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Get growing in Geneva, Aurora gardens

If you haven’t already, it’s time to get your green on this weekend in Geneva and nearby towns.

The Geneva Beautification Committee will plant pansies in 58 spots around downtown Geneva Saturday morning. Many groups and individuals have already signed up as sponsors of the spots, but more help is always welcome, according to Sherri Weitl, co-chairman of the project.

“We’re always looking for more people,” she said. No experience is necessary, and they’ll take helpers of all ages.

Volunteers should meet in front off the post office at Third and James streets between 7:30 and 8 a.m. Weitl or co-chairman Dorothy Flanagan will direct them where to go.

The group will plant in the rain, but if there is thunder or lightning, the planting will be postponed until 12:30 p.m. Sunday.

The beautification committee will changes the plants to a heat-loving summer mix May 19, and to mums and other cool-weather plants Sept. 1.

A side of veggies

Ÿ Sunday is the first day people who have rented plots at the Geneva Community Garden can get to work turning bare ground into a cornucopia of produce and flowers.

The plots are rented by the park district at the Prairie Green Preserve, Peck and Bricher roads.

The formal ribbon-cutting is set for 10 a.m. April 21.

The garden is a cooperative effort of the city of Geneva, the park district and the Kane County Forest Preserve District. The city owns most of Prairie Green, and the forest district owns some.

The plots, on former farmland on the northeast corner of the site, are close to selling out; about nine of 124 were available as of late Friday afternoon. For fees and a registration form, visit genevaparks.org.

Ÿ And the Kane County Health Department announced Friday it is offering 72 garden plots at 1330 N. Highland Ave. in Aurora.

Plot rental is $5. To lease one, register at kanehealth.com/fitforkids.htm.

“The best way to add fruits and vegetables to your family’s diet is by growing your own,” Paul Kuehnert, the department’s executive director, said in a news release.

If you need advice, check out the University of Illinois Extension guide, “Ten Steps to a Successful Garden” at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/vegguide/tensteps.cfm. The office also offers classes, and has volunteer Master Gardeners available to answer questions.

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