In 1991, Waters School’s grounds were barren: solid asphalt for nearly an entire city block. But encased in the pavement at the south end of the lot were four colossal bur oak trees that predate the city of Chicago’s founding. Inspired by the grandfather oaks, the community—students, parents, teachers, and neighbors—steadily began chipping away at the asphalt and planting gardens in its place.
After more than 30 years of hard restoration and stewardship work, Waters Garden now boasts more than 150 species of native plants and dozens of vegetable beds tended by students and community members. We stand in awe of the space created by our community and Mother Earth, an oasis in the middle of a bustling city neighborhood filled with berries, peace, beauty, friendship, and joy.
Read the Latest Garden News
- Wed. Stewardship, Bur Oak, + Ravenswood Garden EventJoin us on Wednesday, 5:00pm until dusk, for garden stewardship! Read on for more garden news. Focus on… Bur Oak 350 years ago, in September of 1673, a group of people from the Kaskaskia tribe led Louis Jolliet, Father Jacques … Read more
- Enjoy the Autumnal Equinox in the GardenFall is upon us, but we’re still at it! Join us in the garden for stewardship and friendship on Saturday morning, 10:00am to noon. Celebrating the Autumnal Equinox The Autumnal Equinox is coming. Around the 23rd of September. The exact … Read more
- Garden Wednesdays, Tall Thistle, + Kidical MassThank you to all who joined last Saturday’s Open House. It was wonderful to see everyone, and we got so much done—repaired fences, transplanted raspberries, continued to gather important native seeds, planted community cold frames, and more! Join us on … Read more
Read more past newsletters here.
