Winter will pass, the days will lengthen, the ice will melt in the pasture pond. The song sparrow will return and sing, the frogs will awake, the warm wind will blow again. All these sights and sounds and smells will be yours to enjoy… this lovely world, these precious days…”
~ E.B. White, “Charlotte’s Web”
With all that’s changed in our lives, spring returned to remind us that some things remain unchanged. Budding trees and flowers. The song of birds. The unequaled smell of rain.
Gardening and spending time outdoors is a perfect way to ‘shelter in place’. When we change our focus from worry to wonder, we find appreciation for the richness and wonder of our earth. Our stress lowers and our immunity increases.
There couldn’t be a better time than now to connect with nature and find new inspiration for your own landscape.
Garden of Eatin’ – Plan your summer garden. Then, start seeds indoors or plant our locally-grown seedlings of easy-to-grow veggies.
Forrest Keeling also offers fruit trees and vines and our famous specialty crop trees and shrubs.
Naturally Different – Plant a native tree or shrub to support pollinators, songbirds and more. Think of each as a living birdfeeder that offers nectar, seeds, fruits and shelter.
‘Connect with nature’ and download our new, “Connect with Nature” handout with ten simple ways we can help our environment.
It’s on our website, and you can visit at http://bit.ly/FKNConnectWithNature.
Take it easy – While no plants are ‘no-maintenance’, natives need less work and resources. Their durability and deep roots help solve landscape challenges, like dry shallow soils or soggy, clayey sites.
Beauty and the Beast – You want your landscape — especially a native one — to feel relaxed and unpretentious. Not fragile.
What happens when your yard includes deer and rabbits? Or dogs? Viburnums, redbud, redtwig, dogwood and fringetree are tough-tested woody choices that stand up to traffic.
And, the aromatic foliage, or thorny and fuzzy surfaces of certain native plants discourages visitors. Enlist durable and defiant native perennials and grasses.
Some great choices are aster, coneflowers, butterfly weed, blazing star, columbine, yarrow and feather reed grass.
In the meantime, take time to enjoy the earth. Spend time with family—even if virtually — and be thankful for all we do have. And, follow E.B. White’s advice.
“Always stay on the lookout for the presence of wonder.”
Forrest Keeling Nursery, 88 Forrest Keeling Lane, Elsberry, MO 63343. 1-800-FKN-2401, www.forrestkeeling.com.