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Allison Beatty of the Chicago Tribune said “Nothing takes the chill out of a Chicago spring quite like an outdoor fireplace or fire-pit.” Since spring averages 50 or so degrees in the Chicago area, unlike “normal” springs everywhere else, a roaring fire helps ease the chill and creates a warm outdoor environment in your backyard. The fireplace doesn’t have to stick out awkwardly either because there are many customizable types and shapes to match the patio, pool or other setting. Robert Milani of Chalet said in Beatty’s article, “The biggest trend we’re seeing is people reinvesting in their house and creating outdoor rooms and enjoying family, whether it’s with an outdoor kitchen, fireplace or other gathering places.” In the summer of economic downturn, people scrap the fancy vacations for a more affordable “stay-cation” and they might consider the value of a home. The addition of a fireplace or an outdoor kitchen can be a relatively low-cost addition with a high turnaround value if you were to sell the home someday.

There is a cost, however, and a commitment in installing a fireplace or a fire-pit as well as differences to consider. A fireplace typically covers a larger space than a pit and most are made of stone or brick assembled on-site. Outdoor fireplaces can range from $3,500-$25,000  while fire-pits are easier to install, smaller and cost between $1,500 and $3,000 for a built-in model. When choosing between a fireplace or a fire-pit, consider the size of the area you’d like to designate and don’t forget seating area. Beatty recommends considering “your overall landscaping goals as you debate wehther to buy one and how much space to use.

Each structure can be fueled by wood or outfitted with gas logs. Milani suggests checking with your local building department to make sure the type of area you want is within code, “some towns, for example, do not allow wood-burning fireplaces outdoors or have guidelines regarding how close the fireplace can be to the house.” You can of course, opt for supplemental heat fire-pits and chimineas or portable units, which are smaller in size and less expensive.

The article referenced in this post was by Allison Beatty and appeared on Chicagotribune.com, Apr. 17, 2009 and also in the Chicago Tribune newspaper (Chicago Homes, Section 6, Page 7). Other articles about fireplaces and fire-pits involving Chalet include the Apr. 1009 issue of North Shore Magazine (Pages 8, 66-71, 74-75) and NorthShoreMag.com.

Chalet teams up with North Shore magazine for the first ever “Win a Landscape for a Cause” contest, posted in LawnAndLandscape.com (Dec. 8, 2008). The partners will award one landscape or garden to a North Shore Chicago Area non-profit organization or public entity that demonstrates a need for such a project. The total value, which includes labor and materials, will be up to $100,000. Contestants should mail applications by Jan. 30, 2009 to:

Chalet Landscape Project
3132 Lake Ave.,
Wilmette, IL 60091

The companies set the following criteria:
-The space must be for the public good or serve public, community or a special interest such as for a not-for-profit organization.
-There must be a demonstrated need for the landscape or garden.
-Application must be on behalf of, and benefit, a not-for-profit organization, school, park district, municipality, agricultural and horticultural entity, environmental agency or other steward serving public interest.
-Applicant or entity must be in the Chicago’s North Shore area.
-Applicant will have set up no impediments to the time-line, access to the space, or to the work Chalet is required to do in order to complete a beautiful, durable and effective landscape solution.

Information about this contest has also been posted on LandscapeManagement.net (Nov. 20, 2008).

For more information about this project, visit Chalet’s website.

With summer underway, Chalet is the go-to place for Chicagoans to get supplies for their garden. It is no surprise to us that it was recently featured in the North Shore Magazine as one of the best local businesses (July 2008, pg 53).

The Sunday, July 6 edition of the Chicago Tribune featured Chalet twice in their Home and Gardens section. The first mention was an article titled “The dirt of cleaning up dirty gardeners,” by Barbara Mahany, featuring Mud Gloves available at Chalet (Section 15, page 4). The second mention was in “Fleur du jour,” featuring Steve Kooyenga describing why he loves the Echinacea Purpurea ‘Fatal Attraction’ cone-flower (Section 15, page 8).

Of course, there’s more to do than just shop at Chalet’s Garden Center. The July/August issue of Chicagoland Gardening features several listings of Chalet in their “Calendar of Events” (page 78). These events include: “Cooking with Herbs,” featuring Dave Esau, Dave’s Specialty Foods, on July 10-11; “New, Better Shrubs for the Home Garden,” with Dave Wanninger, July 17-18; “Watering Instructions,” Tony Fulmer, July 24-25; “Harvest Lecture,” July 31- August 1. Also, Pioneer Press promotes lectures with Dave Wanninger, Tony Fulmer and Jennifer Brennan in their July 3 issue in “Items: Home & Design briefs.”

The title of this blog comes from an article by Ideal Bite. Posted on their website, July 7, this “short but sweet” article features mid-summer planting tips from Chalet’s Jennifer Brennan.
Click here to read this article.

For more information on Chalet, visit their website by clicking here.

Garfield Park Conservatory received a mention in the June 2008 edition of Hemispheres Magazine, published by United Airlines. Judy Kirkwood highlighted several urban enclaves from Chicago’s waterfront to Denver’s postindustrial parks in “City Escapes” (page 51). The article mentions 2008 as Garfield Park Conservatory’s centennial year. You can read the magazine online, here.

Garfield Park Conservatory’s “Sugar from the Sun” exhibit also received a listing in the “Farrago” section of the July 2008 issue of the Chicago Guide (page 114) and in the July 2008 edition of North Shore Magazine in the “Events” section (page 30). It was also featured in the July 17-23, 2008 “Zoos & Gardens” listing of Time Out Chicago (page 55).

Garfield Park Conservatory’s “Sugar from the Sun” soaks up more attention as the summer season begins. Botanic Gardens Conservation International recently did a feature on this new exhibit, introducing some of the features, designs and technology used to enhance the unique experience. Click here to read the full article.

Along with this featured article, “Sugar from the Sun” gets more listings, including North Shore Magazine’s June 2008 post in the Events section and Time Out Chicago – May 29-June 4, 2008 – “Zoos & Gardens” listing in the “Around Town” section.