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Community Corner

Go Green Wilmette's Second Annual Alternative Yard Tour

If you noticed more bicyclists than usual on Sunday, July 20th between 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., you were probably observing the participants in the second annual Alternative Yard Tour, who were checking out eight Wilmette yards that were open to the public. Leaving from Starbucks at Plaza del Lago and Wilmette Public Library, the groups visited each of the homes where hosts explained how problems in their yards were dealt with and answered questions about their solutions. There were approximately150 participants.

 

Arriving at the first house on Washington, the gorgeous yard we saw belied the huge flooding problem the yard experienced in 2011.  A large picture revealed the fact this did happen and all the steps that were taken to prevent a repeat.

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On Birchwood, our group visited an amazing edible garden, really a miniature farm that provides food for the two homes on either side.  It sits in the front of the homes where the sun reaches it.  This is a wonderful example of yard sharing.

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On Seminole, we observed another approach to managing flooding and another small farm, again in front where the sun reaches it.

 

The stop on Greenwood provided the group with the chance to observe a rain barrel in action, composting done right, an edible garden (in back), a native garden and if interested how solar panels provide electricity.

 

The stop on Lake Street was a unique and surprising visit.  The garden is a hidden treasure but very shaded.  This family found a way to harvest the sun by setting up containers where they can grow vegetables on the roof of their garage.  To show visitors how they did this and not have us climb a ladder, a slide show showing the step-by-step process they incorporated.

 

The stop at the home on Sheridan Road was a delight.  The bonus was the view of the lake and the little waterfall but the flooding solution was helpful to see in action.  An edible garden and native plantings topped off the visit.

 

On Greenleaf we were also offered a complete surprise.  An edible garden captures the sun in front and there are tomato plants in pots on the deck in the back.  But the entire space in the back was like a vacation spot.  There was a small waterfall that ended in a pond stocked with Koi fish.  A small path wound its way through greenery and native plants.

 

On Central Street, there was a large expanse of native plants and wonderful bird feeders.  There was also a charming green covered arch welcoming visitors near the sidewalk. 

 

In addition to seeing the beautiful and inspirational gardens, bikers visited with one another as they moved along and everyone saw parts of Wilmette they may never have known about.

 

For more information on sustainable gardening, safe water and food, managing flooding, energy efficiency and upcoming Go Green Wilmette events, check: http://www.gogreenwilmette.org/

 

 

 


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