Prairie Godmothers

SEPTEMBER PROGRAMS & WORKSHOPS

2011-09-07T08:43:00.000-07:00

PRESENTATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

PLEASE CALL THE VENUE BEFORE HEADING OUT.

PLANTS IN THE GARDEN AND IN THE KITCHEN

Bulb Basics

Sponsored by Trinity Christian College, SALT Program

Sep 7, 2011

3:45pm – 5:00pm

Trinity Christian College, 6601 West College Drive, Palos Heights, IL 60463

Classroom Building, Room 212

Call to reserve: Ruth DeBruyn, 708.39.4827

Small fee applies

STAY GREEN THROUGH THE BROWN MONTHS

Healthy Winter Gardens from Harvest to Holiday

Sponsored by the Historic Chicago Bungalow Association

Sep 12, 2011

6pm – 7:45pm

Mayfair Public Library, 4400 W. Lawrence Avenue, Chicago, IL 60630 (312) 744-1254

Call or email to reserve: reservation@chicagobungalow.org or call 312-675-0300

Free to the Public

PLANTS IN THE GARDEN AND IN THE KITCHEN

Shakespeare and the Bible: An Introduction to Theme Gardens

Sponsored by Trinity Christian College, SALT Program

Sep 14, 2011

3:45pm – 5:00pm

Trinity Christian College, 6601 West College Drive, Palos Heights, IL 60463

Classroom Building, Room 212

Call to reserve: Ruth DeBruyn, 708.39.4827

Small fee applies

AN HERBAL CULINARY ADVENTURE

WORKSHOPS BY PRAIRIE GODMOTHERS

2011-07-02T20:07:00.000-07:00

PRESENTATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. PLEASE CALL THE VENUE BEFORE HEADING OUT.

BECOMING ECO-FRIENDLY IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD

Sponsored by the Mt. Greenwood Garden Club

July 14, 2011

5:30pm – 7:45pm

Mt. Greenwood Library

11010 S. Kedzie

Chicago, IL 60655

AN HERBAL CULINARY ADVENTURE

Sponsored by the Steger-South Chicago Heights Public Library

July 16, 2011

1pm – 2pm

Steger –South Chicago Library

54 E. 31^st Street

Steger, IL 60475

Registration required by calling 708.755.5040

GREEN CLEANING ESSENTIALS

Sponsored by the Grande Prairie Public Library

July 20, 2011

7pm-8pm

Grande Prairie Library

3479 W. 183^rd Street

Hazel Crest, IL 60429

Registration required by calling 708.798.5563

BULB BASICS

PROGRAMS AND WORKSHOPS FOR JUNE

2011-05-23T07:19:00.000-07:00

CREATIVE CONTAINER GARDENS FOR YOUR HOME

Sponsored by the Historic Chicago Bungalow Association

In Partnership with Jo Stavig

June 8, 2011

6pm – 7:45pm

Beverly Public Library

1962 W. 95^th Street

Chicago, IL 60643

AN HERBAL CULINARY ADVENTURE

Sponsored by the Palos Park Public Library

June 14, 2011

7pm – 8pm

Palos Park Public Library

12330 Forest Glen Boulevard

Palos Park, IL 60464

Registration required by calling 708.448.1530

HERBAL CONCOCTIONS FOR KIDS

Sponsored by the Olympia Fields Park District

June 18, 2011

10am-11am
Sgt. Means Park

20712 Western Avenue

Olympia Fields, IL

Registration required by calling 708.481.7397

PIZZA POTS FOR KIDS

Make A Date with the Godmothers

2011-04-18T13:36:00.000-07:00

PRESENTATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
PLEASE CALL THE VENUE BEFORE HEADING OUT.

GARDENS WITH A THEME
Sponsored by Evilena’s Red Dresser
April 21, 2011
7pm-8pm
59 W. Bankview Drive, Frankfort, IL 60423
815.464.4426
Registration required

GREEN CLEANING ESSENTIALS
Sponsored by the Center in Palos Park
April 26, 20112:30pm-3:30pm following the Tuesday luncheon movie
The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park, Illinois 60464
708.361.3650
Registration required

HOMES AND GARDENS FOR MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS
Featuring THEME GARDENS
Sponsored by Bella Vita Home Accents
April 26, 2011
6pm reception
6:30pm-7:30pm
18111 Dixie Highway, Homewood, IL 60430
708.798.2355
Registration requested

WE’RE TWO PLACES IN ONE DAY ON APRIL 30!
EARTH DAY CELEBRATION
Sponsored by the Oak Lawn Park District
Visit Our Booth
April 30, 2011
9am- 12pm
Wolfe Wildlife Refuge, 109th and Laramie, Oak Lawn, IL
708.857.2222

