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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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