Sunday, December 14, 2008

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Good Holiday Cheer! (and no December meeting...)

Now that we are overflowing with naturally wonderful holiday decorating ideas from Joannie Rocchi, we are all set for the holidays. So go celebrate! DGOG will not meet in December, but wishes you a safe and glorious holiday season, and a bountiful new year.

Friday, October 31, 2008

November Meeting

Join us on Wednesday, Nov. 12 when Joannie Rocchi speaks on Bringing the Winter Garden Indoors: Tablescaping for the Holidays. We'll begin at 7 p.m. at our usual spot: the Downers Grove Public Library at 1050 Curtiss Street. The DGOG Board will meet before the meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Monday, October 20, 2008

A Few Things...

The Naperville Garden Club Cup of Cheer™ Housewalk and Holiday Market
Friday, December 5, 2008, 9 a.m. -- 5 p.m., Tickets $30. The price of the ticket includes a souvenir bone china cup and saucer. Tour homes decorated by club members and visit the holiday market for seasonal gives while you enjoy home-baked cookies and coffee or tea. To purchase tickets call Jan at 630/983-1616 -- ask about a half-day option, Thursday, December 4.

Garden Entry Photography Contest
Entries are due May 31, 2009. For information, visit www.gardenclubs.org and click "What's New"

Thanks to Irene Hogstrom for the news!

New Weston A. Price Chapter

Melinda Larson writes:

Sherrin Ingram and I are starting a Weston A. Price Chapter in Downers Grove. The Weston A Price Foundation is dedicated to restoring nutrient-dense foods to the human diet through education, research and activism. It is hard to believe, but there is very few items you can purchase in a regular grocery store that are high in nutrients. Also with the focus on low fat, you would be surprised to find out which items are nutrient dense. Through getting the proper nutrition information you can make choices that will help your family feel better, have less illnesses and be more energetic. Making the change takes time and support, which is why we decided to start a chapter. Part of the change includes eating local organic foods, raw nuts, raw pasture fed dairy and pasture fed animals. I am writing this not just to inform you about our group, but to ask for your help in making the local resource list. If you have a hook up to get any of the above foods, please email me the information.

If you would like to know more about our Chapter please visit the website http://www.westonpriceclub.com/ and/or contact me. Below is a link to tour the Weston A. Price website to learn more: http://www.westonaprice.org/tour/index.html

Thursday, September 11, 2008

October Meeting

On Wednesday, October 8, we'll be celebrating the hard work we put into in our gardens during our annual Harvest Festival. Bring your veggies, either in their natural state or in your favorite dish, as well as any questions or comments you have about the 2008 gardening season.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss Street. The board will meet at 6:30 -- all are welcome to attend this portion of the meeting.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Garden Walk Pix

Thanks to Annie Jagielski for this photo of Erin Tuttle's yard
from our September 6 Garden Walk (Have you ever seen chard this big??) It was a beautiful day for a tour of local gardens. Thanks to everyone who helped put this event together.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Share the Wealth

If you have a counter overflowing with vegetables at this time of year, pass it on to those who are facing hard times. Donate any extra produce to a food pantry for The Plant a Row for the Hungry program. Just weigh your produce and send the amount to Gina Pacheco at gpacheco3@gmail.com or (630)852-4480. Gina will keep the tally for us.

Also if you need help finding a place or delivering it, call or Gina. There is a new place in Westmont called The People's Resourse Center that's open Monday thru Friday 8 to 4. Food distribution is Wednesday a.m and Thursday p.m. The phone number is (630)682-5402.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Garden Walk on Sept. 6

The Downers Grove Organic Garden Walk takes place on Saturday, September 6. We will gather at 9:30 a.m at 1232 Gilbert (the home of Irene Hogstrom and Mark Bragen). From Irene's house, we will carpool to the first garden at the home of Erin Tuttle (2200 Edinburgh Lane, Aurora). We will then go to the homes of Cathy and Ihor Hlohowskyj (530 Sherman Street, Downers Grove) and Linda Walker (4509 Wilson Avenue, Downers Grove). The tour will end back at Irene and Mark's home around 1 p.m. with a potluck luncheon.

As a reminder, the garden walk will be in place of our regular September meeting. We will meet again formally at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 8, at the Library for our second-annual Fall Festival. More details are to come, but be thinking about stories, pictures, problems, and produce that you would like to share.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Too Much Fun to be Work!

Thanks to the DGOG volunteers who participated in the Lyman Woods workday in August. Weeding the butterfly garden is very rewarding, as you can see progress before your eyes. Watch for information about our next workday.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Lyman Woods Work Day

Saturday, August 16th is another work day at Lyman Woods from 9 to 11:30 am. If you are able to come and weed the butterfly garden for all or part of this time period, we would really appreciate the help. E-mail Cathy Hlohowskyj at ihorcathy@sbcglobal.net if you think you can make it. If it is raining, the work day will be canceled.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Rain Barrels for Sale

The Conservation Foundation has rain barrels for sale. Rain barrels are a simple, efficient, low-cost method for homeowners to collect and recycle rainwater. No worries if it is your day to water or not!

