Check out our June newsletter!
JUNE 2020
407.702.7905
BLGENVIRONMENTAL.COM
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!
REFLECTING ON A FATHER’S GUIDANCE
As a dad myself, reflecting on Father’s Day this June makes me think about all the recent changes in our nation and howwe spend time with our kids. While things have felt different for most of us adults, for my oldest son, it’s business as usual. He’s 6 years old, and every day at the dinner table, we both share how our “workday” has been. I’ll tell him, “I had some guys take a tractor over to the new project we’re working on,” and my son will reply, “Well, we took our equipment trailer down to south Orlando and worked 5 hours in the heat, Dad.” He’ll keep talking about his operations, no doubt mirroring the kind of conversations I have on the phone with my guys. He has a funny imagination, and he’s been running an imaginary branch of our business for a while now. Fromwhat I hear, it’s going pretty well! While national economic changes have caused devastation for many in the past fewmonths, there’s also been a significant silver lining. I have a lot more time to encourage my kids and do what’s important to us as a family, like watching church online, reading the Bible while hugging my little ones, and staying connected. Sometimes they even hop in my car and watch me work in the gardens — they get to see what I do for a living and participate in our garden at home. As I reflect on Father’s Day, I realize that my business wouldn’t be possible without my dad. My dad worked in an office, so we didn’t really get to see what he did every day. However, he always encouraged me to work in the yard. He bought a mower and paid me $20 every time I mowed the lawn. Back in the day, that was a lot of money! But our lawn was so large that mowing took me an entire
day. Still, while we did our chores around the house as responsible kids, we got paid for chores that required a lot of effort, and it helped build our self- esteem. I used to mow lawns across the whole street, and I made a couple hundred dollars a month when I was 13 or 14. Again, a lot of money back then! My dad also supported me as a young adult. He helped me buy tools and was one of the first people (along with my sister) to give me money to launch my first business, Higher Power Lawn Care. That was 20 years ago already, and
BLG Environmental — started in 2006— has grown beyond my initial imagination.
IT MAKES ME THINK: MY DAD HELPED ME FIND NOT ONLY MY CAREER BUT A PASSION FOR THE OUTDOORS THAT HELPS ME TRULY RELAX AND SUPPORTS MY DREAMS AND AMBITIONS. WITH ANY LUCK, I AIM TO DO THE SAME FOR MY KIDS.
Man, time has really flown since then. You don’t really realize how fast life is going until everything stops. I like to think that gardening is one
ambitions. With any luck, I aim to do the same for my kids. Especially if that means hearing more about my son’s landscaping adventures over dinner.
of the many ways we can connect with ourselves despite whatever may be going on in the world. Some of the wealthiest clients we have actually mow
I hope that our nation will be in a much healthier, happier spot in June, but regardless, I hope that you can stop to smell the roses this month. Feel the sun a little bit, enjoy the wind, walk the dog, and give a dad you love a call. We’ll see you in the yard and catch up more next month.
their own lawns! They did before the crisis, too. It doesn’t matter how big their estate is. They do it themselves. They like to spend time outdoors, and we’re only there for the detail work. It makes me think: My dad helped me find not only my career but a passion for the outdoors that helps me truly relax and supports my dreams and
Robert Burns
WE MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR AREAS BEAUTIFUL
1
407.702.7905
G etting involved in the garden is one of the healthiest things a person can do. I highly encourage it! If you’re not feeling inspired when you look or step outside your home, then consider hiring a landscape designer to help you create a space you love and one that functions well with your home, your lifestyle, and the natural environment around you. Our landscape designers keep the architecture of your home in mind as they design your property’s landscape, which will thrive all year long. Plus, our designer’s plans will help you create a space that is perfect for entertaining guests for every occasion (no matter how casual or formal).
WHAT’S THE SECRET TO GORGEOUS, THRIVING GARDENS? A Landscape Designer
As a landscape designer, I don’t only see a garden when I design for my clients. I close my eyes and visualize them in their space, entertaining family and friends. When they are looking
out their window, I want a smile to come to their face. When their son or daughter gets married in their backyard, will everything look right on that special day? This enjoyment is what I and other landscape designers provide. In addition to enjoying your space and it looking gorgeous, your garden can also help with very practical needs, like providing shade to cool the house or helping with erosion control. Landscape designers know
TEDDY’S PAW-SPECTIVE THE LESSON MY DAD TAUGHT ME
Anyway, that morning of conquest wasn’t really anything unusual, at
first. But then I started sniffing something
strange. It wasn’t just the local Chihuahua. It was other people. From across the street, I saw it: the local Chihuahua, my sworn enemy, on a walk!
H ey friends! As a wisened young puppy, not everything in life is gumdrops and biscuits all the time. My life is full of crazy stories, too. For example, for a long time, I thought my dad was clueless about the dangers of the neighborhood when we go on walks. I’ve been walking more than three times a day lately —which is awesome! — and recently, we had a close call.
