Take a look at our August newsletter!
AUGUST 2025
BLGENVIRONMENTAL.COM
407.702.7905
LESSONS FROM MY STUDENT LIFE CONFIDENCE IN THE CLIMB
It may not seem like it initially, but August is as meaningful to many young people as New Year’s Day.
I also knew what I wanted to be by the time I was ready to go to college. Although there were times in my youth when I was interested in becoming a pilot or working in video production (I was introduced to the latter
“Life is a series of fresh starts and new
Life is a series of fresh starts and new beginnings, and how we embrace and grow with these opportunities often defines who we are. Children and young adults throughout Florida start the next school year in a few days. Some of them will hit the ground running with joy, excited to be back in a classroom setting and alongside their friends every day. Others may not have it so good as they struggle with everything from shyness to (in the case of college-age students) insecurity about their career paths and ultimate place in the world. Looking back at my time at school, I suppose I was somewhere in the middle. I’ve always been an introvert, so socializing with others wasn’t a skill I readily possessed as a kid. As the years went on, I realized the best way to work around my quiet nature was to smile at people and listen to what they had to say. Smiling was just good manners (as is getting into the habit of always saying “please” and “thank you”), but listening rather than talking helped me better understand others. By paying close attention to what others had to say, I realized it was also in my nature to be a helper. When someone mentioned they had a specific need, my mind often went to work thinking of a way to serve them and improve their situation. This reaction helped me find a way to connect with others when small talk was a challenge. Although some social situations can still be a little scary at first — such as when I led the prayer at church in front of about 85 people a few days ago — being a kind, caring, and supportive person has never failed to help me rise above my nerves.
beginnings, and how we embrace and grow with these opportunities often defines who we are.”
when I worked in the A/V department as a student at Rock Lake Middle School in the early ’90s), I decided to follow a path
that would allow me to be my own boss and set my own schedule while still being there for people. After 25 years in business with BLG Environmental Services, I’m proud of my decision and glad I stuck to my plan without doubting myself or getting overwhelmed by too many professional options. Of course, that’s not to say there haven’t been times when I’ve questioned myself or gotten stressed out. If there’s any advice I’d offer today’s students — whether they’re my children’s ages or about to start college — it would be always to do more than what’s asked of you. If you just do the bare minimum with schoolwork or at a job, you’ll never do anything. Always strive to overachieve and go the extra mile, especially when helping someone else. Also, never be afraid to challenge yourself. Even if you’re shy, putting yourself in new situations and lending your ears to others can make all the difference in the world.
And, above all, be a good person.
Happy back-to-school season to all the students out there! The best days of your life are just beginning.
Robert Burns
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WE MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR AREAS BEAUTIFUL
407.702.7905
Is Your Irrigation System Helping or Hurting? KEEP YOUR LANDSCAPE THRIVING THROUGH THE AUGUST HEAT
August in Central Florida means long, hot days and intense sun, and your landscape needs the proper irrigation to survive and thrive. If you’re noticing dry patches, wilting shrubs, or higher water bills, it might be time to look closer at your system. If your irrigation system is more than 15–20 years old, it’s likely outdated. Older systems were designed for simplicity and cost savings, not precision. Today’s technology allows for better control, water savings, and healthier plants, especially in our sweltering summer climate. Here are three reasons why you should update your system. 1. Wi-Fi Enabled Controllers Modern controllers give you total control from your phone — you can adjust runtimes, monitor usage, and get alerts if there’s a wiring or valve issue. This kind of oversight is a game-changer for larger properties or part-time residents, 2. Rain Sensors This simple add-on stops watering during and after rain events, preventing waste and keeping your system from working against the weather. 3. Smarter Zones and Drip Irrigation Here’s why reorganizing your system for precision watering is one of the most significant improvements you can make:
Hello, everyone! I hope you’re all having a great summer. My time off from school has been a lot of fun, and I’ve been trying new things and meeting new people. In this month’s cover article, Daddy mentions how he can sometimes be introverted. Well, I’m pretty much the exact opposite! I can be quiet and humble sometimes, but I can also be outgoing. I get excited when I dive into something I haven’t done before or discover a new way to have fun. Not too long ago, I was at a birthday party for one of Gavin’s friends when a pick-up soccer game broke out. I was the only girl there, but that didn’t stop me from getting in there and playing. After going to dinner with Daddy for Father’s Day, we took a walk in the park, and I immediately started playing with other kids there that I didn’t even know! Daddy says I’m “fearless.” Back in June, I asked Daddy if I could go to the farm with Gavin and him for the day. It ended up being a chill time! I sat and read most of the time, but I also helped Daddy and his business partner with a few things, including handing them flags they had to put in different spots on the property. I even got to drive around in a little utility vehicle! Although I’m still too young to be on the big equipment like Gavin was, I wouldn’t mind doing it someday. CHICKS DIG IT Ella’s Extroverted Experiences
Even if you don’t work on a farm or play soccer at a birthday party, I hope you still experience many new things this summer. The weather is too nice to stay inside and do the same old
stuff! I’ll be back in a couple of months to share all kinds of new things with you all!
