The community corner garden project came to life today, overcoming budget concerns with a plant donation from a neighbor and challenges accessing water. Future plans include assessing garden needs and engaging community volunteers for support.
Tag Archives: pollinators
Let’s Grow Rogers Park: A Native Garden Project for and by the Community
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”
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.
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.
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 . . .”
2024 Garden Snippets
The post shares updates on the garden, including hopes for certain plants, encounters with wildlife, and the joys of seeing native plants flourish alongside the challenges of managing weeds and wildlife. The author expresses both frustration and delight in nurturing their garden.
The Kindness of Neighbors
The writer planned to garden in peace at 6 am, but was interrupted by a construction crew and stressed drivers. Neighbors gifted plants and advice. The garden is thriving with some plants, but others need tending. Overall, 12 new plants were added for the summer.
Birchwood Butterfly Corner 