Evergreens provide interest in the coldest time of the year. Birds find shelter from the bitter winter. Used for privacy and noise reduction, evergreens are a great addition to landscapes. You don’t have to think Christmas tree when wanting to add them to your yard. Sizes and shapes range from ground (think juniper, yew, holly [...]
It is pretty official now, the garden is down for the winter. Perhaps the kale and chard will last a bit longer, as well as the mums, snapdragons, and rosemary. A little end of the season list: dig up remaining dahlia bulbs to store over the winter in a dry, dark spot with a range [...]
This year was my first to grow potatoes, and I started thinking about grains. Is it possible to grow grains in your own city yard? I’ve heard of folks canoeing along the Wisconsin rivers harvesting wild rice, and I’ve heard of cover crops, which are grains…so this is what I’ve learned. Seems that there is [...]
My Swiss Chard has gone crazy, and I really just can’t eat enough of it. So today, I took my mom’s advice and blanched some. thoroughly wash and rise chard (at this point you can also chop it into smaller pieces) while heating a large pot of water to a boil once water comes [...]
As the snow thaws and the days become longer, I know I get eager to dig. Wait and visualize. Getting your hands dirty when the ground is too wet will compact the soil. This is our best time to observe. Imagine the light as trees leaf out and where the sunny spots will be when [...]
Just a few pictures of the pleasure of having a bird feeder in your yard through the winter months. It keeps the cat and me busy staring out the window. The Audubon provides some insight and considerations on the issue of whether you keep a feeder or not.
It’s been warm the last few days in Chicago. The 2011 Blizzard Snow is melting revealing dog poop and trash that was covered with it’s shimmering white blanket. Take a quick 30 minutes and tidy up, you’ll be glad you did. It’s also a great time to get reacquainted with your garden, reflecting on last [...]
Time to give your unwanted garden tools new life. These donated items will be priced for sale at the Kilbourn Park Gardening Exchange. Come by the actual event, to be held Saturday, March 5 from 1‐4 pm. Seedlings and Compost will also be available for purchase. Items Accepted for Gardening Exchange-Pots, Hand Tools, Shovels, Rakes, [...]
What a perfect day to buy your loved one a plant. Maybe an herb (add love to your meals) or something that can be transplanted to your garden in Spring (begonia, mum, rose).
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost Whose woods these are I think I know. His house is in the village though; He will not see me stopping here To watch his woods fill up with snow. My little horse must think it queer To stop without a farmhouse near Between the [...]