DG Organic Gardeners

The Greenhorns Viewing

2012-01-26T08:09:00.000-08:00

Join us on February 15 to view the movie The Greenhorns, a documentary that explores the lives of America's young farming community. The Greenhorns is a grassroots non-profit organization focused on recruiting, promoting and supporting the new generation of young farmers. This is a free presentation.

The Last Mountain viewing

2012-01-09T19:04:00.000-08:00

The Downers Grove/Woodridge/Lisle League of Women Voters is sponsoring a viewing of THE LAST MOUNTAIN, an Official Selection of the 2011 Sundance Film Festival. The movie depicts the struggle between a big coal company and a tiny community over their last mountain, as well as the larger context of the future of energy in the United States. See this riveting documentary and join in the discussion on Saturday, January 21 at 9:30 a.m. at the Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss Street. This presentation is free and all are welcome.

January Meeting

2012-01-09T12:13:00.000-08:00

Our first meeting of 2012 is Wednesday, January 18 at 7 pm. Don Guzan will speak on the Basics of Pruning for maintaining the overall health of landscape plants. His presentation will include pruning of perennials, shrubs, and trees, and Don will discuss recommended tools and proper timing.Garden planning has begun and we will be having our seed exchange table. Bring in your extra seeds and/or pick up something new to try. Do you have a favorite seed company? Bring in the website, phone #, or catalog to share. Any suggestions for The Plant Sale? Did something work well or flop from last year? Let us know by e-mail, at the club meeting or come to plant sale committee meeting Jan. 25th at 7pm Caribou. The order for Genesis Growers will be placed soon!

Upcoming Activities

2011-11-18T07:45:00.000-08:00

We hope you were able to join us on Nov. 16 to hear Ron Zick of Wild Birds Unlimited talk about attracting birds to your backyard. Ron showed off the best products available for our flying friends and answered questions many questions about keeping the unwanted critters from bird feeding areas.

Our next meeting will be January 18 at 7 p.m. in the Downers Grove Public Library meeting room. The speaker will be Don Guzan who will talk about pruning basics.

The last Lyman Woods weeding day for 2011 is this Saturday, November 19, 8:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.

The Plant Sale Committee will meet December 14 at 7 p.m. at Caribou Coffee, 5100 Main Street, Downers Grove, IL. All are welcome to attend.

November Meeting

2011-11-14T09:44:00.000-08:00

The DGOG meets this Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. in the meeting room at the Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss St. The speaker will be Ron Zick of Wild Birds Unlimited talking about "Attracting Birds to Your Backyard." Lovely refreshments and lots of information will, as always, be available.

You are welcome to come at 6:30 p.m. and attend the DGOG board meeting.

Tasty Tomatoes and Good Advice

2011-09-23T08:28:00.000-07:00

Downers Grove Organic Gardeners shared their best tomatoes, tastiest dishes and stories of the season at our Harvest Festival on Sept. 21. Sun Gold was voted the best-tasting tomato, with a Heirloom Yellow Brandywine coming in second.

Gina Pacheco discussed food dehydrating and proved that dried fruit and veggies make an awesome snack. We voted on the biggest and ugliest veggies and the best wildlife and plant photos.

Here is a link to the Mar-Duke Farms article the Mary Anne Badke mentioned.

And here is a link to the GMO sweet corn petition that Ron Nowicki mentioned.

Thanks to our members for keeping us updated and informed!

Harvest Festival!

2011-08-24T18:42:00.001-07:00

Every year we celebrate the end of gardening season at Harvest Festival. This year's event is at 7 PM Wednesday, September 21 at the Downers Grove Public Library.

You are invited to bring a dish to share as well as photos of your flowers, vegetables and wildlife. In addition, we will be hosting two contests. Bring a vegetable to compete for Best, Biggest, Ugliest or Most Unusual, or bring your favorite tomatoes for a taste test. We'll share our thoughts about the season as well as any information we've learned in our gardens this year. For those of you interested in preserving more of your harvest, there will also be a display of canning equipment.

A Night at the Nowickis

2011-08-18T17:51:00.000-07:00

DGOG President Emeritus Vicki Nowicki will host us in her yard on Wednesday August 31 from 6:30- 8:30pm. She will give us a tour of her gorgeous gardens and then lead us in a discussion on Autumn Gardening! Bring your gardening questions!

Vicki has gardened organically for many years and is a much sought-after speaker. She and her husband Ron have a landscaping business, and Vicki is the creator of Liberty Gardens.

Vicki lives at 907 Summit, Downers Grove, near Maple and Main Streets.

Please RSVP to Cathy Hlohowskyj by Monday August 29th at ihorcathy@sbcglobal.net. Guests are welcome!

Rain Barrel Question

2011-08-04T09:57:00.000-07:00

We were asked a question about rain barrels, and Jim Kleinwachter with the Conservation Foundation provided an answer.

Question: During a heavy rain a rain barrel's diverter can't handle the excess water and it overflows. Can you recommend a model or refer me to someone who is satisfied with what they have purchased?

Answer: Our rain barrels are repurposed olive/pickle barrels. They are easily adapted for larger overflow, and we have an upgraded model that comes with a large overflow (size of sump pump hose). We also carry an Aquascape model that is larger (75 gallon) and has a large overflow pipe built in the center. We also carry a special downspout diverter that will send water down the downspout when the barrel is full.

Plant a Row for the Hungry

2011-07-31T12:52:00.000-07:00

A note from Gina Pacheco:

A reminder about Plant a Row for the Hungry service project. Please donate any extra produce to any local food pantry (locations listed below). I'm hoping we can donate 100 lbs again this year. Weigh your produce and let me know me know the amount by calling, e-mail or telling me at our next meeting.

THE PEOPLE’S RESOURCE CENTER
649 BLACKHAWK (OFF PLAZA)
WESTMONT, IL 60559
630-682-5402
WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY 8:30 TO 11:15
THURSDAY 5:30PM TO 7:30PM

DOWNERS GROVE TOWNSHIP FISH
4340 PRINCE STREET
DOWNERS GROVE, IL. 60515
630-964-7776
MONDAYS & FRIDAYS 9 TO 11:30

WEST SUBURBAN COMMUNITY PANTRY
6809 HOBSON VALLEY DRIVE, UNIT118
WOODRIDGE, IL. 60517
630-512-9921
MONDAY THRU SATURDAY 9 TO 2

Will County Master Gardeners Walk

2011-07-19T07:59:00.000-07:00

This walk will feature nine private Master Gardener gardens plus four public gardens throughout Will County. Seven of these gardens will feature special “teachable moments” (educational vignettes) offering tips and techniques that you can use in your own gardens.

For tickets or more information, call the Will County Extension Office, 815-727-9296, or go to this link: Will County Master Gardeners Garden Walk.

Heritage Prairie Farm Visit Cancelled

2011-07-15T09:54:00.001-07:00

We had hoped to go on an outing to Heritage Prairie Farm for Wednesday Pizza Night on July 20th. However, I just got an e-mail that they have suspended Pizza Night until further notice, due to rebuilding of the patio area. So, unfortunately we will have to cancel for next week!

Wishing you happy and healthy gardening,

Cathy Hlohowskyj

DG Library Weeding Service Project

2011-07-11T08:36:00.001-07:00

Let's pull together against bindweed!

