Hello, 

Each spring, a particular holiday reminds us that we need to care about the planet every day. April 22 is Earth Day, an occasion to think about the land, the rivers, the lakes, the oceans, the air, and what we can do on their behalf. 

In its early years, Earth Day was little celebrated and little noticed. Now, it’s a worldwide event; a reminder to look at the way we live and to live sustainably. This day has led people to plant trees, bike to work, restore wildlife habitat, eat locally grown foods, and make cities greener.

Maybe this year, start a garden to grow your own herbs, vegetables, or fruits. Whether you have a small balcony, a backyard, or just a few pots, gardening is a wonderful way to connect with nature and watch something grow.

Check out these classes at the Central Oregon Community College:

Totally Tomatoes! Growing Tips for Central Oregon – April 26, 2025 at 10:00 am – 12:30 pm PDT, Bend

Growing Medicinal Herbs in Central Oregon – May 28-31, 2025 at 5:30-7:30 pm PDT, Bend

Wildcrafting Central Oregon Herbs – June 11-13, 2025 at 5:30-8:00 pm PDT, Bend

Other tips to consider before you begin: 

1. Start Small – If you're new to gardening, it’s easy to get excited and plant more than you can handle. Focus on a few plants or even container gardening until you get a feel for how much care each plant needs.
2. Choose the Right Plants – Pick plants that are suitable for your local climate and the amount of sunlight your space gets. Most plants need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Some plants, like tomatoes, basil, or marigolds, are easy to grow for beginners. Here is a quick list of local nurseries/garden centers: 
   • Green Leaf Garden Center
   • Moonfire & Sun Garden Center
   • Schilling’s Garden Market
   • Somewhere That’s Green
   • WinterCreek Nursery
3. Know Your Soil – Healthy soil is the foundation of a successful garden. You should test your soil’s quality. Soil testing kits are available at most garden stores. Depending on the results, you may need to add compost or organic matter to improve the soil’s nutrient content.
4. Water Wisely –Overwatering can be just as harmful as underwatering. Make sure to check the moisture level in the soil before watering—if the soil is still moist a couple of inches down, your plants don’t need a drink just yet. Water deeply but less frequently to encourage strong root growth.
5. Be Mindful of Space – Check the seed packets or plant tags for spacing recommendations. Following the guidelines will ensure each plant has room to grow, so they don’t need to compete for sunlight and nutrients.
6. Keep it Clean – Removing dead or damaged leaves and flowers encourages new growth and keeps your garden looking neat. Pruning also helps to improve air circulation and prevent disease. And don’t forget to eliminate those pesky weeds!
7. Pest Problems – Keep an eye on your plants for signs of pests or disease. Early detection is key. There are plenty of natural remedies, like neem oil or insecticidal soap, that are safe for beginners and the environment. Avoid using harsh chemicals that might harm beneficial insects, like bees.
8. Be Patient – Gardening is a process that takes time. Not every plant will grow perfectly, and that’s okay! Enjoy the progress, whether it's a little leaf sprouting or a full bloom. Gardening is as much about the journey as it is about the end result.

Let’s all consider what we can do to help sustain our planet and be good stewards of our world, for ourselves and our youth. Even the smallest actions can add up to something big.

Enthusiastically,

Your Eagle Wealth Team

What's Happening in the Bond Market

Just like in the stock market, greater uncertainty has led to swings in the bond market. These moves, driven by tariffs and a dispute between the White House and the Fed, have pushed interest rates and bond yields higher. While short-term volatility can often lead to unexpected results, it's important to remember that periods like these occur periodically, even if the causes are different each time.

For those investing in bonds, especially ones who rely on their portfolios for income, the current environment may present both challenges and opportunities for their financial plans. Check out our recent commentary for an Outlook on Bond Volatility and the Battle Over Fed Policy.

The case for bonds may still be favorable since the Fed is expected to cut rates again later this year, regardless of how the dispute with the White House plays out. While bonds have been volatile in recent weeks, attractive yields and still-healthy returns can help those focused on achieving long-term financial goals. If you’d like to discuss this topic further, don’t hesitate to reach out.

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