Brittle like parchment, the arctic air sliced through the landscape with little resistance as it slashed and gnawed at flesh like a hungry, rabid beast.  It was fit for no creature, great nor small.  Experts call it a polar vortex.  We call it Winter.

So as we skirt into 2018, bright, shiny, and new, we take stock of our lives, rid ourselves of vices, and perhaps turn over a new leaf or two, we should also include our yards and gardens in our new year’s resolutions.  Here’s a few ideas to get you started.

Start Composting

Put your yard, garden and kitchen waste to work this year.  Compost bins can be purchased or easily constructed from accessible materials.  Compost adds a myriad of nutrients to the soil.  Reduce, reuse and recycle!

Add Pollinator Friendly Plants

Attract bees, hummingbirds and butterflies into your yard and gardens by adding plants that support these important pollinators.  Consider Bee Balm, Black Eyed Susan, Lavender, Joe Pye Weed, etc,

Plant More Natives

Native plants require little to no maintenance, including supplemental watering, and they thrive in our soil and climate.  Consider Milkweed, Purple Coneflower, Coreopsis, Prairie Clover, Sedges, etc.

Replenish Mulch

Suppress weeds, maintain soil temperature and capitalize on moisture by replenishing mulch annually.  If you do only one thing in your garden this year, add mulch!

Plant a Vegetable or Herb Garden

You don’t need a ton of space, experience, or have to expend a ton of energy.  Vegetables and herbs can be planted in containers or raised beds.  Think how satisfying it will be to harvest your own vegetables or herbs.

Whatever your new year’s resolution may be, don’t forget to include your yard and gardens.  Contact Sweeney’s, and we’ll be sure your resolutions come to fruition.

Plant of the Week

Shooting Star

Clusters of star-shaped, creamy white flowers blushed in lavender bloom atop leafless stems from April – June.  Prefers sun to partial shade and dry soil.  Grows 12-18″ tall and 6-8″ wide.  Attracts pollinators.  Deer resistant.

“The greatest gift of the garden is the restoration of the five senses.”

-Hanna Rion

Warm wishes,

Kim Sweeney