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April 2009
Click here for PDF version

A Guide to Resources for Chicago's Community Gardeners


How to use this guide…

The GreenPages are a guide to resources for community gardeners in and around Chicago. GreenNet knows that the needs of a community garden are different then those of a home gardener.
Material is needed in larger quantities and tools and furniture need to be able to stand up to heavy use.

The Index of Services, lists what urban gardeners need. From permits to trainings to compost, it's in here!

Service Provider Descriptions give contact information and a brief description for each vendor or organization and note if those materials are provided through a government agency, a non-profit ora commercial company.

We would like your comments and additions to this guide so feel free to contact GreenNet at the address or e-mail on the cover to provide updates and other services you would like to see listed.
Good luck with those gardens!


GreenNet CHICAGO
Chicago's Greening Network
GreenPages

300 N. Central Park Ave
Chicago, IL 60624
(773) 980-9486
info at greennetchicago.org
www.greennetchicago.org

INDEX OF SERVICES:

Art

Local Non-Profit Organizations:

Archi-treasures, Chicago Public Art Group

City of Chicago:

MOWD- Gallery 37

Benches and Other Garden Architecture

City of Chicago:

Department of Environment-Greencorps

Commercial

Wabash Valley, Doty and Sons

Bicycle Trails, Information and Racks

Local Non-Profit Organizations:

Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, Friends of Bloomingdale Trail, Friends of the Parks

City of Chicago:

Department of Transportation

Other Governmental Agencies:

Chicago Park District

Classes, Education, Workshops

Local Non-Profit Organizations:

Chicago Botanic Garden, Friends of the Parks, Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, Growing Power, Nature Conservancy (Illinois Chapter), Openlands Project, University of Illinois Extension Program

National Non-Profit:

American Community Gardening Association

Local Collaboratives and Coalitions:

Chicago Wilderness, GreenNet, Green Teacher Network

City of Chicago:

Department of the Environment-Greencorps & Chicago Center for Green Technology

Other Governmental Agencies:

Chicago Park District- North Park Village Nature Center

Community and School Garden Information and Organizing

Local Non-Profit Organizations:

Chicago Botanic Garden, Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, Growing Home, Growing Power, NeighborSpace, Openlands Project, Safer Pest Control Project

Local Collaboratives and Coalitions:

GreenNet, Green Teacher Network

National Non-Profit Organizations:

American Community Gardening Association, National Gardening Association

City of Chicago:

Department of Environment - Greencorps, Chicago Public Library-Nature Connections

Compost & Recycling Information and Supplies

Local Non-Profit Organizations:

Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, Growing Power, The Resource Center

Local Collaboratives and Coalitions:

Chicago Recycling Coalition

Commercial:

E-Z Tree Recycling, Lake St. Landscape Supply, Orland Soil, White Premium Organics, The Resource Center, Jakacki Bag & Barrel

Digging Permits and Surveys

City of Chicago:

Department of Transportation- Digger (in Chicago), Permits Department, Department of Streets and Sanitation, Bureau of Forestry (parkway digging)

Other Governmental Agencies:

J.U.L.I.E. (in Suburbs)

Fences

City of Chicago:

Department of Buildings (permits)

Commercial:

The Fence Store, Midwest Fencing, Surplus Supplies Center, Home/Garden Centers

Funding

Local Non-Profit Organizations:

Friends of the Chicago River, Friends of the Parks, Heifer International, Openlands Project

Local Collaboratives and Coalitions:

GreenNet

National Non-Profit Organizations:

National Gardening Association, Oppenheimer Foundation, Steans Family Foundation

City of Chicago:

Department of the Environment - Greencorps Chicago

Other Governmental Agencies:

Urban Resources Partnership, USDA

Land Information

Local Non-Profit Organizations:

NeighborSpace, Openlands Project

National Non-Profit Organizations:

Land Trust Alliance

City of Chicago:

Department of Planning, Recorder of Deeds, Bureau of Asset Management

Legal Assistance

Local Non-Profit Organizations:

Community Economic Development Law Project, Environmental Law and Policy Center

Manure

Commercial:

Noble Horse, Ramirez Trucking Markets- Farmers and Community

Local Non-Profit Organizations:

Green City Market, Openlands Project, HomeGrown Chicago

Median Planting, Boulevard & Parkway Trees

City of Chicago:

Department of Streets and Sanitation-Bureau of Forestry, Department of Transportation

Mulch and Wood Chips

City of Chicago:

Department of Environment-Greencorps Chicago, Department of Streets and Sanitation - Bureau of Forestry

Commercial:

Blommer Chocolate Factory, E-Z Tree Recycling, Lake Street Landscape Supply, Van Drunen Farms, White Premium Organics

Plants

Local Non-Profit Organizations:

Chicago Botanic Garden, Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, Heifer Project, Morton Arboretum, Nature Conservancy (Illinois Chapter), Openlands Project, University of Illinois Extension,

Local Collaboratives and Coalitions:

Chicago Wilderness, GreenNet Hotline Referral Service, Midwest Ecological Landscaping Association

City of Chicago:

Department of the Environment - GreenCorps, Kilbourne Park' s annual plant sale

Commercial:

