Gene Mundt - Let's Talk Mortgages & Real Estate!

     In my previous post,  Ooooooo Baby .. It's Cold Outside.  Warm-Up by Planning Some Gardening,Part 1,  I mentioned and listed some great gardening topics and ideas to curl up with during these cold winter days in the hopes of transporting you to a much warmer frame of mind.       

     In Part 2, I continue within the same vein offering inspiration through these additional suggestions and websites so you'll flex your gardening muscles, physically and mentally.   Maybe this post will move warm weather and Spring a bit closer too, if only in your mind ...             

     Look no further than this site for helpful Midwest gardening "how-to's", tips, advice, photos, and more.  This handy website  covers almost any gardening topic, plant, chore, problem that you can think of or run across. Have a concern about your garden or lawn?   Definitely check this site out: http://midwestgardentips.com/sitemap.html.                   

     Live in a condo, townhome, rental, or just need to keep your gardening to a limited space?  Think container gardening. This site will provide instructions and tips on how to get started ... what containers to use for best results ... what plants or flowers will thrive in containers ... and how to care for them.  The site is blooming with ideas ... http://www.gardenguides.com/685-guide-container-gardening.html.       

     This website is a little gem I found.  I was looking for a site that addressed those gardeners wishing to plant more "natural" or native Midwest plants and flowers.  This is definitely it!  It's a great site chock full of Midwest information to check out for many reasons ... for those beyond gardening too.  http://naturalmidwestgarden.com.       

     Have most of your florals, trees, and plants in place already?  Looking for ideas to lift your garden to that next level? Want to give your lawn and garden more "pizzazz"?  Click on this link and find out what garden décor  will "reflect your style and personality".  Then have some fun finding those perfect items for your personal garden ...  http://www.homeworkshop.com/2010/09/07/garden-decorating-to-reflect-your-style-personality.       

     And if after all that reading and planning, you need to get out of the house, move around, and SEE the latest flowers and actual garden designs ... what better place than a Garden Show?  Here's some shows/gardens to consider visiting in the Chicagoland/Midwest area:       

     Billed as the largest event of it's type in the area, the 2011 Midwestern Herb and Garden Show, held this year on February  11, 12, and 13, at Time Square Mall in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, promises to be spectacular ... and provides you that opportunity to get out of the house and get moving and planning!             

     Exhibitors will be showcasing all sorts of plants, herbs, flowers, shrubs, seeds, cookbooks, birds, and gardening ideas.  Perhaps the greatest benefit of attending is the sheer beauty of knowing Spring is just around the corner.        

     Another great benefit is that exhibitors and experts are available for seminars and to answer all your gardening questions!   And oh ... it's FREE to attend the show!  Get out of town ... and enjoy. http://www.midwesternherbandgardenshow.com.             

     Another great option is the Chicago Flower and Garden Show being held at Navy Pier, March 5 - 13.  Check the link out below for further details about this amazing show and another great opportunity to see first-hand all the plans and innovative gardening ideas that are new for the upcoming gardening season.  http://www.chicagoflower.com.        

     Like scenic drives?  Consider taking a drive along the Mississippi to historic  Galena, Illinois  to attend one of the garden shows held at  Murphy's GardensGreenhouse and Garden Center located just outside of town. Free gardening classes are also available many Saturdays at this family-run nursery.   Located in therolling foothills of the Galena region,  there is a host of other activities and sights to visit while in the Galena area.  Check Murphy's out:  http://www.murphysgardens.com/murphysgardensclassesandeventschedule.html.       

     These are just a few of the many options and opportunities you have at your disposal to learn and then plan with for the upcoming spring planting season.  Hopefully this information, the sites offered, and shows mentioned (and others you may find) will assist and motivate you with your own personal plans for beautifying your property.  Please share what you find and post pics of your successes here on the "Rain" ...         

     Enjoy!      

*  If you'd like to PLAN and DESIGN the perfect mortgage program and credit for yourself or your client, please contact me at Chicago Bancorp,  http://www.genemundt.com/Contact-Me.html ... Cell/Text:  708.921.6331, or Email at:  gene@chicagobancorp.com.   I'll be happy to hear from you and we'll get to work landscaping your brighter financial future right away!