On November 7th, community gardeners from across the city gathered at the Garfield Park Conservatory to celebrate  the end of another hard fought gardening season.  At the GreenNet Community Garden of the Year Annual Networking Potluck, close to 100 community gardeners shared warm crocks of root vegetable stew, salads, dips and other tasty homemade treats prepared with the bounty of their harvest.

This year, ten community gardens were recognized for their unique contribution to Chicago’s community gardening world.   While these ten gardens were singled out for their efforts, we want to take a moment to honor and give thanks to ALL OF CHICAGO’S COMMUNITY GARDENERS for their diligence and dedication in maintaining  garden, farms, parks, gateways and riverbanks throughout Chicago.  Ever neighborhood in Chicago benefits from the impact these trailblazing garden pioneers.

2012 Awards and Recipients

“Inspiring Neighbors”: 500 E. 88th Street in South Shore

“Staying Power”: Ashford Garden in West Humboldt Park

“Remarkable Community Service”: Fulton Street Garden in Austin

“Sanctifying Spaces”: Faith Tabernacle in Chatham

“Increasing Fresh Food Accessibility”: Ginkgo Organic Gardens in Uptown

“Most Revitalized Garden”: Growing Exchange in South Chicago

“Conservation Leadership”: Growing Station in Pilsen

“Building Community Through BBQ”: Hoxie Prairie in South Deering

“Classic Community Organizing”: Hermitage Garden in Englewood

“Best Use of New Technology”: Merchant Park in Irving Park

It’s that tim e of the year again! GreenNet is asking all Chicago community & school gardeners and gardening organizations to nominate community gardens who deserve to be named GreenNet’s “Community Garden of the Year” for 2012! The gardens selected will be honored at the annual Community Gardener Networking Potluck on November 7, 2012 at the Garfield Park Conservatory.

Download the nomination form here: GreenNet Garden of the Year Nomination Form

This is a way to recognize the collective efforts that make community gardens so wonderful. To nominate a garden, please fill in the short form and mail, fax or email to:

Community Garden of the Year NeighborSpace
445 N. Sacramento Blvd. Chicago, IL 60612

fax: (773)442-­‐0299

email: Gree...@GreenNetChicago.org

Mailed nominations must be postmarked by October 22, 2012. Emails and faxes must be received by that date.

Download the flyer here: Community Garden of the Year Potluck

Perennial Plant Swap and Share

September 22, 2012

9:00 am-12:00 pm

Locations
West – Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park
North – North Park Village Nature Center, 5801 N. Pulaski
South – Chicago Embassy Church, 5848 S. Princeton

1.  Is registration required?

YES, plants will only be available to registered participants.  Please be sure to register before Friday, September, 14^th  .  

There are two ways to register:

• ONLINE: Registration link http://tinyurl.com/perennialdivide
• PHONE: Call 773-826-3240 to register with a staff member

Unfortunately, no. As much as we really appreciate your generosity dear gardeners, we do not have the capacity to accept divided perennials at the event this year.  Stay tuned for information about a spring plant divide and share event in 2013.

4.  What do you mean by “BYO container”

All donated plants will arrive in their own container.  We want to make sure you are prepared with a container, box or crate in your car or on your bike  to make sure your plants get home safely.

5.  I am not a community gardener, can I still participate?

Yes and No. This event is primarily for community gardeners within the City of Chicago.  In the event that there are left over plants, the public is invited to stop by around 11:30 am and take the remaining plants.  We cannot guarantee that plants will be available, but we welcome you to stop by and check.

6.  Will there be a chance to swap and share with other gardeners

Yes.  After plants are distributed, gardeners will be directed to the designated “swap and share” location to mingle, swap and talk shop until the cows come home.

More questions?  Contact bwilley@neighbor-space.org or 773-826-3240

Chicago Community Garden Leaders and GreenNet Chicago present
The Perennial Plant Swap and Share
Saturday, September 22nd, 2012
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
While we appreciate the generously donated divided plant material from years past, this year we will not be able to accept divided perennials.

Locations
West – Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park
North – North Park Village Nature Center, 5801 N. Pulaski
South – Chicago Embassy Church, 5848 S. Princeton

Registration
9:00-10:00 am-Mandatory check-in for pre-registered participants
Please arrive no later than 10 am to secure your plants.
10:00 am-12:00 pm – Plant distribution and informal share and swap

Please RSVP by September 14th to http://tinyurl.com/perennialdivide or 773-826-3240

Volunteers Needed
This event is being organized for and by community gardeners.  Your skills and expertise are needed to help make this event a success. Please e-mail the event coordinator at a location near you if you are interested and available to volunteer.  

Still need more information?  Find us at www.greennetchicago.org or 773-826-3240