The fiery tones of sunset cooled into a silken, purple twilight that befell and enrobed the land in sweet, calming nightfall.  The stars glimmered and danced in the cloudless sky as if dangling from the tree tops, and the snow pirouetted upon the frosty breeze.

A romantic time of day, to be sure, where everything seems veiled and mysterious, softer and kinder.

Today, of course, is Valentine’s Day, and perhaps you’ve purchased flowers or candy or even planned a romantic dinner.  However you choose to celebrate, please do not profess your love for someone by carving your initials into a tree.

Not only is it terribly disrespectful, but it can also harm a tree’s ability to fight off infection and infestations.  Think of a tree’s bark like our skin.  It’s the first line of defense, and when compromised, the pathogens can wreak havoc, causing systemic disease the tree may not recover from.

Instead of defaming a tree in the name of love, consider donating to the Arbor Day Foundation or planting a tree in a loved one’s name via A Living Tribute.  Better still, consider a Sweeney’s Gift Certificate!  You choose the service and denomination, and we’ll do the rest, including selecting and planting a tree in your very own yard as a tribute to your love.

Plant of the Week

Purple Lovegrass

Sprays of tiny, red flowers bloom amongst light green foliage in Summer, giving it a glowing, smoky appearance, especially when backlit by the setting sun.  Foliage ripens to a rich bronzy-purple in Fall.  Grows in dense clumps 18-24″ tall and 12-18″ wide.  Prefers full sun and dry soil.  Heat, drought and salt tolerant.  Deer resistant.

“For you see, each day I love you more.

Today more than yesterday and less than tomorrow.”

-Rosemonde Gerard

Warm wishes,

Kim Sweeney