Home & Garden: Earth Day

With only one planet to call our own, Earth Day – April 22nd is a most meaningful day on the calendar. You can get involved in a local project in your town or neighborhood to do something good for the Earth, or bring it closer to home by making your backyard an homage to Mother Earth all season long.

Projects to benefit the environment around us abound. If you are looking for something you can do to honor Earth Day, here are some suggestions you can try on your own or with your family (kid friendly too).

Perhaps the simplest of undertakings is to do something to support your local bumble bees and other pollinators. Support bumblebees, butterflies, and hummingbirds by planting some native, pollinator friendly flowers like lavender or even foxglove. Or try building a mini bee hotel that will certainly see a lot of guests checking in.

Plant a tree for Earth Day. Perhaps you were considering some new shrubs or trees for your landscaping. They, too, support the pollinators and will add beauty to your yard. Plant wildflowers and other plants native to our climate and planting zone. They will support our local birds and serve as a natural insect repellent rather than requiring much assistance from a spray can.

Prefer small plantings? Try an herb wall that will require little sunshine to thrive. Plus, you will be delighted with the taste of your food when fresh grown herbs are giving them a boost.

If you enjoy having feathered friends about, consider a birdhouse to keep them returning to your yard. Try building one on your own or visit your local hardware or craft shop for a ready made form you can paint and decorate before hanging.

Consider a rainwater collection system. Use a barrel to collect rainwater that will go a long way toward keeping your flowers, vegetables, and garden well watered. It is a beginner DIY project you can do alone or have the kids join in to make a difference of their own.

Upcycling is another important way to cut down on your carbon footprint. For your yard, use old jelly jars, candle holders, or other glass containers to create flowerpots for floral or fruit displays for the season. They make great centerpieces. Plus, they add a little whimsy to your everyday décor for the season.

If you want to go beyond your own yard, volunteer for a community, park, or beach cleanup. They are the most common springtime project to find and they always need additional volunteers. You will be making a real difference for your community.

Earth Day is a great reminder that we share our outdoors with many other creatures. So when decorating your outdoors, remember to keep it simple, minimize chemicals, upcycle where possible, and keep things natural to fit in with the beauty of our outdoor environment. Wear sunscreen and enjoy the great outdoors. Happy Earth Day. May she celebrate many more.