By Francesca Kelly for Go Green Highland Park Composting used to be a thing that your wacky neighbor did in his backyard, or, in my case, my cheapskate father, who wouldn’t dream of paying for something when he could make it himself at no cost. But now, composting has taken off, and for more reasons …
By Francesca Kelly for Go Green Highland Park The first thing Candice Dalrymple did when we sat down at Astra Coffee Roasters was to hand me a packet of coneflower seeds. You’ve got to love someone who makes that their top priority when meeting someone new. She didn’t have to give me the hard sell, …
By Francesca Kelly for Highland Park Neighbors Jan.’23 Tired of making the same old New Year’s resolutions every year? Here are some new ones that are a lot easier than losing 20 pounds or going to the gym every day, and they also have a positive impact on our environment. 1. Consolidate driving errands so …
By Francesca Kelly for Go Green Highland Park After an abundant and verdant season for gardeners in our area, many of us are eager to do “clean-up” before the winter.Be careful, though; when it comes to preparing gardens for the winter, less is more — because much more is happening in our fall and winter ...
By Francesca Kelly for Go Green Highland Park On Pleasant Avenue, just north of Roger Williams, stands an oak tree that is more than 200 years old. Its trunk is gnarled and thick; its branches spread wide and high, as if to welcome all to gather in its shade. There’s a plaque by the tree …
By Francesca Kelly for Go Green Highland Park Those of us in the Chicago area never quite believe it when spring arrives. Spring teases us for a while, and we certainly have reason to be cynical: we are all familiar with the sight of crocuses bravely raising their heads above newly fallen snow. But it’s May, …
By Francesca Kelly for Go Green Highland Park Autumn came late to the party, then left early, and now many of us are asking, How is it already time for the holidays? I suppose you could have asked the Hallmark Channel that same question right after Halloween. But whether you celebrate Hanukkah, the Winter Solstice, …
By Francesca Kelly for Go Green Highland Park Autumn days on the North Shore are particularly beautiful. The scarlet and yellow trees stand in brilliant contrast to the sparkling blue of the lake, and it’s a lovely time to be outdoors, taking it all in. Those gorgeous leaves fall all too soon, however, and we …
By Francesca Kelly for Go Green Highland Park “High summer holds the earth.” These words of poet James Agee are in my head as I look out on our small but exploding garden. This is the greenest time of year, the time for grazing (if you’re a cow) and lazing (if you’re a dog or …
How You — Yes, You — Can Keep Items out of Landfills, April 2021 By Francesca Kelly for Go Green Highland Park Highland Park’s Spring Bulk Trash Collection Day is coming up, running on four consecutive Saturdays from April 24 through May 15. Every spring, Highland Park residents take advantage of this great service, offered …
