Cute uses for Ball Jars.

Check out some really cute ideas for decorating and using Ball jars:

University of Illinois Extension is a wealth of good information.

“Everything you need to know about the fall season from the University of Illinois Extension”

Watering trees, shrubs and evergreens — keep at it

Although the heat of summer has passed and the cooler temperatures and periodic showers of fall have arrived, watering trees and shrubs is still the single most important fall chore this year, so don’t put the hose away yet!

Bulbs: How deep to plant them.

For spacing: small bulbs should be spaced about 3 inches apart, with the larger ones spaced 5 to 6 inches apart.

How to Compost your leaves.

Your leaves are gold! Don’t throw them away. They contain nutrients that, when returned to the soil, improve pH, build organic matter, and literally feed your plants. Here’s how you can turn that gold into green:

Free download-able pumpkin carving stencils available.

Carve a pretty harvest-theme motif into your Halloween pumpkins this year using our free stencils featuring leaves, pinecones, owls,

Reminder: Garden Club Meeting this Saturday at noon.

We’re having as pot luck luncheon, slideshow and officers’ elections.

Thursday, 10/18 7:00pm – Patio Theater “Jazz Benefit Showcase” 7:00pm $20

Come join us in celebrating movies and music with this special concert performed by local legends Frieda Lee and Dale Tippett Jr. They will perform some great classic hits from movies such as Casablanca, Blues Brothers, Guys and Dolls and many more!

Chili Cookoff Sunday from 4:00-6:00 pm.

Everyone is invited to a Chili Cookoff at Irving Park United Methodist Church this Sunday from 4:00-6:00 pm.

Help build the new YMCA play ground. 10/18 and 10/20.

Help Us Build a New Neighborhood Playground at Irving Park Y:  prep day, Oct. 18; build day Oct. 20

Kaboom, McDonald’s and the Irving Park YMCA along with the community are teaming up to build a community playground.  This playground will be open to the community and neighborhood.

We need your help!  All volunteers MUST register and be 18 years or older.

PREP DAY

Thursday, October 18th

8:30 AM – 1:30 PM

4251 W. Irving Park Road.  To register, Email Celia Stennett cstennett@ymcachicago.org or Lara Pacelt lpacelt@ymcachicago.org or call (773) 777-7500

Organize materials, count nails/screws, dig holes and pour the cement that will be used in the build.

BUILD DAY

Saturday, October 20th

8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

4251 W. Irving Park Road

Go to ymcachicago.org/playground and click on Register Online

Build and attach playground pieces, mix concrete, move mulch, etc.  Variety of projects of all skill and ability levels.

Breakfast, lunch and plenty of water will be provided.  The appropriate tools and gloves will be provided for the projects that need them.

If you have a reusable water bottle, please bring it with you.  Please leave your purse and/or other valuables at home.

The playground will happen rain or shine.  Please come dressed for the weather.  Comfortable close-toed shoes are a necessity; sneakers or work boots that you don’t mind getting a little dirty are advised.