As part of our service projects, members of the Downers Grove Organic Gardeners have agreed to weed around the Downers Grove Public Library. We'll meet at the south entrance of the library at 5 p.m. and work until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13. Please bring your own clean tools -- we don't want to spread disease from one location to another. Hand sanitizer for your tools and digits, leaf bags and water will be provided.

FYI to our clumsy members: Should you be injured while volunteering for the library, you will not be covered by library insurance, but rather by your own health insurance. Gardeners must be 18 years or older.

If it rains, weeding will be cancelled.

Get Tickets for Hope Among the Flowers

2011-06-20T11:57:00.000-07:00

Bridge Communities' annual benefit, Hope Among the Flowers, is Saturday, July 9 from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. All proceeds benefit the Downers Grove First United Methodist Church Bridge Board in providing transitional housing and mentoring for homeless families. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 on July 9. Buy tickets at Dream Interiors, 5122 Main Street (630.810.1389); Phillip's Flowers & Gifts, 1512 Ogden Avenue (630.969.9300); Community Bank of Downers Grove, 1111 Warren Avenue (630.968.4700); First United Methodist Church, 1032 Maple Avenue (630.968.7120) or online.

See Mike Nowak at The Growing Place

2011-06-20T11:45:00.001-07:00

Mike Nowak, radio garden show personality, will discuss some easy ways to make your garden more sustainable and attractive to beneficial wildlife at 1 PM Saturday, June 25 at The Growing Place in Naperville.

June Meeting

2011-06-13T10:14:00.000-07:00

Join us for a seminar on Edible Landscaping at our June 15 meeting. Speakers are Jeanne Pinsof Nolan, project manager for Chicago’s Green City Market and designer of The Edible Gardens, a 5,000 square foot vegetable garden for children at Lincoln Park Zoo, and Jacqueline Kotz, landscape architect. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss Street.

The flower of the month is swamp milk weed. There will also be information about staying safe in the garden. As always, please continue to bring your favorite recipes, garden tips and quotes to the meetings.

The DGOG board meets at 6:30 p.m. and anyone is welcome to come early to attend the board meeting. DGOG membership is $20 for individuals and $30 for families.

Summer Garden Gate

2011-06-08T07:03:00.000-07:00

The Summer 2011 edition of the Garden Gate newsletter is here!

Library Weeding on June 8

2011-06-07T12:50:00.001-07:00

As part of our service projects, members of the Downers Grove Organic Gardeners have agreed to weed around the Downers Grove Public Library. We'll meet at the south entrance of the library at 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8. Please bring your own clean tools -- we don't want to spread disease from one location to another. Hand sanitizer for your tools and digits, leaf bags and water will be provided.

FYI, to our clumsy members: Should you be injured while volunteering for the library, you will not be covered by library insurance, but rather by your own health insurance. Gardeners must be 18 years or older.

If it rains, weeding will be cancelled.

Eye on the Good Guys

2011-05-20T15:50:00.000-07:00

Julie Moore gets ready to talk about good and bad bugs at our May meeting, held at the Lyman Woods Interpretive Center. Our June meeting will feature Jeanne Pinsof Nolan and Jacqueline Kotz talking about Edible Landscaping. Also, watch for information about our July field trip.

Join us on Facebook

2011-05-17T07:53:00.001-07:00

We have an updated Facebook group page, so if you are a Facebook user, you can join us there. We post the same information there as on the blog, so you are not missing anything if you just read our news here.

May Meeting

2011-05-16T07:08:00.000-07:00

Our May 18 meeting will be a joint event with Downers Grove Park District at Lyman Woods. Julie Moore of the U of I Extension Service will talk about "Good Guys, Bad Guys: Learn to Recognize Good Bugs from Bad Bugs."

Meet at 7 PM at the Lyman Woods Interpretive Center, 901 31st Street, Downers Grove. Feel free to bring guests.

Enjoy a Few Plant Sale Photos!

2011-05-16T07:05:00.000-07:00

A Message From Nancy Carlson, Plant Sale Organizer

2011-05-09T06:38:00.000-07:00

I sincerely thank you to all who signed up to help, and thank you to all of the people who responded when we asked for additional volunteers. Thanks to all of you, we were able to have the tables set up and ready to go well before 9 am and the checkout line was kept to a minimum all day.

The entire sale went very smoothly. Every one's help was greatly appreciated. It's nice to know that the community supports what we are doing, and that we can offer them such a nice array of organic plants and good service. My only disappointment was that we ran out of plants! I hope that everyone was able to get all of the plants they wanted, and I hope that everyone had fun!!!

Nancy

Plant Sale on Saturday, May 7

2011-05-04T07:21:00.001-07:00

Join us this Saturday, May 7, from 9 AM to 3 PM at Hummer Park, 4833 Fairview Avenue in Downers Grove, for our annual plant sale. We'll have annuals, perennials, vegetables and herbs.

Native Plants seminar

2011-04-26T06:56:00.000-07:00

Join Jim Kleinwachter, Land Preservation Specialist for The Conservation Foundation,for an informative seminar about using native plants and water conserving practices to create yards that are more sustainable. Helpful tips and informative hand-outs will help you to get started with choosing plants and designing your planting beds. Native plants will be available for purchase. A sample rain barrel from The Conservation Foundation will be on display and pre-orders will be taken for the May 14th rain barrel pickup at Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park.

Date: Wednesday, April 27
Time: 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Location: Woodridge Park District Community Center, 2600 Center Drive, Woodridge
Fee: FREE

Register in person at the Community Center, by phone (630) 353-3300 or by e-mail at info@woodridgeparks.org. Please provide your name and phone number.

April Meeting Seeds and Herbs

2011-04-15T09:22:00.000-07:00

Bring your seeds for seed exchange during our next meeting at 7 PM Wednesday, April 20. This month's featured herbs are dill and catnip. Also, please continue to bring your favorite recipes, garden tips and quotes to the meetings.

Butterfly Garden Weeding

2011-04-14T14:11:00.000-07:00

Meet at the William F. Sherman, Jr. Interpretive Center at Lyman Woods on Saturday, April 16, from 8 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. to weed the butterfly garden.

April Meeting

2011-04-11T07:26:00.000-07:00

Join the Downers Grove Organic Gardeners on Wednesday, April 20 at 7 PM at the Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss St., to hear radio host and gardening expert Mike Nowak explain how keep your lawn truly green.

Mike Nowak is host of the "Mike Nowak Show" Sundays on WCPT. Prior to that, he was host of "Let's Talk Gardening" on WGN. He knows that people love their lawns, so he preaches the gospel of organic lawn care. Most consumers are concerned about the environment when they buy lawn and garden products, and yet they are afraid of what their neighbors will think if their lawn does not look like a golf course fairway. Nowak will talk about ways to ditch the expensive chemicals and keep your lawn healthy.

Gardenology Festival

2011-04-01T06:56:00.001-07:00

The Gardenology Festival will be held rain or shine on May 14, 2011 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Third and State Streets in Geneva, Illinois. For more information visit http://gardenologygenevail.com.

March Meeting

2011-03-10T08:13:00.000-08:00

The Downers Grove Organic Gardeners welcome Robin Di Iorio to our Wednesday, March 16 meeting. Di Iorio of The Green End Goes Up will present the "basic recipe" for the perfect container which includes the do's and don'ts of container design and creating window-box displays and mini-gardens.

