Get Your Lawn and Landscape Ready for Summer!

By Kristen Eleveld

Spring has officially sprung, summer is in sight, and that means warmer weather, more daylight hours, and, of course, a greener lawn – not to mention the mosquitos that will soon be buzzing around. For most of us, keeping the lawn that verdant shade of green can be a challenge. But for those who utilize the experts at Simply Green Lawn Care, sitting back and enjoying their lovely, healthy yard is an annual tradition each year.

It’s not just that Simply Green Lawn Care goes the extra distance for their clients, even though they do. When you call the team at Simply Green, you will always speak to a person – never a machine that tells you to press “one” to leave a voicemail. They go above and beyond to ensure that each client receives the lawn care needed; nothing more, nothing less. But in addition to their superior customer service reputation, Simply Green Lawn Care has all the expertise you need to ensure your lawn is healthy this summer.

For instance, did you know that warm-season lawns will need to be cut as short as possible at the beginning of the season?

“If you haven’t already, scalp your Bermuda and Zoysia lawn to remove dead grass, buildup, and debris,” explains Mary Thompson, who serves as the Director of Sales and Marketing for Simply Green. “This will help the soil warm up faster, and warm soil temperatures mean new, green growth. This first mow of the season is one of the rare occasions where you should bag your clippings.”

How low should you go? Mary and her team recommend cutting your Bermuda and Zoysia lawn at half an inch to one inch for that first mow. This will help your lawn become healthy and green. Once your yard is growing well, you can mow it every five to seven days at one to one-anda-half inches to keep that brilliant, springy look fresh at all times.

And don’t forget to manage those pesky weeds. A lot of us wait until we see weeds growing to go outside and pull them. But Mary and the team at Simply Green Law Care have a different strategy that will help you contain your weed problems before they have a chance to take root.

“In early spring, it is important to apply fertilizer to feed your lawn,” says Mary. “Fertilizer helps to supplement your grass with nutrients it lost during winter, as well as give your lawn an added boost to encourage new growth and root development. In addition, an appropriately timed spring pre-emergent application is very important. Pre-emergent does exactly what it sounds like: prevent weeds before their emergence.”

When left untreated, weeds will take water and nutrients necessary for your grass to grow, leaving your lawn weak and susceptible to disease and harmful insects, as well as robbing your yard of its aesthetic appeal. Applying a pre-emergent treatment now will prevent annual weeds,

One Man’s Opinion Continued

from page 9

Well ahead of the current looming debt ceiling cliff, House Republicans have proposed a reasonable package of spending cuts of $4.8 trillion. This is primarily accomplished by clawing back UNSPENT Covid Emergency Relief Funding – doled out by two administrations, one Republican and one Democrat – and rolling discretionary federal spending (non-social/ transfer payment programs) back to 2021 levels, and adding some modest work requirements for able-bodied adults to receive continuing welfare assistance. It is again worth noting that during the Clinton/Gingrich budget battles of the mid-90s, which produced those balanced budgets and one year with a revenue surplus, the most significant compromise and budget balancer was a rework of Welfare into what was then referred to as Workfare, and officially Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

Democrats held majorities in the U.S. House during Reagan’s first term, portions of the George H.W. Bush Administration, the last two years of George W. Bush’s second term, and the back half of the Trump years. Strangely though, House Democrats also did not roll over and automatically raise the debt limit in those years either. The current proposal would again raise the debt ceiling but also bring congressional leaders and such as crabgrass, from establishing in your lawn. This is why the team at Simply Green stresses the importance of fertilizing and applying pre-emergent treatment. It could make the difference between a healthy lawn and one that may not recover from the weeds and lack of nutrients.

And, of course, every Georgia resident understands that the warmer weather is a wonderful time of year – but it does bring mosquitos with it. And, as Mary notes, mosquitos suck. Luckily, Simply Green has a plan for that, too.

“There are four basic approaches to controlling mosquitos: prevention, source reduction, larviciding, and adulticiding,” Mary says.

While most of us may understand what those processes mean, we don’t have a way to do it ourselves. But that’s okay. Mosquito Control by Simply Green integrates these four basic approaches and is a safe and effective way to rid your outdoor space of these pesky insects. They also understand that every yard is different, which is why their trained mosquito control professionals will apply the most effective mosquito control methods to achieve desired control. This mosquito-free guarantee is easily one of the most-needed services that Simply Green Lawn Care offers.

Taking care of your lawn may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! You just need the right tools, or, rather, the right team – the experts at Simply Green Lawn Care! Spring is already here, so the time to call is now. By the end of the summer, your yard will be as green as the envy of your neighborhood, thanks to the efforts of Simply Green Lawn Care.

More information at www.simplygreenlawncare.com, or 770-923-0387 the White House back to the table in early 2024.

When we hit the current ceiling, federal bonds and debt will be paid first. Federal government employees, including our military, will be paid later, and many in non-essential positions will be furloughed. This has happened several times previously: U.S. Parks close, bureaucracies grind to a halt, standstill, or significant slowdown...all of which are avoidable.

Besides its resilient and seemingly ever-growing economy, one of America’s greatest strengths is our ability to honor our debts and most obligations and generally follow through on foreign policy commitments. As we have wavered in those latter categories in recent years, doubt is also rising about the former. And as we saw with the quaking vibrations caused by real runs on two U.S. banks across our entire financial services sector, the reality is often only as strong as the trust and belief in that reality. Global doubt about the staying power and guaranteed value of our U.S. dollar may significantly impact our status as holders of the global reserve currency of choice.

