Close-up of young green plants sprouting from the grassy ground in early spring, with blurred background showing more sprouts and faded grass.

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Spring ephemerals pushed through the remnants of snow, undaunted and assured, much like the human spirit, despite the tenuous and ambiguous environment.

Close-up of tall green grass and purple flowers in a garden, with a white house, trees, and blue sky visible in the background.

As we continue to face the uncertainty and fall out of the COVID pandemic, tensions remain high, and emotions fragile as we attempt to traverse the unknown, and seemingly ever changing landscape.  Many of us, due to social distancing and virtual work spaces/class rooms, find ourselves feeling isolated, overwhelmed, stressed, and emotionally disconnected.

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.

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.

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

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.

A sunny garden with tall green grass and clusters of blue, purple, yellow, and white wildflowers in bloom. Some flowers are in shadow, while others are bright under the sunlight.

Additionally, children have experienced increase memory and attention spans when being exposed to green spaces while reducing ADHD and hyperactivity.  This is especially true as kids and adults are experiencing more “screen” time than ever before.  People concentrate better when being around plants, either at home or work, and are able to make real connections in an increasingly “virtual” world.

A weathered wooden bench sits beside a shaded dirt path, bordered by lush green bushes and grass in a peaceful 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.

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

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, and are more important than ever!

A garden scene with tall grasses, purple flowers in ornate planters, and leafy trees, viewed from beneath a white canopy on a sunny day.

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

White flowers with five petals each and yellow centers are blooming among green leaves and buds.

Happy Face® White Potentilla

Large white flowers bloom in mass from Spring to late Summer amongst dark green foliage.  Prefers full sun, and moist, well-drained soil.  Grows 24-36″ tall and 24-36″ wide.  Attracts pollinators.  Salt and drought tolerant.  Deer resistant.

“Everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature, is a help. Gardening is an instrument of grace.”

 – May Sarton

Well wishes,

Kim Sweeney