In recent years, there has been an explosion of lofty landscapes sprouting from every vertical surface, from the fences enclosing tiny urban lots to the interior walls of chic restaurants. Vertical gardens and living walls have unique benefits, not the least of which is efficient utilization of precious space. For backyard-challenged urbanites, a vertical growing […]
As we all become more aware of what we eat and the origin of our food, vegetable gardening is booming. Leading the way is LaManda Joy, founder of the Peterson Garden Project, an award-winning not-for-profit, that has brought community, urban gardening to Chicago in a big way. Built mostly on idle lots throughout the city, […]
Spring is in full bloom, and it’s finally time to fill our outdoor planters and pots with summery flowers.
“As the garden grows, so grows the gardener” —Unknown It’s time to change your perception of the garden club and the type of woman who belongs to one. “We are not a white-gloved tea and crumpets club,” asserts Nancy Challenger, member of the Winnetka Garden Club since 2006. “We are a working club and definitely […]
Nothing inspires your green thumb like a gorgeous garden. The 2011 Lake Forest Infant Welfare Showhouse & Gardens at Thorndale Manor earns merit as much for its landscape design as interiors. Originally designed by renowned landscape architect Jens Jensen, the grounds at Thorndale Manor reflect the same vision and talents Jensen expressed when creating Humboldt […]
Now is the ideal time to sit down with a cup of tea, your seed and plant catalogs and that new journal (devoted to gardening notes) to jot down your 2011 gardening goals. Once you’ve identified your desired results, even an informal plan will help you achieve your vision and save money. Where to start? […]
We’re all searching this time of year: for the perfect holiday cookie recipe, the most gorgeous trimmings for our home, the ideal gift for everyone on our list. And after all that is accomplished, we might even search for a little serenity. We’ll leave the serenity to you, but meanwhile, we’re helping by giving […]
For many of us, the organic awakening came when we read a book by Michael Pollan or saw the film “Food, Inc.” But Jeanne Pinsof Nolan of Glencoe recognized the importance of organics more than 20 years ago. In the late ’80s, Nolan walked into a health food store out-of-state and happened upon some […]
Brown and tired…that’s what your winter pots say. No time like spring to ditch the pine needles and winterberries for tulips, pansies and pussy willow. “Spring is the perfect time to revive your outdoor garden containers with bright colors and verdant foliage,” says Laura Szyjka, a garden/floral designer with Rocco Fiore and Sons. “Regardless of […]
Ask any woman—it could be 14-hour work days or 14 trips back and forth to a child’s golf camp—we could all benefit from a few minutes of solid meditation. The practice is good for the body and the soul, accomplishing everything from boosting the immune system to relieving stress and promoting better sleep. To truly […]
