Your Hidden Garden

QUESTION: Is there a space near you that could become a garden? ANSWER: Probably! The Rogers Park Garden Group is calling for proposals for our 2009 community gardening project. In 2007 the RPGG tackled the circles at Loyola Park, and in 2008 RPGG members and volunteers took on the Metra stop at Greenleaf and Ravenswood. Next year's project could be with you and your neighbors. What's involved? Find a space in the public way from Devon north to the city limits, the lake to Ridge Ave. It can be private or public property but you must obtain permission to garden the space. Gather five (5) neighbors, friends, coworkers, fellow parishioners - any group of five people willing to spend some time to garden the space and then maintain it (these are Chicago Park District requirements). Prepare a simple proposal by requesting the RFP from the RPGG at rpgardengroup@comcast.net. The RPGG believes that the only way for public gardening projects to take root and grow is for neighbors to be involved which is why the RPGG doesn't do everything for these projects (but does a lot!). The RPGG will be your partner and will help you prepare the site, navigate city regulations, design and select plants, and solicit volunteers for preparation and planting. The RPGG will also help you fundraise but you also need to help find funding. In 2007 the RPGG raised over $400 plus in-kind plant donations for Circle Park and in 2008 the RPGG raised over $2500 for the Metra garden project). Have questions? For more information contact the RPGG at rpgardengroup@comcast.net. You can also visit the RPGG Web Site here... The proposal deadline is Nov. 1, 2008. The winning proposal will be determined by majority vote of the RPGG membership.