Winter settled in comfortably, as it’s apt to do, lounging upon the couch of life, shoes on, leaving an empty pantry in its wake, and hogging the remote.  Winter is here to stay, and will undoubtedly leave its mark. Winter scorch, due to extreme cold, drying winds, and even salt spray or run-off, can affect evergreens, like Yews and Arborvitae.  Broadleaf evergreens, like Boxwoods and Rhododendrons, tend to show more damage as their leaf surface is much larger than evergreens’ with needles.  Because the plants’ foliage either didn’t have adequate water or was transpirin ..read more

The clouds descended onto the ground, swallowing the land, tree tops first, and the snow swirled upon the wind before the horizon became entirely blurred.  A wondrous and eerie site.  Winter was beginning to flex her muscle. Winter can be a brutal but beautiful season, chiseled from marble, dramatic yet austere.  In addition to its unique aesthetics, Winter forces nature, more specifically plants and trees, into creative, scientifically remarkable survival techniques, which were certainly tested in the unseasonably frigid temperatures around the holidays, and will almost certa ..read more

The fog sidled in slowly, lying in wait in the hollows and dales before leaching out and swallowing the land whole. Darkness wore a misty shroud which light could not penetrate, refracted from the formidable force. Winter, too, can be a challenging foe, particularly when the gray days seem to bleed one into the other. Lifeless, listless, lethargic. Breathe life into your spirit and home by starting seeds indoors. Now, is the perfect time, and you needn’t any fancy tools or large spaces.  Starting seeds now allows for bigger, better producing plants. Further still, you get to choose wha ..read more

“May you be blessed with the spirit of the season, which is peace, the gladness of the season which is hope, and the heart of the season, which is love.” -Irish Blessing Warmest wishes for a joyous Christmas, and Healthy, Happy New Year, The Sweeney Family The post The Spirit of the Season appeared first on Sweeney's Custom Landscaping Inc ..read more

Silvery frosted roofs and white laced grass greeted the December dawn.  Although we haven’t experienced any measurable snow yet, we are a mere week away from the first official day of Winter.  And with that will surely mean snow is in our future. As we begin to plan and prepare for Winter’s wrath, we often look to salt to help our plight.  Although effective, salt can be detrimental to our environment.  More specifically our lawns, plants and trees. Salt damaged turf along driveways, sidewalks, and roads appears brown, burnt, and dead.  As snow melts and Spring rain ..read more

The cloudless sky bore the sun’s full potential while the earth exhaled and uncoiled, basking in its warmth and affection. The landscape seemed to soften and stretch in the golden rays as all of God’s creatures took advantage of her benevolence.  A rare gift indeed. During early Winter to early-Spring, birds benefit from an augmented diet as Fall’s seeds are mostly gone, and insects have yet to make an appearance. Birds don’t necessarily need our help, but why not offer it and relish their presence? Before you begin parsing out bread scraps, which is technically never advisable, or buy ..read more

The last of the Oaks discharged their leathery leaves, and the deciduous canopy was completely absent from the landscape.  Stark and exposed, their skeletal forms seemed vulnerable and fragile in contrast to the lush, green boughs of the Evergreens who seemed to stand a bit taller with great hubris and beauty. Winter, after all, is their time to shine, and no other Holiday calls upon the mighty tree like Christmas.  After all, they are the centerpiece of the Holiday home. When selecting and caring for a live Christmas tree, follow the simple, great tips below: First, de ..read more

“May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home. May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam. May peace and plenty bless your world with joy that long endures. May all life’s passing seasons bring the best to you and yours!” – Old Irish Blessing Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours! Tom & Kim Sweeney The post Thankful appeared first on Sweeney's Custom Landscaping Inc ..read more

With Thanksgiving upon us, the Holiday Season is quickly approaching.  November is almost over, and December is but a fleeting month.  It’s as if the laws of space and time are temporarily suspended, and the days speed by with awesome velocity, and before you know it, we have entered a new year, and a new season. With that knowledge and experience in hand, try as you must to savor each day and moment.  Take some time to quiet your spirit and mind.  Seek out nature, take a stroll, look for beauty and interest in the Winter landscape. As we begin to deck our halls wit ..read more

The month of November brings many joyous gifts and days to celebrate. Daylight savings time’s exit has given us an extra hour of sleep and brighter, lighter mornings. Veteran’s Day offers us an opportunity to express our appreciation, and honor our Veterans. Thanksgiving is a day to share our gratitude and give thanks for our many blessings. November is like a bridge, offering us passage into the season ahead, but not first without pausing and reflecting into the waters below. As the landscape sheds its autumnal overcoat, and bares its stark and barren beauty, we linger before winter’s slumb ..read more