It’s almost time! We’ll be planting this Saturday, May 31st, starting around 11 AM at the corner of Howard and Eastlake Terrace. I apologize for the last minute notice.I’ll have some basic tools and native plants donated by our lovely neighbor Jared. Feel free to bring any tools, snacks or plants you’d like to contribute,Continue reading “Let’s Grow Rogers Park: A Native Garden Project for and by the Community”
Tag Archives: hellstrip gardening
How a Community Survey Planted the Seeds for a Native Garden in Rogers Park
After the Galaxy’s Hedge Garden was removed, I initiated a survey to gather community opinions on a potential new garden. The survey revealed a preference for native plants and pollinator-friendly features. I plan to steward the new native garden, engaging interested community members in developing it.
Community Input Needed: Howard & Eastlake Terrace Corner Garden
The garden known as The Galaxy’s Hedge, featuring bowling ball planets and an AT-AT, is looking for a new steward. They are seeking community input for ideas on revitalizing the space. Residents are encouraged to participate in a survey to share their suggestions for the garden’s future.
What may appear as laziness is actually an act of creation
The author chooses to maintain a wild, unkempt garden to support native pollinators during winter, providing them with safe spaces to overwinter. This approach fosters biodiversity, as different species have varied shelter needs. Additionally, leaving seed heads benefits winter birds and enhances the ecosystem.
Mistakes were made – What I’ve learned 3 years in
Learn from me and save yourself some headaches Expect things to get trampled (or run over by a mystery neighbor). Even the nice sign you buy will get run over by the lawn maintenance guys. Or the wind will rip a hole in it. The experience of being unexpectedly social since there isn’t a time ofContinue reading “Mistakes were made – What I’ve learned 3 years in”
Visitors to the Garden
The author shares their transformation from not being fond of insects to appreciating them through gardening. They identify various species observed in their garden, noting both common and invasive insects. The list includes butterflies, bees, beetles, and flies.
Sharing the Bounty
In March, I scattered anise hyssop seeds around the garden and they grew abundantly. To manage their growth near the street, I offered the plants to my neighbors. I replaced rabbit-eaten sunflowers with various milkweed species. However, I found invasive catnip thriving, which I’ll remove to protect other plants. Some volunteer plants, like firewheel and evening primrose, are thriving and will be maintained.
Like Asking the Hair Stylist for “Just a trim”
Last night things got drastic. After diligently watering the elderberry for several days in a row, I sort of gave up. I’d check on the tree, take pictures, see how it was getting progressively more brown, say I was going to come out the next day and work on it and then, ignore it untilContinue reading “Like Asking the Hair Stylist for “Just a trim””
Chhhhh Changes . . .
The elderberry continues to struggle. I continue to act like watering it will fix everything. A neighbor from the Roger Park Monarch Butterfly Project posted about extra sunflowers he wanted to give away. I thought that might be the perfect thing to put in the hole where the elderberry used to be. Amazing, Donbon livesContinue reading “Chhhhh Changes . . .”
The Elderberry Chronicles
The tree, transplanted inappropriately, suffered shock and struggles with water and soil issues, as well as inadequate care. The gardener acknowledges her lack of expertise and the need for improvement. Remedial steps include watering, mulching, and pruning, with hope for recovery. Patience and vigilance are crucial in the process.
Birchwood Butterfly Corner 