Drive around town to note the autumn harvest is in full bloom. Thanks to the tender loving care of local gardeners and garden clubs, garden plots in public places have produced an abundance of fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers, reminiscent of victory gardens of bygone years that helped support the local food supply.
On October 15, 22 enthusiastic volunteers worked for six hours to gather vegetables left behind after the Naperville Park District’s Garden Plots were closed for the season. This year’s gleaning yielded over 680 lbs. of vegetables for Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry.
Master Gardeners Ron Ory and Logan Wasson developed the idea to glean vegetables at the Garden Plots in 2011, when the first group of volunteers gathered 160 lbs. of vegetables. The master gardeners also maintain their own garden plots dedicated to providing produce for Loaves & Fishes all summer long. Other gardeners donated vegetables as well, using a donation station that was set up at the plots during the gardening season.
Loaves & Fishes’ Community Relations Director Jody Bender expressed her appreciation. “Their dedication in ensuring that Loaves & Fishes received this food speaks to their true community spirit in helping to nourish their neighbors,” Bender noted, mindful that the gardeners’ work was made much more challenging by this year’s drought.
“We also want to recognize the Naperville Park District for donating the garden plots for this purpose. Loaves & Fishes emphasizes access to fresh, nutritious foods, so this wonderful donation of fruits and vegetables helps our families to live healthier lives,” added Bender.
Varieties of vegetables donated in the recent gleaning included Brussels sprouts, carrots, kale, onions, beets, squash, pumpkins, potatoes, parsnips, lettuce, herbs, and bok choy.
Photo courtesy Naperville Park District
Cress Creek Garden Club hosts ‘Make It Bake It’
Members of the Cress Creek Garden Club will hold their annual Make It Bake It (MIBI) fundraiser titled, “A Sweet Christmas” beginning at 10AM on Fri., Nov. 2, at White Eagle Golf Club, located at 3400 Golf Drive.
“This is the 36th year for the MIBI and the event includes lunch, a boutique, silent auction, and raffle,” said publicist Michelle Riddle.
Tickets are $35 each. Inquiries for tickets should be directed to Kathy Schneider (kswrigley834@att.net). Deadline to purchase tickets is October 26, 2012.
Proceeds from this event provide the Cress Creek Garden Club the opportunity to award scholarships to students studying horticulture or related subject interests. Last year the Cress Creek Garden Club awarded scholarships to ten students totaling $13,000.
For more information on the Cress Creek Garden Club, visit cresscreekgardenclub.org.
Naperville Garden Club Cup of Cheer™ Holiday House Walk & Market
Tickets are now available for the Naperville Garden Club’s Annual Cup of Cheer Holiday House Walk from 10AM-6PM, Fri., Dec. 7.
Ticket holders can shop for special gifts and decorations at the Cup of Cheer™ Holiday Market on Thursday and Friday, Dec. 6-7. Choose from original designs created by members of the Naperville Garden Club.. The Holiday Market also is where to pick up the souvenir 2012 English bone china cup and saucer.
Coffee, tea and cookies will be available on both days from 10AM-6PM with a formal tea on Friday. The Holiday Market again is located on the 2nd Floor of the White Activities Center at North Central College, 325 E. Benton Ave.
The Holiday Market is open to the general public for shopping from noon to 6PM on Fri., Dec. 7. This means that non-ticket holders may enter the market and shop without participating in the house walk. No ticket required for admission to this market.
Tickets are $35 for the Friday December 7 tour. Tickets are available throughout Cup of Cheer™ days Dec. 6 and Dec 7. and can be purchased at the Will Call table at the White Activites Center lobby area, or from the following local vendors: Nona Jo’s (Mill St and 5th Ave near NNHS); Oxford Banks (2 sites – 75thSt at Book Rd, and Rt 59 at 83rd St); Country Curtains (233 S. Main St); The Growing Place (25 W. 471 Plank Rd location); and Naperville Bank & Trust (2 sites – 5 South Washington and 1205 S. Naper Blvd).
According to Marilyn Krueger, president of the Naperville Garden Club, the Cup of Cheer is the club’s major fundraiser, making it possible for club members to help beautify Naperville by managing gardens, organize Garden Therapy projects with the clients at the Ecumenical Adult Care Center and offer college scholarships.
For more information, call Gale at (630) 212-9560, Gwenn at (630) 717-7886, or Diane at (630) 416-8572 or visit Cup of Cheer.
Photo courtesy Marilyn Krueger
