CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN EVENT

DJ Garrity at Mt. Rushmore

Award-winning sculptor DJ Garrity will lead a fascinating exploration of the art of stone sculpture at the Chicago Botanical Garden from May 6-9, 2008. Garrity, who served three tours of duty as Sculptor-in-Residence of Mount Rushmore National memorial, has established an international reputation with gardeners, artists and educators who have enjoyed this innovative workshop and the opportunity to create a unique garden sculpture.

No experience is required to participate in The Rhythms of Stone Workshop and students of all ages have joined in the light approach which Garrity brings to the art of stone sculpture. The program is fully accredited for undergraduate, graduate and professional development credits.

Class size is limited to 12 and students can register online at the Chicagobotanicgarden
or by contacting Beth Pinargote, Coordinator of Symposia and Special Programs. Visit Dj at www.djgarrity.com.

DID I SHAVE MY LEGS FOR THIS ?

You bet'cha ! The first 70 degree day in Chicago in six months and I'm searching for my long-stored away shorts. My Florida February tan has almost faded in the two long wintry months since I've been back.

After I posted my Bloom Day for April the daffodils started to open their cheerful yellow faces to soak up the abundant sunshine. Murphy's law certainly applies here. I suppose my Forsythia and Crabapple will follow suit today.

Yesterday was nice and I was doing a Spring clean-up of an urban frontyard on a very busy street. It's amazing how many passersby will stop and chat when they see a gardener working in their yard. " About time ! , wonderful day to garden, are you planting the annuals yet?, do you think Spring is finally here ? " The one I liked was the guy who asked " Hey, lady you need any help.?" I just smiled and replied, " I am the help. "

I have a few gardens to visit today which is always a pleasure for me. I'm also taking my trusty camera to capture any Spring beauties I might meet along the way.

Welcome to Chicago ; Spring . So glad you decided to visit and hope you'll stay awhile.

GARDEN BLOGGERS' BLOOM DAY-APRIL 15

First sign of Spring in Chicago : Potholes !

This is the latest Spring in 15 years so I really had to search hard for some of its signs :

My dwarf weeping Crabapple is about to burst forth !

I transplanted a piece of my Forsythia from my back to front garden.
It will probably bloom sometime this week .

The Scilla I planted in the lawn last year are just peeping out.
I want to see a sea of blue ! Maybe next year ?

Little dwarf daffodils are trying to bloom.

Crocus peeping out from the leaves

This entire week is suppose to be in the 60's and 70's which means that my Spring flower show will be in full force very soon.