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407.702.7905
LANDSCAPE - HARDSCAPE - IRRIGATION - OUTDOOR LIGHTING
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!
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Turf areas benefit from deep, less frequent cycles.
• Shrubs and trees need targeted delivery to roots, not constant surface spray. • Drip irrigation around hardscapes, fences, and building edges delivers water exactly where it’s needed — low, efficiently, and out of sight. Drip also reduces evaporation and staining — a big plus if you’re on well water — and it’s more environmentally friendly, delivering precisely what every plant needs with minimal waste. Time for a System Check? Let us inspect your system, fine-tune problem zones, and show you where smart upgrades can save water and boost plant health. Contact us today to get started!
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! 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!
“I contracted BLG Environmental to completely remodel the front exterior of my home. From driveway pavers to
HAVE YOU HEARD THE GOOD NEWS? “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” PHILIPPIANS 1:6 (NIV) “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” HEBREWS 4:16 (NIV) “Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.” 2 CORINTHIANS 3:4–5 (NIV)
landscape, Robert and his team provided conceptual drawings that exceeded expectations. BLG provided a high quality end result that we are very happy with. I’d highly recommend them.” –Mark N. TAKE A BREAK!
EASY OUT
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WE MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR AREAS BEAUTIFUL
BLGENVIRONMENTAL.COM
BLGENVIRONMENTAL.COM 407.702.7905
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P.O. BOX 521090 • LONGWOOD, FL 32752
Schedule a Free Design Consultation with Robert Burns
WE MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR AREAS BEAUTIFUL
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School, Strength, and Self-Discovery
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Help Your Yard Beat the Heat
Fearless and Free
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The Good News
Hear From Our Clients
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The Natural Way to Fight Off Summer Bugs (No Harsh Sprays Needed!)
NATURE VS. NATURE How to Use Plants and Scents to Repel Insects
There’s nothing quite like summer. Backyard barbecues, evening hikes, and late-night stargazing. All of it is magical — until bugs crash the party. Mosquitoes, gnats, and ticks don’t need an invite, and before you know it, you’re scratching your ankles and swatting at the air. But you don’t have to douse yourself in strong sprays and chemicals to keep them away. Here are five natural ways to repel bugs this summer — no chemicals required. Choose Loose Clothing Believe it or not, your outfit can make a big difference. Light-colored, loose- fitting clothing is less attractive to mosquitoes and helps prevent them from biting through fabric. Covering up exposed skin is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself. It’s specifically helpful to wear long sleeves and pants at dusk and dawn, when bugs are most active. Use Natural Aromas Many bugs have super-sensitive noses, and certain scents repel them. Essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, and lemongrass are natural bug repellents. You can make your own spray by mixing a few drops of any of these scents with water and a carrier oil (like witch hazel or coconut oil),
then spritzing it on your skin or clothes. Just make sure you’re cautious with essential oils around pets and kids.
Smoke Them Out Burning herbs like sage or rosemary in your campfire or fire pit not only smells amazing but also helps keep mosquitoes and gnats at bay. Bugs hate the smoke from these plants, and it’s an easy, low-effort way to keep them off your picnic table. Watch Your Scents Surprisingly, it’s not just about what repels bugs — it’s also about avoiding what attracts them. Fragranced lotions, perfumes, and even certain soaps can lure bugs to you. In summer, it’s smart to go unscented when heading outdoors. Keep Your Space Clean If you have standing water on your property, it’s a mosquito’s favorite breeding ground. Make sure you dump water from flower pots, birdbaths, or kiddie pools regularly. And if you’re entertaining outside, clean up food scraps and trash — flies and ants will sniff that out fast.
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LANDSCAPE - HARDSCAPE - IRRIGATION - OUTDOOR LIGHTING
407.702.7905
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