The meeting will also feature a seed exchange. As you plan your garden, look through your seeds and bring extras to the meeting. This month's featured herb is parsley. Also, please continue to bring your favorite recipes, garden tips and quotes to the meetings.

Erin Tuttle Teaching Cool Weather Gardening Class

2011-02-26T12:10:00.000-08:00

Erin Tuttle, a certified naturalist and educator (and DGOG member) will discuss how to plant your gardens in cool weather to enjoy an earlier harvest.

"All too often we don't wake up our vegetable plots until Memorial Day, when the garden centers sell us tomatoes and peppers. But what about the kale and cabbages, broccoli, lettuce, beets, chard, arugula (and the list goes on!)? Break out of the warm-season vegetable box and learn how to grow the food that will fill your plates long before the tomatoes and peppers."

Date and Time: Sunday, March 13, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Location: 6625 Greene Road, Woodridge, IL

Fee: $25 per person

RSVP: 630-667-6516

Plant Sale Committee Meeting

2011-02-18T08:15:00.001-08:00

All club members are again invited to join us in planning for the annual Plant Sale. The date for our second plant sale committee meeting is Wednesday, March 2 at 7 p.m. at Caribou Coffee, 5100 Main St., Downers Grove.

Everyone is welcome - Hope to see you there!

Nancy Carlson

Slow Food Chicago programs

2011-02-14T13:30:00.000-08:00

Vicki Nowicki recommends these upcoming programs by Slow Food Chicago:

Small Fruits for the Home Garden
Presented by Rick Belding, Horticulturist, Curator of Fruits, Vegetables at The Chicago Botanic Garden
February 20, 2011 at 2:00 PM, Planter's Palette Nursery

Rick is a master at growing fruits. Homeowners will learn which fruits are easier to grow in a home setting so they can expand the array of diversity available to them in their own backyard. The Planter's Palette staff has generously offered to allow us time to come early and look around and they are going to set up a fresh Winter market for us in the greenhouse!!

Come prepared to enjoy treats baked with fruits that could be grown home gardens.

Cost is $20.00

Click Here to Purchase Tickets

Organic Gardening in Small Spaces
Presented by Bill Shores, Soil Scientist, Horticulturist
March 6, 2011 at 2:00 PM
The Morton Arboretum - Cudahy Auditorium

Bill Shores and has exceptional experience with small space gardening. With an extraordinary knowledge of soils and skill for food production, he is growing food for Chef Rick Bayless's three restaurants in Chicago both in Rick's backyard on the rooftop of one of the Restaurants. In these spaces, he is producing pounds and pounds of greens and microgreens and more each week.

Cost is $25.00 which includes all-day admission to the Arboretum

Click Here to Purchase Tickets

February Meeting

2011-02-10T06:48:00.000-08:00

The Downers Grove Organic Gardeners welcome Bill Scheffler to their Wednesday, Feb. 16 meeting. Scheffler will discuss "Why Every Gardener Should Be Using Yogurt, Vinegar, Molasses, and Gypsum." He is the owner of Pure Prairie Organics, a natural lawn and tree care company active in the western suburbs for 17 years. Scheffler is an advocate of using natural products to maintain our gardens. Be prepared to ask a lot of questions.

The meeting will also feature a seed exchange. As you plan your garden, look through your seeds and bring extras to the meeting. This month's featured herb is mint. Also, please continue to bring your favorite recipes, garden tips and quotes to the meetings.

The Downers Grove Organic Gardeners meet on the third Wednesday of the month in January, February, March, April, June, July, September, October and November at 7 p.m. in the Downers Grove Public Library. The board meets at 6:30 p.m. and you are welcome to come early to attend the board meeting. Membership is $20 for individuals and $30 for families.

The Downers Grove Organic Gardeners are committed to raising the awareness of organic gardening in our community and educating members about the benefits and methods of organic gardening and other environmentally sound practices.

One Man's Trash is Another's Trellis

2011-01-24T15:05:00.001-08:00

Aggie Nemzhow, known as the "Tomato Lady," became the "Trellis Lady" last Wednesday night, showing DGOG how to turn flea market finds, Amnesty Day rescues, leftovers from construction projects and stuff in the corners of the garage into structures for plants and art for the garden. Aggie also inaugurated our new meeting night, the third Wednesday of the month, by drawing a great crowd.

Attention Beekeepers

2011-01-13T08:03:00.000-08:00

The UK branch of Timber Press is publishing a book on urban beekeeping, and they'd like it to cover the United States as well. Here's the pitch:

London beekeeper Luke Dixon is looking for the stories of city beekeepers in the USA to profile in his book. If you're interested in sharing information and photos of your town or city hive, please get in touch with him at: Luke@urbanbeekeeping.co.uk. All those featured will receive a free copy of the book.

So if you're a city beekeeper, or if you have any resources to suggest to Luke, please do get in touch with him directly.

Thanks to member Colleen Metzger for this info!

January Meeting (NOTE NEW DAY!)

2011-01-05T12:56:00.001-08:00

Now is the time to begin collecting items for your 2011 garden. Join us as we hear about Trellis Construction and Found Objects in the Garden on our new meeting day, the third Wednesday of the month. Aggie Nehmzow, aka Tomato Lady, wields an axe, pry bar, and a variety of hand tools to demonstrate how to fashion attractive, durable, and versatile trellises from split rail fencing, founds objects, and inexpensive materials. Her demonstration will focus on trellises to fit the plants. Resources for obtaining materials and designs will be presented along with construction details.

The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 19 at the Downers Grove Public Library.

November Meeting

2010-11-09T08:12:00.001-08:00

The Downers Grove Organic Gardeners welcome Shawna Coronado, also known as "The Naked Gardener" to our November 10 meeting. Coronado's talk is "Vegetable Gardening Nude: How Getting Metaphorically Naked Changed My Life and Helped Me Feed My Family and Neighborhood." The meeting will also feature information on lavender and thyme. The meeting takes place at 7 p.m. at the Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss Street. As always, the board meets at 6:30, and anyone is welcome to attend this portion of the meeting.

DG Library Weeding Service Project

2010-10-19T08:16:00.000-07:00

Update from Annie: "Thanks to Diane Pallardy and Roberta Muehlhaus for braving the rain and coming out to weed. We got a lot down in the half hour that we worked!"

As part of our service projects, members of the Downers Grove Organic Gardeners have agreed to weed around the Downers Grove Public Library. We'll meet at the south entrance of the library at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 23. Please bring your own clean tools -- we don't want to spread disease from one location to another. Hand sanitizer for your tools and digits, leaf bags and water will be provided.

PLEASE NOTE: Should you be injured while volunteering for the library, you will not be covered by library insurance, but rather by your own health insurance. Volunteers need to be 18 years or older.

Canning Report

2010-10-05T13:23:00.000-07:00

Roberta Muehlhaus was kind enough to share her expertise on canning during a workshop in September. Here are some notes from Roberta on the process.

Harvest Festival

2010-10-03T15:04:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, October 13th, we'll be celebrating the hard work we put into our gardens during our annual Harvest Festival. Bring your veggies, either in their natural state or in your favorite dish. Don't forget your recipes!

