Ron Stalzle

North or South Tower:

North tower 

​

How long have you lived at IT?:

Purchased our unit in 2011 and moved here in 2013

Tell us about your family: 

My wife, MiSang Han, and I have been married for 44 years.  We have two daughters and twin grandchildren.

Do you have pets? 

We have a grand chihuahua, and that is sufficient.  We are dog lovers, though, and have had two Labrador Retrievers when our kids were growing up.

What is your favorite restaurant in Chicago?  

We don’t have one favorite.  We tend to opt for lunch at cheaper ethnic restaurants.  Forno Rosso (way west on Harlem Ave.), Andy’s Thai Kitchen on Diversey, Midori Japanese Restaurant on Bryn Mawr, India Palace (downtown on Grand) – I didn’t even get to Mexican or Chinese food.  I didn’t mention Korean restaurants as MiSang and I don’t agree.  

Sox or Cubs? 

Cubs, but any Chicago team that’s winning. 

What do you enjoy most about Lake Michigan?

We think Chicago is one of the most beautiful cities in the world – due largely to the Lake but also to the way it has preserved the lakefront for all people. 

Do you prefer the smell of rain or fall leaves? 

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

What is your favorite flower? 

I guess it would be chrysanthemums. 

Did you garden as a child? 

Yes.  Tomatoes, cucumbers, and radishes behind the garage.

Who gardens with you now? 

MiSang and I really enjoy our little plot.  Our grandchildren also help.  Luke is fearless in grabbing caterpillars.

What inspired you to join the community garden? 

I was a skeptic at first, and when the idea was first mentioned, I voiced concerns at a board meeting about weight and debris affecting the pool.  I came around and joined to show support for friends who were involved.  I must say I never expected the level of participation.

What has been your most successful foray in gardening?

Mache (lamb’s lettuce, or corn salad) was surprisingly successful this last year.  We’ll probably do that again as an early crop.

What are you most excited to grow in your plot this year?  

We're going to do a mache, or lambs lettuce, cover again this spring.  We plan on following that with mostly herbs -- especially Italian parsley and basil.  The parsley makes a great blender pesto, which we freeze in small containers.  We also had great luck with French tarragon, chives, thyme, rosemary and sage.   Our Swiss chard went crazy and kept us supplied most of the summer.  We include marigolds in our plot to help with insect control.  We did not have great luck with eggplant or tomatoes.

​

 Parsley is a favorite of black swallowtail butterflies.  The caterpillars are distinctive black and green and they are voracious consumers of parsley.  They gorge until they're ready to move to their chrysalis metamorphosis, and they are in that state for an amazingly short ten days to two weeks or so.  It's incredible to see the butterflies emerge.  We plan on planting some extra parsley to share with the black swallowtails -- and garden friends.

​

Do you start your plants from seed or seedling? 

Mostly seedlings this year.

What do you wish you had space to grow? 

Korean summer squash.

What has been your favorite ITCG event?  

The cello concert was magical. 

What is your favorite thing to cook or cocktail to mix? 

I like martinis on our balcony, but there’s not much mixing the way I make martinis.

Are you gardening for the produce or just for fun? 

Those aren’t mutually exclusive.  Both.

Any plans for garden decor (seasonal or not)? 

No plans – yet.

​

​

 The Community Garden transformed an empty space into something beautiful and inviting.  It’s a terrific amenity – one all residents seem to enjoy.