Chicago Flower & Garden Show

Have you been to the Chicago Flower and Garden show at Navy Pier yet?!!!  If not, you have until Sunday, March 18to enjoy their exhibits.

I can’t believe how much it gave me the itch to get started in my garden.   The tulip and hyacinth flower bulbs always make me wish I had planted more in my own garden last Fall.   As I walk around my own yard, I am thankful the Show’s Marketplace sells bulbs for me to get started. 

Aquascape, Inc., has an impressive display of a variety of water features that the average homeowner can afford.  Their display leads into the Conservation Foundation’s display that not only contains their signature rain barrels, but focuses on native plants, edible plants, a rain garden, a vertical garden with vegetable, lettuce and herb edibles, and vertical garden modules that can be used for herbs in your kitchen.   There’s even a chicken coop that can be built right into your own yard.  So many sustainable ideas in 1 display!

I am reminded of all the ways that I can make my garden more sustainable:

* Planting with native and drought tolerant plants that require little to minimal watering

* Planting, growing, and harvesting my own vegetables

* Creating rain gardens to help filter the excess rain water in problem spots in my yard

* Use of rain barrels to re-direct rain runoff and use for watering my garden

* Provide natural habitat for some of our wildlife

* Limiting the watering of turf or replace turf by adding new gardens

If you can find time to get to Navy Pier to see the show, I highly recommend it.  There are so many gardening ideas that you can purchase right there at the show.  Sending me there with my credit card is never a good idea!

HAPPY GARDENING!