Recently, there was a discussion on the radio regarding the implementation of self-service checkout lanes at Jewel. I listened especially closely because my son is a checker at the Huntley store. The consensus of the discussion seemed to be that shopping at Jewel was more rewarding when the visit ended with interaction with the checkers and baggers. Many callers expressed how rewarding it felt to shop in an environment where the company hired people of all abilities. They appreciated being able to chat with and at times develop a rapport with the people that they saw on a weekly basis as they were purchasing their groceries.
I think we all innately want to do well, when and where we can, in the world. Whether it is when we shop for groceries, help our neighbor, interact with our family and even when we work in our garden. Today’s column spotlights ways that you can help fellow human beings through nature and gardening.
Thinking about adding a plant to your yard this year? Want to help fund breast cancer research? You can do both! When you purchase an Invincibelle Spirit II Hydrangea a $1 donation is made to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Invincibelle Spirit II Hydrangea is a pink version of the old fashioned Snowball hydrangea. It has beautiful pink flowers mid to late summer and grows approximately 3-4’ by 3-4’ wide. It grows best in full sun to part shade and does prefer a moist soil. Over 1 million dollars has been donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation over the past 9 years. This is a truly beautiful plant-inside and out!
“Transforming Communities, Changing Lives” is the motto of America in Bloom. This non-for-profit organization aims to promote the benefits of flowers and trees and their connection to successful and vibrant communities. They support local volunteers by giving them the resources needed to add beauty to their communities. Those resources include a National Awards Program, an annual Symposium that includes educational sessions and grants for improvement of public spaces. For more information go to their website at www.americainbloom.org or call 614-453-0744.
The Arbor Day Foundation is diligently working to plant 100 million trees by their 150th Anniversary. The Time for the Trees campaign will help to mark their 150th Anniversary in 2022. They have been working to promote the benefits of trees and plants for generations. Their website includes a fantastic interactive section entitled ‘Health Challenges, Green Solutions.’ According to a study done by Mental Health America 1 in 5 adults has a mental health condition. Another study has shown that simply looking at trees can lower stress and help recovery efforts. Please consider going to their website to find more information regarding the benefits of trees and their correlation to our health. The website is www.arborday.org.
The flower Forget Me Nots (Myosotis sylvatica) have been associated with dementia. While I am not sure that there is a specific charity connection, simply planting one in your garden may be a personal way to remember a loved one who is suffering or has succumbed to this horrible disease. These perennial flowers have gorgeous blooms in early spring and grow to about 8” in height. Typically they have blues flowers but are also available in pink and white. They do best in a part shade area and tend to reseed.
Kathleen Carr is the owner of The Growing Scene, Inc., a garden center and landscaping company. She can be reached by calling 815-923-7322 or emailing her at Kathleen@thegrowingscene.com. Have a gardening question? Please contact her. She may address it in an upcoming column.
