Backyard Garden Oasis

by Amy Henderson

We spoke with architect, Sugar Beet member, permaculturist, and urban gardener, Mark Pelletieri, about his garden. We talked about his approach to gardening and its positive effects. Mark's garden will be featured on the Edible Garden Tour on July 27th.

SB: When did you start your garden? Can you tell me about it?

MP: I started planting and rearranging things when we moved in, around 7 years ago. There were some native plants, prairie grasses and flowering plants, and I rearranged everything. Now there's a grassy area for the kids, and I keep expanding the garden. I let different things grow, for example, dandelions draw nutrients from the depth of the soil, and I leave them alone. I turned a parking space into part of the garden.

I collect rainwater, and I have two compost bins that I made, one for cleaning out after the chickens, one for yard waste. Nothing alive leaves my yard - I find a use for everything.

SB: What are your favorite items in the garden?

MP: I practice companion planting as much as I can. My favorite is the three sisters: corns, beans, and squash. I enjoy watching the beans grow up the corn stalks. I also like to try different ways of interplanting, getting plants to work together. This year I have an inclined rack that I'm hoping the cucumbers will grow over it, and I can grow lettuce and spinach in the shaded area below.

SB: What is one thing you plant year after year? What were some garden surprises?

MP: I plant tomatoes and peppers every year. My family really likes those. The tomato plants usually grow taller than me. I planted one strawberry plant, and now I have a huge strawberry patch. It took over the parkway. I put down cardboard and soil and had to transplant a few strawberry plants to my parkway.

SB: What do you think is the biggest misconception about urban gardening?

MP: That it's too much work. I've never had a problem with insects and disease. If people knew a few basic things to create a low maintenance garden, they could do it. I do a lot of noodling around, but it's not necessary.

SB: Do you think Oak Park could do anything better for urban gardeners?

MP: I am a certified permaculturalist. The founder presented this idea that there be a tax for each square foot of grass because it's actually a burden on the environment. You have to water it, some people use chemicals, the lawn service is burning gas to get there and cut it. His theory was that you could feed communities if everybody just planted a little bit. Not that I'm suggesting a tax...

SB: I think Oak Park has enough taxes! Maybe we could suggest a tax relief for those that convert their grass to gardens.

SB: Which item do you wait until the last minute to pick before putting on your table?

MP: We eat raspberries right off the bush. The kids like to eat the cherry tomatoes and strawberries right off the plant.

SB: Any advice to new gardeners?

MP: Research companion plants and plant guilds. There are different guilds that have already been researched. For example, plant a fruit tree, and grow something underneath it. It makes it easier to grow things, and prevents problems along the way. It also keeps the soil alive, and doesn't burn it out.

I like the idea of taking part in the garden. It becomes a personal relationship with the garden. It's kind of like going for a morning walk. You have this time that benefits your whole life.

SB: What are you excited to share with the Edible Garden Tour attendees?

MP: Look for the chickens on the tour! The coop I've built has windows with screens, and it's on top of my back deck so they can get out of the coop. One of our chickens was laying eggs all through the winter. We free range them, which is a little extra work because I have to protect the garden from them, but the kids love them. They're fun to watch, and it takes you to a relaxed state. That's part of the enjoyment of gardening, and I try to implement that same relaxed state in my architectural designs. I also hope to point out the different aspects of permaculture. I have a Hügelkultur bed, where I used sunflower stalk and dried grasses to make a mound, and covered with soil. It retains water for a great length of time.

Get your tickets to the Edible Garden Tour in advance here or at Green Home Experts on the day of the event.

Amy Henderson is a Sugar Beet member and volunteer and hopes to see you on the Edible Garden Tour!