Neither budget cuts nor comprise are wrong or inherently evil. To get us across the finish line this time, both are likely and SHOULD BE required. Just as our founders/framers intended.

Glorious Gibbs Gardens

By Victoria R. Crosby

I first visited Gibbs Gardens last autumn when the leaves on the trees were beginning to turn to shades of red and gold, and the flowers were at their peak of blooming. I visited again in spring when thousands of bulbs were in bloom.

Gibbs Gardens, founded by Jim Gibbs, began in 1980 as a private family estate on 300 acres of property. It took thirty years to create this magical place, which is now open to the public and was increased to 376 acres of landscaped garden beds, with spring fed ponds, streams, and waterfalls.

In the welcome brochure guests receive, Gibbs wrote, “With this magnificent scenery as my canvas, I’ve been committed to achieving a balance between natural and man-made elements to create a harmony and nature throughout Gibbs Gardens. I hope you enjoy visiting the gardens as much as I have enjoyed developing them.”

Gibbs’ bestselling book on how he created the gardens is available at the gift shop, which also has many lovely garden-related items. Unfortunately, they don’t have a garden shop, but you can order daffodils via the internet.

There are twenty-one garden venues, with five feature gardens. In the spring there are millions of daffodils in bloom on fifty acres from March to April. Some are early bloomers, others later, so you will always find some daffodils blooming during those months. There are also large beds of tulips which bloom in the spring.

Throughout the garden there are wonderful statues of children playing

The Wellness Studio Celebrates a 90th Birthday

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

This past May 23rd, The Wellness Studio at ProMotion Physical Therapy in Grayson celebrated the 90th birthday of one of its clients, Grace Cain. Our Town Gwinnett was able to ask this active nonagenarian a few questions about her longevity.

Our Town Gwinnett (OTG): What Critical Factors or habits contributed to your remarkable health and longevity at the age of 90?

Grace Cain (GC): I have always tried to lead an active life. I was on the high school basketball team. In 1988 I walked in the Gwinnett County children’s shelter walkathon. For many years, I walked in the American Cancer Society relay for life.

OTG: Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you would like to share?

GC: Stay active, eat right, and do some sort of physical and mental activity every day. I have a workout shirt that says, “Stay active just for the health of it.”

OTG: How have you managed to stay physically active and engaged in regular exercise as you’ve aged? Are there any activities or fitness routines that you particularly enjoy?

GC: I was a member of Curves in Snellville for several years until Covid caused them to close. I joined the SilverSneakers program at The Wellness Studio in Grayson. I enjoy going to Zumba and chair yoga classes. Angela and Kathy are great teachers. I enjoy cardio, strength and balance, and the music is fun, too.

OTG: Have you encountered any significant health challenges throughout and interacting with animals; children sitting on the back of a large tortoise, a boy chasing geese, a girl with a butterfly, a boy playing the flute, and a boy on a bench reading a book.

The Inspiration Garden features over seven acres of Encore and Native Azaleas, Knock Out Roses, and dwarf conifers. The daylilies bloom in June and July. There are benches and gazebos if you are tired or just want to take in the surrounding beauty of the gardens.

A favorite part of the garden is the replica of Monet’s bridge and waterlily garden, which feature one hundred and forty varieties of waterlilies that bloom from late spring until the autumn.

There is also a Japanese garden with statues of Buddha and other Asian statuary, and over one thousand Japanese Maple trees. People have placed pennies on the statues of Buddha for good luck and into some of the ponds.

There is a wildflower meadow, and butterfly gardens, crepe myrtles, flowering cherry trees, a rose arbor, and over one thousand hydrangeas. The Manor House has seven terrace levels of gardens. The Arbor Café serves sandwiches, wraps, coffee, and soft drinks. There are tables and chairs to sit and eat. No outside food or drinks, except water, are allowed.

Gibbs Gardens is about an hour from Atlanta and is a popular destination for outings with garden clubs and other groups. The gardens are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from March until early December. Annual membership gives unlimited visits per year. I have been twice and still haven’t seen everything, so membership is the best value.

More information at www.gibbsgardens.com, or call 770-893-1880 your life? How did you approach them?

GC: From 1974 to 1994 I was a secretary to three superintendents in the Gwinnett County school system. In the spring of 1974, I had to adjust to life with a debilitating voice problem. I received Botox injections three or four times a year at the Vanderbilt Voice clinic in Nashville, Tennessee. I doubt I could have continued in my job without the understanding and support of my colleagues in the central office and throughout the school system.

OTG: What role has social interaction and maintaining meaningful relationships played in your overall well-being and happiness over your life as you’ve gotten older?

GC: I have a good relationship with my three children. They encourage me, they complement me, and they won’t let me get old!

OTG: What specific hobbies or activities that you practice contribute to your mental and emotional well-being in your earlier or later life?

GC: Reading, working in my yard, cooking, and entertaining family and friends.

OTG: How do you manage stress and maintain a positive mindset as you navigate the challenges that come in life?

GC: I believe the older I get the better I can handle stressful situations. Being active is a great way to handle stress.

OTG: Based on your experiences, what advice or words of wisdom would you offer to individuals of all ages who aspire to live a long, healthy, and fulfilling life?

GC: Age is just a number. Keep walking, eat right, and don’t quit.

OTG: Any other words of wisdom you want to share with the OUR TOWN audience?

GC: Grace equals gratitude equals grit.

More info at http://www.promotionpt.com/