Blackhawk Bluff Civic Association

Summer Officially Begins

Jun 26, 2000

It's back . . . June 20th was the official calendar date of the beginning of summer! Welcome to Jacksonville's hottest hour and the wonderful climate "snowbirds" flock toward.

We are truly blessed to have a covering of trees for our homes, lawns, and gardens. Many neighborhoods cannot boast such a "luxury", and it never ceases to gratify me when I turn onto Yamasi Trail and feel the temperature drop regardless of the time of day. Studies in this area have demonstrated an approximate $5,000. premium is perceived when a home's lot is treed, and more if the trees are large and mature.

Most of our yards have impatiens in them, and those showy flowers keep blooming year round if afforded some shade and frequent watering. While many of us have sprinkler systems on a timer, it is still a good practice to water the lawn early in the morning rather than late a night, to water in intervals (rather than daily), and to only water sections for 30-45 minutes at a time. Though it may not seem so at first, a lawn which is watered less frequent develops deeper roots and is actually healthier and less susceptible to disease.

If you are among those who have a pool, remember to check the water level periodically. Ironically, we add chemicals, check the filter, and empty the polaris, but ignore the water level until its nearly too low to flow properly through the pump & filter. And, like most people, we work to keep the pool clean but rarely take time to linger or swim in it! Instead, its off to the beach to enjoy the surf and sand.

I remember when we first moved to Jacksonville, we rushed to the beach every chance possible. Now, we really have to make an effort to "tan" or our jobs and responsibilities gobble up all our precious beach time. You really can tell the natives from the tourists. Tourists have tans!

Have a wonderful Summer!
Brenda Miller