true nature foods

Emily Lake of Urban Habitat Chicago is an adviser on this innovative roof top garden.

TRUE NATURE FOODS, EDGEWATER

While waiting for the train at the Granville El stop, a glance to the east will show typical black tar roofs punctuated with antennas, A/C compressors and satellite dishes. Take a look to the southwest though and among the buildings along Broadway Avenue you might think you imagine seeing a lush, green garden. If you zoom in you can make out tomato cages, rhubarb leaves, even hollyhock in full bloom — on a roof.

Through the dedication and passion of owner Paula Companio, True Nature partnered with Urban Habitat Chicago in an experiment in 2005 to grow vegetables and herbs on a shoestring budget. The True Nature Rooftop Garden was developed by Mike Repkin as a prototype that uses the least possible and lightest weight materials to provide a medium in which the plants can grow. Now in its fourth year, the garden is tended by a crew of dedicated volunteers. Under the supervision of Emily Lake, Director of Urban Agriculture for Urban Habitat Chicago, the volunteers water, weed and harvest the vegetables which are then sold in the store below.

See images and read about the Chicago City Hall Rooftop Garden