Earth Day is often associated with big ideas like sustainability, conservation, and global impact. But more often, it shows up in smaller, everyday ways: watering a plant, stepping outside for fresh air, or noticing the first signs of spring.
Across our team, those moments look different for everyone. Some are tending gardens and houseplants, others are exploring trails, volunteering in their communities, or simply finding time to be outside.
To celebrate Earth Day, we asked DCGers to share how they’re connecting with the outdoors this season and what they’re growing, exploring, or returning to.
What We’re Growing & Exploring
Mary Roh
“I like houseplants that are expressive about their moods. When they’re happy and showing new leaf patterns or colors, it feels like I’m winning.”
Carri Jo Evans
“Gardening gives me a chance to be outside and serves as a kind of meditation while also letting me be creative. Last year I planted my first perennials and I’m excited to see them return. I also enjoy planting zinnias from seed and watching the different colors appear throughout the season.”
Shari Lerner
“I spent too much time inside for someone who lives in Miami, so I’m trying to get back to going for walks! And clearly, you never know what you’ll see out and about in Magic City…”
Chad Byrne
“This year we’re expanding our vegetable garden to include tomatoes, hot peppers, carrots, leeks, nodding onions, and butternut squash. We’re starting most things inside with temporary greenhouses to shield them from the cold until spring. We also plan to spread lots of native wildflower seeds around the yard to bring tons of color.”
Kylie Willet
“Ryder and I look forward to our city breaks, whether it’s a nature walk at the nearby John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge for a few hours, a longer day-trip hike, or an unplugged camping trip to the middle of nowhere. City living can be draining, and getting out into nature is the best way to slow down. Sunshine, flowers, fresh air, camera in hand, and him sniffing to his heart’s content is always the perfect mental and creative reset.”
Marina Parsons
“The photos are of my indoor plants that I’m doing my best to keep thriving for my own well-being. I have a massive neon pothos that I’ve been training to grow up the walls and throughout our home. From that one plant, I took around 50 propagations and grew the additional pots you’ll see.
“We also recently added a dwarf snowbush bonsai, which my fiancé has been shaping and training into different forms — it’s been really fun to watch it evolve.
“Outdoors, I’m excited to revive my standing planter and fill it with herbs like basil, lavender, rosemary, cilantro, sage, and mint. I also have my bird feeders set up again, along with a heated bird bath that’s become a neighborhood favorite — we’ve had visits from bluebirds, woodpeckers, finches, and more.”
Alissa Lorentz
“I’m growing a little bit of everything — an outdoor veggie and herb garden, flower baskets, and a collection of indoor plants. I’m also making the most of being outside with camping, outdoor concerts, farmers markets, and even building a backyard hot tub this year. When I can, I’m giving back through Master Gardener volunteer work, including plant sales and community cleanups, plus plenty of park walks with my dog.”
Sydney Anderson
“I’m starting seeds for our vegetable garden and continuing to build out native prairie plantings in our yard to support pollinators. This year I’ve also been winter sowing native seeds in my raised beds and milk jugs. It’s been really rewarding to see bees, butterflies, and other wildlife show up — and to create a space that supports them. I’ve also harvested some of my native plant seeds to share locally. Spending time in the garden has become one of my favorite ways to unplug and reconnect with the outdoors.”
A Common Thread
While the details vary, a common thread runs through each of these experiences: a desire to step away from the noise of daily life and reconnect with something more grounded.
Sometimes that looks like growing something from seed. Other times, it’s as simple as a walk, a breath of fresh air, or time spent outdoors without an agenda.
Earth Day is a reminder that connection to the environment doesn’t have to be large-scale to be meaningful. It can be quiet, personal, and built into everyday routines.
