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JUNE 2024
Discover the Zen of Gardening and Landscaping FROM SOIL TO SOUL
EASY EXERCISE Regular physical activity is a cornerstone of health, and gardening can give you a good workout. While doing yard work, you might be digging, raking, lifting bags of mulch, or pushing a wheelbarrow. All those activities and other tasks you’ll be doing while gardening
RELAXING GREEN SPACES Studies have found that spending time in green spaces reduces anxiety and stress and increases overall well-being. Bring that green paradise to your front door with a gardening project. When you’re outdoors, you’re away from technology and get a chance to connect with nature. The organic compounds plants release into the air can boost your immune system and cognitive function. Regular time spent in nature can also improve your sleep schedule, lower pain, and make you more relaxed. Even though I don’t always get into the field while managing Anthony’s Lawn Care, I treasure the moments I get to tend to trees. Visiting plant nurseries is one of my favorite ways to pass the day. If you are just starting, there are some easy gardening projects you can do this month in your yard. Grow some tomatoes. You can grow them in pots; it doesn’t need to be complicated.
Tree trimming and landscaping are my little slice of Zen. There’s something meditative about being outdoors, feeling the sunshine, and seeing plants come to life because of you. I’ve experienced the mental and physical health benefits of gardening my whole life. From the wealth of positives you gain from time spent in nature to the focus you must find while cutting heavy tree branches, gardening can grow many healthy habits in you. June 6 is National Gardening Exercise Day, a highlight of the bountiful benefits of getting your hands in the soil to grow something. Whether you’re a total green thumb already or are just starting, there are many ways you can implement this plant-centric activity in your life. When you start a landscaping project you will end up with a beautiful green space and you’ll get a little workout without even realizing it. So, let’s dig into some of the reasons gardening is good for you. FINDING FOCUS Life is hectic and with all the multitasking it takes to get through the day, finding opportunities to be present and in the moment is essential. Gardening is one of those tasks that requires focus from you — I’ve found it’s an excellent practice in presence. When planting something, your mind homes in on the task at hand. As you focus on your seedlings or trimmings, you get a mental break from negative thoughts or that giant to- do list in your mind.
work out every major muscle group. If you garden enough,
you can even burn calories and it’s a low-impact activity. Beyond that, gardening is the fitness routine that happens without you noticing. There’s meaning
behind what you are doing, and while you’re cultivating a garden and pulling weeds, you’re not thinking of it as a workout.
FRUITS OF YOUR LABOR One of the really exciting aspects of gardening is seeing results from your efforts. Sometimes, it’s not right away; you may have to wait for those little green leaves to burst from the ground. But, there are many different rewards you’ll see the same day, like when you clean out a garden bed or transplant a tree. You know that pun, enjoying the fruits of your labor? You can literally grow fruits and veggies to enjoy later. I can attest that the sweetest-tasting fruits are the ones you grew and nurtured over the seasons.
Get out in the garden — your mind, body, and yard will thank you.
—Anthony Hilb
AnthonysLawnCare.com • AnthonysTreeRemoval.com • 812-345-5694
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Moonlit Movie Magic
Do you love avocados, chocolate, watermelon, or tequila? You have bees, birds, and bats to thank for these popular treats and many of the everyday foods you may leave the grocery store with. POLLINATORS AND THE FOODS WE LOVE Nature’s Helpers
According to the U.S. Forest Service, almost all of the crops humans consume, 80% to be exact, require pollination from animals to grow. In Indiana, there are many natural pollinators, including bees, butterflies, moths, flies, wasps, ants, and beetles. National Pollinator Week is June 17–23, and it’s a great chance to think about your yard and the important pollinators stopping by. You can incorporate various plants into your garden to attract specific pollinators and contribute to your local ecosystem. Pollinator gardens are fun and colorful, and they give back to the planet. Here are the essential elements you need for your own pollinator garden.
Whether it’s blocking pucks during a street hockey game or checkmating chess hustlers at the park, traditionally indoor activities take on an entirely new feel and flavor when taken outside. While a rare sight these days, movie-goers worldwide used to enjoy cinema from the comfort of their cars at drive-in theaters. These made a brief resurgence during the pandemic, but now that movies are rolling in theaters again, the fad has begun to die off. These days, if you want to watch a movie, it seems like you are limited to three options: Watching it at the theater, on your TV, or on your phone or tablet. Now, I think we can all agree that watching a movie outside on your phone does not make for a great cinematic experience. Debtrette, a TikTok influencer and mom, has a suggestion. She put a spin on an old classic — family movie night — by holding it in her backyard with all the conveniences you would expect at a movie theater — like an air mattress, pillows, and blankets! If you are looking for a fun way to spruce up a traditional movie night, what better way than to bring it outside under the stars? Here are some necessities to make your moonlight movie night truly magical: • A portable projector screen, like a sheet on a clothesline • Portable movie projector • Candy, popcorn, and beverages • Some outdoor seating and cushions • Lamps, lanterns, or candles • Warm blankets • The perfect movie to bring it all together You can find screens and projectors to fit any budget, and your movie selection will depend on the crowd. Just make it fun: Lie back on the grass and watch “Antz” or lounge in the pool while watching “Jaws”! The key is to make the experience unforgettable, and all who share in it will be thankful for your effort to make it all possible. HOSTING THE ULTIMATE OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT
FOOD Pollinators primarily feed on the leaves, nectar, and pollen of plants. So, the best way to draw them to your garden is by planting a diverse selection of flowers. It’s wise to aim for a mix of flowering plants that are early, mid, and late-season bloomers. By offering options throughout the seasons, you’ll ensure there’s something for everyone. Opt for native plants that naturally provide physical cues, like their colors, for native pollinators. Depending on your property, you may even have some native species already growing that make a perfect meal for pollinators. HABITAT Like any animal, these creatures need the proper conditions to make a home for themselves. The majority of pollinators prefer sunny areas and dense or connected gardens. Insects visiting your yard will seek somewhere to lay eggs and escape the elements. Bees, in particular, gravitate to nesting sites like small patches of bare ground, logs, and areas with taller grass and plants. To keep your overall yard tidy, designate a small corner for nesting habitat by leaving a small portion of the ground bare. WATER Your pollinators will also need a water source, though many will gather that from dew or recent rainfall. To further entice bees or butterflies, add a shallow water basin with sloped sides or rocks so they can get a sip without drowning. Pollinators use water like any other living being to hydrate, regulate their body temperatures, and reproduce. Next time you see a bee or hummingbird, another common pollinator, remember they are vital to the environment and the foods that support the human species.
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BID FAREWELL TO BACKYARD BOTHERS
5 TOOLS THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR GARDENING GAME
A beautifully manicured lawn and vibrant plant display can transform
rake with a comfortable handle will make outdoor jobs much more manageable, and it’s an inexpensive investment. From gathering up old leaves to spreading mulch, this tool solves a variety of backyard bothers. PRUNING SHEARS To keep your shrubs, trees, and other plants looking their best, you must regularly trim or prune them. A sharp pair of pruning shears will allow you to shape and maintain your greenery easily. Several types of pruners are available; the most popular is called a bypass pruner. This model works like scissors and is ideal for live plants as it offers precise cuts but won’t damage tender stems. HAND TROWEL Sometimes, the most beneficial tools of the trade are the simplest. Hand trowels may not look like much, but this hand-
held device is a powerhouse. Trowels can be used to transplant and are super handy to remove weeds. Opt for one made of durable stainless steel and sharp blades to cut through tough roots. GLOVES Gardening is a wonderful activity, but if you don’t protect your hands, you can expect blisters or worse. The right pair of gloves will protect you from thorns and splinters and is one of the easiest safety devices you can arm yourself with. Gloves are available in different materials, but leather is your best bet for digging or planting. With these five essential tools, your backbreaking yard chores might become your new favorite outdoor activities.
your yard into a serene home paradise, but if you don’t have the right tools, you may wind up with a sore back instead of a green thumb. Just like a painter needs their brush and easel, you must have the right tools in your shed to sculpt the yard of your dreams. Here are five
must-have gardening tools to transform your chores
into landscaping paradise.
LAWNMOWER If you want your lawn to remain lush and well-kept, you need a reliable lawnmower. This essential lawn care tool has many options, ranging from classic push mowers to riding mowers for large spaces. When choosing a mower consider the size of your lawn, your budget, and whether you prefer electric or gas power. RAKE A rake may seem basic, but it’s a must-have to keep your yard neat. A well-built
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PO Box 5427 · Bloomington, IN 47407 What’s Inside? 1 Celebrate National Gardening Exercise Day 2 Host a Movie Night Under the Stars Tips for a Buzz-Worthy Garden 3
The Top Tools for a Picture-Perfect Yard Take a Break 4 Perfect Spots for a Laid-Back Holiday
at a less congested, more laid-back locale. These hidden gems offer beautiful views and exciting excursions — all without the headaches that come with vacationing to big-name destinations! Off the Radar
Hidden Gem Vacation Destinations
Are you tired of visiting hyped-up vacation destinations or getting lost in a big city or crowded national park? If so, consider a holiday
when a volcanic eruption triggered a mountain to come apart in spectacular fashion. You can stay at plenty of campsites
and find excellent fishing in the lake’s pristine and seemingly bottomless water. If you are a fan of hiking, fishing, or breathtaking views, then Crater Lake is for you. CRATER OF DIAMONDS STATE PARK If you have ever felt envious of the prospectors who made their riches during the California Gold Rush, then pay a visit to Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas, where you can discover your own hidden gems! You can discover rare rocks and minerals in a massive field birthed by volcanic activity, including diamonds, amethysts, garnets, and quartz. The best part? Anything you find, you can keep! Seekers have found more than 35,000 diamonds at the park since it opened in 1972, and with some
PINNACLES NATIONAL PARK Make an excursion to Pinnacles in California to enjoy the splendor of nature without having to share space with millions of tourists. With over 30 miles of hiking trails crisscrossing rocky hills and river-strewn caverns, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for memorable adventure. Despite its wondrous views, Pinnacles was named the 15th least-visited national park in 2023, with just over 340,000 annual visitors.
CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK Make your way to Oregon and dive into the deepest lake in the country! Crater Lake National Park’s namesake was formed
luck, you could add a few more to that tally!
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