Edgewater corner gardens show how small patches make a difference

Kim Kaulas

This is the 42nd of 50 Days of Chicago Nature. Read previous posts here.

Even the smallest patches of habitat make a difference. For a wonderful example, check out the many corner gardens of the Edgewater neighborhood.

"I just saw a female monarch [butterfly] laying eggs on my milkweed," says Kim Kaulas, who's worked on the same corner garden for close to 30 years.  

The gardens started when a few area residents needed a home for the excess plants from their small yards. First, the Edgewater Community Council supported the efforts and now the Edgewater Environmental Sustainability Partnership provides small grants to take care of the plots. 

"It definitely snowballs if one neighbor starts it and then another. It's keeping up with the Joneses," Kim says. "There's no doubt in mind that a beautiful landscape has a socializing effect on human beings. The aesthetic value of it is very pleasant to people."

For more info on Edgewater Glen's Garden Walks, Plant Swaps, and Parkway Corner program, visit www.edgeglen.com.