Sunday, November 26, 2017

'Twas the Seasonings at the Spice Merchants

Thanks to Diane from the Spice Merchants for hosting us in November. We learned how to use the herbs we grow in our garden to make condiments such as mustard and chutney.


We do not meet in December, so enjoy the season and look for information about our 2018 meetings in a few weeks.

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Members Invited to Spice Merchants on Nov. 15

Our November 15 meeting will be held at the Spice Merchants, 5111 Main St, Downers Grove, at 7 p.m. Store owner Diane will show us how to use some of our herbs in condiments such as mustards and cranberry chutney. You will be able to sample what she makes and will receive the recipes. You can also shop in the store after the demonstration.

NOTE: This is a members only/first event as there is limited space (20 - 25 seats). Members are free. Non members can attend if all spaces are not filled; they will have to pay $20.

You must register by Nov 12. Call Mary Ann Badke at 630-663-0295. If you register but can't attend please call to cancel in case there is a wait list. Also, tell Mary Ann if you have an allergy or other issue.

Saturday, October 7, 2017

October Meeting Information -- Please note location!

On Wednesday, October 18, Emily Paster will talk about "Preserving The Harvest." Hear about several food preservation methods as well as about groups in the area that trade preserved foods.   

Join us at 7 p.m. and PLEASE NOTE that the meeting is a at DG Fire Station #2,  5420 Main St. (parking lot/entrance on 55th St.).

Friday, September 22, 2017

Certify Your Garden as a Monarch Waystation

Lets help monarch butterflies and increase the number of waystations as part of the Du Page Monarch Project! 

To certify your garden as a waystation, go to http://www.monarchwatch.org/waystations/certify.html and fill out the application. Many of us already have milkweed and pollinator plants, and meet the qualifications.

You can also certify your garden as a Pollinator Garden. You can read about that on the Xerces website https://xerces.org/pollinatorhabitatsign/

The Pierce Downer Heritage Alliance will be holding its fall public meeting, featuring Kim White to talk about Monarch butterflies and the DuPage Monarch Project, on October 19, 7:00 PM, Room 503 at the Lincoln Center. The title of the talk will be Mysteries of the Monarch. All are welcome to attend!

Sunday, September 3, 2017

Friends of the Edwards House Landmarked House Tour Sept. 23

Member Irene Hogstrom's house is going to be on the Friends of the Edwards House Landmarked House Tour on Saturday, September 23. In addition to the marvelous Hogstrom-Bragen home, two other homes will also give participants a chance to tour their backyards.  (And there is one more house that is a real treat to see inside.) Here is the link for more information and to order tickets: 

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Member Garden Visit

Thanks to Pat McGrath for her hospitality at our annual Member Garden Visit. We had a lovely evening in her backyard enjoying her koi pond, native plantings, and vegetables.

Are you a member of DGOG? Click on the membership form on the right side of this page and bring it to a meeting or e-mail to to Carol Morency at midway117@gmail.com.





Thursday, June 29, 2017

Summer Update: Projects and Events

We've been watching things bloom this summer -- and not just in our backyards!

DGOG took a field trip to The Plant Chicago, a former meatpacking plant that is now an eco-friendly business demonstration project. We learned that The Plant will soon be using an anaerobic digester to break down all types of waste and convert it to energy. The Plant houses a bakery, a brewery, a coffee roaster, and a hydroponic demonstration area, as well as a Farmer's Market.



Hannah's Garden at Puffer School is thriving. It's hard to imagine that Girl Scout Troop 51266 just installed the raised beds last month. A fence, a shed, and an irrigation system using two rain barrels is also in place.


Join us for a members only garden walk at the home of Pat McGrath, 6000 Chase Avenue, from 5-7 PM on Wednesday, August 9.

Watch for information about our Harvest Festival at our September meeting.