A WINDOW BOX FOR EVERY SEASON
Sponsored by the Historic Chicago Bungalow Association
In Partnership with Jo Stavig
April 30, 2011
3pm-5pm
2160 N. Ashland Avenue, Chicago
http://www.rebuildingexchange.org/

SMART PLANTS / SMART GARDENS
Sponsored by Irons Oaks
May 5, 2011
6:30-7:30
Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center, 20000 Western Avenue, Olympia Fields, IL 60461
708.481.2330
Open to Adults
Fee: $10R/$15NR

GREEN CLEANING ESSENTIALS
Sponsored by the South Holland Public Library
May 9, 2011
7pm-8pm
South Holland Library, 16250 Wausau, South Holland, IL 60473
708.331.5264
Registration requested, no fees

SMART PLANTS / SMART GARDENS
Sponsored by the Tinley Park Public Library
May 16, 2011
7pm-8pm
7851 Timber Drive, Tinley Park, IL 60477
708-532-0160
Registration requested, no fees

AN HERBAL CULINARY ADVENTURE
Sponsored by the Flossmoor Public Library
May 19, 2011
7pm-8pm
1000 Sterling Avenue, Flossmoor, IL 60422
708.798.3600
Registration required

GARDENS WITH A THEME
Sponsored by the Poplar Creek Library
May 24, 2011
7:30pm-8:30pm
1405 S. Park Avenue, Streamwood, IL 60107
630.483.4921
Registration requested

FIVE COMPELLING & REFRESHING REASONS TO CONSIDER THE PRAIRIE GODMOTHERS FOR YOUR GARDENING & GREENING NEEDS

2011-03-29T08:22:00.001-07:00

1. THE GODMOTHERS ASSURE YOU THAT YOUR GARDEN DOES NOT HAVE TO LOOK LIKE THE GARDEN OF VERSAILLES. (And it doesn’t need to cost as much, either!) A garden can be a vista of splendor, an oasis of tranquility or an explosion of color. But one thing is certain, the garden is always very personal to its owner and we are well aware that each person and each space is unique. The Godmothers will work closely with you to determine exactly what you want out of your space and what the parameters of your budget are.

2. THE GODMOTHERS PUT YOUR GARDEN IN BALANCE WITH ITS SURROUNDINGS. Our gardens are designed to conserve water, enrich soil and maintain Nature’s balance. We use sustainable practices that protect our environment, offer refuge for birds and butterflies and restore the land to a healthy state. Also, we don’t do cookie-cutter gardens because they don’t take each unique space into account and frankly, they’re boring!

3. THE GODMOTHERS USE WHAT YOU HAVE AND THOUGHTFULLY ACCESSORIZE. No need to rip your garden apart. We can revitalize an old space with natives and perennials. We can take a plant or shrub from here and place it over there--sort of like moving furniture around. We will add uncommon, eye-catching blooms and shrubs that provide four seasons of interest.

4. THE GODMOTHERS WANT TO MEET YOU WHERE YOU ARE. Some of you are hands-on homeowners, some of you prefer to watch your garden grow. We want your business and we offer options for labor that enable you to garden with us as much – or as little – as you want. We’ll happily work beside you or we can design, plant, tidy up and weed on our own.

5. THE GODMOTHERS ARE GREEN SPECIALISTS. We provide easy methods to improve your gardens, conserve water, limit energy consumption and recycle and re-use precious resources. We de-mystify what it means to go green, showing you that it’s not difficult, disruptive, uncomfortable or even expensive. We offer workshops and presentations that will help you make a difference in the world in which we live.

Give us a call! Tell a friend or neighbor. Talk us up to your condo association. And know that all will be well when the Godmothers step in.

Prairie Godmothers
708.205.5126
info@PrairieGodmothers.com
www.PrairieGodmothers.com

Songbird Hedgerows - Something to Consider

2011-03-16T09:51:00.000-07:00

Spring is around the corner and so of course our thoughts are teeming with ideas for our gardens. While we like to repeat what’s working in the garden (that amsonia hubrechti - Arkansas Blue Star - really performed in all four seasons!) we’re also intent on trying new things each year. That’s what makes gardening satisfying and exciting and it just makes sense -- gardens are living, dynamic things. And heck, if the new thing you try out doesn’t work out, well, you can try something different the following year. (We gardeners are often humbled, aren’t we?)

Here’s something to consider for your landscape that’s both a new thing and something different: plant a songbird hedge. This natural growing ‘fence’ can play the same role as a traditional fence: screening out neighbors’ yards, muffling out street noise or establishing property lines. But frankly, metal and wooden post fences are often unattractive or downright ugly (hello chain link fence, I’m talking to you) and they send a message to the community at large that isn’t so neighborly. A songbird hedge is not only much more attractive and a better long-term investment, it’s also incredibly beneficial to the tired migrating birds that might visit your garden, looking for a meal and a little R & R. You can have a “fence” that is very much alive and filled with pleasant sounds, smells and eye-catching textures.

