Tag Archives: IL

Growing in all the right Places

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IMG_2546Many years ago, as I commuted to work, daily I would pass an abandoned white farmhouse. The very tired and broken down free-standing home, all alone in an abandoned field, seemed to be destined to meet the wrecking ball and soon to be replaced by a new shopping mall. Fast forward years later, upon a shopping trip to the Growing Place (Aurora, IL location) did I realize I was walking through this old farmhouse. Now filled with lovely treasures for the home and garden, this house feels cozy and quaint. This beautiful old home, built in the 1860′s had been moved from its original location to this peaceful oasis to live out the rest of its life. Surrounded by flower beds, birdbaths and wind chimes, instead of the cornfields it once tamed, I smile knowing it survived and hope it will be around for another 100 years.

The Growing Place is not Giverny, but you will be transformed to a distant place the moment you walk through the gated picket fence. Your senses will be greeted by the sound of water dripping off the edge of a bird bath and the soft repetitive chopping sound of a shovel lightly hitting the soil. The din of bird songs is louder than the voices of the staff. Almost immediately, your creative juices begin to flow as you walk through the garden beds and take in the full color display that summer has to offer. If you plan to visit, make sure you stop by mid-July to get the full impact this place has to offer. Maybe you are in need of a master gardener, a library nook chalked-full of nothing but garden books, or just a place to relax and unwind. The help is usually working hard and tending to the plants, but the knowledgeable staff is always willing to help. On my last trip, I learned not to plant Peonies too deep in soil and not to cover the pink nodes on the stem, or they will not bloom.

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Whether you stopped by the Growing Place to plan your garden for next year, get ideas on how to expand your garden this year, or you just wanted to get lost in this insulated pocket of nature for a few hours, you have come to the right place. “Idea Gardens” are positioned throughout the property to help you expand your creativity. Moonlit, Shade, Rock and Formal Gardens are designed to walk around, smell and touch. Garden art is endless and pots in every color and size are available. Explore this oasis of color and get your green thumbs shaking with excitement!

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Follow the link to see more images from the Growing Place, Aurora, IL.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7644568@N06/sets/72157634711370056/

Orchids

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Villa Park, IL might not be the hot spot for tourist travel, but you will feel like you have been to the tropics in one quick visit to Hausermann’s. Once you step through the door, you will be in orchid heaven. Miles upon miles of orchids fill the greenhouses – every color and variety you can imagine. Hausermann’s hothouses are brimming with some of the most beautiful orchids I have ever seen in my life, including orchid containers, food and medium. I was most fascinated by the orchid nursery…where all of the future beauties are being “birthed”. Hausermann’s fall sale is on from Nov. 10th -13th. Seminars in orchid growing are offered as well as an online catalog for shopping and tips for keeping your orchids alive. Stop by and find a little treasure to brighten your home for the winter months ahead.

Is Film Dead? Not at Central Camera Chicago

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There are plenty of skeptics in the world of photography who would say film is dead. To some, it may be a thing of the past. Many would swear by the ease of use with their digital SLR cameras. Then there is the iPhone user, who takes pictures of their friend while walking backwards…hoping to catch every step they take down a crowded sidewalk. For those of you who still search for film sources (I include myself in this group) and prefer to shoot analog, stop into Central Camera, 230 S. Wabash in Chicago, IL. For a moment, you may think you have stepped back into the early 70’s. Old camera bodies, cases and accessories fill the front window displays. Beyond the doors, you are greeted by more camera bodies (all film) and a sea of lenses. No digital cameras in sight. The well seasoned staff behind the counters are knowledgeable and helpful – some have even been there since the 70’s. If you are traveling to Chicago and need film, stop by and stock up while you are in town. If you can’t make to Central Camera, they have a website worth checking out. They close at 5:30 pm Monday through Friday and at 5:00 pm on Saturdays.