CUSTER COUNTY–Springtime has finally arrived in central Nebraska and just in time for Earth Day (April 22, 2020) and Arbor Day (April 24, 2020).
Today marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day which was created by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970 to increase public awareness about protecting the planet.
Arbor Day originated in Nebraska City in 1872 and was created by Julius Sterling Morton in order to encourage environmental stewardship by setting a specific day to plant trees, according to the Arbor Day Foundation.
“The trees planted on Arbor Day show a concern for future generations. The simple act of planting a tree represents a belief that the tree will grow and, some day, provide wood products, wildlife habitat, erosion control, shelter from the wind and sun, beauty, and inspiration for ourselves and our children,” the Arbor Day Foundation website states.
If central Nebraskans are interested in doing some planting this week to celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day–especially if they are practicing social distancing at home in the midst of COVID-19–there are several local businesses that have just what your green thumb needs.
Sun Valley Landscaping in Ansley: Curbside pickup or delivery available. Greenhouse with flowers, custom planting, annuals, succulents, vegetables, hanging baskets, yard decor. Open M-F 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun 12 a.m. to 5 p.m. Located at 521 W. Railway Street Ansley, Nebraska 68814. 308-325-7070.
“I think it started when I was little with my grandpa. I started off gardening with him and he always helped me do landscaping when I got to be an adult he’d always help me with projects. And then gardening as a kid, my parents always had a large garden,” Chas Berke told KCNI/KBBN on April 18 regarding her love of gardening and landscaping.
Mills Hardware in Arnold: Greenhouse available within the next week with perennials, annuals, some fruits/veggies. Taking orders by phone, curbside pickup, or one person per vehicle allowed in the store. Open Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Located at 103 E Arnold Ave Arnold, Nebraska 69120. 308-848-2515.
The Garden Center in Broken Bow: Flowers, vegetables, trees, patio furniture, flower pots, and more. Taking orders over Facebook and over the phone. Curbside pickup or delivering in Broken Bow. Open everyday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Located at 500 Thelma St
Broken Bow, Nebraska 68822. 308-872-6095.
Arrow Seed in Broken Bow: Arrow Seed is doing call-ahead business with curbside pickup. Call or email [email protected] in advance so the staff can get your order together. Garden seeds available, greenhouse will open May 1, planters, bedding plants, and fertilizers all available. Located at 126 North 10th Avenue Broken Bow, Nebraska 68822. 308-872-6826.
“We have to keep everybody healthy to keep going and we appreciate people’s patience,” Deb Girardin told KCNI/KBBN.
Orscheln Farm & Home in Broken Bow: Variety of lawn and garden supplies. Located at 334 East S East St, Broken Bow, NE 68822. 308-872-6459.
Trotter’s Garden Shoppe and Learning Center in Litchfield: Greenhouse and education center. M-F 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Located at 309 Clifford St. Litchfield, Nebraska 68852. 308-446-2250.
The Secret Garden west of Merna: Unique gifts, handmade crafts and antiques, cards, candies, candles, local items, holiday decor, and more. Find seasonal yard decorations as well as spring plants from the greenhouse. Coffee Drinks/Smoothies and lunch also available. Open 1st & 3rd Saturday of each month, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Located 2 1/2 miles west of Merna on Hwy 92 Merna, Nebraska 68856. 308-43-2666.
