I'm going to ask what might seem like a dumb question (I've never been to Chicago). Is/was Chicago part of a tall grass prairie ecosystem? Looking at this garden and the plant choices, that's the initial reaction I had. I live in Nova Scotia, but i did visit a small tall-grass prairie preserve in southwest Ontario last year, and such ecosystems fascinate me.
Hello Jodi,that is really a very good question. Chicago was once a very low wetland consisting of marshy land and rivers leading west toward the Mississippi or east toward Lake Michian and ultimately the Atlantic Ocean. There is a map with a bit of an explanation at... http://www.chipublib.org/digital/sewers/history.html
Over the years and many drinking water contaminations/epidimics Chicago has been raised from the depths and drained to todays elevations .
The state of Illinois with its rich soil and climate was mesic prairie or savanna dominated but with nearby sandy dunes and southern forest making for a diverse land.
There are many prairie and savanna restorations areas near Chicago. Chicago Wilderness is a coalition of local ecology groups and business along with public officials working to keep or restore much of the openlands. Here is a list of places open to the public. http://www.chicagowilderness.org/explore/see/prairies/index.cfm
The Lurie garden Design was inspired by this past and present.
Thank you for this, Gloria. This is the beauty of the Internet--I may not get to ever visit Chicago, but I can visit through your eyes, and those of other garden bloggers, and do the same with so many other places. Wonderful!
I'm going to ask what might seem like a dumb question (I've never been to Chicago). Is/was Chicago part of a tall grass prairie ecosystem? Looking at this garden and the plant choices, that's the initial reaction I had. I live in Nova Scotia, but i did visit a small tall-grass prairie preserve in southwest Ontario last year, and such ecosystems fascinate me.
ReplyDeleteI'm also new to your blog, but enjoying it!
Hello Jodi,that is really a very good question. Chicago was once a very low wetland consisting of marshy land and rivers leading west toward the Mississippi or east toward Lake Michian and ultimately the Atlantic Ocean.
ReplyDeleteThere is a map with a bit of an explanation at...
http://www.chipublib.org/digital/sewers/history.html
Over the years and many drinking water contaminations/epidimics Chicago has been raised from the depths and drained to todays elevations .
The state of Illinois with its rich soil and climate was mesic prairie or savanna dominated but with nearby sandy dunes and southern forest making for a diverse land.
There are many prairie and savanna restorations areas near Chicago.
Chicago Wilderness is a coalition of local ecology groups and business along with public officials working to keep or restore much of the openlands.
Here is a list of places open to the public.
http://www.chicagowilderness.org/explore/see/prairies/index.cfm
The Lurie garden Design was inspired by this past and present.
I visited the first time in May. Thank you for showing the progress of this beautiful and amazing garden
ReplyDeleteThank you for this, Gloria. This is the beauty of the Internet--I may not get to ever visit Chicago, but I can visit through your eyes, and those of other garden bloggers, and do the same with so many other places. Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteIt is looking great! Thanks for the pics Gloria, what a difference with last time. :-)
ReplyDelete