It’s July, which means my kids’ bedtimes keep getting later, I only know what day it is because of the farmers market, and there is nothing better than spending as much time as possible outside. Yes, sometimes the humidity and mosquitos make for less than ideal conditions, but in a few months when the sun is setting at 5 p.m. I know I’ll miss it. So for this edition of GYCH, we’re embracing all things outside.
Take an outdoor class
Once the temperature goes above 80 degrees I feel like I sweat enough walking from my car into the grocery store. But, some gentle yoga on the green grounds of the Allerton meadow, sounds like a lovely way to start my day. Summer yoga will be July 18th 9 to 10 a.m. Josie Heck from Yoga Off the Square will lead a class for all levels. The class is free but donations are encouraged.
Amble around Urbana
On July 22nd and 23rd, Urbana Amble and Sola Gratia Farm are hosting a farm tour and garden walk to fundraise for the farm’s expansion. This will be a two-day event. The first day will include a tour of Sola Gratia’s new farm acreage at 4 p.m. and the chance to purchase a specialty mocktail by Katie Carillo. Day two will be mostly for visiting the art and gardens at various places throughout Urbana. You can get a map, wristbands, and more information at Sola Gratia’s booth at Urbana Market at the Square on Saturday morning.
Buy yourself flowers
Fresh flowers are one of the most wonderful things about summer. And this July, Delight Flower Farm is giving you two very fun ways to spend time with them and their flowers. Petals and Portraits will be July 22nd from 10 to 11:30 a.m. This workshop will teach the basics of photography followed by a scavenger hunt through the farm to take your own beautiful flower portraits. Tickets are $40. Summer Soiree on July 25th from 6 to 8 p.m. will be a celebration with local art and food and drink vendors. You can also purchase tickets ($25) for a private sunset garden tour.
Visit a wood spirit
With the help of an Urbana Arts Grant, the Anita Purves Nature Center turned a dead tree into art. Tree-newal: Art within the Cycle of Life highlights the important part of the forest life cycle.
Get some sun
Towards the end of the month, the first sunflowers should be popping up at Clearview Farms. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for more information. This enormous field is such a fun place to visit. There are multiple paths and a lot of great spots to take photos. Clearview also just announced that they will be planting over 20 native species and over 900 plants in the native pollinator garden that will be shaped like the state of Illinois, so it looks like next year we’ll have multiple reasons to visit.
