Last Saturday Mr.Brown Thumb, Gina, and I were privileged to be invited to the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the first certified organic rooftop farm in the country, located right here in Chicago at Uncommon Ground Restaurant in the Edgewater neighborhood. It was an exciting and historic event, complete with speeches, local politicians, a security detail, and lots of press.
Mayor Daley (in the blue shirt and baseball cap) cutting the ribbon.
In addition to all the veggies being grown, this section of the rooftop includes four beehives (the four rectangular boxes.) Besides pollinating the veggies, the bees produce honey used by the restaurant.
Natalie Pfister, the rooftop farm manager speaking during the ceremony.
Mayor Daley (in the blue shirt and baseball cap) cutting the ribbon.
In addition to all the veggies being grown, this section of the rooftop includes four beehives (the four rectangular boxes.) Besides pollinating the veggies, the bees produce honey used by the restaurant.Natalie Pfister, the rooftop farm manager speaking during the ceremony.
The peas are just about finished producing.
In addition to the raised beds, Earth Boxes abound, planted with all manner of veggies including these tomatoes,
and peppers.
Back down at street level, flowers, veggies, fruits, and ornamentals are planted in every border and bed.
Here, Mayor Daley is talking to Michael and Helen Cameron, owners of Uncommon Ground.
Nasturtiums, herbs, sunflowers, and currants are planted in this bed.
Alfresco dining - sectioned off from the parking lot with more veggies planted in Earth Boxes.For more detailed coverage of this historic event including videos, visit Mr.Brown Thumb @ Chicago Garden, Gina @ My Skinny Garden, and Beth Botts at Growing in Chicago.
