Birds to Bees, Flowers, and Trees: Plymouth Place Horticulture Committee Expands

In early spring 2024, Alice Chin, a resident of Plymouth Place in LaGrange Park, Ill., started a small garden that grew into a full-fledge Horticulture Committee. Its first goal: farm-to-table fresh produce for Plymouth Place residents. Since then, the committee has expanded to include projects that not only beautify the grounds of Plymouth Place, but also serve the bees, butterflies, and birds of the area. It also hosts workshops and hands-on learning days throughout the year, along with garden beds and tree plantings.

Farm-to-Table Efforts Increase

In 2024, the produce was impressive for a “start-up” committee: 20 heirloom tomatoes grown in 10-gallon pots, along with a variety of microgreens and more. This year, the committee has been gifted raised garden boxes to make it easier for resident volunteers to tend as well as to increase productivity. Chef Mark Sabbe from Plymouth Place’s Thirty North Restaurant has again provided guidance for this year’s crop of tomatoes, varieties of peppers, and herbs he will use in culinary preparation.

The extreme heat has been a concern, says Chin, but the farm-to-table subcommittee chair has constructed major structural supports and a water schedule to combat the warming temperatures.

Bees and Butterflies

The mission of the Horticulture Committee is more than just farm-to-table cuisine. In broader landscape, the committee’s mission is to promote beauty, biodiversity, and community connection through nature. That includes raising bees and more.

Unfortunately, last year’s bee colony of 40,000 bees also suffered due to the extremes in weather.

“We lost our bee colony from last year to the cold winter,” said Chin. “The new batch were delivered on a very, very cold day in April and about half made it. [Recently], one hive was very active and the other hive was missing half the bees. The beekeeper is ordering supplemental bees. It is doubtful we’ll have honey this year, but we’re not giving up hope.”

Efforts to assist the bees include monthly inspections of the hives to ensure activity, monitoring for mites, and providing necessary care for the bees and their home. In June, they planted 100 native plants for the pollinators and monarch butterflies to help the bee colony thrive. The 100 native plants also help the butterflies on their annual migration journey.

Birds of a Feather Do Flock Together

This summer also has introduced a new subcommittee to the Horticulture Committee: the Birds of a Feather subcommittee, comprised of bird enthusiasts, from experienced birders to curious beginners. The subcommittee is currently beginning the task of identifying all the birds at Plymouth Place. The goal is to create a book showcasing the birds of Plymouth Place and display it in the Plymouth Place library for reference and documentation, providing a basis for future comparisons.

Whimsy with a Purpose

In what is already a busy summer, Chin has added a special Whimsical Garden near an existing pond to attract local bees, butterflies, and birds. Highlights include three Asian pear trees and an unusual red dogwood tree — chosen for its variegated leaves, red blossoms, and red berries — which should provide a stunning winter display.

“We’re excited to share the latest developments that are helping our corner of nature thrive,” Chin said. “This summer brought a lot of activity to the northeast corner of the pond with the recent completion of the Whimsical Garden. The garden is filled with native blooms specially selected to attract local bees, butterflies, and birds. … We hope that the garden will become a vibrant habitat for wildlife and serve as a fun escape for passersby.”

The addition of the Whimsical Garden has changed an unsightly corner of the Plymouth Place property into an enjoyable place to relax and take in native plants and metal art. “I used stone slabs to undulate with the earth to create a flow of energy in the garden,” Chin said. “There’s still some finishing touches to do and, of course, weeding!”

“I’m really proud of the Whimsical Garden with the native plants and planting of the red dogwood tree and Asian pear trees,” she added. “It’s a great first  step in incorporating fruit and flowering trees along the pond.”

One other important planting has taken place this year: an Alberta peach tree. It was planted to honor Ralph GuteKunst, whose passion to help save the urban canopy was evident in many Plymouth Place projects. Unfortunately, Gutekunst died before completion of Plymouth Place’s Arboretum 1 designation and before its Arboretum Villas independent living project — complete with nature trails — was completed. The Horticulture Committee was started in his memory, and the tree was planted as a permanent tribute to his work.

“This story represents the incredible work of the community residents, adding more than 40-plus resident-led programs to the already robust activities each month,” said Jay Biere, CEO and president of Plymouth Place. “This initiative lead by Alice and Jim Chin represents our commitment to horticulture, environment, and delivering on the Arb.Net status granted by the Morton Arboretum in 2023.”