We’re not talking about green things that have to be clipped and manicured and fussed over as though you were Edward Scissorhands. No, we’re talking about a combination of attractive but easy to maintain trees, shrubs, vines and low growing blooms that mature to different heights and are allowed to grow naturally. By incorporating different layers of healthy plants found in your own native landscape, you’ll establish a hedge that is pleasing to look at and is a haven and crucial food source for songbirds. This article from Janet Marinelli at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden expertly (and with biting wit!) makes the case for planting songbird hedges. Even if you don’t build the hedge, it’s a good read simply to learn about the incredible challenges migrating songbirds face.

You don’t have to start from scratch when creating your own songbird hedge. Use the existing canopy and understory trees like the mighty oak, dogwood and sumac and add shrubs, vines and nectar plants. As far as other plantings are concerned, we recommend native shrubs like the spicebush, Mapleleaf viburnum and chokeberry; a Virginia creeper vine; and flowering natives like columbine, bleeding heart and cardinal flower. As far as getting your hands-on these shrubs and trees, Prairie Godmothers uses Godmother-certified suppliers located in the Midwest and we can hook you up!

If we all made the change from fences to hedges, that hackneyed old saying would have to become “Hedgerows Make Good Neighbors.”

GODMOTHER WORKSHOPS & EVENTS

2011-03-15T08:38:00.000-07:00

The Godmothers are coming your way in March & April. Pick a workshop or two and let Spring begin!

RAIN BARRELS AND OTHER GOOD THINGS FOR YOUR LANDSCAPE

Coming Together with Soup

2011-02-26T13:34:00.000-08:00

Soup as Community

People have been gathering around soup as long as it has been bubbling away in cooking vessels. And it makes sense, soup is restorative, economical and it is extremely flexible (remember reading “Stone Soup”?). Soup is inherently practical and is a great place to use leftovers of all kinds, whether they come from your garden or your fridge and pantry. And soup can tell stories about family and history and culture. Your Grandmother might have made a killer borscht or you have a neighbor that always brings you a big batch of minestrone when you’re under the weather.

One big pot of soup can easily feed a large crowd, whether it be a in a church basement, a high school gym, a neighbor’s kitchen or a local community center. And while soup might be a simple, humble concoction it can also be powerful. Many cultures believe soup has healing properties: whether it’s a bowl of “Jewish Penicillin” or a simple cup of Miso. In her memoir The Year of Magical Thinking, Joan Didion, who lost both her daughter and husband in the same year, says that a neighbor saved her life by quietly leaving a container of Sweet & Sour soup at her door twice a week for one full year. Soup can feed the hungry and raise money for basketball teams and field trips. Soup can bring together people who might not necessarily sup together and it can help make healthy connections and even healthier communities.

Lately there’s been a resurgence of soup events that bring people together while raising funds for a wide variety of programs. All across the country towns and cities are hosting Empty Bowls events. Folks purchase hand-made bowls which are then filled with steaming soup and the money goes to support local food pantries. Click here to see if there’s one in your community, or better yet, see how you can host your own. In downtown Chicago, every Tuesday at noon you can enjoy a free bowl of piping hot, homemade soup at Re-Thinking Soup (at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum) while local activists and experts speak on a variety of social and food-based issues. And most likely somewhere in your community this winter there will be “Souper Bowl” or a Chili Supper or Soup-a-Thon that will serve up some sort of soup. It may be thick and chunky or silky smooth, slightly spicy or mild and mellow but as you wrap your hands around the hot bowl, know that you’re making a small but powerful investment in your community. And even if you can’t make it to a community-soup event, you can always bring a container of soup to a friend, family member, neighbor or co-worker, just when they need it most. And yes, it might be an old folk tale and a popular children's story, but that stone soup did bring the whole town together--and it was delicious.

Tomato Basil Soup
This recipe is for Tomato Basil soup, because it seems like everybody, from toddlers to grey-haired Grannies, loves tomato soup. And if you grow your own tomatoes, they can be frozen or put up in 1 quart jars and used next winter to make this soup.

Ingredients
1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 11.5 ounce can tomato-vegetable juice cocktail
1 14.5 ounce can chicken or vegetable broth
20 fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup butter

Directions
In a large saucepan, combine the tomatoes, vegetable juice, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, and cook for 30 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in the basil. At this point, you may puree the soup if you wish. Add the cream and butter; return to medium-low heat, and stir until butter is melted. Sprinkle a few fresh strips of basil on top. Serve immediately.