So I started yapping. Fighting my leash, standing high on my hind feet, I tried to look as big and powerful as possible! “I’ll hold them off, Dad!” I barked. “Just run!” But he wasn’t getting it. He didn’t know that we’re about to step into Chihuahua territory, the clash of the titans was about to take place, and our very lives were on the line. How was I supposed to keep my family safe with working conditions like that? Then, amazingly, Dad didn’t run. He tugged my leash until we walked in the opposite direction. Would you just walk away casually if a ferocious bear walked in front of you? Okay, maybe. But you can imagine I was still nervous, looking behind me and claiming all my favorite grass patches again, just to be safe. Here’s the moral of the story: Even if you’re super strong and own the whole block, sometimes it’s best to walk away from a fight. You might even get an extra biscuit for doing it. Thanks, Dad!
Let me take you back with a story.
One day, on a cold morning, Dad took me on a walk around the neighborhood. It was all going according to plan! I was claiming territory left and right. A local Chihuahua and I are on rotation at the second patch of grass from our house, and I’m happy to report that I keep winning. I own this patch of grass, baby. This whole block is mine for the taking!
2
407.702.7905
LANDSCAPE - HARDSCAPE - IRRIGATION - OUTDOOR LIGHTING
OUR CLIENTS SAY IT BEST!
which plants are best to meet these needs. At BLG Environmental, our designers can not only help you visualize the potential of your property but also provide proper plant recommendations and bring everything together through planning and facilitating construction. Our designers will create an installation plan that shows everything — plant sizes, placement, hardscape materials, and more — so when the plan is executed, there are no surprises or mistakes. You don’t have to stress; we’ll always keep you right on track to enjoy your new landscape. You’ll be amazed by the incredible projects we can help you accomplish, and you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the garden yourself, whether you’re a green thumb or nature lover. Take it from someone who has spent more than 20 years designing gardens in the Orlando area: Landscaping isn’t “one size fits all.” When people ask me why they should hire a landscape designer, the answer is simple: You wouldn’t build a new house without a plan. Your landscape and outdoor areas are no different.
“Robert provided a thoughtful and creative design that enhanced and complimented the exterior architecture and natural wooded surroundings of our home. Landscape design is truly Robert’s
passion, and I can testify frommy and others experience that he is very gifted. He is a very good listener, thorough, and takes ideas the client may have and builds upon that as a foundation to create and develop a beautiful landscape.” –Michael Albanese
Robert Burns
HAVE YOU HEARD THE GOOD NEWS?
Isaiah 26: 3-4: “Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace — because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord God you have an everlasting rock.” Exodus 15:2: “The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise him—my father’s God, and I will exalt him!” Deuteronomy 31:8: “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Psalm 27: 1-3: “The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me,even then I will be confident.”
EASY OUT
WE MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR AREAS BEAUTIFUL
BLGENVIRONMENTAL.COM
3
BLGENVIRONMENTAL.COM 407.702.7905
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
300 N. RONALD REAGAN BLVD. STE 311 LONGWOOD, FL 32750
WE MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR AREAS BEAUTIFUL
1
Robert Burns on Father’s Day
2
Why Hire a Landscape Designer? Teddy’s Paw-spective: The Lesson My Dad Taught Me Hear From Our Clients Take a Break Help Local Nonprofits in Challenging Times
3
4
The Best Ways to Help Local Nonprofits in CHALLENGING TIMES
Over the past several months, families, businesses, and nonprofits have had to navigate life in this challenging “new normal,” and it can be hard to support your favorite nonprofits when times are tough. Here are a few ways you can help these important entities, even when you don’t have resources to spare right now.
givemoney, especiallywhen your budget may be tight. Instead, consider cleaning out your closet.What clothes, shoes, or other accessories can you part with? What about dishware or small appliances?When you clean out your home and donate unused items, you benefit those in the communitywho need themmost.
from donors and to deliver food to people in need, such as the elderly or those with disabilities.
ADVOCATE
Even if you don’t have time or resources to give, you can become an advocate for important causes around your community. While it might not seem like much, sharing information about local nonprofits on social media can make a genuine difference. Nonprofits need exposure, which is greatly boosted through community support. Sharing useful information about nonprofits — or sharing their posts — increases their visibility so more people will take action.
VOLUNTEER
DONATE
In a time of social distancing, volunteering may be discouraged, but nonprofits still need volunteers to operate. The good news is that many nonprofits need volunteers for positions that maintain social distance, such as driving. Food banks and kitchens need drivers to pick up donations or ingredients
Whilemany people donate generously during the holiday season, remember that nonprofits need donations throughout the year, and different nonprofits need different things. Amonetary donation can often go a longway, but never feel obligated to
4
LANDSCAPE - HARDSCAPE - IRRIGATION - OUTDOOR LIGHTING
407.702.7905
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook HTML5