Golden sunlight shines through tall, fuzzy grass and green leaves in a natural outdoor setting, creating a warm and peaceful atmosphere.

Flowers continue to bloom and seed heads emerge despite the oppressive heat and humidity, undaunted and assured, compelled by its very nature despite the harsh environment.

A dense field of small blue flowers blooms on a forest floor covered in dried leaves and branches, with tall trees and a house visible in the blurred background.

We too are facing a world of uncertainty amid the COVID-19 pandemic as tensions run high, and emotions remain fragile as we attempt to navigate these tumultuous, unchartered waters.  Many of us, due to social distancing and “stay-at-home” orders, find ourselves feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and stressed.

A garden filled with tall, colorful wildflowers in shades of yellow, purple, blue, and white. Sunlight highlights the dense blooms and green stems, creating a vibrant, lively summer scene.

Landscaped spaces (also known as green spaces) have proven to be good for our overall health, happiness, and intellect.  They can lift our spirits, ease our anxieties, aid in healing, decrease disease, and increase our cognitive functions.

A deer and its fawn walk away on a sidewalk near a wooden fence, surrounded by green trees and grass.

It has long been known that access to green spaces, be it a public park, forest preserve, or your own yard, can reduce stress and improve overall mental health.  More recently, it has been discovered that green spaces can play a role in overall health by lowering the incidence of many prevalent diseases, like heart disease, diabetes, and asthma.

Yellow wildflowers in a sunny backyard with a small yellow tent, green trees, wooden Adirondack chairs, and a house with a red fence in the background.

Additionally, children have experienced increase memory and attention spans when being exposed to green spaces while reducing ADHD and hyperactivity.  This is true of adults too.  People concentrate better when being around plants, either at home or work.

Purple petunias and small white flowers grow among long, green ornamental grasses beside a concrete path in a lush garden setting.

Green spaces have the ability to decrease stress and boost the healing process.  Some physicians have even begun to prescribe “outdoor time” for their patients.

Two people walk along a paved path through a lush green forest, surrounded by tall trees and dense foliage, on a cloudy day.

Nature, although powerful and mysterious, and at times reckless and unpredictable, extends a gentle, healing hand and comforting embrace that we should accept whole heartedly into our lives and yards.  Landscaped spaces, in a word, are good for our mind, body and soul.

Close-up of vibrant yellow Black-eyed Susan flowers with dark brown centers, surrounded by green grass and foliage, filling the frame and creating a lively summer garden scene.

Reach out to Sweeney’s today!  Let us help you develop and maintain your healing, healthful landscape.  After all, you deserve it!

Plant of the Week

A close-up of a deep red daylily flower with a yellow-green center and purple stamens, surrounded by green leaves in the background.

Happy Ever Appster™ Red Hot Returns

Cherry-red ruffled blossoms with yellowish-green throats bloom mid-Summer through early-Fall amongst upright, green foliage.  Prefers full sun, and moist, well-drained soil.  Grows 24-36″ tall and 18-24″ wide.  Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.

“To be whole. To be complete. Wildness reminds us what it means to be human, what we are connected to rather than what we are separate from.”

– Terry Tempest Williams

Well wishes,

Kim Sweeney