First Congregational's Green Garden Fair returns May 7 in Elmhurst

First Congregational Church in Elmhurst is bringing back their annual Green Garden Fair after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic.

It will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 7, at the church, 235 S. Kenilworth Ave., southwest corner of Church and Kenilworth.

If you preordered from their organic seedlings sale, you will be able to pick up your purchases at the fair.

You also will be able to purchase additional organic herb, vegetable and flower seedlings provided by West Star Organics in Cottage Grove, Wis.

Organic compost and growing mix will be available in 1-cubic foot bags.

In addition, there will be numerous exhibitors on hand to help you learn how to live more sustainably, particularly as it relates to your garden.

The Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition will be on hand to promote their "Start In Your Yard" initiative, encouraging native gardening.

The University of Illinois Master Gardeners will be answering your gardening questions.

Caroline's Birdie Tweets will be selling bird seed ornaments, and City Bee Savers will be selling local, raw honey.

Elmhurst residents will be able to order a rain barrel from the city to be delivered right to your front door. If you live outside Elmhurst, you will be able to get your rain barrel from the Conservation Foundation and learn more about their Conservation@Home project.

And Sustain DuPage will be giving out heirloom pole beans. Their Seed Cache project is partnering with Silicon Valley Grows, Richmond Grows, Downers Legacy Seed Library, San Luis Obispo, Community Seed Network, and Smallhouse Farm on a new open-source community initiative "One Seed, One Community!" This program engages the community by learning about growing and sharing important heirloom plants together.

That's just a few of the fun things that will be happening at the fair, which will also include the sale of baked goods by perennial favorite - Synapse House's "Flour to Empower" Bakery.

You'll have a fun, educational morning and be able to look forward to growing healthy produce for you and your family this summer.

For more information, visit the church website: elmhurstucc.org.