To add alittle spice this year, there will be a contest with prizes to the winners. Categories are #1 Best in show/Best color, #2 the longest or the biggest, #3 most unusual/ugliest. So save those veggies!

We will have a question & answer session. So if you've had a problem or a sucess story to share, you can present it to the group or write it down & our President Cathy will do it for you.

We will also have some raffle prizes for just coming. Our feature herbs are rosemary & oregano.

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

--Gina Pacheco

September meeting recap

2010-09-13T13:49:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Colleen Graudins and Toby Koch for getting us updated on invasive plants (and some alternatives to them). Queen Anne's Lace -- who knew??

For more information on invasive plants, visit the Chicago Botanic Garden or the University of Illinois Extension.

Thanks also go to Gina Pacheco for keeping us well-fed. Here are recipes for Rosemary Dip, Parsley Dip, and Apple Sage Bread.

Canning Program

2010-08-31T06:50:00.001-07:00

Downers Grove Organic Gardeners members are invited to a canning Program on Thursday, September 16 from 7 - 9 p.m. at Lincoln Center, 935 Maple Avenue, Downers Grove.

Roberta Muehlhaus will help participants take home a jar of pepper jelly that they canned themselves! Free for PAID DGOG members only. RSVP by September 7 by contacting Cathy Hlohowskyj by email (ihorcathy@sbcglobal.net) or by phone (630-241-3447).

September Meeting

2010-08-21T10:25:00.000-07:00

Join us Wednesday, September 8 to hear Colleen Graudins and Toby Koch, Illinois Master Gardeners, talk about Alternatives to Invasive Plants. The meeting begins at 7 PM at the Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss Street.

The board will meet at 6:30. Anyone is welcome to attend the board meeting.

Plant a Row for the Hungry

2010-08-21T10:21:00.000-07:00

Hello Gardeners!

Just an update to let you all know we've past the half way point on our goal to 100 lbs. We've donated 57 lbs of tomatoes, green beans, cukes, eggplant & squash.

Another note: the People's Resource Center's receiving area is not on Blackhawk. Turn right at Plaza, and it's the first driveway on the right. They usually have signs out. Any questions, give me a call 630-852-4480. Thanks to everyone who donated. I'll update at the meeting in Sept.

Gina

Genesis Growers trip cancelled

2010-07-14T11:51:00.000-07:00

Our field trip to Genesis Growers in St. Anne, Illinois has been cancelled. Watch your email or this blog for more information.

As we all know, nature offers bounty but sometimes heartache in the form of severe weather. Read about the recent weather issues that Genesis Growers has been experiencing.

Basil, Stevia and recipes

2010-06-19T08:06:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to the information that the Pachecos shared with us at our last meeting, including the recipes for the wonderful food!

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3732050/DGOG/Pacheco_herb_info.pdf

A Membership Reminder from Cathy

2010-06-19T08:01:00.000-07:00

Hello all you Organic Gardeners!

I imagine you all have fingernails decorated with a touch of soil on them too!

I would like to remind everyone to make sure you have renewed your membership this year. If you can't remember if you did, please ask Annie Garvey Jagielski and she will let you know. We have two field trips this summer that are free for members, the first to Possibility Place Nursery in Monee and the second to Genesis Growers in St. Anne's. Our fall line up of speakers should be informative and fun! Please take a moment to check your records. If you no longer want to be on the e-mail list and do not wish to renew, please let Annie know.

Thank you,

Cathy

Joliet Area Hospice Garden Walk

2010-06-08T08:29:00.001-07:00

Information about the Joliet Area Hospice Garden Walk on June 26.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3732050/DGOG/timmysgarden161.pdf

Bring Tips for Herbs and Soil to Our Next Meeting

2010-06-03T08:39:00.001-07:00

At our welcoming table at next week meeting, we will feature basil, stevia and organic fertilizers. Bring your recipes & tips for growing theses herbs and what you use to enrich your soil. We'll have basic guidelines but would like to offer member tips also. If we get a good response, we might consider a gardening tip/cookbook or least info for next year’s plant sale. We will also have a couple of raffle prizes. And if you’re so inspired, bring your dish to share. Hope to see you all there.

Plant Sale 2010 Wrap-up

2010-06-02T12:15:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who helped make our 2010 Plant Sale a success. From the organizers to those who grew plants to the set-up and take-down crew to the cashiers, we all worked together to help our community start and enjoy their gardens. View photos of the sale here.

June Meeting

2010-06-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

Patricia Hill, garden designer and author of Design Your Natural Midwest Garden, will speak about Shade Gardens: Beyond Hostas at 7 p.m., Wednesday, June 9. We meet at the Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss Street. The Downers Grove Organic Gardeners board will meet at 6:30 p.m.; you are welcome to come early and join us.

Plant Sale!

2010-05-21T09:33:00.001-07:00

Don't forget our plant sale this Saturday (May 22) from 9-3 at Hummer Park in Downers Grove. We'll have annuals, perennials, herbs and vegetables.

Rain Barrel Volunteers Needed

2010-04-30T08:43:00.001-07:00

On Saturday, May 8th, the Village of Downers Grove will be distributing rain barrels with the help of the Conservation Foundation. The Pierce Downers Heritage Alliance members will be there to help and we have also been asked to help. Over 400 barrels have been ordered! Help will be needed to collect checks, direct drivers and load barrels into vehicles. If you can help, we will send you more detailed information. Please e-mail Erin Tuttle at : etuttle@theconservationfoundation.org if you can help for a few hours.

One Seed Chicago Winner!

2010-04-30T08:36:00.000-07:00

One Seed Chicago recently unveiled the winner at the 18th Annual Green & Growing Fair at the Garfield Park Conservatory. After four months of voting, Bee Balm has emerged triumphant over Purple Coneflower and Nodding Onion as the One Seed Chicago for 2010. Everyone who voted will receive their free seed packet in the mail. Those who didn't get a chance to vote can request a free seed packet at www.OneSeedChicago.com while supplies last. They'll be mailing out over one million seeds this year all across Chicago.

Read the full press release here.

Free Green Festival Ticket

2010-04-28T10:54:00.000-07:00

The Chicago Green Festival features 125 speakers, a creative green kids program, an exciting eco-fashion show, social justice films, green home workshops, community action and fair trade pavilions, local organic beer and wine garden and delicious organic food restaurants.

Chicagoans will learn from and shop at more 340 green retailers, organizations, farmers, institutions, manufacturers and campuses. Representing over 20 industry and business categories, our exhibitors are committed to people & planet conscious products and services.

Here is a link to a free ticket and a PDF of a free ticket to the Chicago Green Festival on May 22nd and 23rd at Navy Pier:

http://www.greenfestivals.org/chicago-free-ticket-offer

Chicago 's Green Festival speakers bring you the hottest topics from toxic free homes and sweatshop free clothing to green social media and green building. Green Festival exhibitors are screened for their commitment to sustainability, ecological balance and social justice using Green America's nationally recognized green business standards. For a list of presenters visit http://greenfestivals.org/speaker-directory/chicago-2009.

