The Chicago Garden Party

Over the weekend, I hosted the The Chicago Garden Party brought to you by The Home Depot Garden Club. The weather was fully cooperating, and we hosted several hundred people throughout the day!

I was there welcoming people and inviting them to participate in the hands-on projects at the party. Meghan Swint of The Tasty Fork was there grilling up carrots, and everyone went nuts for her Farmer’s Market Salad (recipe below). Gardeniere Gina Iliopoulus helped people transfer their choice of oregano, basil, or cilantro into terra cotta pots, and she was also able to help answer gardening questions for people. Even a sweet Home Depot mascot dog showed up with his own customized apron.

The food that day was so good, thanks in large part to Meghan’s recipe for the event. You could grab tomatoes, jalapeno, and basil directly out of a backyard garden to use! Even if you only have a little outdoor space, you could plant something like the Raised Salsa Bed below, and there was a Tower Container Garden at the party too, with room for 8 herbs. The party had plenty of garden-to-table inspiration and ideas.

The kids couldn’t be there with me, but I did tell them that I would decorate a plant pot for each of them. Eleanor requested eight flowers (very specific on the number there, kid), and August wanted a zombie on his. I did my best to come through with their requests.

I made a third pot too, with a quick diamond and dot pattern, and now we have fresh oregano, basil, and cilantro growing in the kitchen. I thought about planting the herbs outside, but I like the easy access of having them on hand for cooking.

The Home Depot holds events throughout the year, all over the country, and the best way to keep up with them is through their Facebook events page. You can also join the Garden Club and get simple tips, resources, and discounts, or follow The Home Depot on Pinterest for home and garden inspiration.

Thank you to The Home Depot for having me, and a big thanks to everyone who came out on Saturday! It was so good to spend some time outdoors, chatting, picking up gardening tips, and getting crafty with you.