When it comes to green cuisine in St. Louis, there are more than a handful of earth-friendly eateries to choose from. Dozens of restaurants are known for using locally grown produce and keeping in mind the importance of energy efficiency and recycling, but how many of them have gone so far as to convert half an acre of their parking lot into a chemical-free garden? This eco-fabulous feat, known as Gardenworks, is just one of Schlafly Bottleworks environmentally responsible endeavors.
Photography courtesy of Jack Petrovic, Schlafly Gardenworks
Gardenworks manager, Jack Petrovic, plans, plants and harvests the natural, organically grown produce from the garden at Schlafly Bottleworks. In 2009, Gardenworks produced more than 3,600 pounds of quality produce that was then used by the Bottleworks kitchen manager, Matt Bessler, and staff.
Bottlewoks also hosts a number of eco-friendly events throughout the year, including the Maplewood Farmers Market, (which opened for the season on April 7, and is held every Wednesday thereafter from 4-7 p.m.) "Good Gardening Good Food" workshops, which take place Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon, offer useful information on green gardening techniques and practices, such as composting and permaculture. St. Louis "Green Drinks" events, which are monthly meetings that bring together green-minded people, are also held at Schlafly Bottleworks. To read more about these (and more) events or to learn how to get involved, visit www.schlafly.com.
