A circle, a ring, a wreath

“A ring speaks of strength and friendship and is one of the great symbols of mankind.” Those are the words of Jens Jensen, the great landscape designer who celebrated the native and the natural and often included circular council rings in his garden plans.   At the holidays, we hang wreaths on our doors as … Continue reading A circle, a ring, a wreath

The Chicken and the Veg

People who raise backyard chickens say there’s one potential pitfall — getting too attached. It’s too late for Chicago Botanic Garden horticulturist Ayse Pogue. Cradling a black-and-white hen with a bright-red comb, she says, “I love my chickens.” Breeders describe chickens as either single purpose — raised for their eggs, or dual purpose — raised … Continue reading The Chicken and the Veg

Working toward a new harvest—on top of McCormick Place

Earlier this summer I stood on the rooftop of the McCormick Place convention center along Chicago’s lakefront and looked around. In front of me were vast rectangular trays of a monoculture of low yellow sedum and bare soil. What I saw in my mind’s eye was bed after garden bed bursting with kale, collards, carrots, … Continue reading Working toward a new harvest—on top of McCormick Place

Is your landscape ready for April showers?

It’s been a fairly cold and snowy winter in the Chicago area (though some of us longer-term residents might call it rather normal!). But the temperatures now are moderating, and signs of spring are popping up all over. The daffodils are quickly breaking the ground surface, and bits of green are reappearing at the crowns … Continue reading Is your landscape ready for April showers?