Ball Seed, Bella, Beaver Creek, Bork Nurseries, Elite Growers, Fiore, Gethsemane Garden Center, Grand St. Gardens, Hoffie Nursery, Intrinsic Gardens, Ion Exchange, Midwest Groundcovers, Natural Gardens, Planter's Palette, Possibility Place, Prairie Moon Nursery, Prairie Nursery, Sid's Greenhouse, Ted's Greenhouse, Wilson Nurseries

Plant Information and Technical Assistance

Local Non-Profit Organizations:

Chicago Botanic Garden, Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, Growing Power, Heifer Project, Morton Arboretum, Nature Conservancy (Illinois Chapter), Openlands Project, University of Illinois Extension-Master Gardeners

Local Collaboratives and Coalitions:

Chicago Wilderness, GreenNet Hotline Referral Service, Midwest Ecological Landscaping Association

City of Chicago:

Department of the Environment - Greencorps, North Park Village Nature Center, Department of Streets and Sanitation Adopt-a-Flowerbed

Property Acquisition/Permits

Local Non-Profit Organizations:

NeighborSpace, Openlands Project

City of Chicago:

Bureau of Real Estate Management, Department of Buildings, Department of the Environment, Department of Planning and Development, Recorder of Deeds, Department of Zoning

Governmental Agencies:

Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Railroad Ties

Commercial:

Century Contractors

Seeds

National Non-Profit Organizations:

America the Beautiful Fund, Neighbor-space's One Seed Chicago (oneseedchicago.com)

City of Chicago:

Department of the Environment - GreenCorps

Commercial:

Johnny's Seeds, Seed Exchange, Seed Savers, Underwood Gardens

Soil or Crushed Stone


Commercial:

DuPage Topsoil, Earth Inc., E-Z Tree Recycling, Orland Soil, Town and Country, Fox River Stone Company, Schwake Stone, Frerk Bros, Town and Country.

Soil Testing


City of Chicago:

Department of Public Health (Blood Screening)
Commercial: A & L Great Lakes Laboratories, STAT Analysis

Tools

Commercial:

Town and Country, A.M. Leonard, Grainger, Carlin, Hummert, CityEscape

Tree Information, Planting, and Maintenance

Local Non-Profit Organizations:

Chicago Botanic Garden, Morton Arboretum Openlands Project

Local Collaboratives and Coalitions:

Chicago Wilderness

Governmental Agencies:

Forest Preserve of Cook County

Vegetable Gardening/ Urban Agriculture

Local Non-Profit Organizations:

Advocates for Urban Agriculture, Angelic Organics-CSA Learning Center, Growing Home, Growing Power, Heifer Project, Openlands Project-HomeGrown Chicago, The Resource Center, Underwood Gardens, U. of I. Extension-Chicago Fresh Commercial: Johnny's Seeds,

Volunteer Workers

Local Non-Profit Organizations:

Chicago Public Allies, Friends of the Parks, Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, Nature Conservancy (Ill.Chapter), Openlands Proj., Chicago Cares, Friends of the Chicago Rivers

Local Collaboratives and Coalitions:

Chicago Wilderness Chicago Community Gardeners Association, GreenNet

Water Permits and Plumbing Contractors

City of Chicago:

Department of Water

Commercial:

Central Lawn Sprinklers, Muellermist Irrigation Company

*****

Local Non-Profit Organizations

  • * Angelic Organic Commuity Supported Agriculture
    1547 Rockton Road
    Caledona, IL 61011
    815.389.8455/ fax 815.389.3106
    Www.angelicorganics.com
    csa@angelicorganics.com
    CSA Learning Center Connects organic farmers to urban consumers through food and educational programs

  • * archi-treasures
    2850 N. Pulaski, 2nd fl.
    Chicago, IL 60651
    773.772.4416/fax: 773.772.4418
    www.architreasures.org
    info@architreasures.org
    Provides technical and artistic assistance for the beautification
    of parks and gardens.

  • Chicagoland Bicycle Federation
    9 W. Hubbard St. Suite 402
    Chicago, IL 60610-6545
    312.427.3325/fax: 312.427.4907
    Advocates increase in bicycle use and creation of bike trails.

  • * Chicago Botanic Garden
    1000 Lake Cook Rd.
    Glencoe, IL 60022
    847.835.5440/tdd:847.835.0790
    www.chicagobotanic.org

    • Eliza Fournier,
      Manager CommunityGardening
      efournier@chicagobotanic.org

    • Angela Mason,
      Director Community
      Gardening and Green Youth Farm
      amason@chicagobotanic.org

    • Lynne Haynor,
      Program Coordinator,
      Green Youth Farm lhaynor@chicagobotanic.org
      Works with Waukegan teens to grow organic veggies. Partners with GreenNet to provide development for teachers interested in gardening.

  • Chicago Public Allies
    200 N. Michigan Ave.
    Ste. 520
    Chicago, IL 60601-5909
    312.422.7777/fax: 312.422.7776
    www.publicallieschicago.org
    Chicago@publicallies.org
    Advances diverse, young leaders to strengthen communities, non-profits and civic participation.

  • Chicago Public Art Group
    1259 S. Wabash
    Chicago, IL 60605
    312.427.2724/fax: 312.427.3413
    www.cpag.net info@cpag.net
    Able to create fences, benches, sculptures and pavers.

