seeds from germinating. This proactive approach saves time and effort later in the season. Plus, minimizing weeds now ensures your lawn has all the room to flourish without any unwelcome competition. February is the perfect time to address any pain points or changes you want to make in your yard. Think back to last year. Were there any aspects of your yard that felt like a thorn in your side? Perhaps some patches didn’t thrive as you hoped, or the design didn’t reflect your vision. Now is the perfect opportunity to address those concerns. Together, we can turn those challenges into triumphs.
true that the real work of lawn and landscaping
maintenance doesn’t kick in until spring, here is a secret: There are a few key steps you can take now to ensure your lawn is the envy of the neighborhood when the warmer weather rolls in.
First things first, let’s talk about clearing your yard. You might be surprised at what’s been hiding under the winter snow! Old leaves, twigs, and other debris can stifle your lawn’s growth, creating a barrier that blocks sunlight and air from reaching the soil. Give your lawn a thorough clean-up as soon as the snow melts. This simple step freshens up your yard and clears the path for new growth.
Puff Pastry Berry Hearts
CHECK IT OUT! We also offer junk hauling!
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Unfold the puff pastry and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut into heart shapes. 2. On a baking sheet, place puff pastry hearts and bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown. 3. In a standing mixer, whip the cream on medium- high speed for 2–3 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and beat on high for 30 more seconds or until thick and fluffy. 4. Remove hearts from the oven and allow to cool completely. Slice each heart in half between pastry layers to create 2 hearts. Top the bottom half with whipped cream and berries, and place the other half on top to form a sandwich.
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1 package frozen puff pastry, defrosted 1 cup heavy cream 1 tsp powdered sugar 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (or berries of your choice)
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Call for More Information!
Inspired by Weelicious.com
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AnthonysLawnCare.com • AnthonysTreeRemoval.com • 812-345-5694
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
812-345-5694 AnthonysLawnCare.com AnthonysTreeRemoval.com
PO Box 5427 · Bloomington, IN 47407 What’s Inside? 1 Behind the Scenes of Your Landscaping 2 3 Reasons to Take a Cat Nap Grass vs. Weeds: The Showdown 3 Tips to Jump-Start a Healthy Lawn Puff Pastry Berry Hearts 4
Michigan’s Stray With the Biggest Heart
From Stray Dog to Nursing Home Hero
Scout’s Heartwarming Tale buckshot or BBs, lodged in his face. But despite his past, Scout openly cares for and protects the residents of Meadow Brook. Scout now patrols Meadow Brook, visiting the residents as often as possible. Whenever someone is having a rough day, whether it’s because a friend forgot to visit or their health is acting up, Scout is there to ease their woes with a damp nose poking for affection and a doggy smile on his face. “He makes a good nursing home dog,” Stephanie Elsey, the facility’s clinical care coordinator, said. “He knows his job, and he’s good at what he does.” Scout’s journey from a shelter’s uncertainty to a beloved member of the Meadow Brook community is more than just a happy tale. It’s a reminder of life’s unexpected joys and the incredible, healing bond between humans and animals.
A heartwarming story unfolded about an hour north of Traverse City, Michigan. It’s the tale of Scout, an adventurous dog whose journey from an
fence, and slipped in the front door to sleep on his couch in the lobby.
The nurses at Meadow Brook had to make a choice after Scout reappeared in their lobby for the third time. And after recognizing the patients wanted Scout
abandoned stray to a beloved companion showcases the love our furry friends have for us.
around just as much as he wanted to be there, they happily took him in.
Scout’s story began as a frequent escapee from Antrim
After giving him a check- up, it was clear Scout
County Animal Control. Scout constantly “slipped the leash” and traveled
had not lived the easiest life before finding his way to Meadow Brook. No one knows where he came from before escaping animal control for the first time, what his original name was, or the exact abuse he suffered before finding his forever home. Scout flinches at loud sounds and has round pellets, likely
to the same location after all his escapes: the Meadow
Brook Medical Care Facility. Every time he escaped, Scout crossed a highway, jumped a 10-foot chain link fence and a 6-foot privacy
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