GODMOTHER WORKSHOPS & EVENTS

2011-02-17T13:57:00.000-08:00

February 19 - Chocolate Fest
Auditorium | 2020 Chestnut Road, Homewood, IL
11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

PRAIRIE GODMOTHERS has entered the amateur chocolate bake-off contest with a no-bake chocolate nibble that will satisfy a chocolate urge in a very low-calorie, heart healthy way.

Sample and shop sweets from local and regional business owners turned confectioners, bakers, and chocolatiers!

Call Village Hall for event details at 798.3000 or PRAIRIE GODMOTHERS at 708.205.5126.

For the Birds

2011-02-14T18:04:00.000-08:00

Winter in the Midwest can be impressively harsh (hello Blizzard of 2011!) but there are actually some hearty birds like the Darked-eyed Junco that migrate here from much colder climates up north. There are others like the Cardinal and Black-capped Chickadee that simply stick around by choice. And while birds are expert foragers, with all this snow they have to spend more time and energy looking for food, which leaves less energy for staying warm.

If you thought digging out your car out after the storm was a pain in the neck, consider this: a huge portion of the food source that birds eat in winter is still partially buried under all that snow. The thought of slogging to the store when it’s 11 degrees out only to find our favorite foods gone from the shelves isn’t a pretty picture. That’s kind of how the birds might be feeling these days. So we thought we’d provide simple tips for getting some food out to the birds and a few suggestions for longer term food and shelter sources that not only help our feathered friends, but actually improve the aesthetics of your garden.

Seeds are a crucial protein source for birds and can be difficult to find in the winter. The top seed across the board for putting in feeders is the black oil sunflower seed. Its high oil content packs a protein punch and it isn’t too expensive. Place it in a feeder that has some sort of a cover (so that the snow won’t pile up on it) and is somewhat sheltered from the wind. (Near a window works well for birds and allows you prime bird watching.) For more information on other seeds and grains, check out this informative article over at birdwatching.com.

Suet is another popular food for feeding birds, particularly in the winter, because the fat used to create the cakes is a highly concentrated form of energy essential to maintain body heat. It is typically placed in a wire or mesh cage so birds can cling to the cage and peck at the suet block. Suet can also be chopped up and fed in platform feeder, or it can be hung from trees or feeder poles. A super easy way to provide protein for birds is to go smear peanut butter on the bark of a tree. Yep, that’s it. Just make sure your smear is high enough so that the birds aren’t in danger from potential predators. And don’t worry if your neighbors think you’ve gone a little looney in the winter, the birds will be grateful.

Finally, if you enjoy having birds in your garden, consider adding some native grasses, shrubs or trees to your yard or garden this spring. These will provide the necessary shelter of a safe place--protected from wind and potential predators—for birds to rest, raise and feed their young and sleep. With their seeds and berries, they also provide nutritious and “local” food options. And to make it a trifecta, they will make your garden more attractive to all that visit your garden, including those that get around on two legs. Add grasses like Northern Dropseed and Little Bluestem, shrubs like the Black Chokeberry and Elderberry and our favorite tree for birds, the Juneberry. All are native to the Midwest.

If you think about the magic, movement and color that birds bring to your garden when so many things or dormant or dying, it seems like giving back in winter or year-round just makes sense.

Swap It!

2011-01-28T08:18:00.001-08:00

Swap It!

You’re itching to do something constructive, something to make you feel a little brighter as you slog through these dog days of winter. But do what exactly? The garden is frozen solid and having a yard sale when it’s 18 degrees out doesn’t seem like such a brilliant idea. How about hosting a swap?

A swap is a simple but satisfying event where people gather to exchange goods (or even services). Swaps of all shapes and sizes and in a variety of venues have been increasing the past few years as people become excited about recyling but also face tougher economies. Appreciating found treasures has breathed new life into things once called ‘hand me downs’. In addition, sharing things with others and getting something in return is just good, green fun. At the inaugural swap organized by Score! in New York, over 1,300 people attended to "score" new items while DJs spun thumping tunes.

Your swap probably won’t be that big but you can have fun in the planning and execution. It can be themed, such as a clothing swap, a home accessory swap, a gardening goods swap (books, tools, seeds, magazines, etc.) or an exchange of children’s toys and books. Or it could just be a hodge-podge swap of stuff and people bring whatever they want to get rid of. (If it’s larger than a bike, you might want to encourage that people bring of photo of the item because it might be tricky getting your friend Joe’s snow mobile into your living room.) Whatever shape your swap takes, it’s sure to be a win-win for all involved as people get rid of things they don’t need or use and at the same time get to go home with a few things that didn’t have before. All for free and probably with some laughter and good cheer thrown in as well. And not only will your cluttered garage or laundry room thank you, Mama Earth and the overloaded landfills will appreciate it as well.

