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The Return of the Reindeer
Of course we want to sit on Santa's lap and reveal our hearts' desire, but what I really want is to meet his reindeer. All this month real live reindeer will be paying their annual holiday visit to Chalet in Wilmette. And from Dec. 20 through Dec. 28, Chalet will be offering a wide variety of Judaica and gifts for Hanukkah and beyond. |
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What To Do in The Garden
The point here is to try to not do very much. But if you must:
Sharpen and oil your clippers, loppers and spades; then put them to bed and let them snooze until spring.
If there's a heavy wet snow or an ice storm that make shrub branches lay low, generally you can let nature take its course. Chances are good that the snow will drop off on its own, the ice will melt and the branches will rebound. If heavy snow on your conifers really has you worried, go out with a broom and ever-so-gently lift upwards here and there to lighten the load. More Tips>>
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The local garden centers are aflutter with excitement this month (crazed might be a better word), and everybody's preoccupied with going to parties, shopping up a storm and overeating the goodies of the season. As you often hear, "Everybody's so-o-o busy!"
'Tis the season for gifts galore. But for gardeners, once we survive the holidays, winter will bestow its own special present - the gift of time. Keep Reading>>
Carolyn Ulrich
Editor
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Gifts Galore
Chicago area residents who enjoy decorating their homes eagerly await the annual Holiday Boutique at Mariani Landscape. This year's public event, showcasing a wide variety of decorating ideas, materials and accessories for sale, will take place 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 25 through Dec. 18 at the company's headquarters, 300 Rockland Rd., Lake Bluff.
Best Bulb
Really, there's nothing like an amaryllis to spark a cheery note in the house during the winter months, and a nice fat bulb is a gift that anyone (truly) can grow. Bestow a little loving attention throughout the summer and it will return for a repeat performance next winter.
For some nifty ideas about jazzing up your containers, check out our story in the November/December issue and gaze at the photos. You can do companion planting with amaryllis, too. Ferns. Ivies. Even miniature conifers. Many possibilities.
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For several years now the Wicker Park Garden Club has been decorating the fountain just south of the field house with a sparkling extravaganza of colorful lights. It's visible from the street at 1425 N. Damen, but if you get out and stroll into the park, you will also find an array of urns filled wiith greens and other ornaments. Putting this together is an all-volunteer effort, with input from the garden club members, their friends from throughout the city, plus The Care of Trees, which provided the LED lights and the Chicago Park District, which presides over it all. The lights are on daily from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. It's definitely worth a detour.
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You won't want to miss the Wonderland Express extravaganza at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe. With 750,000 lights sparkling outdoors and a 10,000-square-foot exhibition of miniature trains indoors, this is a delight for the entire family. Children will squeal over the trains, while adults will enjoy identifying the miniature Chicago landmarks. Tickets required.
If you'd like a nice day trip, head over to Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve in Niles, Michigan. They have a magical holiday train exhibit as well. Keep Reading>>
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