Join us at Lyman Woods for a special event

2010-04-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

Our special meeting on May 5 at 7pm will be held at the Lyman Woods Interpretive Center (at the corner of Highland and 31st St., entrance off of 31st in Downers Grove) and will feature our very own Erin Tuttle! Erin will talk about organic gardening, giving an overview of organic gardening principles, designed to inspire listeners to view our gardens in a whole new light. I hope you all will be able to join us there.

This meeting is being co-sponsored by the DG Park District Natural Areas. In order for them to have enough seating available, we are asking that you please RSVP to Annie Jagielski at anniegj@gmail.com by Friday April 30th, 2010. Thank you!

Cathy Hlohowskyj

P.S. Don't forget our plant sale on May 22nd at Hummer Park from 9am-3pm. We will have the "jobs" sign-up sheet at the May 5th talk.

April Meeting

2010-04-07T08:48:00.000-07:00

Join us on Wednesday, April 14 at 7 PM when Go Green Wilmette will offer tips on reducing your carbon footprint. As always, you are welcome to attend the board meeting, which begins at 6:30.

Park District Programs feature Cathy and Erin

2010-04-07T08:41:00.000-07:00

The Downers Grove Park District is featuring DGOG president Cathy Hlohowskyj and member Erin Tuttle in two programs this spring.

Annual Plant Sale!

2010-03-28T17:13:00.001-07:00

Tell everyone you know about our annual plant sale from 9 AM to 3 PM Saturday, May 22 at Hummer Park.

Buy your annuals, perennials, herbs and vegetables, and share your gardening knowledge with other organic gardeners.

Erin Tuttle Speaking in Lemont

2010-03-26T11:10:00.000-07:00

Erin Tuttle will discuss the hows and whys of vermicomposting, or composting with worms, at The Lemont Friendship Garden Club on Saturday, March 27 at 2 p.m. The meeting is at the Lemont Library, 50 E. Wend Street (630-257-6541).

The garden club would love for you to attend and bring a friend.

The Tomato Lady Speaks!

2010-02-23T07:43:00.000-08:00

The Tomato Lady, a.k.a. Aggie Nehmzow, is a local expert and cultivator of many varieties of heirloom tomatoes in her backyard. She'll discuss organic farming of heirloom varieties of produce at our next meeting at 7 PM Wednesday, March 10. We meet at the Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss Street. The DGOG board will meet at 6:30; you are welcome to come early and join us.

February Meeting

2010-02-03T09:33:00.000-08:00

Jerome Johnson, Executive Director of Garfield Farm Museum, presents a talk on Heirloom Plants and the Loss of Genetic Diversity in Domestic Cultivars at 7 PM Wednesday, Feb. 10. We meet at the Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss Street. The board meets at 6:30 PM; you are welcome to attend the board meeting.

Horticultural Job Fair

2010-01-27T18:59:00.000-08:00

The College of DuPage's Horiculture department is hosting its annual Career Fair on Tuesday, Feb. 2 from 4-6pm in the new Technical Education Center, room TE 1038. The TEC building is a big black building on the southwest corner of Lambert and Fawell Blvd. at College of DuPage. Parking and the fair is free.

Local horticulture companies will be looking for a variety of FT, PT, experienced, entry level, seasonal and year-round positions. Please come prepared to interview and have a brief resume prepared.

Employers include:
Acres Group
The Artist's Garden
Cantigny Gardens
The Davey Tree Expert Co.
Fraser Landscapes
The Gardener Connection, Inc.
The Growing Place
Heinz Brothers Greenhouse and Garden Center
Illinois Arborist Assoc.
Meyer Landscaping, Inc.
The Midwest Companies
MWS Landscape Design
Platt Hill Nursery, Inc.

Newsletters: Ours and Others

2010-01-19T08:35:00.000-08:00

The Spring edition of The Garden Gate newsletter will be arriving in early March. However, if you are interested in news from other groups, here is the newsletter from Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory's Natural Areas group. As you may be aware, there is a restored prairie at Fermilab, and it is a great place to see wildlife, too.

One Seed, One Chicago

2010-01-05T08:45:00.000-08:00

Need a little reminder that to all things, there is a season (and it's not always winter)? Vote for a seed for One Seed, One Chicago.

January Meeting

2010-01-04T11:36:00.000-08:00

Join us at 7 PM on Wednesday, January 13 when Kelsey Shaw of Possibility Place Nursery discusses "Propagation of Native Plants for Seeds and Cuttings."

As always, we meet at the Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss Street.

Lyman Woods Hike Canceled

2009-12-09T09:04:00.001-08:00

While we missed the worst of the snow, the forecast for today and tonight is more snow, high winds, and plunging temperatures. Given concerns about traveling to the meeting and then home later in the evening, along with outside conditions (high winds and excessive wind chills) that are not good for a night hike in the woods, we are canceling tonight's meeting and hike. The Downers Grove Park District told us we could use the Interpretive Center for future activities, so we can schedule a hike and meeting for a later date.

Lyman Woods Night Hike

2009-11-25T07:42:00.000-08:00

The DGOG Club will have a night hike on Wednesday, Dec. 9, at the Lyman Woods Nature Center in Downers Grove. The Nature Center is located at the corner of 31st and Highland, with the entrance on 31st St. The evening will consist of a night hike through the woods followed by hot beverages and cookies at the Center. If you plan to attend, please arrive by 7PM - we should be done between 8:30 and 9:00 PM. Dress warmly and with sturdy shoes, and bring a flashlight. In the event of rain, we'll skip the hike and go straight to the refreshments! Feel free to bring a holiday treat to share, but don't stress out if you don't have time to bake.
--Cathy

Nov. 11 Meeting

2009-10-28T12:44:00.000-07:00

Our next meeting on Nov. 11 will feature Patricia Hill, author of Design Your Natural Midwest Garden. She will offer ideas for shade gardening with native plants. Join us at 7 p.m. at the Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss Street.

That afternoon, Trudi Temple will be speaking at a Downers Grove Chamber of Commerce luncheon. Find details here.

A Lovely Autumn Day at Trudi's Farm

2009-10-26T13:37:00.000-07:00

Here's a report and some photos of the group's trip to Trudi Temple's farm. Thanks to Irene Hogstrom for the report!

"The rain stopped and we had a gorgeous fall day for our visit to Trudi Temple's farm in Marengo. Trudi served us soup and sandwiches, with almost all of the ingredients coming from the farm. She has a large vegetable garden, fruit trees, grass fed cows, and chickens on the farm. After lunch, we had a tour and Trudi talked about her extensive conifer collection on the property. She is also striving to make the farm sustainable, as seen by the solar panels on her daughter's glass artworks studio. (in the photo, behind Trudi) "

Visit Trudi Temple's Farm

2009-10-15T08:01:00.000-07:00

Join us for a visit to Trudi Temple's farm in Marengo on Saturday, Oct. 24. We'll meet at the Downers Grove Public Library at 10:15 am to work out carpooling arrangements. Or, you can drive yourself.

We'll be at Trudi's farm by noon for an organic lunch and then enjoy a tour. The day is free for DGOG members and $15 per person for nonmembers.

RSVP or get directions from Irene Hogstrom (630-852-7849, i_hogstrom@yahoo.com)

Harvest Fest Preview

2009-10-05T09:30:00.000-07:00

Many gardeners have already shared photos for the Harvest Fest on Oct. 14. Click here for a video preview.