  • Community Economic Development Law Project
    100 North LaSalle, Suite 600
    Chicago, IL 60602-2403
    312.630.9744/fax312.630.1127
    www.cedlp.org; email:cedlp@aol.com
    Provides free legal assistance for non-profit community organizations.

  • Environmental Law and Policy Center
    35 E. Wacker Dr. #1300
    Chicago, IL 60601
    312.673.6500/ fax 312.795.3730
    www.elpc.org
    The ELPC is a midwest public interest group working on large environmental issues around open space, energy efficiency and transit.

  • Friends of Bloomingdale Trail
    2125 W. North Ave
    Chicago, IL 60647
    www.bloomingdaletrail.org
    info@bloomingdaletrail.org
    Advocates for turning an abandoned railway into a multiuse greenway.

  • Friends of the Chicago River
    28 East Jackson , Suite 1800
    Chicago, IL 60604
    312.939.0490/fax 312.939.0931
    www.chicagoriver.org
    friends@chicagoriver.org
    Advocates protecting and improving the Chicago River; provides technical & financial assistance for river-related greening.

  • * Friends of the Parks
    55 E. Washington, Ste. 1911
    Chicago, IL 60602
    312.857.2757/fax: 312.857.0656
    www.fotp.org
    Provides technical support to community advocates looking to improve their parks, preserves and community greenspace.

  • * Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance
    300 N. Central Park Ave.
    Chicago, IL 60624
    773.638.1766/fax: 773.638.1777
    www.garfield-conservatory.org
    Robin Cline, rcline@garfieldpark.org
    Provides family-oriented activities, manages urban demonstration garden that is the size of a city lot, and other special projects to support community greening initiatives.

  • * Green City Market
    ww.chicagogreencitymarket.org
    Don Newcomb, Founder
    2732 N. Clark Suite 301
    Chicago, IL 60614
    The Market is located at the south end of Lincoln Park and runs May-October, Wednesday and Saturday.

  • Growing Home
    1325 S. Wabash, Ste. 205
    Chicago, IL 60605
    312.435.8601/fax: 312.435.0198
    www.growinghomeinc.org
    Harry Rhodes, Director
    hrhodes@growinghomeinc.org
    Provides job training and employment opportunities for homeless and low-income people within the context of organic agriculture business.

  • Growing Power-Chicago
    1741 N. Western
    Chicago, IL 60647
    773.486.6005fax: 773.593.3112
    Erika Allen, Chicago Projects Manager
    Erika@growingpower.org
    www.growingpower.org
    growingpowerIL@aol.com
    Helps to plan and implement urban agriculture workshops and projects; provides workshops from their center outside of Milwaukee.

  • Heifer Project-Midwest Office
    311 N. Aberdeen, Suite 300C
    Chicago, IL 60607
    312.850.3330/fax: 312.850.3339
    www.heifer.org
    Rodger Cooley, Office Director
    rodger.cooley@heifer.org
    Provides information, funding & assistance on urban and rural agriculture projects.

  • HomeGrown Chicago Farmer's Market
    Jose Lopez, Puerto Rican Cultural Center
    Co-op_hp@prcc-chgo.org
    312.385.4818/fax: 312.360.083
    Local community gardens are invited to sell flowers and vegetables all summer long at 2626 W. Division St. in Humboldt Park.

  • Morton Arboretum
    4100 Illinois Rte. 53
    Lisle, IL 60532
    630.968.0074/fax: 630.719.7956
    www.mortonarb.org
    Provides information on and technical assistance with trees and shrubs.

  • Nature Conservancy,Illinois Chapter
    8 S. Michigan, Suite 900
    Chicago, IL 60603
    312.580.2100/fax: 312.346.5606
    www.tnc.org, Illinois@tnc.org
    Sponsors volunteer programs and workshops for urban gardeners and children.

  • * NeighborSpace
    25 E. Washington, Ste. 1670
    Chicago, IL 60602
    Ben Helphand- Executive Director
    312.863.6292/fax: 312.427.6251
    www.neighbor-space.org
    bhelphand@neighbor-space.org
    Acquires property on behalf of committed community groups that wish to preserve that property as community open space.

  • * Openlands Project
    25 E. Washington, Ste. 1650
    Chicago, IL 60602
    312.427.4256/fax: 312.427.6251
    www.openlands.org

    • Glenda Daniels, Director of Community Greening gdaniels@openlands.org

    • Julie Samuels, Community Outreach jsamuels@openlands.org

    • Jamie Zaplatosch, Education Projects Coordinator, Jzaplatosch@openlands.org
      Assists communities with neigh-borhood open space planning and provides education and technical assistance for urban gardeners.

    • Treekeepers, trains volunteers to maintain the city's urban forest -CorLands, helps communities in northeastern Illinois increase the quantity and quality of open space for public enjoyment.

    • BUGS, a survey course in organic gardening; graduates volunteer in community gardens.

  • The Resource Center
    222 E. 135th Place
    Chicago, IL 60627
    773.821.1351/fax: 773.821.7462
    www.resourcecenterchicago.org
    cityfarm@resourcecenterchicago.org
    Provides compost, manure, top soil, mixed soil, bricks and rocks. Runs multiple recycling centers across the city.

