Monday, April 29, 2013

Cantigny Greenhouse Open to the Public on May 5

The Horticulture Department at Cantigny Park will host an open house on Sunday, May 5, from 10 am to 3 pm.  The event offers garden enthusiasts a rare opportunity to go inside the Cantigny greenhouse where more than 1,000 varieties of flowers are propagated annually.

The 18,000-square-foot greenhouse supplies the plants displayed throughout the Cantigny gardens and golf course as well as interior spaces around the park.

The open house offers something for all ages and interest levels.  Self-guided tours will be available along with demonstrations, a “green activity” for kids, and exhibits by local organizations that promote environmental conservation and education.

Open house admission is free, and so is parking.  Please note: Visitors should enter Cantigny Park through the main entrance on Winfield Road, not at Shaffner Road.  Complimentary trams will be running from the main parking lot to the greenhouse.

More information about Cantigny Park, including hours, directions and a calendar of upcoming events is online at Cantigny.org.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

COD Spring Plant Sale

College of Du Page Spring Plant Sale
Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Monday, May 6 through Wednesday, May 8, Noon to 5 p.m.

Located in the Technical Education Centeron the College's main campus, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn.

Shoppers can choose from a variety of herbs, vegetables, and unusual annuals and perennials, including native species. In addition, student-made hanging baskets and planters will be available for purchase.

Free valet parking will be available on Friday, May 3, and Monday, May 6. Payment will be accepted by cash or check only.

The Horticulture department at College of DuPage currently offers an Associate of Applied Science degree program. Students can also earn certificates in Floral Shop Management, Greenhouse Management, Horticulture, Landscape Design and Construction, Landscape and Turf Management, Nursery and Garden Center Management and Sustainable Landscapes.

For more information on the Spring Plant Sale, contact College of DuPage Greenhouse Supervisor Amy Hull at (630) 942-3806 orhullamy@cod.edu.

Local Plant Sales and Garden Walks

It will soon be garden walk season! Here are a few dates to add to your summer calendar.

If you know of any others, please email the information to Carol Morency at midway117@gmail.com.

Lisle Women's Club Garden Gait
June 23, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Visit lislewomensclub.org for information

Hope Among the Flowers Garden Walk
Benefitting Bridge Communities
Saturday, July 13, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Visit dgfumc.org/gardenwalk

DuPage Friends of Extension Brunch at Ball Gardens
Saturday, July 20, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Benefitting the U of I Extension Programs
visit dupagefriendsofextension.webs.com

Chicago's Dearborn Garden Walk
Start at Latin Middle School, 45 W. North Avenue, Chicago
Sunday, July 21,12-5 p.m.
Visit dearborngardenwalk.com

Can You Help at the Plant Sale on May 11?

We are in the final stretch of planning for our plant sale on May 11. If you want to help out, email Nancy Carlson at ncarlson8955@gmail.com. Here's how you can help:

1. Dig plants from your yard to sell at the sale. Organic herbs, vegetables, annuals, and perennials are always needed. Please email Nancy or Gina Pacheco at gpacheco3@gmail.com.

2. Donate pots for plants and boxes for shoppers.

3. Work a shift at the sale. You can help set up, clean up, or check out.

4. Hang a poster at your workplace or in your neighborhood or share information with other gardeners. Email Carol Morency at midway117@gmail.com for a flyer.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

DGOG at the DG Library Mini Golf Event

Putt your way through 18 holes of miniature golf -- including one sponsored by the DG Organic Gardeners -- this Sunday April 14 anytime between 11 AM and 4 PM. Fees are $5 for adults and teens and $3 for ages 12 and younger.


Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Learn About Aldo Leopold and the Land Ethic

On Wednesday, April 17 we'll be showing the movie Green Fire: Aldo Leopold and a Land Ethic for Our Time. This full-length documentary film about legendary environmentalist Aldo Leopold highlights Leopold’s extraordinary career, tracing how he shaped and influenced the modern environmental movement. Leopold remains relevant today, inspiring projects all over the country that connect people and land. Find out more at greenfiremovie.com.