Handyscapes Inc.

12 Ways to Create Natural Healthy Lawn

Garett — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:24:58 +0000

1. Keep the lawn clean and standing straight. Your spring clean up should remove any
debris and lift matted grass.
2. Fill in bare spots with new grass, seed or sod, before weeds fill them in.
3. Treat weak looking or diseased spots with an early fertilizer.
4. Remove thatch!
5. Aerate the lawn and soil. Aeration breaks through thatch and opens up the soil to help
reduce compaction. It encourages deeper rooting and makes watering easier.
6. Discover soil pH level. Once determined you will know to add new soil or lime to neutralize
the soil and improve the growth.
7. Fertilize naturally!
8. Mow the right way. Don’t cut the lawn too short. Keep the blades sharp and never cut off too
much at once.
9. Water deeply. Light watering too often keeps the roots at the surface and makes for weaker
grass and thatch formation.
10. Keep pests at bay naturally. Nematodes, traps, predators, barriers, bait, “Attack”,
diatomaceous earth and natural insecticides.
11. Control weeds: corn gluten, manually pull, super heat, eco clear and more nitrogen with
fertilizer applications. Taller, thicker lawns crowd out many weed types. Controlling soil
compaction and watering will eliminate others.
12. Keep it green in the fall. Green blades mean food production, for winter storage and root
growth. Don’t neglect the lawn or start cutting it too short. You can lower the height of the
lawn when growth slows down, but keep it green. September is the best month for lawn
repair, thatch removal, seeding, aerating, and fertilizing. Keep leaves from matting on the
grass and don’t let any leaves stay on the grass over the winter.

Caring for your shrubs

Garett — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:12:19 +0000

Please follow the watering instructions below to ensure that your new shrubs thrive.

Dry roots are the chief cause of planting failures. After receiving your new shrubs you should water as soon as possible. Watering should penetrate deep into the soil to encourage strong deep root development.

Always check the soil before watering to make sure it is dry. The soil should not be spongy or soggy as over-watering can cause the plants roots to suffocate.

Place the hose at the base of the shrub and let soak (using a soft flow that doesn’t create craters in the soil or run off) for 20 minutes.
Remember to water in the fall, before the ground freezes, is important for box, azalea, rhododendron, mountain laurel and broadleaf evergreen shrubs, whose leaves lose moisture in winter.

Natural Lawn Care Terms & Techniques

Garett — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:53:00 +0000

Aeration: used to relieve compaction and cultivate the turf and soil system. It is best to be done in the spring and/ or the fall, depending on compaction level.

Grass cutting: keep the grass at a height of 2 ½”- 3 “: never cut more than 1/3 off the lawn height at one time: keep mower blades sharp: keep the underside of the mower deck clean, it allows the grass to be lifted properly before cutting: never add gas or oil to the mower on the lawn: alternate cutting patterns, it allows for a more upright lawn.

Nematodes: Beneficial microscopic parasites that infest & kill more than 250 different pest larva.

Overseeding: seeding of the lawn areas to thicken up the grass. Best to be combined with aerating and top dressing.

Soil amendments: for optimum growth, lawn grasses prefer the soil pH in the 6.5 to 7.0 range. Perennials & shrubs also have specific pH requirements. Soil amendments, lime or gypsum, must be added to bring the soil pH to this level. Perennials, trees & shrubs also benefit from the addition of organic matter to the soil.

Top dressing: a quality matured compost or a rich top soil applied to the lawn area will enhance and amend the soil. Improving the soil structure and quality of your lawn. The best time to apply top dressing is in the spring or fall.

Thatch: is the build up of living and decaying litter between the soil and the turf. Up to half an inch is healthy, more will be problematic, contributing to the onset of disease and insects. Best time to dethatch is late spring or fall.

Watering: to water properly you must be aware of the weather. Lawns do not need watering in early spring. After the spring rains have stopped and we get in to our dry summer weather, use the following technique. Water your lawn deeply, for one hour every three to four days without rain. Do not water after sunset; it promotes mildew. Do not water daily; it promotes thatch build up. Do not water lightly; it promotes shallow root systems.

After seeding: Keep seeds damp for 5 – 7 days.

After soding: Water each area for 20-30 minutes daily for the first 5-7 days.

After fertilizing & nematode applications: water heavily to allow fertilizer or nematodes to soak in.

Working Together

Garett — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:07:58 +0000

By Dick O’Brien M.A.S.c

Every quality organization today knows the need to have employees work co-operatively as a team. Without teamwork the day gets longer, the work gets harder, the spirit gets lower and the service gets worse. These are difficult times for people to feel like a team. Continuous change, restructuring, uncertainty and doing more with less all combine to defeat personal motivation to yield to the good of the team.

