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Hometown: Algonquin
Year you became a
Master Gardener: 2011
What is your background, and how did you get started gardening?
My earliest recollection of gardening is at my grandparent’s house. They lived in Chicago and had a double city lot with a large garden on the second lot. Being in the garden with my grandmother still is vivid in my mind, and I have been drawn to gardening ever since. My part-time job in college was in the large greenhouse that was both enjoyable and educational. Having a home garden always has been a rewarding pleasure and a way to both relax and get fresh, organic produce.
What is your gardening specialty and why?
I have been involved in growing crops that are given to the 12 food pantries, along with various shelters throughout McHenry and northern Kane counties. Fresh produce has been provided to facilities for a few years, and they are a necessity to healthy living. There are long-reaching health issues that come about when fresh food is not eaten. Up until five years ago, the Lake in the Hills food pantry did not offer fresh produce to its clients.
What's in your garden? Tell us a bit about it.
There are two gardening projects I am involved in. Sweet corn is grown alternating between two locations, the first being land owned by Light of Christ Church in Algonquin on Sleepy Hollow Road, where there are 18 acres with one of them used for the sweet corn every other year. The second location is in Huntley, and this is the first year 2 acres were planted there. We had bumper crops, and, going back four years, we have harvested 35 tons of corn – all picked by hand by volunteers mostly from the church. They also do most of the distributing.
Vegetables are grown at a large garden on the church’s present location on Hanson Road, south of Algonquin Road. Grown there are beans, peppers, squash, zucchini, onions, garlic, pumpkins, asparagus and various types of tomatoes. There are some well-fed rabbits that get in there, too. We harvested hundreds of pounds this year alone.
What motivated you to become a Master Gardener? What projects do you volunteer for within the organization?
I began taking agriculture classes at MCC with the intention of buying a farm in Wisconsin and was told about the Master Gardeners program by the head of the department, Bruce Spangenberg. After meeting some of the outstanding people who organize and volunteer, I knew right away it was a group I wanted to join.
The farm plans changed, and now I’m making use of what I’ve learned in ways I never expected. There are a wide range of activities to choose from, as well as ongoing educational sessions and classes, which are a required part of the program. One of the great things about the Master Gardeners program is there are so many areas to explore and work within. I have helped and taught at the Harvard, Marengo, Lake in the Hills/Algonquin and Woodstock gardens associated with their food pantries, booths at the garden walks, festivals and the County Fair and the demo garden and greenhouse at MCC. Besides these, there are many others, and, for me, it’s fun trying different activities.
What tips do you have for someone who is just getting started, either with their own garden or in training to become a Master Gardener?
For those who home garden or are planning on Master Gardening, knowledge is the key to success, and the more one knows the better they will be at whatever interests them. Take classes because agriculture is ever-evolving with new applications, products, diseases and infestations. I highly recommend going to MCC if you’re a beginner or seasoned pro. Go online to find out what is being offered. For information about the Master Garden program, call 815-338-3737. The need is great, and anything donated truly is appreciated. Keep an open, creative mind for making donations to the food pantries and shelters. Grow at home or start a garden at your church or school.