Chicago tips

Enjoy The Quirky Gardens Of Michigan Avenue

culture, current calendar, gardening

Now the sidewalk gardens along Michigan Av., are sprouting a variety of dress forms, (see photo), some of which defy description. That's because the Greater North Michigan Avenue Assn., the sponsor of these growing spaces wants to call everyone's attention to the fashion aspect of the Mag Mile.   

I met Mary, my informant,  at a bus stop in front of the Apple store a couple of weeks ago and she gave me fair warning of all this.  Mary had been chatting prior to my arrival with another bus rider who is a volunteer for the Michigan Ave. Assn. and that's how she got an advance clue-in.   She was obviously very enthusiastic about something so I just had to introduce myself.

She thought the dressmaker forms were a great idea and planned to bring her mother-in-law who is a recovering cancer patient there for a cheer-up.    Mary herself is a walking cheer-up.  She called my attention to the babbling brook to the north of the Apple Store.   I noted others on the boulevard itself.  The lush plantings are sponsored by retailers in the area.

The GNMMA was responsible for the bicycle component installations that graced these gardens  recently.  Although I personally disagree  that all this is "art",  it is a diversion that many find  pleasant.  I guess we owe all this inspiration to the "year of the cows."  Remember?

The dressmaker bust pictured, entitled Dahlia Pinnata was created by Shawn Holtaway, a student at the International Academy of Design and Technology here in town.   

The association wants you to visit their website, www.themagnificentmile.com but frankly when I did I was uninspired.

These Are Hollyhocks

current calendar, gardening

One never sees hollyhocks any more, particularly in the city so I just had to give you a hint for a special viewing.  This shocking and sumptuous display is in the parkways at the northwest corner of Wrightwood and Greenview (2600 North and 1500 West).  Many of the flowers are well over 5 feet tall!  I suggest a trip quite soon since if my memory serves me correctly, when the days get really hot these flowers tend to look a bit ratty.

If you know a small citizen that enjoys playgrounds, there's a well-equipped one right across the street so you can do two things at once.  Or rent an obscure movie from Facets Cinematique just a couple of blocks south on Fullerton (see Archives for more info).

Join The Volunteer Gardeners At The Lincoln Park Zoo

gardening, parks, volunteer

I almost thought I was part of a fairy tale while biking past a tiny cottage just south of Cafe Brauer in Lincoln Park, but a sign proclaimed it  the headquarters of the Volunteer Gardening Program of the Lincoln Park Zoo.

If you used to have a garden but have moved to an apartment in the city or if you hope to have a garden some day, this may be a perfect solution.

Gardeners are a special breed so it's quite fitting that this organization is supremely flexible.  Members range from complete novices to master gardeners and schedules are varied to suit one's own.  Volunteers may work on a regular weekly schedule or a monthly one (such as once a month) or even work occasionally.

Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30AM to 12Noon.  No application is necessary and on the job training is available.  The areas covered include those within and around the zoo from Fullerton on the north to Armitage on the south.  The Farm in the Zoo  and the South Pond are serviced as well.  The program continues from May through October and all tools, water and snacks are provided.

This program has been ongoing for ten years and boasts from 80 to 100 volunteers.  For further information contact 312.742.2124 or volunteer@lpzoo.org.

Sprout Home For Urban Gardeners

gardening

I really like Sprout Home.  It's on Damen just south of Chicago Av. and I think it's a perfect place for the urban gardener.  The selection of plants is carefully edited so you don't have to wade through all those boring begonias and petunias to find something appealing.

Owner Tara Heibel has a fine arts background and it shows.  She believes in modern design for your garden as well as a home's interior.  Her plant stock is chosen carefully and while the assortment isn't huge, there are some appealing plants that you won't necessarily find elsewhere.  Among the offerings the day of my visit were some hanging baskets with an  attractive purple and orange combination as well as some large leafed plants sure to add drama to one's garden.

Tara has a lot going on in this space.  There are tableware offerings, gifts and furniture and on the roof deck of the buiding she designed herself are an assortment of terrific planters;  ceramic, zinc and a terrific looking polyethylene.  Prices are reasonable.  I especially liked the square and round terrazzo tables and matching individual stools (see photo).  Tables are $349, stools $115 and totally weatherproof!  Imagine how stunning two black square tables would look as a roomy rectangular arrangement with stools.

There's everything one needs for a garden here including soil and tools.  There are lectures in early spring and an organic produce co-op you can subscribe to on a flexible basis once a month.  For $35, you can receive a box of locally grown produce that you pick up at Sprout Home on the last Wednesday of the month, beginning in June.

For more information about this and other offerings, consult their website at www.sprouthome.com or phone 312.226.5950.  Hours in season are 9AM-8PM daily.  Sprout
Home is at 745 N. Damen.