Giving Thanks

Hi all!

While we try to be thankful daily for our many blessings, we thought it was appropriate to share with you all some things that we are thankful for today-you know, in the spirit of the holiday! Here it is...

Robbins Landscaping is THANKFUL for:

Loyal and friendly clients- Our clients are the lifeblood of our business and we thoroughly enjoy engaging with and serving our clients!

Conscientious and enthusiastic co-workers- let's face it, we spend more time with our co-workers than our families and it's nice to get along with our fellow team members!

This year's weather- Despite the fact that the rain and hurricane of this fall made completing projects and services a challenge, we are thankful that this year wasn't as dry as last year!

The beauty of nature- We love what we do and we are so thankful that we can be part of an effort to showcase the beauty of nature!

The Greater Richmond Community- We feel so lucky to be a part of such an energetic, culturally-rich, and close-knit community!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

We hope you have a wonderful holiday and that you have much to be thankful for!

Add Value to Your Home!

While reading the Richmond Times Dispatch a few weeks ago, I stumbled upon a helpful article entitled: 'What are the best ways to add value to your home?'

I thought I'd share the answers since we are all looking to add value these days:

-Remodel a home office
-Renovate or add a family room
-Replace the roof
-*Landscape your yard*
-Replace old windows
-Remodel your basement
-Paint (neutral colors)
-Remodel your kitchen
-Remodel or add a bathroom

And since this is a landscaping-based blog, I'll share the reasons why landscaping adds value to your home:

"...landscaping can give a great-or not so great- first impression. Backyard landscaping can transform ordinary spaces into incredible entertaining areas by including elegant water features and lush plants...your new landscaped yard adds value to your home and increases your living space."
-Richmond Times Dispatch, Saturday, October 15, 2011.

So there you have it: just one more reason that professional landscaping is a great idea!

E-Myth Landscape Contractor--It's here!

We received a fun package in the mail yesterday; after quickly unwrapping it we discovered that The E-Myth Landscape Contractor book by Michael E. Gerber and Tony Bass had arrived!

Tony Bass, our long-time friend and business consultant, has partnered with Michael Gerber to write this fantastic book tailored specifically to the landscape contracting industry!

Doug was so lucky as to have had the opportunity to read the book before publishing! Check out Doug's review!

Congratulations to Tony Bass and Michael Gerber on a job well done! For all of you Green Industry professionals out there, take some time to read the book; it's a wealth of insight!

Note: we were not perked or paid to promote this book; we just think it's good enough to tell you about!

Our Heartfelt Thanks

On this Veteran's Day we'd like to send a very heartfelt thank you to all of our servicemen and servicewomen along with their families and friends for the sacrifice and service they have given to our country.

We appreciate all that they have done and continue to do in order that we may live the American Dream.

On this day of remembrance we carry in our hearts the recognition of the veterans that so bravely and selflessly served and continue to serve our country.

"In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: 'To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…' "
-United States Department of Veterans Affairs

Thank you.

(Robbins Landscaping Team Members helping the Autry Family though GreenCare for Troops, Spring 2010)

Congratulations Dr. Day!

A heartfelt 'CONGRATULATIONS' goes out to Dr. Susan Day for being awarded the 2010 International Society of Arborculture's Early-Career Scientist Award!

Image from here

Dr. Day is a dedicated professor in Virginia Tech's Forestry and Horticulture Departments and her research and innovations help the industry to make progress in Urban Design.

Congratulations, Dr. Day! We are so happy for you!

Videos from Nancy Ross Hugo!

Picture from here

Nancy Ross Hugo, a fantastic Horticulturist, floral designer extraordinaire, and author, has written a new book that focuses on the trees we Richmonders would find in our own neighborhoods!

Check out what she has to say about these common trees (you might learn something new about the dogwood flower!)

Tulip Poplar

Southern Magnolia

Flowering Dogwood

(Videos from the Richmond Times Dispatch)

Fall is for Planting!

Any savvy homeowner knows that fall is for planting; all the local garden centers, newspapers, and home improvement magazines tell us that! But why is fall a perfect time to plant?

First, from a horticultural standpoint: "Fall is the preferred time to plant in central Virginia. . . [Fall planting] allows the roots to get acclimated to your soil without having to suffer through high summer temperatures and limited moisture. The cooler soil temperatures are ideal for root growth and we normally have adequate moisture from rain during the fall months." -Richard Nunnally, 'Gardening Q & A'
Richmond Times Dispatch 9/3/2011

Second, from the homeowner's perspective: Fall is a great time to plant so that your landscape can look its best during the holiday season. Homeowners that are planning to host holiday gatherings should consider sprucing up their landscaping before guests arrive!

Third, from the investment perspective: fall is a great time to see discounts on plant materials! Many nurseries would prefer to sell off the season's stock instead of over-wintering it at their site, which translates to savings for you!

Whether you want to muscle a landscape installation on your own or call in the pro's, now is the time to add bulbs, fall annuals, shrubs, and trees to your landscape.

Happy planting!