Yet these very conditions require that we explore new ways of working together to not only survive these times but also even thrive on the opportunities.

There is an old saying that whenever you get more than one person in a group you are bound to have some problems. This is after all only human nature. People, personalities and attitudes clash creating a stressful and unhealthy working and living environment. We know this from the closest team we all live in, our families.

The following are some lessons of living that allow us to reflect on the health of our team and are worthy of consideration.

The lesson of Why (are we here)
and What (do we need to do)

We are here to provide the best possible service for our customers and this requires us to operate as a team.

The lesson of How

We will work as a team through mutual respect, personal encouragement and constructive disagreement to compensate for the human frailties that we all possess.

The lesson of the Farm

We will let go of the baggage of the past and not allow it to become the architect of our future.

The lesson of Who

Through self reflection we will recognize our own personal strengths and weaknesses and take ownership of the need to change in these areas.

The lesson of Listening

We will practice the art of true listening and strive to accurately capture what is said keeping in mind that we don’t have “the truth” but only our own personal view on it.

The lesson of Trust

We will strive to be open, honest, clear and effective in all aspects of our communication for the good of this service, our customers, and our own personal and professional wellbeing.

The lesson of Purpose

We will continue to make the significant contributions in service, caring and assistance that we have always made regardless of the conditions that we may face now or in the future.

The lesson of Resiliency

We will weather the storms through personal resiliency, comradeship, belief in ourselves and the wisdom of our life experiences.

What Is All This Wellness Stuff?

Garett — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:06:43 +0000

By Dick O’Brien M.A.S.c

The holiday season is over. The millennium has come and gone and we are all left with our first steps into the New Year. With the present aggressiveness of the flu season and the numerous reports of overcrowded Emergency Rooms it seems to me to be a good time to reflect on our own sense of personal wellness.

In my mind, personal wellness is simply “how well you are taking care of you.” Though it has become the fashionable thing to drink bottled water and attempt abdominal crunches, I do not feel that most people have grasped the simple and basic issues of wellness.

During the holiday season I was watching information television and saw a video in which researchers claimed that 35% of your health was due to your genetics. They also said that 15% of your health would be a result of your health care system and the remainder (50%) is a result of lifestyle choices. This is the message we are not getting. Our family history and our family doctor are less important in most cases then is a concerted conscious attempt to live a more healthy life.

The following are some fundamental principles of wellness that generate some healthy thinking.

Basic Principles of Wellness:

We are dying from the way we live!
(Self-Explanatory.)

Wellness is greater than health.
(Wellness is the spirit, energy and attitude needed for a long and full life.)

We live in an unhealthy, demanding environment in North America.
(Self-Explanatory.)

You are it. It is up to you.
(Don’t put your well-being in the hands of the government, your employer, or the weather, put it where it has always belonged – in your hands.)

Beware of the allure of the victim mentality.
(We are less victims of life and more victims of our own thinking.)

Well-being involves awareness and acting on that awareness.
(Good intentions are not good enough – You must actively do things to create wellness in your life.)

You will get wake up calls.
(We all get wake up calls about many areas of our health and well being – too often we don’t answer the phone.)

There are consequences to all your choices.
(Every choice we make physical, emotional etc. results in a step to or from our present state of wellness.)

Our motivation for health and well-being is peppered with excuses.
(We have become the masters of excuses and our excuses have become the masters of our lives)

The bitter pill to swallow: we are 100% responsible for the way we live.
(Self-Explanatory)

We Are All Going To Have Bad Days

Garett — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:05:40 +0000

By Dick O’Brien M.A.S.c

You heard it here first! We are all going to have bad days and there are more bad days ahead of you. The real issue is not whether we will have difficult personal times. It is how much power and authority we give those bad days and difficult times over our lives. The real struggle here is to beware the trap of the victim mentality during the vulnerable moments of our lives. I have found that way too often we are less victims of life and more victims of our own thinking

The first step to healthy living is to take ownership of your life and behaviors.

When we ask, “Where does our stress come from?” The answer is always, ourselves. The unhealthiest thing you can do is to identify as a victim of other people and your environment.

95% of the stress in your life is self-induced.

Your work, environment or other people do not cause your stress. It may often seem that way but the truth is that stress is a reaction by you to a perceived threat in your environment. It originates not in your circumstances but in your thinking.

Change the way you think and you will change your life. Become less demanding, less perfectionist, less hurried and more compassionate and you will become less stressful.

