July 4^th has come and gone. We often think that summer is halfway over although we still have a couple of months to go. Around much of the country we can experience dry conditions. Keep an eye on rain totals during dry spells and zero in when you check online. With much of our rain coming from thunderstorms rather than all-over rain, rain totals can differ less than ½ a mile away. An inch of water per week is the minimum needed for the landscape and garden. If you need to augment, use soakers and sprinklers that maximize the amount of water your landscape receives while losing the least to evaporation. 

Oscillating sprinklers shoot the water high in the air and swing back and forth, do not buy these. You lose much of the water to evaporation, and it would take 10 hours to put down enough water. The sprinkler you want can be called a few different names. The main name is pulsating. Also known as impact, circulating or spike. There is a picture of one accompanying this blog. It keeps the water close to the ground, losing less to evaporation and puts down the most water in a shorter time. Place an empty can out and water till it reaches an inch. If you are expecting storms coming water first so if you get a downpour most will soak in instead of running off. 

Root watering is best for trees and shrubs, especially ones not well established, two years or more. A root waterer is an approximately 30-inch-long hollow aluminum pole with holes with a hose attachment at the top. It directs water to the deep roots of trees and shrubs. Place in the ground all the way down to the hose attachment a foot or so in from the dripline and water for two hours minimum. An open hose trickling for three hours can do a decent job if you have no root waterer.

Watering includes the garden of course. You can fertilize even in the heat of summer. Vegetables especially need fertilizer every two-three weeks. Give a slightly weaker mix if it is particularly hot. Water and fertilize early in the morning or later in the day after the worst of the sun is past. Try to see that the landscape has time to dry out a bit before dark to prevent wet conditions overnight that can cause fungus. 

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

It’s time to hit the pavement again as some of Chicago’s popular street festivals are back live for the summer of 2022!  It’s been a long two years without them so let’s show our support by attending the following festivals taking place this weekend!!

Proudly returning to Grant Park (337 E. Randolph St.) in The Loop, Taste of Chicago will run from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday for incredible food, music, and activities around Buckingham Fountain.  More than 30 food vendors will be dishing out tastes of Chicago classics (hot dogs, pizza, cheesecake) as well as bites representing the international influences from the city’s melting pot of cultures.  Guest can also enjoy a designated beer hall, wine tent, cocktail lounge, a diverse mix of national and international artists at nightly concerts, and much more!

Another annual street festival, West Fest Chicago, returns Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.) to Chicago Avenue between Wood Street and Damen Avenue in the West Town neighborhood.  West Fest places an emphasis on local offerings and talent and therefore showcases neighborhood retailers and restaurants, fine artists, crafters, food trucks, and more!  The live music stage features an eclectic mix of current and high-quality live music.  The Pet Fest features a dog obstacle course, paw painting, pet retail and services booths with various pet related demonstrations throughout the day.  The Kid Fest features train rides, bounce houses, an inflatable super slide, pony rides, carnival games and much more.  It’s one of Chicago’s most prominent and well-attended street festivals!!

Featured in TimeOut Chicago as one of the “Best Festivals in Town,” the Southport Art Fest returns to the Southport Corridor (North Southport Ave. & West Waveland Ave.) in the Lakeview neighborhood on Saturday and Sunday (10 a.m.-7 p.m.).  This two-day festival will showcase some of the city’s best and most diverse artists who will feature their work in a variety of art forms.  Plus, families will have the opportunity to bring their children and enjoy all that this fest has to offer!  From food and drink specials throughout the weekend to a special kid’s area designed with interactive games and activities will certainly make for an unforgettable time for all!!

The Square Roots Festival returns to the Lincoln Square neighborhood this Saturday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday (12 p.m.-9 p.m.) to Lincoln Avenue between Montrose and Wilson Avenues.  This family-friendly event features live music, vendors, food, Chicago’s finest craft beers on tap, and a kid’s zone offering arts and crafts, face painting, swing set drum kit, a petting zoo, and kid-friendly entertainment!

