A large tree trunk surrounded by a dense carpet of small blue flowers and green leaves in a forest setting.

Sloughing off the final olive-drab layers, a sapphire carpet of Spring ephemerals unfurled as the Redbud’s ethereal blooms cast a cheery glow unto the scene. Swelling buds and nodding Daffodils dotted the landscape as the grass grew green and lush.  Nature was fully engaged.

 

It’s no coincidence that we celebrate Earth Day next Wednesday, April 22nd. It’s a day to celebrate earth and demonstrate our support for her well-being. In some ways, it’s become synonymous with the whole green movement, more specifically the global climate change initiative. No matter where you stand on the whole global warming/climate change debate, Earth Day is a great day to honor nature and appreciate all her diversity and splendor, and we’ve put together a few, reasonable ideas to help you celebrate all year long:

A variety of brightly colored flowers, including red, pink, yellow, orange, purple, and white blooms, grow closely together in a garden bed with green leaves.

Start a Garden
It doesn’t have to be anything grand or complicated. Consider planting in containers or raised beds. It need not take up much space or require tons of time or money. Basically, plant something – anything. Perhaps you have a favorite flower or vegetable. Give it a go.  Look to natives, and pollinator friendly plants.

 

Compost
Start turning garden and select kitchen waste into gardening gold! Start a compost bin or pile.  Some municipalities even offer community composting.

 

Plant a Tree
Trite? Perhaps. Incredibly valuable and symbolic? Yes! Look to native trees and/or shrubs. They provide food and shelter for local wildlife, and so much more.

A red wagon filled with green leafy plants and vibrant red and purple flowers sits on a sidewalk near a display of potted plants.

Upcycle and Recycle
Get crafty by upcycling items. Got a bunch of glass bottles? Consider making a bottle tree. Upcycle old containers, vessels, etc. and use as unique planters. Recycle clothes, books, etc. by donating. Keeping things out of the trash is a win-win.

Tall, feathery grasses with soft, fuzzy seed heads are backlit by the warm setting sun in a lush garden, creating a glowing effect on the plants and a peaceful, natural atmosphere.

Plant Native
Consider adding Native plants to your yard/garden. Native plants generally require little to no maintenance, so no supplemental watering or chemicals are needed, and local wildlife are drawn to them.

Flower garden with pink hydrangeas, lilies, and cone flowers blooming among green foliage. A stone bench is partly visible in the background, surrounded by dense, sunlit plants and flowers.

If nothing else, take a stroll through your local woods or park. Pick up trash when possible. Be awed and inspired by earth’s varied beauty and bounty, and as always, reach out to Sweeney’s with your inspirations and aspirations, and we’ll make them a reality!

Plant of the Week

Two pink wild rose flowers with yellow centers bloom among green leaves, with one flower slightly faded in the background.

Illinois Rose

Spreading native shrub or climbing vine produces large, fragrant pink flowers in June that eventually fade to a soft white.  Foliage matures to varying shades of red, orange, purple and yellow in Fall.  Prefers full sun, and moist, well-drained soil.  Grows 6-8′ tall and 8-12′ wide.  Attracts butterflies and other pollinators.  Native to Illinois.

“There is a pleasure in the pathless woods. There is a rapture on the lonely shore. There is society, where none intrudes by the deep sea, and music in its roar. I love not man the less, but nature more.”

-Lord Byron

Well wishes,

Kim Sweeney