ecobrief Landscaper Taps into Human Desire to Connect with Nature built a landscaping business, Reflections of Nature, with a team of professionals who share his deep knowledge and experience of plants and animals, and can create environments that benefit both homeowners and the environment around them. “Our caretakers of the land mold the environment in ways that allow people to walk along trails and boardwalks through their wooded property into outdoor spaces without fear,” he says. Each space is taiA Reflections of Nature gravel pathway lored for the homeowner and the land that surrounds the s a shamanic gardener, Michael home—whether it’s a patio with a fire Gulbrandsen is acutely aware of pit for roasting marshmallows, a stone people’s instinctive need to be landing for meditating to the sounds of a close to the natural world. “Native Ameri- waterfall, an area for entertaining a dincans consider the earth to be sacred—a ner party, or a medicine wheel garden for sustaining gift from the Great Spirit,” he growing herbs to brew tea. Whatever the says. “We seek to live in harmony with design, the intention is connection with nature. As the poet Gary Snyder wrote, the natural world. ‘Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.’” “It’s important to remember that trees, But many people move into the rocks, clouds, creatures, storms, lakes and woods hoping to soak up the positive plants all have spirit, and that spirit can be forest energies, only to find that they are communicated with easily,” Gulbrandsen scared to venture into those very same says. “Our shamanic gardeners commuwoods, Gulbrandsen says. “With ticks nicate with the land to create spaces that and poisonous plants on the rise because nurture and heal the self, as well as the of the recent mild winters, many home- earth. Working in harmony with all the owners in wooded areas only get to look natural elements, these spaces expand out through their windows to see the awareness and offer a peaceful sanctuary nature they once dreamed of connecting in which to relax and embrace the forest.” with openly. Not only do people desire this connection to nature, they also want For more information, visit Landscapingto embrace and nurture it.” WithNature.com or call the company at To solve that problem, Gulbrandsen 845.489.7250.
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