Dozens of movies will screen in parks all over Chicago as part of the city’s annual Movies in the Parks program.  From recent blockbusters to classics, you’re sure to find something good to watch for free beneath the stars this summer.  Screenings typically begin at 8:30 p.m. each evening.  Here’s this weekend’s choices:

Saturday
“The Rookie” – Oz Park (2021 N. Burling St.) – Lincoln Park
“Jungle Cruise” – O’Hallaren Park (8335 S. Honore St.) – Auburn Gresham
“The Princess Bride” – Loyola Park (1230 W. Greenleaf Ave.) – East Rogers Park

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

As the temperatures climb above 90 degrees this first week in July, there’s nothing like the thought of Christmas snow to cool you off, right? But how did this crazy tradition start?  According to Vox and other sources, the first Christmas in July event began in the summer of 1933 when Fannie Holt, the co-founder of North Carolina’s Keystone Camp, who delighted young campers year after year with whimsical decorations and musical celebrations of the season. Other sources indicate Werther, an 1892 French opera. In the story, a group of children rehearses a Christmas song in July, to which a character responds: “When you sing Christmas in July, you rush the season.”  

The origins may be as hazy as Christmas fog, but Christmas in July is here to stay. In a post-Fourth of July summer, it’s a chance to remember the fun of the holiday season. And a bonus for retailers, who need to do something between now and back-to-school sales to boost sluggish sales.

Two restaurants in Chicago are taking the opportunity to celebrate Christmas in July with a special menu and decorations. 

From July 6-10, the historic Walnut Room, 111 N. State Street, in Chicago’s Loop, is bringing back their holiday menu for a special Christmas in July celebration. No word about their signature giant Christmas tree, but one of the nice things about Christmas in July is that you can take advantage of an off-season treasure, and more than likely score a table for your friends and family on Open Table. As one Google reviewer observed (and we agree!) “Went to the Walnut Room with my mom and grandmother before a performance of Moulin Rouge. It was a nice change up from taking the kids to see Santa at Christmas. The Walnut Room is usually pretty touristy during the holidays. However, there’s hardly anyone there at all in the off season. It seems like you have the place and the great view entirely to yourself!”

In addition to the great view, you can start with the amazing Lobster Bisque with sherry, a staple since the store (Macy’s) was Marshall Field’s. Move forward to the entrees with an Asiago Crusted Chicken, served with Pommery mustard sauce, house-made whipped potatoes, and a fresh sautéed vegetable.  Or a Cider-Glazed, Slow-Roasted Breast of Turkey, served with whipped potatoes, turkey gravy, fresh sautéed vegetable, and cranberry citrus chutney. Finish your Christmas in July meal with their special Holiday Yule Log, with chocolate-filled vanilla cake, bittersweet chocolate icing, or a Build-Your-Own (Instagrammable) Snowman with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, with a marshmallow, strawberry licorice, and chocolate chips.

Quench your thirst with a Poinsettia, stoked with cranberry juice and sparkling wine. For a kick of caffeine, The Kris Kringle blends iced coffee, Kringle cream liqueur, butterscotch Schnapps, and chocolate espresso sauce. It could make a fine dessert, too!

One recent Google reviewer was rapturous in her praise. “Often overlooked when it’s not a holiday, The Walnut Room is one of the few elegant, yet casual dining rooms left in the city with an affordable (entrees run about $15) and accessible menu. The restaurant is the last great thing that remains a legacy of the former Marshall Field’s. White tablecloths, wood paneling, and sunshine through the huge windows above State Street make for an enjoyable lunch or early dinner.” For hours, reservations, and information,click here.