Monday, June 12, 2017

Brunch at Ball Gardens Returns Saturday, July 15


Once again, the DuPage Friends of Extension have the honor of extending you an invitation to our annual summer fundraiser – Brunch at Ball Gardens.  Join us on Saturday, July 15, 2017 for an afternoon of delicious food, good people, and an enjoyable time.  

Relax in the beautiful gardens of Ball Horticulture at 622 Town Rd., West Chicago, IL.  Master Gardeners from the Extension are available to guide you through the gardens.  Or, if you prefer a self-guided tour, please feel free to roam.  Meet new friends and share with existing ones. Just a wonderful way to enjoy and relax with Mother Nature and a wonderful way to support your community educational programs provided by the University of Illinois Extension.

The Extension needs your help to continue its successful outreach to the community, including the 4-H Youth Development Program and the Master Gardeners work with the DuPage Convalescent Home, young adults with disabilities at We Grow Dreams, Veterans at Cantigny, and patients and families at Ronald McDonald House, along with schools and groups like DGOG. 

Our communities in and around DuPage County need these programs.  They are critical to positive thinking and positive living.  With no State funding, and reduction in funding from other agencies, lay-offs and program reduction stands by the Extension door.  You can make a difference!

(Thanks to our friend Marilyn Joyner for this invitation!)

Monday, April 24, 2017

Learning about the Lurie with Laura

Thanks so much to our April speaker, Laura Ekasetya, the director of the Lurie Garden at Millennium Park, for talking about the development of and sustainability practices at the garden. Did you know that the Lurie Garden is actually a green roof? Things are blooming there now, and they also have a range of programs, so make sure you stop there sometime this summer.

Monday, March 20, 2017

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Plant Sale is May 6!

Our yearly plant sale is set for 9 AM-1 PM Saturday, May 6 at Hummer Park, 4833 Fairview Avenue, Downers Grove.

If you can place flyers in your neighborhood, workplace, or other places, here is a link to a PDF document.

We'll have vegetables, herbs, and native perennials. Watch here for a list of plants we've ordered.

Soon, we'll be putting out the call for volunteers. Check here and your e-mail and get involved!


Wednesday, March 15, 2017

March Meeting Cancelled, Movie Viewing Registration

The March meeting of the Downers Grove Organic Gardeners has been rescheduled to coincide with the Wild Ones showing of Hometown Habitat: The Meadow Project at the Downers Grove Public Library on Saturday, March 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Use this link to register for the program: http://dupage.wildones.org/events/hometown-habitat-movie-showing/

Information about the movie: https://themeadowproject.com/hometown-habitat/

Sunday, February 26, 2017

Meeting News


Thanks to garden expert and Tribune writer Beth Botts for an enlightening and informative talk on how climate change is affecting our backyards and gardens. Beth addressed many topics that we've all probably wondered about, such as how changing temperatures affect both plants and wildlife, and what we can do to cope with changes.

The March meeting of the Downers Grove Organic Gardeners has been rescheduled to coincide with the Wild Ones showing of Hometown Habitat: The Meadow Project at the Downers Grove Public Library on Saturday, March 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Information about the Wild Ones March 18th program: http://dupage.wildones.org/events/hometown-habitat-movie-showing/

Information about the movie: https://themeadowproject.com/hometown-habitat/

You will have to register for this event. We will provide you with a link when registration is available.

Thursday, February 9, 2017

Tribune Garden Writer Talks Climate Change at February Meeting

We are excited to have Beth Botts as our speaker on Wednesday, February 15, at 7 p.m. at the Downers Grove Public Library. The topic will be "How Climate Change Affects Our Gardening Practices." Botts is a writer who contributes articles to the Chicago Tribune.

Sunday, January 15, 2017

January Meeting: Let's Get Set for 2017!

Welcome 2017 at the first Downers Grove Organic Gardeners meeting of the year at 7 PM January 18 at the Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss Street. 

This will be more of a social time for members meet-and-greet and get a head start on the 2017 season. 

Do you have ideas for programs or speakers?  Do you have seeds, seed catalogs, or gardening books to share?  Bring your thoughts and more to this meeting!