It is essential to understand that the beginning of stress management is to reflect on self-management. Too often we react to and worry about things that will not matter in the long run. Life is too soon too short!

We all know that life can be tough going at times. Pressures can mount up. When you’re in a stressful situation, it is your attitude that determines who will come out the winner.

As we have noted, stress is a fact of life and a part of life. There is no escaping it. But there are some simple things you can do to prevent unnecessary stressful situations from developing in your life.

Set your alarm clock to get up at least 15 minutes earlier in the morning. You will avoid last minute rushing. You will start the day in a more relaxed and less stressful way.

Eat breakfast. It should be wholesome but easy to prepare so that you don’t waste time in the kitchen. You need energy to start your day.

Have everything written down. All of your most important chores of the day should be listed on a piece of paper. This will take much of the frenzy out of your life.

Resolve that you will be as honest as you can throughout the day. There must be no little white lies. They will come back to haunt you and hurt you.

Make certain that you have your daily essentials with you at all times.

Check to see that you have your keys, money, personal belongings, driver’s license and necessary credit and identification cards. Misplacing an item can cause stress when you suddenly discover that it is missing.

Vitality In Life

Garett — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:04:51 +0000

By Dick O’Brien M.A.S.c

It seems to be very common today to complain about lack of energy, poor sleep and reduced enthusiasm for life. So many people seem to be tapped out physically, mentally and spiritually.

I would take a guess that as much as 75% of Canadians are not fit for work as they begin their day. We have lost so many of the rituals and routines that prepared us for the day and helped us to get off on the right foot.

A substantial amount of people are defeated before they get to work because they have not taken the responsibility to be in the best shape possible to deal with the day. Many individuals are already reactive just from the drive into work each day.

In North America it is easy to see that we are dying from the way that we live.

Competition, hurried sickness, worry, stress and a pervasive sense of vulnerability are impacting the health and personal lives of many Canadians and their families. Too many individuals continue to ignore the wake up calls that indicate erosion in emotional health, physical well being and personal spirit.

The key here is to place the ownership for our health where it belongs – you.

We must become responsible for the attitudes and behaviours that define our days and our lives. Life is a struggle. It always has been and always will be. This is neither good nor bad. It just is! The key issue here is how you choose to respond to the struggles in your life.

Look at the way you start your day. Notice what you do to ensure your personal vitality for that day and become aware of the things that can set you up for failure.

You have a personal responsibility to yourself, your family, your employer and your future to cultivate the personal habits that will ensure the energy, attitude and overall vitality you will need to deal with your day.

Rituals and Routines

Key rituals for Personal Leadership

Rise early – Greet the day – don’t linger.
Exercise your body – creates stamina, flexibility, resiliency and energy.
Stretch during the day.
Develop a negative free zone (News, criticisms, country music.) Stand guard all day.
Make some time for time outs and breaks.
Develop some quiet time every day.
Do some uplifting reading daily.
Cultivate morning inspiration.
Always take time for gratitude.
Be aware of your bodies fuel needs.

The Compass & The Clock

Garett — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:03:46 +0000

By Dick O’Brien M.A.S.c

There are two very powerful symbols in life that represent the personal direction you may take during a difficult moment. These symbols are the compass and the clock. Be aware, not only are they two different symbols, but they are two very different instruments. The compass points to true north when you are lost and the clock tell you what time it is.

Too many people live life by the clock and too few people live life by the compass. Time management, hurried sickness, “to do” lists and running out of time are all matters of the clock. When life throws you a curve and you are hit with a surprise, when you feel tapped out, disappointed or overwhelmed, these are issues for the compass.

I find that I get lost many times in a week and sometimes in just one day. Someone I hurt, some mistake I made, some piece of news I got, or some disappointment I was not ready for can all leave me with a sense of being lost. This is the time to turn to your personal compass for needed direction.

My compass is composed of thoughts, lessons, and reflections that lift my spirit and that I can go to in a difficult moment. Some of these may assist you as well, and you might want to include these in your compass.

They include:

Using art and music. There are certain posters and pictures as well as compositions and melodies that renew me every time.
Writing yourself a letter on a good day and reading it on a difficult day. This will remind you of a better state of mind that you are capable of having in your life.
Writing out a list of the ten most powerful quotes you have ever heard in your life. Go to this when you feel lost for some powerful personal wisdom.
Developing a gratitude list. Write out a list of the things you are grateful for in your life and keep it with you. When I am having a difficult day all I have to do is look at this list to remind me of the many blessings in my life. Though my present list has about 62 items on it, I usually can’t get past the first six without changing my attitude in that moment.