The Foundation offers 55 gallon black, slate or terra cotta color (different shipments come in different colors), recycled food grade plastic barrels. The barrels sell for $85. They can be picked up on Thursdays between 2 pm and 5 pm at the McDonald Farm in Naperville.

Depending on the quantity ordered by members of the club, the Conservation Foundation is offering delivery or a discount. Please email Irene Hogstrom (i_hogstrom@yahoo.com) if you are interested in ordering a rain barrel.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Fill Your Calendar With Gardening Events!

Summertime and the living is easy...but not for gardeners! Mark your calendars for these upcoming events:

Saturday, July 19, 9 - 11:30 a.m.: We will join in on the workday at Lyman Woods. Learn to tell a native plant from a weed and help beautify the butterfly garden.

Thursday, July 24, 7 p.m., Caribou Coffee in downtown Downers Grove: The board will be meeting to talk about speakers for next year.

Saturday, Sept. 6, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.-ish: Downers Grove Organic Gardeners Fall Garden Walk! Meet at the home of Irene Hogstrom (1232 Gilbert) to carpool to the first garden in Aurora (the Tuttle homestead). The tour will end up back at Irene's home for potluck. Bring yourself, some sunscreen and a light dish to pass. Food can be left at Irene's at the start of the day.

If you would like your garden to be part of the tour, call Linda Walker at (630) 971-2411.

If you can bring a dish to pass, call Marilyn Bernhardt at (630) 964-6287.

For directions to Irene's house, call (630) 852-7849 or try Mapquest.

For directions to Erin's house (in case you can't make the carpool), call (630) 401-6132.

Friday, June 20, 2008

July Meeting

Our next regular meeting is on July 9, when we welcome Glenn Grosch, who will speak on growing small fruits. Join us during our board meeting at 6:30 p.m. Glenn's presentation will begin at 7 p.m.

Put your name in the hat for the chance to win two tickets to the Elmhurst Garden Club's Garden Walk and Faire on July 13. Donations are very much appreciated! We will also talk about plans for our fall garden walk to be held in September.

The meeting will take place at the Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss Street. Click here for directions.

Friday, June 13, 2008

Our Visit to the Nowickis

Thanks to Ron and Vicki Nowicki for hosting about 30 of us at their home on June 11. Ron explained the design of their home, which includes passive solar heating and trees used as windbreaks. Vicki discussed how their backyard is a year-round home for wildflowers and other perennials as well as seasonal vegetable plantings. She also talked about the Liberty Garden movement. And we had some wonderful treats, including rhubarb cake and vegetables that rivaled candy with their sweet and delighful taste.

View photos of our visit here (click on Slideshow for best viewing). No worries: the snake is only metal!

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Elmhurst Garden Club Event

Elmhurst Garden Club presents An Afternoon in the Garden: Garden Walk and Faire, Sunday, July 13, 2008, 10 a.m. -- 3 p.m., Wilder Park, Elmhurst
  • Eight grand gardens
  • Music, tea and refreshments
  • Art and craft boutique
  • Ask the exerts
Proceeds from the Garden Walk will benefit the Elmhurst Garden Club's scholarship fund and community horticulture projects.
Tickets $10 in advance; $15 after July 6
For will-call, send SASE to Elmhurst Garden Club, PO Box 383, Elmhurst, IL 60126 or visit the following vendors to purchase tickets in person:
  • Elmhurst Camera, 535 Spring Rd.
  • enzee Boutique, 140 N. York
  • Petal Pushers, 331 N. York
  • The Uptown Shop, 111 E. First
  • Vallette Pharmacy, 101 W. Vallette
No tickets are needed to attend the Vendor Faire.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

June Meeting

Join us Wednesday evening, June 11th at the home of Ron and Vicki Nowicki, where they will be speaking to us on Permaculture in their beautiful, food-producing landscape.

Ron and Vicki live at 907 Summit Street, which runs east off of Main Street, just north of 55th. You might want to carpool amongst yourselves, because parking on the street can get a little tight. The event will take place, rain or shine. We will begin gathering at 6:30, starting the talk at 7:00, and ending by 8:30. It should be a fun evening!

Additionally, Vicki will have the Liberty Gardens signs available for purchase ($25). Vicki just received a nice write-up in the Chicagoland Gardener e-newsletter for her moving talk at the recent Green Festival at Navy Pier. Let's join her and start the movement!

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Plant Sale Thanks!


Thanks to everyone who planned, staffed, and bought at our plant sale, including Irene Hogstrom and Gina Pacheco (pictured above). The Plant Sale Committee would like to further thank all of those who donated their plants and their time to make the 2008 Plant Sale a success. We reached a $2,000 profit to go towards speakers and other club functions. And, don't forget to save your pots--we can always use them next year. Linda says to drop them off by her driveway at anytime. Once again, thank you!

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Plant Sale -- Tell Your Friends!

Download and print a copy of our plant sale flyer to give to your friends, neighbors, relatives, co-workers, etc.

See you May 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.!

Friday, April 18, 2008

Cook with Taste

Joannie Rocchi of The Growing Place offered us advice on cooking with fresh herbs at our April 9 meeting. Watch for details about our next meeting in June.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Plant Sale!