  • Safer Pest Control Project
    4611 N. Ravenswood Suite 107
    Chicago, IL 60640
    773.878.7378/fax: 773.878.8250
    www.spcpweb.org
    rrosenberg@bpichicago.org
    Provides information on chemical-free schools, homes and gardens and teaches gardeners about alternatives to pesticides.

  • * University of Illinois
    Extension
    3807 W. 111th Street
    Chicago, IL 60655
    773.233.0476/ fax: 773.233.0910
    www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/hort
    Ron Wolford, Extension Educator
    rwolford@illinios.edu
    Provides training for Master Gardeners and support for area gardeners. Master Gardeners may be available to volunteer in community gardens.

  • Chicago Fresh
    Chicago Fresh encourages partnerships among agencies and organizations that are interested in developing urban farming programs. It links businesses and retailers interested in locally grown produce.

Local Collaboratives and Coalitions

  • Advocates for Urban Agriculture
    c/o Garfield Park Conservatory
    Chicago, IL 60612
    Supports and informs on issues surrounding urban agriculture including food security and farming in the city.

  • Chicago Recycling Coalition
    P.O. Box 87442
    Chicago, IL 60680-0442
    www.chicagorecycling.org
    Provides compost & recycling information & resources.

  • Chicago Wilderness
    8 S. Michigan Avenue, Suite 900
    Chicago, IL 60603
    312.580.2137/fax: 312.346.5606
    www.chicagowilderness.org
    Web site provides information about native plants and links to member organizations.

  • * GreenNet
    300 N. Central Park Ave
    Chicago, IL 60624
    773.980.9486
    www.greennetchicago.org
    info@greennetchicago.org
    Provides many resources for the urban gardener including informational resources (newsletter, map, website), for the member organizations. Maintains hotline to address community garden questions and provide referrals.

  • Green Teacher Network (formerly School Garden Initiative)
    Chicago Botanic Garden
    1000 Lake Cook Rd.
    Glencoe, IL 60022
    847.835.6887/fax: 847.835.6945
    www.chicagobotanic.org
    Partnership between Chicago Botanic Garden, Openlands Project and Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance to provide resources and training for area teachers on school gardening curricula.

  • * Midwest Ecological Landscaping Assoc.
    3940 Willow St.
    Schiller Park, IL 60176-2311
    773.235.2206
    www.melaweb.org
    info@melaweb.org
    Association of landscaping professionals who promote environmentally responsible practices.


National Non-Profit and Funding Organizations

  • * American Community Gardening Association
    c/o Franklin Park Conservatory
    1777 East Broad St.
    Columbus, OH 43203-2040
    877.ASK.ACGA/877.275.2242/fax: 1.614.645.5921
    www.communitygarden.org
    info@communitygarden.org
    Works to create new resources for community gardens. Annual community gardening conference, online resources and informative listserv on all topics concerning community gardens.

  • America the Beautiful Fund
    1730 K Street, Suite 1002
    NW Washington, DC 20006
    202.638.1649/fax: 202.204.0028
    www.freeseeds.org
    Distributes free flower and vegetable packets, bulk seeds, and educational material to community gardens.

  • National Gardening Assoc.
    1100 Dorset Street
    South Burlington, VT 05403
    800.538.7476/fax: 802.864.6889
    802.863.5251
    www.garden.org
    Renews links between people, plants and the environment.


City of Chicago

NOTE: For all general information call 311
For all department websites, go to www.cityofchicago.org and select the link to the appropriate
department or bureau.

  • Department of Buildings
    121 N. LaSalle St., Rm. 900
    Chicago, IL 60602
    312.744.6479
    Provides permits for fences on private property.

  • * Department of the Environment
    30 N. LaSalle St., 25th Floor
    Chicago, IL 60602-2575
    312.744.7606/fax: 312.744.6451
    www.ci.chi.il.us/Environment/
    environment@cityofchicago.org
    Oversees recycling, redevelopment of abandoned industrial property, and land restoration.

  • * Greencorps Chicago
    445 N. Sacramento Bldg.
    Chicago, IL 60612-1711
    312.746.9777/ fax: 312.746.9778
    environment@cityofchicago.org
    Provides plants, landscape materials and technical assistance to community gardens though landscaping/ job training.

    • Chicago Center for Green Technology
      Offers free workshops and tours on green building technologies.

  • Department of General Services
    Bureau of Asset Management
    30 N. LaSalle, #3700
    Chicago, IL 60602
    312.744.LAND (5263)
    www.ci.chi.il.us/GeneralServices/LandSale
    Provides information on vacant land in Chicago.

  • Department of Planning and Development
    121 N. LaSalle St. Rm. 1003
    Chicago, IL 60602
    312.744.4190/fax: 312.744.6550
    www.ci.chi.il.us/PlanAndDevelop
    Kathy Dickhut, Assistant Commisioner
    kdickhut@cityofchicago.org
    Directs Cityspace plan and provides information on open space in Chicago.

  • Department of Public Health Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
    312.747.LEAD (5323)
    www.cityofchicago.org
    City program that provides free blood screening for lead poisoning as well as other helpful services for Chicago residents.

  • Department of Streets and Sanitation
    121 N. LaSalle St., Room 700
    Chicago, IL 60602
    Call your local branch or 312.744.4611
    www.cityofchicago.org/StreetsAndSan
    Manages streetlights, rodent control, abandoned vehicle towing, street sweeping, etc.

