John Muir’s claim to fame as our country’s most celebrated naturalist had a traumatic and unlikely start: while at work in a carriage factory, he was blinded by an awl that flew from a machine. Following the horrific accident, Muir spent six weeks resting in a darkened room while visitors read to him of far-away places he could only imagine. Alone in the dark, he made a promise to himself: if he ever regained his sight, he would spend his life outdoors, studying plants. Miraculously, his sight returned and in September of 1867, he set out to hike from his home in Indianapolis to the Gulf of Mexico, “by the wildest, leafiest and least trodden way I could find,” he journaled. This was the beginning of his fascination with the abundant natural beauty across this continent.

Join us next week to find out more of what happened next . . . . or better yet, go exploring alone or with loved ones, and experience for yourself the expansive beauty of our great outdoors! HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!

Gladly shared by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife (& awe-inspired by this same natural beauty)

Most years, spring flings a prolific and unsightly harvest of dandelions and other weeds across our rural property. Mowing used to help for a day or so, but a few years ago, we decided to invest in a more permanent solution. We asked Sean, Hanselman Landscape’s certified lawn, pest and disease expert, to treat our lawn. For the past several summers, his team has weeded, re-seeded, and fertilized our lawn.

This year, once again, I am amazed at the difference the lawn-care team’s diligent work is making; the results are spectacular! The grass is thick, lush, and verdant! Sean’s lawn care team is turning a weedy, (former) farm pasture into gorgeous swaths of emerald green, estate-like lawns! I’ll bet he’d do the same for your property!

Gladly shared by Betty Hanselman
Gardener’s wife (& grateful for weed-free green!)

Give us a call (717-653-1273) and ask to leave a message for Sean. He’d love to help you reclaim your lawns.
Gratefully shared by Betty Hanselman • Gardener’s wife (& lover of green)

There are many choices for texture and pattern in walkways. The pathway selections we make together for your garden will coordinate with your overall plan, meet your specific functional needs, and express your unique message to your guests. Formal, casual, comfortable, or playful moods are enhanced by the shapes given to the paths that direct us to doorways or meander through the garden.

Shown below are a few examples of paths we have crafted over the years to carry clients and their loved ones to their entry ways and through their gardens. Do you have a preference? Or maybe, which style–formal or informal–best suits your site and your needs? Give us a call to begin exploring your pathway possibilities: 717-653-1273. We’d love to partner with you to welcome your guests into your home and garden comfortably and safely with a beautiful, enduring pathway.

Shared by Betty Hanselman
Gardener’s wife (& daily beneficiary of garden-path joys)

“The garden is a metaphor for life, and gardening is a symbol of the spiritual path.”
~ Larry Dossey (Contemporary American physician and author)

Shared by Betty Hanselman
Gardener’s wife

“I have found, through years of practice, that people garden in order to make something grow; to interact with nature, to share, to find sanctuary, to heal, to honor the earth, to leave a mark. Through gardening, we feel whole as we make our personal work of art upon our land.”

~ Julie Moir Messervey (Contemporary author, landscape architect, and Toronto “Music Garden” designer, in collaboration with Yo-Yo Ma)

Why do you garden? Do any of the reasons listed above resonate with you? Feel free to leave a comment below!

Shared by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife (& joyful garden grower)