On Location With "Growing a Greener World TV"

I was on the "set" of Growing a Greener World in suburban Chicago last week not because I had anything to do with the show itself, other than being a fan.  Joe Lamp'l and crew were in town to do some segments for their show and one of them just happened to be in the front yard of friend, fellow garden writer, and green advocate Shawna Coronado.

Shawna had invited Mom and me to come for the taping.  We always enjoy spending time with Shawna, so coupled with the chance to see her bring her message to the gardening world in a big way was more than we could resist.  And of course, there's Joe Lamp'l.  We'd met him at the Chicago Flower and Garden Show in April and his down-to-earth good guy persona while sharing his ideas and thoughts about our favorite activity - gardening - sealed the deal.  We were going to Chicago.

Shawna and her daughter (with worms in
hand) in their front yard.

We arrived at Shawna's late in the afternoon on Wednesday, after a rainy and mosquitoey visit to Planter's Palette in Winfield. (Purchases: Toad Lily for my collection and Hosta 'Lemon Lime.') Brenda Haas of BGgarden and her son were also in attendance to capture the event in pictures for Shawna. We had a fun dinner together with Shawna and her family at a local Mexican restaurant before retiring for the evening in a local hotel.

The next morning, we arrived at Shawna's around 9:00 A.M., just after Elizabeth Bergum, from Ball Horticultural.  Originally, the activities were set to begin at 7:30, but the previous days' weather of torrential rain and hurricane force winds while attempting to film from downtown Chicago's rooftop gardens delayed filming.  Footage from the Lurie Garden (which we visited last spring) the following morning also ran into a snafu when the audio wasn't functioning correctly due to President Obama being in town and security measures included jamming the air waves. (Or something to that effect.)

Joe and his crew arrived shortly before 11:00 and after introductions and greetings were completed, began scoping out the property and discussing the way the shoot would go.

Co-host Patti Moreno helps unload video equipment.

Having to be at Midway Airport by 2:00 necessitated that no minute be wasted. But Joe and his people are pros, of course, and despite interruptions by a train, the cicadas, a motorcycle, a barking dog, an airplane, the USPS, a lawn mower, and UPS (did I leave anything out??), filming was completed.

Wrapping up the footage with a friendly cup of tea.

I was, of course, also snapping away as the day went on...

Shawna makes use of mirrors to give both a homey look to her dining area
in the backyard as well as giving the illusion of a larger space.
She keeps them hung low so birds don't fly into them.

Notice the fairy door! Shawna has several fairies living in her gardens.

Brightly colored pots hold hydrangea blossoms.

 

Toads welcome!

Reflections of the charm of a fairy garden...

Repurposed relics provide interest in the floor of the "dining room."

Hosta 'Sum and Substance' makes a big impact in the shade garden.

The fountain in the front yard is made of recycled materials.

Cabbages never looked as good as they do in Shawna's front yard!
Purple basil to the left...

On the street side of Shawna's privacy fence in her backyard, there's another world of beauty for the people of Warrenville to see.

Blackberry Lily (Bellamcanda chinensis)

Bumblebees were busy gathering pollen from the sunflowers.

Thank you, Shawna and family and the gang from Growing a Greener World TV, for allowing us to share in the day. Great memories were made and we look forward to seeing the show when it airs in October!

Gardeners, garden writers, and garden photographers, L to R:
Brenda Haas, Louise Hartwig, Shawna Coronado, me.

Through her websites and public speaking, Shawna Coronado is making a difference by bringing the message of sustainability and how everyone can be part of making their environment a healthier place in which to live. She's a believer in the concept of "each one teach one" and is passionate about what she does. She is the author of Gardening Nude, which I reviewed on Gardening by the Book.

You can follow Shawna on Facebook, Twitter, and on her blog, The Casual Gardener.

Joe Lamp'l and Growing a Greener World can be found on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and on their website.  You can watch Growing a Greener World on PBS. Check your local PBS station to see if they broadcast it. If they don't, request that they do!

Joe is the author of The Green Gardener's Guide, which I also reviewed on Gardening by the Book.