Here are a few tips as you plan and host your swap:

:: Make sure you consider the space where you’ll be hosting the swap and that it has enough room for the people you’ll be inviting.

:: If you’re daunted organizing it alone, ask a friend, neighbor or family member to be your partner in clutter reduction.

:: Consider inviting neighbors that you don’t know well but would like to get to know better. Sharing is inherently a social act and helps to build a stronger sense of community.

:: Putting out a few snacks and beverages can certainly keep the energy and good moods going. A little music is nice too (you make the call on the DJ), but keep it at a level that allows for lively banter amongst the swapping.

:: The old adage of “one person’s trash is another’s treasure” is completely legit so don’t edit your stuff as you gather it up. You might think that bucket of keys is junk but your artist neighbor might delight in turning them into funky mobiles or jewelry.

:: Have old bags and boxes on hand so folks can easily haul away their cache.

:: Have a plan of what to do with whatever stuff doesn’t get snatched up. Choose a thrift shop or other organization that would be thrilled with the leftovers. Many will even come and pick the items up. If they don’t, ask people at the swap to help you haul it away.

Even if you cannot host a swap in your own home, there are many free on-line swapping services. We’re big fans of Freecycle and SwapMamas. Keep an eye out in your own community for seasonal swaps at churches, community centers and even empty storefronts. For a little swapping inspiration, check out this delightful story over at Yes! magazine. Finally, if you do host a swap, we would love to hear about it!

Time to Dream & Plan

2011-01-13T10:38:00.001-08:00

It’s a new year and the dead of winter so that can only mean one thing for gardeners: we have the green light to delight in dreaming and planning for our garden. In fact, we Prairie Godmothers like to think of winter as a gift (and a perfect excuse) that gives us extra time to cozy up with our favorite catalogs, gardening books and all those magazine and newspaper clippings we so dutifully snipped and saved in 2010. We thought we’d provide some tips to help you get the most out of your dreaming and planning.

• First, grab your favorite hot beverage and get comfortable. That might be sitting on the carpet, curled up on the couch or at your favorite neighborhood café.
• Get all the ideas in one place. A notebook, journal, file, or even an old shoe box will keep things organized and accessible. We like to re-claim paper by using the “other side” to jot down ideas and sketch garden spaces. We drop drawings, pictures and articles in 8.5” plastic sleeve pages and put them in a three ring binder.
• Dreaming big is fun but starting small has its merits too. Make a list of 10 plants (try native varieties this year) and then do the research to see if they’re really right for your garden. What kind of soil do they like, how much sun do they need and are they a complement to what you’ve got? Knowing the profile of the plant makes the right plant selection much easier.
• A little budget tip: if you check out most of your gardening books from the local library or borrow them from friends, that means ever more spending money for new plants, shrubs and trees. A bigger tip: Allocate 80% of your budget for native and perennial plants, the remainder on annuals. Plants that return every year will cut your costs over time and you can still have the splash of color that comes with annuals.
• Gather with fellow gardeners to swap not only books and catalogs but also ideas and tales of victory and woe from last season. You might find that someone needs to divide a plant you’d love to have and you might find another willing to take that zizea that’s grown too big for its space.
• Consider starting a Garden Journal. This can be as simple as a spiral-bound notebook where you make a monthly entry or it can be an on-line record, like the free service offered over at www.greenthumbjournal.com. We like this article which explores all the options and articulates why journaling is good for you and your garden.
• Put on your coat and hat and go visit your garden. Even if it’s buried under snow, just walk about, stay as long as the cold will allow. And go ahead and dream some more.

We hope these tips will help and inspire you. Currently we’re smitten with natives like anise hyssop and bottle gentian. We always enjoy the “High Country Gardens” catalog for its botanical eye candy. Tessa Evelegh’s book “The Perfect Garden” provides creative ideas and inspiration to transform garden spaces. We’ll keep you posted on where we land between dream and reality. And we’d love to hear how you dream and plan for your garden!

SOMETHING ORANGE FOR THE GARDEN

2010-05-29T22:23:00.000-07:00

The Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is a native plant that should be in every sun-loving garden.

This brilliantly orange milkweed begins blooming in June and continues all through July. Butterfly Weed loves full sun and can handle both dry and moist soils. Place it where you want it, then let it be as the taproot makes transplanting difficult.

Butterfly Weed is a host plant for monarch butterflies. Soon after laying their eggs on the leaves of the plant, striped caterpillars (yellow, black and white) can be found nibbling away at the tasty green foliage.

That’s a good thing, let them eat!