    • Bureau of Forestry
      3200 S. Kedzie Avenue
      Chicago, IL 60623
      312.747.3312/fax: 312.747.7682
      Provides free mulch, wood chips, and tree inspection, trimming & planting in parkways.

    • Adopt a Flowerbed
      Program to care for median planters around Chicago.

  • Department of Transportation
    30 N. LaSalle St., Rm. 1100
    Chicago, IL 60602
    312.744.3600/fax: 312.744.1200
    www.ci.chi.il.us/Transportation
    Provides authorization for median, traffic circles, and boulevard planting.

      • Digger
        312.744.7000
        Within the Chicago city limits, you must contact Digger 48 hours in advance to determine underground utility and sewer lines before digging.

      • Permits Department
        312.744.4652
        Provides digging permits, information on underground lines.

      • Utility Alert Network
        312.744.7000
        Dispatches workers to mark underground utilities.

  • Department of Water Management
    1000 E. Ohio St.
    Chicago, IL 60611
    312.744.7001/fax: 312.744.7119
    www.cityofchicago.org/WaterManagement
    Provides water permits for community gardens and authorization for fire hydrant use.

  • Department of Zoning
    121 N. LaSalle St., Rm. 802
    Chicago, IL 60602
    312.744.3508/fax: 312.744.6552
    www.ci.chi.il.us/Zoning
    Provides zoning permits and land status for community gardeners and information on Landscape Ordinance.

  • Chicago Public Library NatureConnections Program
    400 S. State St.
    Chicago, IL 60605
    312.747.4730
    www.chipublib.org/008subject/
    003cya/sign/sign.htl
    emcchesn@chipublib.org
    Has children's books & programs on natural history, gardening and environment. Call also the local branch.


Other Government Agencies

  • * Chicago Park District
    541 N. Fairbanks
    Chicago, IL 60611
    312.742.7529/fax: 312.747.6046
    www.chicagoparkdistrict.com
    Begin by contacting your local CPD office.

    • Kilbourn Park
      773-685-3359
      kirstenakre@chicagoparkdistrict.com
      Only public organic greenhouse in Chicago. Has plant sale annually in April

    • Harvest Gardens
      Introduces children to urban vegetable gardening in Chicago parks.

    • North Park Village Nature Center
      5801 N. Pulaski
      Chicago, Il 60646
      312.744.5472/fax: 312.744.1134
      Provides environmental education for restoration and offers classes for citizens.

    • Garfield Park Conservatory
      300 N. Central Park Ave.
      Chicago, IL 60612
      Demonstration garden and workshops

    • Lincoln Park Conservatory
      2391 N Stockton Dr.
      Chicago, Il 60614

  • Cook County Recorder of Deeds
    118 N. Clark St., Room 120
    Chicago, IL 60602
    312.603.5050/fax: 312.603.5063
    www.cookctyrecorder.com
    Keeps records of vacant lot ownership.

  • Forest Preserve of Cook County
    536 N. Harlem
    River Forest, IL 60305
    708.366.9420/fax: 708.771.1512
    www.fpdcc.com
    Provides guidance on tree selection & care; occasional wood chip give-away; land restoration training.

  • Il Dept. of Natural Resources
    100 W. Randolph, Ste. 4300
    Chicago, IL 60601
    312.814.2070/fax: 312.814.2439
    http://dnr.state.il.us
    Directs state programs for land acquisition, management, and restoration.

  • J.U.L.I.E.
    800.892.0123
    Use J.U.L.I.E. for anywhere in the state of Illinois (except Chicago) to determine underground utility and sewer lines before excavating.

  • U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Sustainable Urban Environment - Team Manager
    77 W. Jackson Blvd., A-18J
    Chicago, IL 60604-3590
    1.800.621.8431
    www.epa.gov/region5
    EPA is an information resource on sustainable development and smart growth practices, particularly as they relate to clean air, water, and land issues.

Commercial Vendors

  • A & L Great Lakes Laboratories
    3505 Conestoga Drive
    Fort Wayne, IN 46808
    260.483.4759/fax: 260.483.5274
    www.algreatlakes.com
    Provides soil testing. Send samples of soil in zip lock bags to be tested for lead and cadmium.

  • Ball Seed
    622 Town Road
    West Chicago, IL 60185
    847.697.6080
    www.ballseed.com
    Laura Thomas-Stachon
    lthomas@ballseed.com
    Suburban seed supplier for annuals, perennials and vegetables. Impressive trial gardens to highlight plant combinations and varieties.

  • Beaver Creek Nurseries
    6604 Randall Road
    Poplar Grove, IL 61065-9005
    815.737.8758/ fax: 815. 737.8778
    www.beavercreeknursery.com
    sales@beavercreeknursery.com
    Roy and Sarah Klehm
    Over 500 acres of wholesale nursery stock including trees, shrubs, evergreens, vines and perennials

  • Beeson's McHenry County Nursery, Inc.
    8501 White Oaks Rd.
    Harvard, IL 60033
    815.943.8733/ fax 815.943.3511
    www.beesongrows.com
    mcn@beesongrows.com
    Joe Beeson, Owner
    Growers and propagators of quality Northern Illinois-grown plant material.

