WEST TOWN — Local green thumbs have only until the end of Wednesday to register for an annual citywide community gardening gathering.
The third annual Spring Gathering of the Chicago Community Gardeners Association invites garden enthusiasts to West Town Academy, 534 N. Sacramento Ave., from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday.
Hobbyists and experts are invited to share knowledge, challenges and skills with "the most powerful resource available to Chicago’s gardeners: each other," according to the association's website.
Saturday's four-hour conference includes two workshops, a raffle for gardening gear, exhibits, action committee signups, a tour of the association's new website, and lunch.
Workshop topics include "Community Gardens as Message Sites for Soil and Water Security," "Building Garden Structures," and "Spring Preparation and Planting Tips."
The conference is free, but participants are asked a donation of $10 to cover lunch. Registration is online at the association's website.
Last year's gathering was held at Navy Pier and hosted 180 Chicago community gardeners. Topics included composting, edible perennials and water conservation. It also featured a seed swap and a garden consignment shop.
The association is a volunteer-run "network of Chicago community gardeners who have come together to grow deep roots," according to its website, which is the main portal for the organization.
It partners with many gardening groups in Chicago, such as NeighborSpace, the Chicago Park District, the Historic Pullman Garden Club and the Peterson Garden Project.
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