At River North’s tri-level Hubbard Inn, 110 W. Hubbard Street, Saturday, July 9 and Sunday, July 10 is devoted to Christmas in July at their third-floor event space, MASQ, starting at 1pm. Everything But Brunch, the event planner, promises a “day of debauchery,” and requests that everyone wear Christmas attire. A 21+, reservations-only party, Christmas in July includes a Bottomless Mimosa package for  $25 per person from 1pm-3pm, and table reservations include a complimentary bottle of champagne upon arrival, as well as a “front row seat to the best party in town.”  Their weekly brunch is available on Level 1 for a separate charge, from 11am-2:30pm. While dressed in your Christmas best, you can enjoy ala carte items such as Chicken & Waffles, with pearl sugar Belgian waffles, crispy buttermilk chicken, maple butter, and fresh fruit, or a Breakfast Burger, with a ½ pound Angus burger, sunny-side-up egg, bacon, fig jam, arugula, and goat cheese, served with tater tots. Lots more to choose from! To book your reservation for Christmas in July at MARQ, email reservations@hubbardinn.com, or make them through Eventbrite by clicking here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

While some people are excellent at keeping plants healthy and happy, others are equally adept at killing them. We all have good intentions when we bring a plant home, but unless we learn a little about them, their demise is almost certain.

There are a few things you could be doing to end their lives. Here are some of the mistakes you might be making.

Under Watering

Many homeowners only water their plants when they remember too. Watering once or twice a week will not suffice if you want your plants to remain healthy and vibrant.

A plant watering schedule can be extremely useful in this situation. Rather than racking your brains to remember when you last watered, a schedule will keep you on track. You should also learn exactly what kinds of plants you have and how frequently each breed should be watered in order to provide them with the proper amount.

Check to see if the soil feels dry by putting your finger in it. Every time you water the soil, be sure to completely moisten it and make sure the water runs out into the pot’s drainage holes.

Over Watering

On the other extreme, you should try to stay away from overwatering your plants, which will only cause the roots to rot. Although you would believe that more water is better for your plants, this may not be the case. When it comes to how much water a plant needs, different plants have varying requirements.

Finding your plants’ ideal moisture level is the greatest solution. Others must remain damp, while some prefer to totally dry out before being watered once more. For information on how much water to give your plants to ensure their success, go to the care instructions.

A word on drainage: Just because the pot your plant is in has a bottom hole doesn’t mean that it will provide enough drainage. To prevent the roots from rotting from excess moisture, you need to fill these holes with proper drainage material at the bottom to give the water somewhere to go.

Insufficient or Excessive Sunlight

You can’t simply place a plant on any window sill and trust that the light it receives would be suitable for it. You have no idea that it is either wilting from a lack of sunlight or scorching from the rays.

Every plant you purchase will have a tiny tag attached that details how much sunlight it prefers. While some people can survive in only minimal sunshine, others are tough enough to do so. Think about the angle the sun is coming in through your windows.

Choose plants that prefer shadow or partial sun, for instance, if your light comes from the north or the east. On the other hand, southern or western facing windows are good for plants that like full sun. Just keep in mind that for the plant to live, the light must be sufficiently enough for you to read a book without turning on the lights.

Extreme Temperatures

Consider the temperature at which you would feel most comfortable. The majority of plants prefer temperatures that are similar to our own. The ideal temperature is between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit; it’s neither too hot nor too chilly, but right.

Keep an eye on the weather outdoors if the plants are near a window. The longevity of your plant might be negatively impacted by the sweltering heat of the summer and the bitter cold of the winter. Also consider the effects of the heater or air conditioner, as they can dry out your plant.

The plants should be okay if you’re comfy. Please make sure to carefully read the care card for temperature details.

Don’t Forget About the Insects

Insects view plants as targets, and the most infamous indoor plant eaters are gnats, spider mites, and white flies. You may be sure that one of these bothersome bugs has been feeding on the leaves of your plants if you discover any unexplained holes.

Consider waiting 30 days before adding new plants to the area where other plants are kept to ensure that insects don’t damage your plants. Insects can be repelled by removing weak plants, washing leaves with soap and water, using seaweed mulch, and other methods.

