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"Where flowers bloom so does hope."

Ladybird Johnson

"Moon Trees" thrive on the earth surface

by Ann Wolski

On January 31, 1971, Apollo 14 was launched as a third United States trip to the moon. Stuart Roosa, a former U.S. Forest Service smoke jumper, orbited above as Alan Shepard and Edgar Mitchell walked on the lunar surface. Roosa was important to the mission because he oversaw the carrying of 2,000 or more seeds in a canister during the flight. The hope was to determine if any difference could be observed between planting seeds that had been in space and seeds that were in a controlled environment on earth.

Five different types of trees were selected to venture into space including a loblolly pine, sycamore, sweetgum, redwood, and Douglas fir. Unfortunately, the seed bags burst open during the decontamination procedures after their return to Earth. The seeds were scattered throughout the chamber and exposed to the vacuum. It was assumed the seeds might not be viable. 

The seeds, however, were collected and taken to Houston where they began to grow. Within a year they were relocated to Gulfport, Mississippi and Placerville, California in an attempt at germination. Many of the seed cuttings were successful and grew into healthy seedlings.



Known as the “Moon Trees,” the resulting seedlings were planted throughout the U.S. and the world. After 40 years, the surviving trees have not shown any difference between the “moon trees” and the “earth trees”.

In 1976, "Moon trees" were distributed to various states for the nation's bicentennial and as a tribute to moon landings and Stuart Roosa.

Indiana is home to four “Moon trees.” One 44-year-old sycamore tree is still standing in Indianapolis. It is located on the east side of the Indiana State House about 100 ft. south of the Oliver P. Morton Statue.

Other “Moon trees” in Indiana are found in Lincoln City, Tell City and Cannelton. 

SKI Around Town

Ski Landscape offers landscape maintenance services to various neighborhoods throughout the city including Turnberry and Indigo Run.

Stone vs. Gravel in your landscape design?

When you lay a new driveway, do you use stone or gravel? When filling in a decorative landscape what product is better to use, stone or gravel? These are good questions to ask, as stone and gravel are two separate materials each with unique look and purposes.

The key difference between stone and gravel is their source. Gravel is a naturally occurring earth product often that is composed of rock that has broken down due to erosion and time.



Gravel is usually rounded or smooth due to natural weathering. It is smaller providing a softer, more aesthetic appearance. It is used often for landscaping, decorative purposes, and as a base material for roads and buildings. The most popular gravel is River Rock and Pea Gravel.

Stone is typically man-made. It is mechanically processed by crushing large rocks into smaller pieces and then sifting. Stone typically has rough, jagged edges which allows the material to lock together and create a firm surface. It is commonly used in construction for foundations, concrete projects, and as a base for roads and driveways. Crushed stone aggregate and crushed gravel are examples of this versatile material.

Depending upon the desired effect on your next landscape project, the choice between stone and gravel can make a difference. Check in with your SKI Landscape professionals for helpful advice, 317-897-5585.

Blog

June SKI Tips, 2025



Saving a baby bird



Stretch, tighten, release, repeat while on the road

Ski Landscapes’ newest stone! 

Brassfield is a fine small brass colored crushed limestone that brings a bright radiant look to any space, especially when the sun hits it just right. Brassfield is perfect for parking lot beds, terraces, and driveway gravel. It adds both beauty and function to any location. 

We can install or provide Brassfield to your business or home. These stones will give your home or business the glowing look it deserves. 

Exceptional coverage

Thickness: 3/8”-1/2”

Coverage: approximately 100 square feet per ton

Ask us about Brassfield. (317) 757-5000 

The joy of a chocolate

chip cookie



If you're like me and 53% of the country, chocolate chip cookies are your favorite cookie of choice. Thanks to Ruth Wakefield who ran the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts, these delicious, sweet treats have become a symbol of home and comfort since the early 1930s.

Other fun facts about these munchy snacks:

·     The name “chocolate chip cookie” comes from an English biscuit shaped like a wood chip.

·     Originally called “Butter Do Cookies”, (before Nestle’s chocolate pieces were thrown into the dough) they were intended to go with ice cream.

·     Chocolate chip cookies provided a sense of nostalgia for the good times during the depression.

·     During WWII, everyone in the U.S. wanted to send chocolate chip cookies to the boys on the front line to boost morale. Due to wartime rationing the recipe changed. Instead of butter or sugar, cookies were made with shortening, honey and maple syrup.

·     The first cookies were the size of a quarter.

·     Chocolate chip cookies were popularized by Wally Amos, better known as Famous Amos.

·     The world’s largest chocolate chip cookie was created in 2003 by the Immaculate Baking Co. in North Carolina. It weighed over 40,000 lbs.



This yummy treat has been a part of every recent generation, becoming not just a dessert but a cultural phenomenon that brings people together enjoying the simple pleasure of a warm, freshly baked chocolate chip cookie. 

Chia seeds are often called the most powerful health seed because they're loaded with important nutrients. They have omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and protein, which help your heart, aid digestion and support muscle growth. Chia seeds are also rich in antioxidants, which protect your cells.