She stood slender and tall, majestic and noble, clad in her sapphire gown of petals and glittering diamonds of dew.  She was, at once, royal and proud, yet demure and gracious.  Posturing amidst the wind and rain.  A beacon of loveliness and tenacity.  A sign of Summer’s emergence.

This weekend we’ll be celebrating Memorial Day –   a day of reverence and gratitude.  A day to celebrate our patriotism and thank those who have served and sacrificed, so we may enjoy the freedoms our country, the greatest country on God’s green earth, has afforded us.  It also serves as the gateway to Summer, a season so many have longed and waited for.

So as you celebrate this special day, and welcome Summer with open arms, take a moment to remember those who have served and fallen, and fly your American flags with pride and joy!  Remember, if you or someone you know has a loved one who has been deployed, reach out to Sweeney’s to learn more about Green Care for Troops!

Plant of the Week

Photos courtesy of Midwest Groundcovers

Happy Star Coneflower

Large white flowers atop sturdy stems bloom July – September amongst coarse, green foliage.  Prefers sun and moist, well-drained soil.  Grows 3-4′ tall and 18-24″ wide.  Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.  Birds crave the spent flowers’ seeds in Fall.  Drought tolerant.

“Who kept the faith and fought the fight;

The glory theirs, the duty ours.

-Wallace Bruce

Best wishes,

Kim Sweeney