Experiencing the seasons is what many homeowners enjoy about living in Northern Illinois. We have very distinctive time periods, and each is filled with equal parts beauty and corresponding chores. While we are winding down our gardening chores, we know that snow and ice will bring their own challenges. There is some comfort in knowing that nature is ever-evolving while it surrounds us with its beauty. As Arthur Rubinstein so perfectly stated, “The seasons are what a symphony ought to be: four perfect movements in harmony with each other.”
As the seasons change, so does this column. This column (and columnist!) goes into hibernation during the winter months only to reappear in the spring.
During the winter, I think about what subjects might be of interest to you and then actively seek out authors, educators and business owners to interview for the column. While I may be on hiatus, the column it not! There are 9 years of previous columns available through the My Huntley News website. It is www.myhuntleynews.com
Enter “Kathleen Carr” into the search button and the previous columns will be accessible. To save you a bit of scrolling, here is an excerpt from the first column.
“I was born on a dairy farm in Huntley. My first fondest childhood memory is squishing cool cow pies between my toes by the sweet-smelling bulk tank on a hot summer day. We moved off the farm and into the county seat, Woodstock. A family business, Harmony Vegetable Market, was established in 1980 to keep my brothers and I busy and out of trouble during the summer. Yes, hoeing several acres of green peppers and tomatoes will keep any teenager on the straight and narrow.
It was then and there that a strong work ethic was instilled in me. Anyone have a hoe they want to hand to my children? In 1990 I graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Agriculture Sciences and a teaching certificate. After teaching horticulture at the Chicago High School for Agriculture Science for 3 years, I entered the nursery industry.
In 1996 I opened The Growing Scene., Inc., a garden center, landscape, and farm stand. I have been blessed with the opportunity to walk through hundreds and hundreds of yards in Sun City and Edgewater. I observe, ask questions, and, if asked, make recommendations.
Am I a gardening expert? No. Can I assist you with your gardening questions and concerns? Yes. It is a fact that gardening is a feel-good activity for many. I hope that this column can be your feel-good column.”
I hope you too are able to enjoy the wonder of the seasons over the coming months. Stay safe and healthy! Until we meet again.
Kathleen Carr is the owner of The Growing Scene, Inc., and a landscaping company. She can be reached by calling 815-923-7322 or emailing her at Kathleen@thegrowingscene.com. Have a gardening question? Please contact her. She may address it in an upcoming column.
