April has brought tumultuous weather – from the sweet taste of Summer to the tannins of a lingering Winter. All of this drama is part of the beauty of an awakening landscape. It’s Spring in the Midwest, folks, and there’s lots to celebrate, and bemoan, to be fair.
It’s no coincidence that we celebrated Earth Day on Tuesday, April 22nd. It’s a day to celebrate earth and demonstrate our support for her well-being. Earth Day is a great day to honor nature and sustainability while appreciating all her diversity and splendor, and we’ve put together a few, reasonable and meaningful ideas to help you celebrate all year long:
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, vegetable, or herb. Give it a go. Look to natives, and pollinator friendly plants. Share/swap plants with friends and neighbors. It’s eco-friendly and cost effective.
Compost
Start turning garden and select kitchen waste into gardening gold! Start a compost bin or pile. Some municipalities even offer community composting. Did you know coffee grounds can be reused in the garden? Consider adding them to your compost or as a very thin layer of mulch (no more than 1/2″ deep). Coffee grounds have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
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.
Opt for On-Line Billing & Payment
Save paper/waste by electing to receive your bills electronically. It’s also more efficient and saves money and time. Sweeney’s offers both on-line billing AND payment!
Go Native & Support Pollinators
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 and pollinators are drawn to them.
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! We proudly serve the communities of Villa Park, Elmhurst, Oakbrook, Oakbrook Terrace, Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Wood Dale, Itasca, and more!
Sweeney’s: A Plant Based Company
Plant of the Week
Steeplebush
Native, deciduous shrub produces showy, pink plumes of flowers in mid to late Summer amongst dark green foliage that matures to gold and burgundy in the Fall. Prefers full sun and moist soil. Grows 3-4′ tall and 3-4′ wide. Makes an excellent hedge. Attracts wildlife, pollinators, and butterflies.
“I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright.”
~Henry David Thoreau
Best wishes,
Kim Sweeney