The Compass and The Clock.

Some people live by the compass and others are driven by the clock.
The former respond to life, the latter react to life.
The former live more in the moment while the latter allow the baggage of the past to become the architect of the future.
The former are victors of life and the latter are victims of their schedules.
The former are focused on their journey and the latter are fused to their destination.
The former defer to their map and the later refer to their planner.
The former live life by design the latter live life by default.
The former knows where they are going and is enjoying the ride while the latter has been here before and surviving the day.

Instead of managing your time manage your life!

Replace the illusion of control with the reality of the frailty of life.
Learn to keep the clock on your wrist and the compass on your mind.
Let your personal compass determine the use of your time and don’t let the clock give direction to your life!

The Big Picture

Garett — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:59:02 +0000

By Dick O’Brien M.A.S.c

In this article I am continuing my series on the lessons of life. One lesson that we all know too well is that life continues to send us many surprises, challenges and struggles.

Researchers in this field have come up with a simple but common sense model for understanding our reaction to the demands of life. They have found that whenever we are faced with a stressful situation, problem or crisis, we rapidly assess the situation in our own mind and than react. They claim that there are two assessments going on in our mind. First we appraise the extent of the problem. We assess how threatening, dangerous or overwhelming this situation is to our lives. Next we appraise our own capacity to deal with it. We assess the extent of our ability to handle the present situation.

In other words we subconsciously take into account how bad the situation is and whether we feel we can deal with it.

Common sense tells you that if you see the situation as catastrophic and you feel you are incapable of handling it, you will break down.

There are two ways of increasing the odds that you will deal with many more of the challenges that life sends you:

1. See the current problem as unpleasant and undesirable but not insurmountable. (Get a better perspective on the problem that allows you to see some solutions.)

The Lesson of the Big Picture

2. Realize that you can and will deal with this. (Trust in your self and bring out your personal confidence.)

The Lesson of Resiliency.

The Lessons of the Big Picture.

The larger our perspective, the more information we take in and the more likely decisions will be effective. We tend to get caught up in our own limited view and than think this is all there really is. This tunnel vision is limiting and dangerous. It magnifies insignificant events and distorts them out of perspective while diverting our attention from what is really important.

Positive Self-Counsel

“I know that some of our best opportunities in life come to us cleverly disguised as problems. Sometimes the opportunities only show up in the Big Picture. I need to know where to focus my efforts and seek solutions.

The Lesson of Resiliency – Life demands resiliency.

Resiliency is your capacity to recover from the difficult situations in life. It is your ability to withstand adversity and personal challenge, to bounce back and renew yourself. It requires a belief in yourself and your capabilities. Being resilient has become less of a desirable trait and more of a survival skill.

Positive Self-Counsel

“I will dedicate my life to becoming more resilient. I will focus on becoming more flexible, adaptive and renewing in the face of surprise. I want to extend my ability to withstand adversity and personal challenge. I have dealt with many difficulties in the past and I can draw strength and courage form my previous personal victories.”

Rituals For Resilency

Garett — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:57:49 +0000

By Dick O’Brien M.A.S.c

The recent attack on the World Trade Center has been a wake up call to many North Americans. It has caused us to reflect and refocus on what is truly important in our daily life.

In the aftermath of this disaster, may people begin to change their attitudes about the challenges of life. I witnessed much less frustration about being in line at an airport. I saw people beginning to realize how fragile life is and choosing to slow down the pace of their day. I spoke with individuals who were rethinking the meaning of traditional holidays and celebrations.

Many people are feeling a real sense of loss, including anger, vulnerability, fear, insecurity and depression. These are normal and expected reactions to such a powerful event. If these emotions begin to immobilize a person or continue unchecked, they may lead to serious personal problems.

The key to this post trauma shock is to transfer your focus away from the event itself and refocus on your personal capability to respond to this difficult and tragic event. You need to shift your attention away from the vulnerability of the moment and more toward your personal resolve to recover.

Often our best comes out during our worst times. Let this end of innocence become the beginning of true wisdom.

The Rituals of Resiliency:

Rise early – Greet the day – don’t linger.
Start your day with gratitude.
Exercise your body – creates stamina, flexibility, resiliency and energy.
Stretch.
Develop a negative free zone (News, criticisms). Stand guard all day.
Live in the moment 2 to 3 time a day.
Develop some quiet time every day.
Do some spiritual reading 15 min a day.
Cultivate daily healthy thoughts.
Be aware of your bodies fuel needs.

Before I can take good care of any one or any thing I must first take good care of my self”