Container Garden Class

2009-10-01T08:05:00.000-07:00

Wicker Park Garden Club

Container Design for Fall and Winter

In this workshop, Susan Fontana will give you ideas how to choose plants, dried grasses and flowers, and other materials that will work together to keep your containers looking colorful, exciting and healthy through the season. Please bring with you questions that will help you design the containers that you have at home - think what shape, size and color they are in determining the final design for your containers.

Saturday, October 3 - 10am-12 noon
Wicker Park Field House - 1425 N. Damen, Chicago
Reservations - $15: wpgarden@aol.com (773) 278-9075

Registration fee will assist with the Support of Wicker Park's 10,000 sq. ft of Gardens and our Educational Programming.

Liberty Gardens Fall Class Schedule

2009-09-25T11:29:00.000-07:00

TOMATOES AND NOTHING BUT

If you’re tired of just putting up 50 jars of spaghetti sauce every year and want to try something different, come and taste some great ways to preserve tomatoes that are easy and fun to prepare and will keep all winter. We’ll prepare something during class for everyone to take home. All supplies and recipes will be provided. Vicki will share lots of other tomato secrets. $45.00 (3 hours)

Tuesday, September 29, 2009, 1:00 -- 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 1, 2009, 6:00 -- 9:00 p.m.

GARLIC
Aaaahh—garlic.... When to plant, how to plant, when to harvest? Questions I hear. Answers I will give and much more including a sensational way to make your own fresh garlic powder! You simply must come and try this and all the other garlic treats to be tasted. You haven’t lived until you grow your own garlic and the time to plant is now! $30.00 (2 hours)

Thursday, October 8, 2009, 1:00 -- 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 10, 2009, 9:00 -- 11:00 a.m.

ASSEMBLE YOUR COMPOST PILE NOW FOR SPRING
There are so many ways to enhance the quality of your compost pile right now. There will be lots of biomass at this time of year from the vegetable garden and there will be the added bonus from heaven—LEAVES! By doing it now we afford ourselves the additional luxury of time. All the time that the weather is good this fall and all the time that the complex workings of your pile are waking up next spring in late February and March and April, your biology will be hard at work while you are indoors resting. You can work on composting, crop residues, leaf composting and much more and by next year, you will have a bonanza of material to improve on your 2010 crops. $35.00(2 ½ hours)

Tuesday, October 20, 2009, 9:00 -- 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, October 24, 2009, 9:00 -- 11:30 a.m.

GOT WORMS?

I don’t mean to be personal but, if you don’t have worms, you’re missing out on a great opportunity to create a garden amendment that has no equal. Its availability to plants is even greater than finished compost and therefore, not as much quantity is needed per plant to give superb benefits. Fortunately, a homeowner only needs a small indoor space that stays above 55 degrees in the winter and a steady supply of leftovers from everyday meals to keep a worm bin going all through the winter season. Vicki will show you everything you always wanted to know about keeping a friendly little herd of worms around And your home and garden will be glad for it. $30.00 (2 ½ hours)

Tuesday, October 20, 2009, 1:00 -- 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 24, 2009, 1:00 -- 3:30 p.m.

Garden is located at: 907 Summit Street, Downers Grove, Illinois 60515 (1 block north of 55th street, 2 blocks east of Main Street, ½ block west of Washington, 1 ½ blocks south of Maple)

For information or to register call 630-852-5263 or email vnowicki@comcast.net

Fall Fairs

2009-09-25T11:25:00.000-07:00

A few fall fairs to be aware of:

Cantigny Green Fair on September 26

Preparing the Fall Garden for an Edible Spring at Vie Restaurant

September, October, November

2009-09-21T12:27:00.000-07:00

We hope you were able to sample Kathy Vitalo's various vinegar creations on Sept. 9. The sampling will continue on Oct. 14 when we gather for our annual Harvest Festival. Bring recipes, snacks, and your gardening stories and questions. Email any photos of your 2009 garden to Carol Morency at midway117@worldnet.att.net.

On Nov. 11, we welcome Patricia Hill, author of Design Your Natural Midwest Garden, to talk about Shade Gardening Beyond Hostas. As always, the meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the Downers Grove Public Library. The DGOG board meets at 6:30 p.m.

Garden Study Course

2009-09-07T17:47:00.000-07:00

Click here to view a flyer on an upcoming gardening study course at the Cook County Farm Bureau.

You need Adobe Reader to view this file as well as our minutes.

If you don't have Adobe Reader, download it here.

If you are using Internet Explorer to view the Internet, you may need to download an application called ActiveX. Look between the screen and the browser. There will be a yellow line across the top. Click it and select Install ActiveX Controls.

Expert Brings the Flavors of Herbs to Sept. Meeting

2009-09-01T11:51:00.000-07:00

Join us for our next meeting on Wednesday, September 9 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Kathy Vitalo will present "Extending the Summer Bounty of Herbs in Your Garden" which focuses on tasting, smelling and identifying herbs depending on the season. Vitalo is an owner of Herbally Yours, a family-owned and operated herb vinegar farm. Its artisanal basil-oregano vinegar was a 2006/2007 finalist in the Gallo Family Vineyards Gold Medal Award competition. Kathy is a 19-year member of the Pleasantdale Garden Club and of Slow Food USA.

We meet at the Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss Street.

Recycling Extravaganza

2009-08-24T11:44:00.000-07:00

The Downers Grove Park District, in partnership with the Village of Downers Grove, will host a Recycling Extravaganza on Saturday, September 26 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Belmont Road Train Station in Parking Lot H.

Items Accepted:

Electronics: TVs (including console models), VCRs, DVD players, cameras, computers/laptops, copiers, cords, discs, electric typewriters, fax/adding machines, hard drives, keyboards, mice, monitors, PDAs, printers, scanners, small kitchen appliances, radios, speakers, stereos, telephones, zip drives
Furniture: cribs and dressers
Lead acid batteries: car, motorcycle, boat, lawn mower, truck, sump pump, RV and all sport vehicle batteries
CFL Lightbulbs
Ink jet cartridges
Cell phones
Hearing Aids and Eye Glasses
Select Medical Supplies: Gently used wheelchairs, walkers, and crutches

Meet the Author of Wicked Plants

2009-08-05T12:49:00.001-07:00

Anderson’s Bookshop will host author Amy Stewart and botanical illustrator Briony Morrow-Cribbs. Their meticulous research and vast knowledge of plants is evident in the new release: Wicked Plants—A Book of Botanical Atrocities. Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the garden, Stewart, the best selling author of Flower Confidential, delves into the dark side of the plant kingdom. Amy Stewart’s essays have appeared in Organic Gardening, Garden Design, the New York Times, and elsewhere. She has been featured on NPR, Good Morning America, and CBS Sunday Morning. Visit her online at www.amystewart.com. Visit her in person at Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville on Thursday August 20 at 7 PM.

Got Worms? You Will After This Class!

2009-07-26T08:48:00.000-07:00

You can still catch a class with Vicki Nowicki this summer:

Got Worms?
Wednesday, July 29, 9a.m.-12p.m.

See what all the squirmin’ is about. Everybody either has worms or is talking about worms. Be in with the “in” crowd and learn how to take care of Eisenia foetida so that you can show off your worm bin to all your company, too and get that unanimous “ew, gross” that we love to hear. Just kidding, this is the best thing you’ll ever do!