  • Bella Flowers and Greenhouse,Inc.
    7117 S Roberts Road
    Bridgeview, IL 60455
    Contact : Mario
    708.458.3093/ fax 708.458.312
    www.bellaflorist.com
    Greenhouse grower of annuals and vegetables with small retail garden center.

  • Blommer Chocolate Factory
    600 W. Kinzie
    Chicago, IL 60610
    312.226.7700/fax: 312.226.4141
    www.blommer.com
    Supplies mulch - $3.99/25 lb. bag of cocoa hulls for mulch.

  • Bork Nurseries, Inc.
    7502 S. Main St
    Crystal Lake, IL60014
    877.223.0200/ fax 847.444.6309
    www.borknurseries.com
    Downstate nursery with a sales yard in Crystal Lake.

  • Carlin Horticultural Supplies, Inc.
    8170 Granville Woods Rd.
    Milwaukee, WI 53223
    800.657.0745/ fax 414.355.3107
    www.carlinsales.com
    Or Crest Hill, IL
    1461 Caton Farm Road
    Horticultural supplies including greenhouse, commercial, agricultural, and retail equipment.

  • Century Contractors
    6401 W. 75th Street
    Bedford Park, IL 60638
    Julia PROCE
    708.496.0450/fax: 708.496.8886
    Supplies railroad ties - delivered for free in Chicago area.

  • Central Lawn Sprinklers
    239 King St
    Elk Gtove Village, IL 60007
    847.364.6900/fax847.364.9774

  • CityEscape Garden Center
    300 N. Central Park Ave.
    Chicago, IL 60624
    312.743.1338
    Connie Rivera
    Garden Center located just north of the Garfield Park Conservatory in the Garfield Market corridor. Open weekends, May until September.

  • Doty and Sons
    1275 East State St.
    Sycamore, IL 60178
    800.233.3097/fax 815.895.8035
    www.dotyconcrete.com
    Stone benches, tables and garbage cans

  • DuPage Topsoil
    P.O. Box 387
    (Butterfield Rd. and 59th St.)
    Wheaton, IL 60189
    Contact : Tray
    630.682.4800/fax: 630.231.3764
    Supplies topsoil. Call for prices on your estimate of how much topsoil you need delivered.

  • Earth Inc.
    810 Arlington HTS. Rd. Suite #1
    Itasca, IL 60143
    630.285.9800
    Provides topsoil, construction sand and crushed stone. Call for prices on your estimate of how much soil/crushed stone you need - delivery is in 2-3 days. COD only.

  • EZ Tree
    7050 S. Dorchester
    Chicago, IL 60637
    773.493.8600
    Mike Fowler
    Provides soil, mulch and compost across the Chicagoland area.

  • Feed Store, The
    5408 South Harlem Avenue
    Summit, IL 60501
    Joseph Bestwina
    708.458.1327
    Sells alfalfa meal-inexpensive organic fertilizer

  • The Fence Store
    5927 N. Milwaukee Ave
    Chicago, IL 60646
    773.792.3900/ fax 773.792.8163
    www.thefencestore.com
    Fence supplier

  • Charles J. Fiore Company, Inc.
    16606 West Hwy 22
    Prairie View, IL 60069
    2901 W. Ferdinand St
    Chicago, IL 60612
    847.913.1414/ fax 847.913.9690
    www.cjfiore.com
    Retail/wholesale nursery yard with hard to find trees, vines and perennials.

  • Forestry Suppliers, Inc.
    205 W. Rankin St.
    P.O. Box 8397
    Jackson, MS 39284-8397
    Sales: 800.647.5368/Customer
    Service: 800.752.8460
    http://forestry-suppliers.com
    Supplies forestry, tree planting, arboriculture, horticulture, and related products

  • Fox River Stone Company
    7N394 McLean Blvd.
    South Elgin, IL 60177
    847.742.6060/fax: 847.742.6282
    www.foxriverstone.com
    info@foxriverstone.com
    Supplies rock and stone products.

  • Gethsemane Garden Center
    5739 N. Clark St.
    Chicago, IL
    773.878.5915
    www.gethsemanegardens.com
    North-side garden center that stocks many hard to find items
    at a premium price.

  • Grainger
    www.grainger.com
    Supplier of hardware, tools and equipment with multiple sites throughout Chicago.

  • Grand Street Gardens
    2200 W. Grand Ave.
    Chicago, IL 60612
    312.829.8200
    Garden center in West Town. Stocks rain barrels, perennials, organic fertilizers and othergarden material.

  • GRO Horticultural Enterprises, Inc.
    14440 Marengo Rd.
    Union, IL 60180-9621
    847.669.8658/ fax 847.669.8662
    Gregory Oltman, President
    Grohortwmc.net
    Shade and ornamental trees, custom digging and transplanting.

  • Henry Frerk Sons
    3135 W. Belmont
    Chicago, IL 60618
    773.588.0800/ fax 773.588.0897
    Supplier of masonry supplies including concrete, gravel, crushed granite and rebar.