Get your garden growing with plants from our annual plant sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 10 at Hummer Park, 4833 Fairview Avenue, Downers Grove. We'll have annuals, perennials, vegetables and herbs. All proceeds benefit our club. This is a great chance to select your favorite plants, try some new ones, and talk to other local gardeners.

Friday, April 11, 2008

Invite Nature Into Your Yard

Jim Kleinwachter, Land Preservation Specialist with www.theconservationfoundation.org will give a presentation at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 15 at the Warrenville Public Library. The presentation is sponsored by America in Bloom Warrenville. Call (630) 293-4920 to register.

Conservation @ Home promotes planting selected areas in your yard — native flower beds or "mini nature havens" — which use native plants such as prairie and woodland wildflowers. In addition, it can include water gardens and planting native species of trees and shrubs for wildlife cover, food and habitat. These areas can be created for butterfly and songbird gardens, and rain gardens that help capture rainwater and return it to the ground instead of allowing it to run off. It can also mean simply preserving areas that are already "natural habitats" on your property — such as stream corridors, wetlands and wooded areas. Homeowners participating in Conservation @ Home can get their yard certified and will be provided with a sign identifying the yard's certification as an environmentally friendly yard.

The Conservation Foundation is a private, not-for-profit land and watershed conservation organization based in Naperville. Its mission is to enhance the quality of life by preserving open space, protecting natural lands and improving rivers and watersheds. Nearly 4,000 members and over 500 volunteers support this mission in DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties.

Saturday, March 22, 2008

April Meeting

On April 9, we will host Joannie Rocchi of The Growing Place, speaking to us on Cooking with Fresh Herbs. As a compliment to Mel Zaloudek's January presentation on medicinal herbs, Joannie will present us with everyday culinary uses for our favorite leafy friends. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss Street.

Preceding the meeting, the DGOG board will meet at 6:30 p.m. All members are invited to attend the board meeting.

While We Await Spring...

...here are a few upcoming events:
April 10-13 "Art in Bloom" at the Milwaukee Art Museum. Click here for more information.

April 12-13 Spring tree and wildflower sale at Lincoln Memorial Garden. Click here (and scroll to the bottom) for more info:

April 20-21 Garden Clubs of Illinois 2008 Convention: "Save on Sprinkling." Details and registration (due April 10!) for this event can be found in your Garden Glories magazine.

April 28
Garden Clubs of Illinois Conservation Convention "Water, Water Everywhere." This form will be available at our next meeting to copy and fill out.

Monday, March 17, 2008

Our Latest Newsletter

Read the March 2008 issue of The Garden Gate (Adobe Reader required).

Monday, March 3, 2008

March Meeting

Our March 12 meeting will dive into all things compost as Lynn Bement joins us. Lynn owns The Organic Garden Coach, which offeres a variety of services to promote healthier gardens and landscapes for individuals, businesses and corporations. She also teaches classes at the Morton Arboretum and Chicago Botanic Garden.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss Street. If you are new to our group, feel free to attend a meeting. If you enjoy yourself, become a member of DGOG and get involved in our growing and active organization.

Friday, February 8, 2008

February Meeting

Join us on Wednesday, Feb. 13 and get practical seed-starting advice from Vicki Nowicki of the Land Office. Vicki is an expert in all things green and will tell us the secrets of seed success. We meet at the Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss Street, at 7 p.m.

If you have not joined the group, find membership forms to the right or pick up a form at the meeting.

Friday, January 18, 2008

Nature Writing Opportunities

Erin Tuttle's friend LeAnn Spencer has created an online literary publication called A Prairie Journal. The purpose of this publication is to celebrate the prairie landscape and local ecology through the written word and visual art.

Just recently, LeAnn and Erin also "inherited" another publication called Seeding the Snow. This is a midwestern journal that serves to connect ecologically-minded women through writing and art. Currently, Seeding the Snow is a printed journal, and they hope to publish it online in the future.

Both publications are accepting submissions and Seeding the Snow is also accepting subscriptions at $16 for a bi-yearly journal. You can send any submissions (written or visual) via email to A Prairie Journal Editor@APrairieJournal.com or Seeding the Snow seedingthesnow@gmail.com (or you can hand them directly to Erin).

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

January Meeting Wrap-up

A full house listened to Mel Zaloudek's insightful and hilarious program on herbs on Jan. 9. We learned about herb taxonomies as well as traditional and culinary uses from this expert gardener.

Here is more information on Hudson's Seeds, which Mel mentioned during his presentation.

Watch for information about our Feb. 13 meeting, which will feature seed starting with Vicki Nowicki.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Center for Sustainable Community

The Center for Sustainable Community is located near Kankakee and is committed to the discovery and creation of sustainable ways of living. The organization provides seminars and workshops as well as other educational and experiential events focusing on areas such as green technology, permanent agriculture (permaculture), holistic health and healing, and the experience of community living.

The Center invites everyone to their seminars (here's a calendar link). The next one is on Permaculture Orchard Design and Maintenance on Feb. 16, focusing on the planting and care of fruit trees. There is a $35 fee for this seminar.