Classes are $40 per person. All materials will be provided unless otherwise specified.

Classes held at:
The Land Office
907 Summit Street
Downers Grove IL. 60515
630-852-5263

A Note From Cathy

2009-06-25T10:47:00.000-07:00

Hello DGOG! Hope your summer is "growing" well! Thanks to Irene and Kim for the wonderful and informative presentations at our June meeting. At that meeting, we also voted in the 2009-2010 officers. Welcome to the newcomers and thanks to those who have served over the past years.

We have a few dates to help weed the Butterfly Garden at Lyman Woods. Join us on Saturdays July 18 and August 15 from 9 to 11:30 am. Anyone can help out! Meet at the Lyman Woods Interpretive Center.

Our field trip this year will be to Heritage Prairie Market, 2 N 308 Brundage Road, Elburn, at 7 pm on July 8. They will give us a tour of their farm and market and we will sample their wares. The market is about a 45 minute drive from the Downers Grove Public Library. We will meet there at 5:45 pm at the parking lot entrance and carpool. Please RSVP to Irene Hogstrom at i_hogstrom@yahoo.com or call (630) 852-7849.

The board will be planning another garden walk in September. Watch for details.

Hope to see you on July 8.

Cathy Hlohowskyj, President

Garden Walks Galore

2009-06-22T17:44:00.000-07:00

Palos Park Garden Walk

Saturday June 27, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Seven private gardens will be open to the public on Saturday, June 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when the Palos Park Garden Guild I hosts its garden walk. Proceeds from the walk will be used to send children with burn injuries to a special camp for burn victims this summer. Tickets for the walk are $10.00 and may be purchased at the following locations:

Ollie’s Coffee Café at 11845 Southwest Highway in Palos Heights (708) 671-1352

Wild Birds Unlimited at 13012 S. LaGrange 708-361-8726

Take Me Home Gifts at 9664 W. 131^st in Palos Park (708)448-8600

Contact: Arlene Adams 708-448-4007

The Wayne Countryside Garden Club 2nd Garden Walk

Saturday, June 27

The 5 gardens and vendor exhibits will be open from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Advance tickets and those for your Garden Club members are $12. Tickets will be $15 the day of the event for non-Garden Club members. Tickets are available for sale at:

Alltemp Fireplaces, 112 W. Lake Street, Bloomingdale

Prestige Nursery, 28W761 Army Trail Road, Bartlett

Scentimental Gardens, 428 W. State Street, Geneva

Shady Hill Gardens,42W075 Route 38, Elburn

Blue Goose Market,300 S. Second Street, Saint Charles

Heinz Brothers Nursery, 2010 E. Main Street, St. Charles.

Tickets will also be sold at the first garden - 33W262 Ashley Lane in Wayne. Ashley Lane is in the Brewster Creek North Country subdivision which is west of Dunham Road between Army Trail Road and Stearns Road. For more info, call Barb at (630) 497-0186

Good Neighbors, Great Worms

2009-06-12T13:15:00.000-07:00

Kim Christen introduced us to vermiculture and Irene Hogstrom shared her thoughts on being a good neighbor during our June meeting.

Thanks to Maria Hlohowskyj for the photos!

Watch for information about our July 8 to field trip to Heritage Prairie Market in Elburn. For more information about the market, check out their website: http://www.hpmfarm.com.

June Meeting

2009-06-08T07:51:00.000-07:00

Our June meeting will be at the Downers Grove Public Library on Wednesday, June 10, at 7 p.m. Our program this month will be member-led. Irene Hogstrom will give a short talk on being good neighbors with our natural areas by using native plants in the home landscape. Then Kim Christen will offer a demonstration on the assembly of a worm-bin, along with an overview of vermicomposting.

We will also have elections of our officers for 2009-2010.

And, mark your calendars for a field trip on the evening of July 8 to Heritage Prairie Market in Elburn. They will give a tour and provide some tastings of their products. For more information about the market, check out their website:http://www.hpmfarm.com. More details and coordinating carpooling will be forthcoming.

Plant Sale Thanks!

2009-05-11T11:07:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all buyers, helpers and planners who helped make the 2009 Plant Sale a success. We had a lovely day and many shoppers stopped by to purchase plants and continue spreading the news about organic gardening.

Plant Sales, Seminars, Garden Walks

2009-04-24T13:07:00.000-07:00

Plant Sales:
Wheaton Park District
April 25 from 8:30 am - Noon.
Lots of trees, shrubs and forbs.
Public Works Building on Liberty Street

http://www.wheatonparkdistrict.com/pgs/general/specialevents.html#nativeplantsale

Northeastern Illinois University
April 29 (10 am - 5 pm) and April 30 (10 am - 3 pm)

Variety of indoor and outdoor plants; many natives and heirloom tomatoes
Student Union, 5500 North St. Louis Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60625

2009 Native Plant Sale, Mayslake Peabody Estate
Friday, May 8 from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A catalog is available at www.dupageforest.com. Pre-sale orders are due into Stacey Becker by Friday, May 1st. This year you will be able to submit your order online. Orders can be picked up at Mayslake on Wednesday, 6 May – 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. or Thursday, 7 May –12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Seminars and Classes:
Need help planning your garden? Sign up for the “Native Landscaping for Beginners” class at Fullersburg Woods on May 3rd.

Experts share tips for healthy eating at the Organic Eating Fair on Thursday, May 7 at Ashton Place in Willowbrook, part of the ten-town Big Read.

Garden Walk:
Walk the Garden Path to help find a Cure for Parkinson's Disease
Sunday, June 28, 2009
All six the gardens are located within walking distance of each other in Naperville near the intersection of Royce Rd. and Apple River Drive. Each garden is unique and spectacular in its own way, you will find a variety of gardens ranging from very natural to perfectly groomed.

Highlights include natural habitats for birds and a fabulous outdoor living room complete with stove and a fireplace!

Reception, Picnic, Music, Silent Auction & Raffle at: DuPage River Park 808 Royce Road, Naperville, Il 60540. Donation: $50 per person

Click on the links to see the full brochure with maps and links to the ticket reservation form

Tell Your Friends and Neighbors

2009-04-12T08:49:00.000-07:00

May will be a busy month for our club. On May 2, our annual plant sale once again takes root at Hummer Park. Print out a flyer and give one to everyone you know!

While you're talking up the plant sale, tell everyone about our joint program with the Pierce Downer's Heritage Alliance at 10 a.m. on May 9 at the Downers Grove Public Library. Jim Kleinwachter with Conservation at Home will be there with expert information on making your backyard earth-friendly. All attendees will also get a coupon for $10 off a rainbarrel purchased at The Conservation Foundation (regular price: $85).

April Meeting

2009-04-07T06:58:00.000-07:00

Our own garden Goddess Cathy Hlohowskyj shares her butterfly wisdom with us in "Butterflies: Attract Them, Raise Them, Set Them Free" at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 8 at the Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss Street. The DGOG board will meet at 6:30 p.m.

Don't forget to pay your annual membership dues, and please remind your fellow members to do so as well this month!