If you do detect pests harming your plants, identify the type of bug it is first before using a natural cure to get rid of it. It’s important to note that some insects, including ladybugs and praying mantises, are good for your plants.

A home’s design and the life they bring are greatly enhanced by plants. You can still take action to change your situation even though you’ve been a serial plant murderer up until this point. Start with hardy, simple-to-care-for plants; once you get the hang of it, it will be easier and more enjoyable to keep them. Make sure you first do your homework.

Welcome to July and may the Fourth be with you! Chicago’s neighborhoods are rising to the occasion with lots of activities and community gatherings celebrating the birth of American independence.

On the Street Where You Live… nowthrough July 10 at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W.Randolph, Lerner & Loewe’s My Fair Ladytells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a ‘proper lady.’ The show features classic songs as “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “The Rain in Spain,” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” and “On the Street Where You Live.” For tickets, click here.

Freedom in Art…The Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Avenue, new, groundbreaking exhibit Cezanne, nowthrough September 5, sheds new light not only on how this artist created his works, but why his art remains so vital today. Paul Cezanne’s (French, 1839–1906) works span media and genres, through little-known early allegorical paintings, Impressionist landscapes, portraits, and bather scenes. As the website asks, “Would pictures made this way somehow be truer to life than those made by other means?” For tickets,  click here.

Grillin’ and grinnin’…Nothing says July 4 like grilled fresh meats and vegetables! Prep for your barbecue and enjoy the beautiful summer weather at the Northcenter Farmers Market on Saturdays from 8am -1pm at  Northcenter Town Square, 4100 N. Damen. The Northcenter Farmers Market is one of the oldest farmers markets on the North Side of Chicago, and features such vendors as Broken K Ranch, where you can find beef, chicken, and eggs, Liz Madsen Farms, with fresh vegetables, herbs, flowers, and more, and Three Bees, where you can purchase honey and beeswax products. For more information, click here.

DIY FourthPatriotic Crafts for the 4th of July on Saturday, July 2, from 1pm – 4pm at the Jefferson Park Public Library, 5363 W. Lawrence Avenue. The library encourages kids of all ages to drop by for glitter fireworks and more! They encourage all to wear a mask, as well as residents under the age of 5 who are not yet eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. For more information, click here.

Stars and Stripes Forever… Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus’ annual Independence Day Salute of patriotic music at Jay Pritzker Pavilion gets underway Saturday, July 2, at 7:30pm.  Christopher Bell conducts a program that includes a George Gershwin medley, along with favorites by composers Aaron Copland, John Williams, John Philip Sousa, Irving Berlin, and so many more! Nothing is more stirring than our patriotic marches and anthems to reaffirm our collective voice. For tickets, click here.

After the concert, head to Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue, find your favorite spot and watch dazzling Fireworks light up the night sky at 9:30 pm. A special twist this year…while supplies last, guests will receive ‘diffraction glasses’ to “add visual interest” to the already spectacular fireworks display, accompanied by holiday-themed music. Free.

Fresh from the Grill… Shop for your Fourth of July barbecue at Roscoe Village Farmers Market at Jahn Elementary School, 3149 N. Wolcott Avenue, on Sunday, July 3, from 8am –12pm. Shop from a cornucopia of fresh produce, fresh breads, pastries, cheeses, coffee, honey, and so much more! Plus, enjoy family-friendly activities, live music and free workouts throughout the market season! For more information, click here.

Purple Reign… Prince: The Immersive Experience is an interactive celebration of the iconic artist’s life and legacy at The Shops at North Bridge, 540 N. Michigan Avenue (corner of Michigan Ave. and Ohio St.) As the website says, guests will journey through 10 multidimensional spaces and explore a purple universe where you will step inside the iconic ‘Purple Rain’ album cover, play music producer and mix one of Prince’s greatest hits in Studio A, and get down to an audiovisual dance party. ‘Let’s Go Crazy’ and ‘Party Like It’s 1999!’ Tickets are available by clicking here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago