- Credibility:
WICKER PARK — The garden in Wicker Park’s namesake park relies on the financial support of neighbors to maintain its trees, shrubs and flowers.
This year, however, one of the garden’s largest moneymakers — the annual Mother’s Day Plant Sale — was canceled due to COVID-19.
Now the Wicker Park Garden Club and Wicker Park Advisory Council need to raise $7,000 to cover the costs of maintaining the garden.
The gardens do not receive any money from the Chicago Park District or any other city entity, said Garden Club leader Doug Wood.
“Monies come from Wicker Park Garden Club’s fundraising efforts and the generosity of donors,” he said by email.
As of Thursday, about $1,400 had been raised. Donations have ranged from $10-$200.
You can help by making a tax-exempt donation online. Those who prefer to donate by check should email Doug.Wood@WickerPark.org.
You can also help by buying plants from Ted’s Green House in Tinley Park. Through June 15, the store will donate 20 percent of sales to Wicker Park’s garden. Just show up with the following flier, printed:
Credit: Doug Wood / ProvidedThe garden’s $7,000 budget covers everything from buying mulch, soil and organic fertilizers to rhizomes, seeds and shrubs.
The money also pays for tools for volunteers, evergreen branches that winterize roses, materials for children’s activities, art events and wintertime decorations.
In addition to money, the garden relies on neighbors to volunteer their time and labor.
More than 900 volunteer hours are clocked early March to December each year, Wood said.
The Wicker Park Garden Club and Wicker Park Advisory Council are nonprofit organizations and all donations are tax-exempt.
Credit: Doug Wood / ProvidedBlock Club Chicago’s coronavirus coverage is free for all readers. Block Club is an independent, 501(c)(3), journalist-run newsroom.
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