Essential grid

What could be greener than gardening? Growing your own food is the best way to eat local produce. My garden has grown over the years and I learn more as each year passes. Now that I am self-employed, I have more time to dedicate to our home garden. My biggest dilemma at the present is the Japanese beetle problem. They are decimating our seven fruit trees. Please stay tuned as I gather information from other local farmers and gardeners on best practices for gardening in the Midwest.

Just last year our city council passed an ordinance allowing beehives to be kept in the city. I jumped at the opportunity and am just starting out with two beehives in May 2017. I have joined the local beekeeper’s association and will share with you as I learn more. Bees not only produce wonderful golden honey, but they also do the very important job of pollinating.

Next on my list is to convince the city council to also allow chickens to be kept within the city limits. If Chicago allows chickens, then we should absolutely be allowed to have chickens, too! In the meantime, I will visit friends nearby who live outside the city limits and are enjoying their feathered friends. And for the time being, I may have to start a trade: eggs for produce. Because we have lettuce coming out of our ears here!

Any other animal desires will require that I buy a plot of land in the country. Now, I am a city girl at heart but, I have learned to never say never!