White blossoms are seen from below against a bright blue sky with clouds, branches, and green leaves blurred in the background. Sunlight shines through the petals and foliage.

Sloughing off the final olive-drab layers, downy-white flowers unfurled upon the Bradford Pear as the Redbud’s ethereal blooms cast a cheery glow unto the scene. Swelling buds and spring ephemerals dotted the landscape as the grass grew green and lush.  Nature was fully engaged.

Two hands form the shape of a heart against the rough, dark bark of a tree, symbolizing love for nature and the environment.

It’s no coincidence that we celebrate Earth Day this Friday, 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 and meaningful ideas to help you celebrate all year long:

A red garden trowel stands in soil among potted purple petunias, with plant tags visible. Lush greenery and more flowers are in the blurred background.

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.

A close-up of various flowers, including a yellow chrysanthemum and bird of paradise, lying on the ground with soil, leaves, and small branches scattered around.

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.

Photo of a tall tree viewed from the base, looking up the rough, textured trunk toward spreading branches and dense green leaves against a bright sky.

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 website FAQ section asks if bills can be emailed and paid online. The answer confirms online billing and payment are available, saving paper, stamps, and time. Text is highlighted in yellow.

Consider On-Line Billing
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!

Pink, white, and purple wildflowers bloom among tall green grass in a field, with a softly blurred background suggesting a natural outdoor setting.

Go 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.

Two deer stand near bushes under blooming trees with pink flowers beside a paved parking lot. The scene appears to be during dusk, with soft natural lighting and dense greenery in the background.

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

Cluster of bright orange butterfly milkweed flowers with pointed petals, blooming against a background of green leaves.

Butterfly Weed

Clusters of small, showy, bright orange flowers bloom June – August.  Prefers full sun and dry soil.  Grows 24-36″ tall and 18-24″ wide.  Native wildflower.  Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators. Deer and rabbit resistant.

“When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.”

― John Muir

Well wishes,

Kim Sweeney