Find out how to turn your parkway/hellstrip, also known as that dried out, compacted narrow bit of land between the sidewalk and the road, into a gardening opportunity! Expert native gardeners Judy Klem and Stephanie Walquist discuss their stunning parkway gardens and share tips, challenges and successes in turning this challenging area into habitat.

Judy Klem is the Executive Director of the non-profit Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory. Judy is also President of the Board for Oak Park Temple providing vision and leadership to this thriving congregation. As a long-time 20-year resident of Oak Park, Judy has been able to pursue her passion for experimenting and learning about native plants in her home garden, at Oak Park Temple’s garden, and as a planner for the West Cook Wild Ones native garden walk for 5 years.

Stephanie Walquist is co-founder of Wild Ones West Cook. Butterflies taught her the importance of native plants and rethinking traditional garden maintenance over 20 years ago; native bees are teaching her more lessons as well. She loves to keep learning by trying out new plants and identifying the many animals that come into the yard.