Corner Garden Program
We’re launching Ravenswood Manor’s first Corner Garden Program!
Do you have an empty corner parkway on your street you’ve wanted to spruce up with colorful, pollinator-friendly native plants? Consider this your invitation. Our program will encourage neighbors to adopt a corner parkway and offer a limited number of grants to help with the costs of starting and maintaining the garden.
Ready to get started? Click here to share your plans to plant a corner garden and apply for a grant.
Even if you are not applying for a grant, we encourage you to complete the survey so we can celebrate your garden and keep track of our neighborhood’s growing native plant ecosystem.
Questions You Might Have
Why plant a corner native garden?
- Beautify our neighborhood
- Flood prevention: The deep root systems of native plants serve as a sponge for rainwater, reducing water into the sewer systems
- Support pollinators and biodiversity: Native gardens serve as valuable food and shelter stations for butterflies, bees, insects, and birds. Planting more corner gardens with native plants in our neighborhood will offer a much needed bridge between the already rich ecosystems of Horner Park and Ronan Park along the River’s North Branch.
How should I get started?
- Step 1: Identify a corner parkway to adopt.
- Step 2: If you live on the same corner, proceed to step 3. If you don’t live on the same corner, contact the residents who live on the corner about planting a garden at their corner. While the parkway is technically city property, we expect gardeners will connect with the corner resident for their blessing first. If you need help getting in touch with these neighbors, email cornergardens@ravenswoodmanor.com and we can facilitate a connection.
- Step 3: Complete this survey to let us know about your plans. This survey is also your opportunity to apply for a $200 grant if you choose. We have a limited number of grants and will review applications on a weekly basis.
- Step 4: Get planting! Not sure how to select native plants or care for them? Looking for seed banks? Check out these great resources. Chicago Community Gardeners AssociationChicago Living Corridors
What happens after I plant my garden?
We expect you’ll care for your garden for at least two years (the time it takes for most native gardens to establish and self-sustain). This includes regular watering, weeding, clean up, and care.
If you can no longer care for your garden regularly, we ask that you let us know at cornergardens@ravenwsoodmanor.com so we can find another neighbor to adopt your garden.
