Local Garden Centers, Local Community Gardens in the Lake County and Waukegan Area

Apr 14, 2023

While we all certainly love all things automotive, our staff have each got lots of other hobbies and pastimes, one of which includes gardening! And we thought it only fitting that we celebrate National Gardening Day by highlighting local greenhouses and garden centers, and some tips on how to transport your new plants home, or move your favorite plants from your old dwelling to your new one safe and sound!

Gardening has some truly wonderful benefits for your mind, body, and soul!

You can boost your mood with just 30 minutes of gardening thanks to its ability to lower the stress hormone cortisol.
It’s fantastic physical exercise and aerobic activity to help you raise your heart rate and break a sweat.
It can improve your mental health by boosting confidence, increasing a feeling of happiness and satisfaction, and a dose of healthy self-esteem from a successful venture.
Gives your body a boost of Vitamin D from working outdoors in sun!

How to Transport Plants safely in your car:

Cardboard boxes, foldable storage bins, laundry baskets
Sheet cake pans
Small towels
Small plastic bags or trash bags
Recycled newspapers
Optional: nonskid mats for your trunk, floor, hatchback

First things first, line your car with the nonskid mats. Next, line up your cardboard boxes or bins side by side. If you’re transporting smaller plants, sheet pans are a great option! Wrap the bottom of the pots in plastic bags or newspaper to prevent dirt and moisture from getting into your vehicle. Then, place your plants gently into the boxes or bins, grouping small plants together closely as possible, and medium or large plants in their own boxes. Place rolled up newspaper or small towels between the plants to ensure they don’t slide around while driving.

If you’re driving a long distance, or making a few stops for more errands, make sure to place low-light plants in the shadier areas of the car, and the ones who like direct sunlight in where they’ll get the most sun to avoid wilting.

If you’re taking plants with you while moving house or apartments, you’ll want to make sure the plants are in a temperature-controlled environment so avoid too-hot or too-cold temps blasting from the vents; likewise, if they’re making a big move with you, be sure to give them adequately wet soil before the drive! You’ll also want to consider pruning your plants before the big move to get rid of dead leaves and the like.

Check out our picks for local area garden centers, urban agriculture facilities with resources and classes, and even a Living Farm you can visit! Then pack up your new Classic Auto Group home with some trunk storage supplies, and get started on your own container garden and urban agriculture project.

Garden Centers in the Area:

Community gardens are an incredible way to connect with your local neighbours and fellow citizens, especially if your current home doesn’t have much room or your landlord doesn’t permit it. But that’s not all community gardens can do! Planting wildflowers can restore local pollinator populations. Container gardens, replacing sidewalk grass strips with planters, and even small scale orchards in public parks can beautify the area, reduce urban poverty, increase environmental management efforts, and promote an inclusive space for all to enjoy.

Community Gardens in the Area: