Spring Simplicity

I was sitting on my back porch last weekend with my 5 year old daughter discussing whatever she thought was important at the time.  The weather was perfect. Low 70’s, slight breeze, bright sun shining down.  The fading blooms of our Okame cherry tree graced the freshly mowed lawn.  The smell of Daphne provided a lovely perfume that set the mood. It was wonderful.

We sat there for almost an hour talking, just me and Chloe. This was a welcomed change of pace.  The guys and I logged nearly 80 hours that week and we were exhausted. She hadn’t seen me all week and knew we needed “our time” together. I think I probably needed it more. 

My cold glass of sweet tea wasn’t nearly as refreshing as our conversation or our surroundings. And just when I thought it could not get any better, she said something that made me very proud.  She looked at me, then looked out into the backyard, pointed and said, “Daddy, this is my favorite place to spend time with you.” I nearly melted.  This girl had me wrapped around her little finger. Now, if you knew how much time and effort we have spent taking the kids places, planning vacations, etc. (most parents understand), to hear her say this . . .  Well, let’s just say it was nice. 

It was nice that something as small and simple as sitting on the back porch enjoying each others company meant so much.  Make the time this Spring to just sit with the people you love.  Enjoy the simplicity and beauty of Spring.

Big Blue Super Crew Happenings

I wanted to take a moment to let everyone know some of the special things going on in our Team Members’ lives.

Congratulations to Jimmie Spurlin!  Jimmie was named MR. ABAC 2010! (Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College).  I first heard the news from his very proud father, Jimmie, Sr..  His family is very proud of his accomplishments as am I.  Graduation is coming soon.  Way to go Jimmie!

I would like to welcome a new Team Member to the Big Blue Super Crew, Matthew Dolan.  Matt is a recent graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in Environmental Resource Science.  Matt brings not only a fine educational background to our team, he brings a contagious enthusiasm.  Matt is being trained in the methods and procedures of Big Blue Sky’s Landscape Management Program.  Look for Matt to be working in your landscape very soon.

And to Jesse Tatman, congratulations on a very promising first year.  Jesse has been a valuable Big Blue Super Crew Team Member for over a year now.  He has learned much and set his bar very high.  Most of you know Jesse for his ability and skills to produce beautiful landscape installations.  Jesse continues to grow professionally each day. I am privileged to work with such a great guy. Well done Jesse!

Spring Flowers

Everywhere we look, the landscape is emerging from its long winter slumber. And soon it will be time to start planting beautiful Summer Flower displays.  Many of you have already contacted us.  Your designs are completed and ready to go.  For those who have not made their request just yet, you still have time.  This past fall we sat down with our seasonal color growers. We got knee to knee with them. In our quest to improve with each season, we pondered how we could possibly improve on past selections and combinations. 

Well… it just so happens that our growers are amazing.  They knew the quality we demanded and met the challenge with open arms (and awesome greenhouse skills).  They have grown a selection of flowers specifically for our clients.  They started propagation in February.  The results are more mature plants, with more flowers, a larger root system and immediate impact.  While everyone else’s beds are waiting five to six weeks to mature, yours will shine!  All of our Flowers this year will be bigger, better and ready to please.

We have two truckloads reserved and ready to go.  If you ever contemplated a new flower bed, or maybe just some really cool containers, let us know.  We will begin installations the middle of April and would love to include you.

The Secret to a Lush, Green Lawn

The difference between a lush, healthy, green lawn and one that is just “eh” begins at the roots.  Sure, we can have the greenest lawn around with the proper amount of fertilizers and water.  But, what happens when the soil around the roots is compacted? Well, simply put, turf vigor begins to wane.  It no longer looks as good as it used to.  You see, our Georgia Clay soils are naturally rich in nutrients.  Clay soils are also very good at moisture retention.  The clay soils lack the ability to have oxygen available to the root systems that inhabit it.

Every good turf manager understands that this one component is more important to the health of lawns than almost any other.  This is where a good Power Core Aeration is important.

Proper timing of Power Core Aeration is necessary to achieve a great lawn.  We have the knowledge, equipment and resources necessary to provide this service for you this spring.  We are also offering Top Dressing services to smooth rough areas and divots in the lawn. We are sending out invitations this month.  However, not everyone will receive one.  We are only providing this service on an as needed basis.  If you lawn is less than a year old and was installed by Big Blue Sky, rest assured it was done right.  Your lawn should be just fine.  If your lawn is older or requires a Power Core Aeration, look for your invitation soon!

Big Blue Super Crew Sightings!

Did I see BBSL in Dunwoody?  Yes you did!  We were more than happy to meet the Rosenberg’s, Jeremy & Amy, after they won a Big Blue Sky Super Landscape Design at the annual Atlanta School for the Blind Fundraiser.  We completed their design in February and explained the details of the installation.  After weighing the pros and cons of a one phase installation and a multi phase installation, they contacted us in early March with one simple question . . .  “Can you have this entire project completed in three weeks for a party we are having?” “Absolutely”, I said not expecting the wettest March in years!  Well, we got it done.  We were cleaning up the final details just hours before the party.  Check out Big Blue Sky Landscaping’s Face Book Fan page for Pics and descriptions.  To Jeremy and Amy: Thank you for your contributions to the Atlanta School for the Blind and for being so wonderful to work with!

We have a great line up of Landscape Installations this Spring.  We’ll continue to post pictures and info on our FB Fan Page.  We’ll also be posting Super Special Deals each month!  Stay tuned.