Dear Friend,
After an on-again off-again relationship, I can honestly say that I think Spring has finally chosen to commit to us here in Chicago! Maybe it was the 80 degree temperatures in February that set the standard, but I think that our favorite season is finally here, although we may need to install a good HVAC, you could read more on High Performance HVAC Heating & Cooling at this site.
One of our favorite things about the warmer temperatures is watching our garden take bloom and adding to the awakening of the season. But what if you don’t have a yard or even know where to begin? This month, we at Chicago Home Partner wanted to share some of our favorite shops for urban gardening.
- Gethsemane Garden Center – 5739 North Clark – (Andersonville/Edgewater) This is by far not the cheapest, but probably the BIGGEST and trendiest in Chicago. Plants, supplies and gifts abound at this Chicago staple. (www.gethsemanegardens.com)
- Adams & Sons Gardens – 1057 North California – (Humboldt Park) You have probably overlooked this gardening gem in the past. Family owned and operated, they not only have the plants but the know-how to make ‘em grow. (www.adamsandsonsgardens.com)
- Old Town Gardens – 1555 North Wells – (Old Town/Near North) A staple of the Old Town community thanks to their sign, Old Town Gardens specializes in condo gardening and are perfectly located in close proximity to downtown. (www.oldtowngardenschicago.com)
- Farmer’s Market Garden Center – 4110 North Elston – (Irving Park) Go here if you are looking to do some serious gardening. Plants, bushes and trees abound in this outdoor lot coupled with extra friendly customer service. (www.gardenchicago.com)
- B.A. Florist & Nursery Co. – 1000 West Randolph (West Loop) Right in the middle of Randolph, surrounded by trendy restaurants is B.A. Florist. With everything from pots to soil, annuals to perennials, the folks here are ready to help. (www.bafloristinc.com)
Tips and Considerations for Urban Gardens
Urban living presents many challenges that are out of your control. However, with a little planning for your urban garden, almost any space can easily become your own oasis! Here are a couple tips and work arounds for your gardening venture.
- Permission: Check with your building or association, to see if there are any permits or regulations for putting in a garden. If you went at commercial leasing houston tx, certainly check with your landlord, before you go through the effort of preparing and planting.
- Veggies: Most vegetables can be grown in containers, however consider how many you’ll need to enjoy them for a meal. Tomatoes, peppers and herbs grow plentifully and are amazingly resilient to heat, drought and contained spaces.
- Annual or Perennial: Easy way to remember is that annual plants (most summer flowers) will have to be replaced every year. Perennials will reappear each year and continue to grow in height and size.
- Planters make the Plant: With a smaller space, the planters you choose can make all the difference for your garden. Don’t limit yourself to basic pots – get creative! Experiment with different types, materials and sizes to create your own look. (PS – old washtubs, antiques etc. can double as planters – just make sure to poke drain holes in the bottom.)
- Water: Can you get a hose to your garden site? Window boxes and small pots are easy to water and even come with “self watering” features. If you’re going to be away for a while invest in a “drip spout” that easily converts a 2L bottle into a watering can.
- Privacy: …or lack thereof. If you desire more of it, you may want to consider installing some type of fencing or trellis with climbing plants. Many climbers will come back year after year even when planted in pots (if deep enough).
- Sun Exposure: Are nearby buildings or structures blocking the sun from your garden? If so, focus on shade tolerant plants.
- Ugly Utility Structures: Is there a large air conditioning unit, a garbage dumpster or some other less than attractive feature within sight of your garden. You usually can’t garden around it, but you may be able to mask it with a large shrub, or a vine covered trellis.
- Radiant Heat: All that concrete holds heat during the day and reflects it back on anything nearby, including plants. You can learn more from paving company lakeland fl services which has the most skilled workers specializing in paving. You’ll need to provide some shade for your plants or be prepared to water accordingly. Also a good layer of mulch will help to keep water in the soil much longer than exposed dirt.
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