  • Hoffie Nursery
    17102 Marengo Road
    Union, IL 60180
    815.923.2518
    Perennial and annual nursery

  • Hummert International
    www.hummert.com
    Supplier of all types of horti-cultural products

  • Intrinsic Perennials, Inc.
    10702 Seaman Road
    Hebron, IL 60034
    815.648.2788/ fax 815.648.2072
    www.intrinsicperennialgardens.com
    A wholesale grower of perennials

  • Ion Exchange
    1878 Old Mission Drive
    Harpers Ferry, IA 52146-7533
    800.291.2143/ fax563.535.7362
    www.ionexchange.com
    Email: hbright@acegroup.cc
    Provides native plants and seeds

  • Jakacki Bag and Barrel
    4607 W. Lexington St.
    Chicago,IL 60644
    773.287.6100/fax:773.287.6105
    www.jakackibarrel.com
    Supplies drums for water, recycling, waste.

  • Johnny's Seeds
    955 Benton Ave.
    Winslow, MA 04901
    207.861.3900
    Toll free 1.877.564.6697
    www.johnnysseeds.com
    Wholesale and home garden seed supplier.

  • Lake Street Landscape Supply
    1810 W. Lake St.
    Chicago, IL 60612
    312.226.0760/ fax: 312.226.0761
    www.lakestreetlandscapesupply.com
    lakestreet@landscapelink.com
    Ray Hufnagel, owner
    Complete landscape yard for delivery or pickup including specialty planting mixes, compost, mulch, topsoil, trees and shrubs. Call for prices and delivery fees.

  • Mariani Nursery
    300 Rockland Road
    Lake Bluff, IL 60044
    847.234.2172/ fax 847.234.2754
    www.marianilandscapes.com
    Frank Mariani, CEO
    Wholesale nursery

  • McAdam Landscaping
    2001 DesPlaines Ave
    Forest Park, IL 60130
    708.771.2299/ fax 708.771.4553
    www.mcadamlandscape.com
    Scott McAdam, Owner
    Landscaping design and build firm and garden center

  • Midwest Enterprises
    Duane Sokolosky
    23 West Oak Street
    Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
    847.658.9457/fax: 847.658.9617
    Sells instant TNT compost tea, Planter's Magic, and Worm Castings

  • Midwest Fencing
    900 N. Kedzie
    Chicago, IL 60651
    773.722.6616
    www.midwest_fence.com
    Ornamental fence contractor.

  • Midwest Groundcovers
    P.O. Box 748
    St. Charles, IL 60174-0748
    847.742.1790/ fax 847.742.2655
    www.midwestgroundcovers.com
    mgmail@midwestground
    covers.com
    Peter Orum, Owner
    Container grown groundcovers, shrubs, evergreens, perennials, vines and native prairie plants. See also Midwest Trading.

  • Midwest Trading
    Horticultural Supplies, Inc.
    P.O. Box 398
    Maple PK, IL 60151
    Sally Jones
    630.365.1990/fax:630.365.3818
    mtinfo@midwest-trading.com
    Horticultural supplies including growing medium, hoop houses, greenhouse benches, and aquatic supplies.

  • Muellermist Irrigation Company
    (708) 344-8680

  • Natural Gardens
    38W443 IL Hwy 64
    St. Charles, IL 60175
    630.584.0150/ fax 630.584.0185
    Jan Sorensen, President
    Nursery specializing in native and ornamental perennials and grasses. Wholesale/ retail.

  • Noble Horse
    1410 N. Orleans
    Chicago, IL 60610
    noblehorse@hotmail.com
    312.266.7878/fax: 312.266.2124
    Provides free organic manure for pick-up. Delivery only by the trailer. Call for information.

  • Orland Soil
    4011 W. 165th Street
    Country Club Hills, IL 60478
    708.596.7645/fax 708.596.9481
    Supplies soil or compost. Call for prices on your estimate of how much soil or compost you need.

  • Planter's Palette
    28W571 Roosevelt Road
    Winfield, IL 60190
    630.293.1040/ fax 630.293.1588
    Wholesale Fax 630.293.7835
    www.planterspalette.com
    David Tyznik, President
    Perennials, hostas, ferns, daylilies, groundcovers and wildflowers. Wholesale/ retail

  • Possibility Place Nursery
    7548 W Monee-Manhattan Rd.
    Monee, IL 60449
    Conner Shaw (Owner)
    708.534.3988/ fax 708.534.6272
    www.possibilityplace.com
    Native tree and shrub nursery. Offers workshops and talks on native trees.

  • Prairie Moon Nursery
    32115 Prairie Lane
    Winona, MN 55987
    866.417.8156/ fax 507.454.5238
    www.prairiemoon.com
    info@prairiemoon.com
    Provides native plants and seeds. Including new genetic seeds

  • Prairie Nursery
    P.O. Box 306
    Westfield, WI 53964
    800.476.9453/ fax 608.296.2741
    www.prairienursery.com
    cs@prairienursery.com
    Provides native plants and seeds. Fireplace material.

  • Pure Prairie Organics
    Bill Scheffler
    P.O. Box 1458
    Wheaton, IL 60189-1458
    630.510.2483/fax: 630.584.4699
    www.pure-prairie-organics.com
    pureprairie@gmail.com
    Natural lawn and tree care. Fertilizing and consulting

  • Ramirez Compost
    847.541.8440
    John or Eileen
    A full trailer of fresh horse manure (about 50 cubic yards) can be delivered to your site for free. If you would like a smaller amount you would pay the delivery cost.

