As temperatures rise and the memories of one of the nastiest winter seasons in many years begin to fade, it is time for homeowners to turn their attention to neglected lawns, gardens and outdoor projects to help soothe a season of too much "cabin fever."

Thomas Bull, of Huffs Church, the owner of Herbein's Garden Center, 4301 Chestnut St., Emmaus, said the second quarter of the year is the time when customers come out of winter hibernation and start to think about returning to the earth to build feel-good experiences.

Bull says it's not just the recent winter his customers are trying to recover from.

"The economic turndown of the last several years has taken a toll on people who have traditionally turned to gardening as a respite from the demands of a busy world," Bull said. "People have been working so hard to make a living in recent years that they have been distracted and have neglected the outdoor environment around their homes."

Bull sees a resurgence of people who want to make their homes more appealing places to spend time.

"There is an emotional tie to everything we sell here," he said. "We are really helping our customers create feel-good experiences."

Bull says it is a challenge to help younger generations feel a tie to the earth.

"The demographics of upcoming generations show a stronger tie to electronic devices which often don't leave time or an inclination to work with the soil," Bull said. "Young people are so busy connecting electronically to their friends, or playing digital games, they are missing the soothing nature getting on your knees and working the earth can provide." Young people just aren't feeling the connection to the earth so important to their grandparents and older generations.

Bull tries to counter the trend by working with students at the Seven Generations Charter School, Emmaus, to help instill the values of working the earth.

"We've gone into the school to show youngsters how to plant trees, and we are trying to help instill a respect for growing things and the sense of emotional well-being that can create."

Bull said his firm has provided plants to youngsters at Willow Lane Elementary School to help keep alive a sense of connection with the earth and environment.

Bull says a small garden center like his can provide a more personal connection for customers than big box stores whose employees are asked to help ring up sales and get product out the door.

"We have people who have the experience and dedication to help our customers better understand the interaction between seeds, plant nutrients and all the things we sell to help them feel a connection to their outdoor environment," Bull said.

With 70 percent of Herbein's business revenues generated during April, May and June, Bull says it can be a challenge to help their customers make connections with the earth in that short span of time.

Bull has owned the garden center since 2002 when he purchased it from the Herbein family. He had worked there as employee for six years before becoming the owner.

Bull has a horticulture degree from Temple University which he was able to earn with the help of GI education benefits after he served with the U.S. Army from 1986 to 1991. Bull served in the military during Operation Desert Storm and said he served a limited support role in that military effort.

Bull says a lot of his customers return year after year because there is a real love and understanding of the earth his employees can convey to those who are searching for that connection.