Casting a green, earth-friendly spell

2010-05-21T16:42:00.000-07:00

Prairie Godmothers out to save the world, one garden at a time

BY MOLLY WOULFE - (219) 852-4329, molly.woulfe@nwi.com - | Posted: Thursday, May 20, 2010 12:05 am | nwitimes.com

Echinacea (coneflowers)

No magic wands for the Prairie Godmothers.

Pruning shears and trowels are the tools of their trade. Their mission: Protecting the planet, one garden at a time.

If you want Versailles-style grounds, hire a fancy landscaper. The Godmothers, in green work aprons and coveralls, gravitate to native plant and wildflowers gardens like hummingbirds to trumpet vines. They specialize in transforming tired yards into "open-air murals" abloom with bee- and butterfly-friendly perennials.

They prefer small gardens, founding Godmother Jackie Riffice said. "What we say to hotels and banks, is, `Our philosophy is to work with plants that are good for the soil and environment. While we love annuals -- they give us great colors -- our plant selections are three-quarters native and perennial, one-quarter annuals. We just don't do full palettes of annuals.' There are plenty of people to do that."

"We really kind of stay away from ultra formality," agreed Godmother Gina Reis. "We're not total purists, not planting anything that's not native, but we don't go for that sculpted look."

The budding entrepreneurs met in the Master Gardener program through the University of Illinois Extension. Riffice was a newly downsized Home Depot distribution manager, Reis, looking for a change to a 35-year career as assistant to the likes of White Sox vice chairman Eddie Einhorn and ex-Harpo chief Jeff Jacobs. The two clicked over their mutual love of "dirt manicures" and sustainable gardening.

Their friendship blossomed into a partnership after Riffice founded Prairie Godmothers in 2007. Reis signed on in 2008. In two years, the Flossmoor, Ill.-based service has grown a reputation for their lush, low-key, green spaces."Personally, I like a very organic, wild look," said Reis, 53. "I like things that grow together, almost forming a tapestry, the way things grow in nature."

They had two clients their first year, said Riffice, 50, laughing. Bookings proliferated thanks to word-of-mouth referrals and a growing demand for re-greened gardens. These days the Godmothers are so busy weeding, transplanting and plucking Japanese beetles off roses that they're expanding their numbers. They currently have eight Godmothers "on the bench, and one potential Godfather," Riffice said. Surrogate Godmothers mastermind jobs, with paid teens and college students serving as "junior gardeners."

Getting down and dirty is all in a day's work. The teams do old-school manual labor, digging up weeds, spading up soil, and raking up debris for compost. Pesticides, they preach, are largely unnecessary; helpful bugs like the praying mantis and ladybugs are happy to gobble up pests. So are insect-eating songbirds. As for self-seeding wildflowers and perennials, they come back year after year, eliminating the need to purchase annuals every spring.

Trouble-shooting comes with the territory. One client hired the Godmothers after an expensive landscaping firm installed a native plants garden teeming with invasive species. Her Cinderella yard was soon choked with clover, Creeping Charlie and Ranunculus repens (creeping buttercup) "and all sorts of prairie grasses that were really weeds," Riffice said. "Weeds that went to seed."

She yanked out the troublemakers and planted more compatible plants and shrubs. It took time, but the makeover worked. "Three years later, the garden is a showplace," she said.

Bob and Lynn Makely, of Schererville, consulted the Godmothers on a sun-baked plot behind their garage where annuals wilted and died. "I've been a gardener all my life and I was a little bit stumped," resident green thumb Lynn said.

She followed their advice, planting sun-loving, low-maintenance perennials like Echinacea (coneflowers), Monarda (bee balm), Agastache (Hummingbird Mint) and Liatris (gay feather). She also liked their idea of a themed herb plot and planted a salsa garden.

"The results" are "fantastic," the kindergarten teacher said. "It's a haven for bees and butterflies."

Her husband likes the new look "and all the good smells" of the herb garden, Bob Makely said. His wife's fresh garden-to-table salsa is a major perk. Their four grown children "are always taking cilantro, basil and tomatoes, whatever. Everyone comes and enjoys our garden."

When a Godmother is summoned, a free "walkabout" (garden inspection) and 30-minute consultation follow. Garden plans start at $150, hands-on gardening services at $40 per hour. "If your budget is $200, I can say to you, `I can send in a Godmother and two junior gardeners and they'll do it in this many hours," Riffice said. Her dream is to expand the network of Godmothers statewide, then nationwide, so Godmothers can rely on local suppliers and stay close at home to reduce the carbon footprint "between our gardens and yours."

The Prairie Godmothers are branching into workshops and eco-friendly gifts. For more information, call (708) 205-5126 or visit www.prairiegodmothers.com

SPRING CLEAN UP - THERE'S STILL TIME!