  • Russo Ace Hardware
    5848 W. Montrose Avenue
    Chicago, IL 60634-1793
    773.777.2606/fax 663.777.6406
    Provides gardening tools, supplies, and rentals.

  • Russo Power Equipment
    9525 W. Irving Park
    Russo Power Equipment
    9525 W. Irving Park Rd.
    Schiller Park, IL 60176
    847.678.9525/ fax 847.678.0705
    www.russopower.com
    russo@russopower.com
    Landscape equipment supplier rentals of tillers, power rakes,
    tampers, etc.

  • Schwake Stone
    1313 Rand Rd
    Des Plaines, IL 60016
    800.582.4477/ fax 847.824.3213
    www.schwakestone.com
    Supplier of stone, brick, pavers with good showroom to choose from.

  • Seeds of Change
    P.O. Box 15700
    Santa Fe, NM 87592
    888.762.7333
    www.seedsofchange.com
    Supplier of organic seeds and equipment.

  • Seed Savers Exchange
    3094 North Winn Road
    Decorah, IA 52101
    563..382..5990/fax;563.382.5872
    www.seedsavers.org
    Supplier of heirloom seeds and unique garden equipment.

  • Shemin Nuerseries, Inc.
    25013 W. 111th St.
    Naperville, IL 60564-8015
    630.904.8700/ fax 630.904.8143
    or P.O. Box 857
    4N755 Lombard Rd.
    Addison, IL 60101-0857
    630.773.8090/ fax 630.773.6559
    www.sheminnurseries.com
    marketing@shemin.net
    Brady Pepper, General Manager
    One-stop with horticultural distribution center. Full line of nursery stock and landscape supplies.

  • Sid's Greenhouse
    10926 Southwest Highway
    Palos Hills, IL 60465
    800.974.7437/fax:708.974.9119
    www.sidsgreenhouses.com
    Large garden center, greenhouse, and florist. Resource for hard to find products.

  • Surplus Supplies Center
    6418 S. State
    Chicago, IL 60637
    773.783.3600/fax: 773.224.4763
    www.statestreetsteel.com
    Supplies iron fences, designs & panels.

  • STAT Analysis
    2242 W. Harrison, Suite 200
    Chicago, IL 60612
    312.733.0551/ fax 312.733.2386
    www.statanalysis.com
    skumar@statanalysis.com
    Laboratory for analyzing soil samples.

  • Ted's Greenhouse, Inc.
    16930 S. 84th Ave.
    Tinley Park, IL 60487
    708.532.3575/ fax 708.532.3585
    www.tedsgreenhouse.com
    dansgreenhouse@sbcglobal.net
    Propagator and grower of annuals, tropicals, herbs, cacti and succulents.

  • Town and Country Landscape Supply Co.
    General Office
    3900 W. 167th
    Markham, IL 60426
    708.596.7200/fax: 708.596.2481
    or Warehouse
    29800 North Highway 12
    Wauconda, IL 60084
    847.526.2300/fax: 847.526.2507
    www.hesod.com
    tcls@hesod.com
    Supplies topsoil, mulch, compost, sand, railroad ties, pavers, rotten granite, crushed limestone, or other kinds of stone.

  • Underwood Gardens
    1250 Galloway Dr.
    Woodstock,IL 60098
    815.338.6273/fax:815.338.6278
    www.underwoodgardens.com
    Supplies open pollinated & heirloom seeds and plants, as well as supplies & educational materials.

  • Van Drunen Farms
    300 West 6th St.
    Momence, IL 60954
    815.472.3100/ fax 815.472.3850
    www.vandrunenfarms.com
    Wholesale supplier of dried fruits, vegetables herbs for the applications spanning the processed food industry.

  • Wabash Valley Manufacturing, Inc.
    505 E. Main St.
    P.O. Box 5
    Silver Lake, IN 46982
    800.253.8619/fax:260.352.2160
    www.wabashvalley.com
    wvmsales@wabashvalley.com
    Supplier of plastic coated garden furniture.

  • White Premium Organics Inc.
    2560 Foxfield Road
    St. Charles, IL 60174
    630.377.9966/Fax:630.377.9934
    www.whitepremiumorganics.com
    Wholesale distributor of high quality soil blends and growing medium. Fertilizers, mixing only organic fertilizers.

  • Wholesale Food Products
    223 Avenue D, Ste. 30
    Williston, VT 05495
    Toll free: 877.309.7333
    fax: 802.951.9089
    www.americanmeadows.com
    Supplies wildflower seed.

  • Wilson Nurseries, Inc.
    43W967 State Route 72
    Hampshire, IL 60140
    fax 847.683.3977
    www.wilsonnurseries.com
    Nursery for trees, shrubs, evergreens and perennials.

  • * WRD Environmental
    445 N. Sacramento Blvd.
    Chicago, IL 60612
    773.722.9870/fax:773.722.9875
    www.wrdenvironmental.com
    WRD Environmental provides ecological consulting, design, and installation for larger sustainable landscapes.



*GreenNet Members

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Chicago Botanic Garden
Chicago Department of Environment / Greencorps
Chicago Park District / Harvest Gardens
Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago
Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance
Friends of the Parks
NeighborSpace
Openlands Project
WRD Environmental
University of Illinois Extension

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