Volume 10 : Issue 8AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA April 24, 2026



Your Local Source for Green Inspiration and a Deeper Connection to Nature!

April is the season of renewal - and a fitting time to celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day, and to perform our annual Spring Day of Service.

Arbor Day was first celebrated in Nebraska in 1872 when J. Sterling Morton encouraged residents to plant trees to support farming communities and restore the land. Today, Arbor Day continues to inspire us to appreciate the trees we have and to plant and care for those that will benefit generations to come. It honors the vital role trees play in our landscapes and daily lives by providing us with cleaner air, striking beauty, cooling shade, and varied habitats for wildlife, while strengthening our communities for the future. As Ralph Waldo Emerson wisely said, “The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn.” -Shayne

This Saturday, in honor of Earth Day, the YardScapes team will be joined by friends, family members, and business associates as we come together for our annual Spring Day of Service. Together, we’ll roll up our sleeves and put our skills and our passion for the outdoors to work—clearing debris, tidying flower beds, planting new life, and preparing shared spaces to be enjoyed throughout the season at several non-profits in New Milford including The Children's Center, Pratt Nature Center, Sunny Valley Preserve for The Nature Conservancy, and a home for Habitat for Humanity. We will also be cleaning up and mulching at Bull's Field and New Milford Public Library. YardScapes will also be sending a team to Steep Rock Preserve in Washington to perform invasive plant removal, while another with head to Candlewood Fishing Camp in Danbury for their spring cleanup.

Our Spring and Fall Days of Service help reflect who we are at YardScapes. Beyond creating beautiful landscapes for our clients, we believe in making a positive impact in the towns where we live and work. Team members, loved ones, and trusted partners will all work side by side, strengthening relationships while also making a meaningful, hands‑on difference.

We’re grateful to everyone who is participating this Saturday or has participated in the past. The willingness of our extended YardScapes community to volunteer their time and energy highlights the spirit of teamwork, generosity, and care that defines our company and sets the tone for a beautiful season ahead.

2025 Spring Day of Service Volunteers

NATIVE PLANT OF THE MONTH

Native wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) is a standout choice for local gardens looking to support pollinators while adding beauty and resilience to the landscape. This hardy perennial is native to much of the eastern and central United States and thrives in a range of soil conditions, making it well suited for home gardens, meadows, and naturalized plantings.

From early to mid‑summer, wild bergamot produces showy clusters of lavender to soft purple blooms that are rich in nectar. These flowers are a magnet for pollinators, including native bees, honeybees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. By planting wild bergamot, gardeners provide an important food source during a critical time in the growing season when pollinators are actively foraging.

Beyond its ecological value, wild bergamot is an easy‑care plant that brings structure, fragrance, and movement to the garden. Its aromatic foliage is resistant to deer, and its upright, informal habit blends well with other native perennials and ornamental grasses. Incorporating wild bergamot into local landscapes helps create healthier ecosystems while celebrating the natural beauty of native plants.