2010-05-19T06:50:00.000-07:00

Start Planning:

Don’t buy a thing until you are familiar with your yard’s personality and profile. Do you know where it’s sunny, shady, wet or dry? Is your soil made of clay or sand or is it just right? When you get familiar with your property, you reduce the risk of buying and planting the perfect flower in an imperfect spot.

Start Dreaming:

This is the right time to consider how to transition your outdoor spaces into earth-friendly places. There are hundreds of perennial and native plants, shrubs and trees that work wonders to improve your soil, reduce your water bill and add interest and appeal to your yard. Can you say Schizachyrium scoparium? How about Liatris pycnostacha? Both are exciting natives that dig deep and bloom beautifully. Think about a specialty garden: a space to meditate, a corner for kitchen herbs, a hedge for songbirds or an ABC garden for children. And if you don’t have a small vegetable or herb garden, think about it. Victory Gardens are coming back!

Start Working:

Now is the time to dig in but you can get started with a few simple things.

Ÿ Clean and repair your garden tools and accessories instead of buying new. Sand and paint wooden handles, oil and sharpen dull blades and sterilize your planters and pots in the dishwasher (no soap, please).

Ÿ Cut back the ornamental grasses to 3”-6”, do the same to the coneflowers and other leggy plants that provided such beautiful winter interest.

Ÿ Be careful if you choose to prune your trees and shrubs – don’t clip the Spring bloomers!

Ÿ Re-edge sloppy garden areas with a sharp shovel. The ground is just moist enough to cut a clean edge with ease.

Ÿ Start to turn the compost bin. It’s been sitting outside all winter and it’s time to shake it up!

OP launches 'Green Fair' following Earth Day

2010-05-16T22:07:00.000-07:00

Article written by: Bill Jones
www.opprairie.com

April 22, 2010 marked the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, a day created by former U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson to inspire environmental awareness, a day now celebrated by more than 150 countries. The following Saturday, April 24, marked the inaugural Green Fair in Orland Park, the culmination of almost a year's worth of green initiatives by the village.

"We really started last summer doing a lot of green programs," Orland Park Recreation Department Program Supervisor Stephanie Simpson said. "This was the next step to invite the public in to see what they can do."

Green Fair 2010 was comprised of four separate events within the village, but at the heart of it was the fair itself at the Village Civic Center, 14750 Ravinia Ave. The building housed more than 40 vendors, and five workshops were held with titles like "How Toilets Work" and "Economic Benefits of Reducing Water Consumption."

Deanna Belos showed off her choice of plants at the Village of Orland Park’s Green Fair Saturday, April 24, at the Orland Park Civic Center. photo: Sue O’Malley.
Jackie Riffice, the founding godmother of Prairie Godmothers, Inc., from Flossmoor, did a presentation called "Splish Splash Gardening." The presentation was largely focused on teaching people how to plant using old containers, rather than buying new pots.

"We think the longer we can delay things from going to a landfill the better," Riffice said.

Riffice explained Prairie Godmothers is about teaching people environmental stewardship, and that gardening practices can be better carried out by methods that conserve soil, water and air. One thing she suggested was using old, shredded newspaper to enrich the soil. The benefits of an environmentally friendly garden to homeowners are that it will ultimately reduce water bills and plant costs, while adding nutrients to the soil. Riffice said she was happy to bring this message to residents during Orland's event.

"Orland is real progressive in all their green efforts. I think they set the standard other communities should follow," she said. "They say we affect the planet one person at a time, but if we can do it one community at a time even better."

Hailey and Faith Farrell pet Cocoa, held by Lois Lauer from the Center in Palos Park, at the Village of Orland Park’s Green Fair Saturday, April 24, at the Orland Park Civic Center. photo: Sue O’Malley.
The vendors began with a number of hybrid vehicles parked on the sidewalks leading to the Civic Center. Inside, residents could find everything from Orland Park's Protective Coatings and Waterproofing to conserve energy and money, to services like ComEd and Waste Management and companies like Bright Idea Energy Solutions, which provides consulting, products and services for energy conservation, from small household upgrades to things like wind turbines for the federal government. Steven Gregory's Emerald Site Services, of Frankfort, will even pave driveways with recycled glass.

"Any type of improvement, there's always a green option," Simpson said.

And the most popular option among residents seemed to be rain barrels.

"We'll probably wind up buying them," Rita Costanzo, of Orland Park, said.

"We're considering rain barrels," Susan Ricker, of Orland Park, said while leaving the fair with her husband, James.

Jim and Susan Ricker listen to a demonstration by Denise La Giglia about PIMAG WATER FOR LIFE at the Village of Orland Park’s Green Fair Saturday, April 24, at the Orland Park Civic Center. photo: Sue O’Malley.
Todd Robertson, an Orland Park resident, also said rain barrels were at the top of his list of practical improvements to his home.

