Skipper butterfly on a coneflower, Rockefeller State Park Preserve, New York

Flower power. National Garden Week begins today

This year, the first week of June marks National Garden Week—a time to celebrate the joy of gardening and the beauty it brings to our lives. Gardening not only connects us to nature but also boosts our mental health and physical well-being. Just spending time outdoors provides Vitamin D from the sun, which helps our bones stay strong and supports a healthy immune system.

Pictured here is a skipper butterfly taking a break from its quick, darting flight on a coneflower in New York's Rockefeller State Park Preserve. Native to North America, coneflowers and other members of the Echinacea genus are loved by both gardeners and pollinators for their hardy blooms and spiky centers. Whether you plant a few flowers or create a whole garden, this week is a perfect opportunity to get your hands in the dirt and enjoy the simple pleasures of nature.