45 students begin planning their garden sites

Gary Lehman gives student design suggestions.

Gary W. Lehman, landscape architect, led off the six part workshop series "Design Studies for Your Home & Community Garden," designed by Doug Wood and presented by the Wicker Park Garden Club.  There were  forty-five  students in attendance, with ten assistant instructors, focused on creating plans for individual gardens on Saturday in the Wicker Park Field House from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Students work on putting their garden plans on paper.

Armed with measurements and photos of their property, each student's assignment was to translate their individual information into a site garden plan. Soil, light and architecture were all part of their considerations as they analyzed their information and got it on paper.

In future classes they will develop a palate of plants and evaluate other elements that they can use to enhance their plan.  Students sites range in size from several acres to several feet.  In class, students with similar types of  gardens are grouped together.  They are able to learn from instructors and offer assistance to each other based on their experiences to date.

Taking into consideration their budgets and their design goals, students will complete the series of classes with a good start on their upcoming gardening season.  Sharing plants is an added bonus of this collaborative experience.

In the tradition of mixing information with socializing, all attendees participated in an offering of various goodies and beverages.

Ten instructors worked with students as they selected components for their space.

Sponsored by the Wicker Park Garden Club and the Parkways Foundation in cooperation with the Chicago Park District, registration is required.  Email wpgarden@aol.com or call 773.278.9075.