"I'm seeing a lot of things I can do to my house to make it more efficient," he said.

And the Green Fair was only one portion of the four-pronged event. While some people, like Costanzo and Robertson, were attracted to the Green Fair by the idea of learning new, environmentally friendly tricks for around the home, others, like the Rickers, were enticed to the Civic Center by visiting one of the other three events and learning about Orland Park's "Passport" program.

The Rickers simply visited the Electronic Recycling Drive at the Orland Park Public Works Facility, 15655 Ravinia Ave., to drop off some old electronics. According to Orland Park Village Manager Paul Grimes, roughly 600 cars stopped at the drive over the course of five hours, packing two trucks with electronics like televisions, computers, monitors and printers, as well as a few surprising antiques.

Village of Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin talks with Philip J. Wolf, project manager of Manhard Consulting and environmental consultant Susan Morrow Lee AP of EnCap Inc. at the Village of Orland Park’s Green Fair Saturday, April 24, at the Orland Park Civic Center. photo: Sue O’Malley.
"It was very successful," Grimes said. "We got an enormous amount of recyclables."

But it was at this event that the Rickers, like many others, received a passport to be stamped at the four events, which were rounded out by the Annual Spring Clean-Up at the Public Works Facility and the Health Fair at the Orland Park Sportsplex, 11351 W. 159th St. People who received stamps at all four events and submitted them at the Civic Center – approximately 200 completed them, according to Simpson – were eligible for a raffle of vendor giveaways, such as gift baskets, cleaning products and solar shields. Simpson said she thinks the event and programs were great successes.

"I think it went really well for the first year," she said. "We had no expectations."

Simpson noted that the vendors were very happy with the turnout, which bodes well for this to become a continuing event in Orland Park.

"We hope so," she added. "We want it to continue."

PRAIRIE GODMOTHERS CELEBRATE EARTH DAY

2010-02-08T16:04:00.000-08:00

SEE THE PRAIRIE GODMOTHERS AT CHICAGO’S GREEN FAMILY FESTIVAL on Sunday, April 18, 2010.

START EARTH DAY OFF RIGHT at CHICAGO’S GREEN FAMILY FESTIVAL. This special, fun, affordable outing will help you find healthy, natural alternatives that make a world of difference for your children, your family, and Mother Earth.

PRAIRIE GODMOTHERS will show kids how to use old rain boots, tattered garden gloves and used baseball shoes to give flowers and herbs a fun place to grow! It’s a great way to find a new use for something fun but forgotten…bring your parents!

TRY THEIR FREE WORKSHOP: Splish Splash Gardening: Easy container gardens for kids

GREEN FAMILY FESTIVAL

at Chicago’s Irish American Heritage Center

4626 N. Knox

Chicago, IL

Click Here for More Information

UNCOMMON BLOOMS

2010-01-26T09:01:00.000-08:00

Bottle Gentian Gentiana andrewsii

This native perennial plant with clusters of deep violet flowers was named for King Gentius of Illyria.

Where is ancient Illyria anyway? Check out what is now northern Greece, northern Italy, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Albania. This sixth century king supposedly discovered that the roots of the Bottle Gentian had a healing effect on his soldiers stricken with malaria.

This uncommon specimen grows between 1-2' tall in full or partial sun with moist soil. Its seeds are moved by water or a gentle wind but it's not invasive or pushy. Bottle Gentian's violet blooms will provide a splendid show from late summer to early fall.

Bottle Gentian is not well known nor is it gaining popularity so you could be the first on your block (or maybe in your entire city) to host this multi-stemmed, leafy, bottle-shaped cluster of flowers.

Where did Prairie Godmothers Bottle Gentian? In the Lurie Garden in Chicago’s Millennium Park.

There should always be surprises hidden in your garden. Prairie Godmothers will be sharing raves and faves regularly so stay tuned!

Every garden has an UNCOMMON BLOOM. Send us YOURS!

HAND ME UPs

2010-01-20T17:55:00.000-08:00

Prairie Godmothers found a new phrase for the old practice of passing clothing and accessories on and out. Instead of 'hand me DOWNs', they've become 'hand me UPs'!

Hand me ups include Prom jewelry (so last year), gently worn clogs or that way cool sweater (with the way cracked button) that just doesn't cut it in a teen or twenty something's closet but works just great in yours! A great way to wear something that was special once upon a time.

How about a 'hand me OVER'? Set up a clothing swap among friends and trade away what you love but don't use or wear anymore. It this world (and this economy), it's all about loving what you have and living with what you've got.

Every HAND ME UP has a story. WHAT'S YOURS?