Plant Sales and Expert Advice

2009-04-01T08:59:00.000-07:00

Linda Walker writes:

Two plant sales that you can pre-order from for planting in May have posted their lists. I've ordered from both for many years now, and they never disappoint in the quality of their plants...at such reasonable costs.

http://www.schaumburggardenclub.com/NativePlantSale.htm - pre-order deadline April 20th

http://citizensforconservation.org/ Pre-order by April 13th. Also, check out their mission statement.

If you'd like help selecting what might be best for your particular situation, just bring your printed form to the April 8th meeting, with your initial 'leanings', and I'd be glad to help you complete your choices.

Rain Barrel Workshop

2009-04-01T08:57:00.000-07:00

As much as 500 gallons of rainwater fall on the roof and through the downspouts of a 2,000 square foot average home for each quarter-inch rain fall. Learn how adding a rain barrel to the picture can reduce water bills and conserve one of our most precious resources at The Conservation Foundation’s Rain Barrel Workshop, from 10 to 11 a.m., Saturday, April 4, at McDonald Farm.

Jim Kleinwachter, The Conservation Foundation’s land preservation specialist, will explain procedures to install a rain barrel in your home. He will also discuss how to paint the food-grade plastic barrels, some of which are imported from Greece and were originally used to transport olives and pickles.

The cost for the workshop is $10 per person. To register, email cthompson@theconservationfoundation.org or call 630-428-4500, Ext. 10. Each registrant will receive a $10 coupon to be deducted that day only from the regular purchase price of an $85 rain barrel.

If you can’t make the class but would like to purchase a rain barrel, they are available at The Conservation Foundation’s McDonald Farm for $85 on Thursdays from 2 – 4 p.m. from April through September. They are available by special arrangement at other times by contacting Jim Kleinwachter at jkleinwachter@theconservationfoundation.org or by phone at 630-553-0687, Ext. 302. Rain barrel stands are also for sale for $20.

Click here for more information about the Conservation@Home program and what you can do to make your yard more earth-friendly.

Gardening Events Springing Up

2009-03-20T13:12:00.000-07:00

It's time to start filling your calendar with garden-related events. The first item of note is our own Plant Sale, set for Saturday, May 2 at Hummer Park. On May 9, the DGOG and Pierce Downer's Heritage Alliance are collaborating on a program that will welcome back Jim Kleinwachter. Watch for more information at our April meeting and on this blog.

On Saturday, July 11, gardens from two DGOG members will be among those featured in “Hope Among the Flowers," the third annual Downers Grove Garden Walk sponsored by the Bridge Board of First United Methodist Church, Downers Grove. The walk features six unique private gardens throughout Downers Grove. Master Gardeners from the University of Illinois Extension DuPage County will be available at several gardens to answer your gardening questions.

Find information at www.dgfumc.org/gardenwalk. Tickets will be available after May 1 at the following locations: The First United Methodist Church office, 1032 Maple Ave., (630-968-7120), Dream Interiors, 5122 Main St. (630-810-1389) and Phillips Flowers, 1512 Ogden Ave. (630-969-9300).

The Bridge Board of First United Methodist Church partners with Bridge Communities effecting positive change for formerly homeless families – one family at a time. The Board provides transitional housing, mentoring, direction, encouragement and a stable environment so that families may become self-sufficient and sustain their independence. Proceeds from the Walk will ensure the continued work of the Board helping families to a better life.

March Meeting and Other Dates

2009-03-09T16:50:00.001-07:00

Don Obuch will talk about planning your fall garden and ornamental grasses during our next meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 11.

Below are a few more dates to put in you calendars:

Friday, March 20th, 10:30am: The District II Garden Clubs of Illinois Annual Meeting. This is a luncheon, business meeting, and program on "Spring Florals." The cost is $26 per person. If you would like to attend, please email Irene at i_hogstrom@yahoo.com.

Wednesday, April 8th; 7:00pm-8:30pm: Our April meeting, featuring our own Cathy Hlohowskj on Attracting and Raising Butterflies.

April 26th-27th: The Garden Clubs of Illinois' Annual Convention. This year's theme is "Growing in Green Possibilities." Information and a registration form can be found in your copy of Garden Glories.

Saturday, May 2nd: The annual DGOG plant sale! More details and ways to be involved will follow...

Saturday, May 9th; 10:00am-12:00pm: The Downers Grove Organic Gardeners will be hosting a joint community event with the Pierce Downers Heritage Alliance. We have invited Jim Kleinwachter, of The Conservation Foundation to speak on conservation practices in the home landscape. This will be a great event, enabling both organizations to create public awareness of our respective missions.

Inspiration, Just When We Needed it Most

2009-02-15T09:10:00.000-08:00

Out from behind the weather, the economy, and other shadows cast upon our recent days came Vicki Nowicki at our February 11 meeting. Vicki was not just showing us decades of expertise on starting seeds. No, Vicki wants a revolution! Now!

Do not wait, she insisted. The time to start to grow our own food and begin the escape from corporate-dominated frankenveggies is now!

Of course, many of us do grow our own food, on some scale. But we can all do more. Or, we can encourage others to join us. It was so wonderful to see such a crowded room last Wednesday. Think of the potential for change just here in the Downers Grove area.

Thanks Vicki, for your passion and your knowledge.

Development Doings

2009-02-15T09:00:00.000-08:00

For those of you who live or work in Downers Grove, the village is embarking on its Total Community Development Process. This is a long-range planning exercise that the village revisits every few years. TCD 3 has a website, where you can fill out a questionnaire and sign up for updates.

A community discussion is planned for 7 p.m. March 4 at Downers Grove South High School. Space is limited, so register by calling (630) 434-5527.

So what does community development have to do with gardening? Well, a lot! Do you want to ensure the village is committed to preserving green space? Do you want to suggest a natural alternative to stormwater managament issues? Do you want to see a town that's more friendly to bikers and walkers? This is your chance!

Meeting Minutes

2009-02-09T09:22:00.001-08:00

Our meeting minutes are now available on this blog. Scroll down to the left to read them.

February Meeting

2009-02-05T13:52:00.000-08:00

Erin Tuttle writes: "I have been doggedly determined to enjoy this winter, despite the bitter temperatures. After all, it's a beautiful season, and a time for us to rest...right? Nevertheless, I have started to feel that familiar itch for all things green and growing, and have been dreaming about a garden that is lush and buzzing with life.

February's DGOG meeting could be the perfect antidote for this spring fever. Next Wednesday, February 11th, we will have Vicky Nowicki speak to us on Starting Seeds Indoors. Vicky spoke to us last year at this time, and her talk was so engaging and educational that we decided to have her back to review the particulars of such an important topic.

As usual, we will meet at the Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss Street, starting our open business meeting at 6:30, followed by Vicky's talk at 7:00pm. We will wrap up by 8:30 pm."

Heirloom Tomatoes at the White House?

2009-01-26T09:57:00.001-08:00

There is a movement among Illinois organic food enthusiasts to convince the Obama Adminstration to install a garden at the White House. Here is a link to an article in the State Journal Register. And at the website whitehousefarmer.com, you can nominate a farmer to be the official White House farmer.

Thanks to Ellen Swirsky for the tip!

Oh no! Snow! January Meeting Cancelled

2009-01-14T09:13:00.001-08:00

Due to bad weather, the January meeting has been cancelled. It's a great night to plan your garden!