Tracey, you have made me so happy by telling me that your Lilium speciosum do well in your alkaline soil. It seems like every lily book I have states something like "lime is poisonous to Lilium speciosum" or "do not even bother with this species in alkaline soil; it will perish immediately." LOL, maybe I am exaggerating a little...
I did pick up some more garden sulfur today to sprinkle over my L. lankongense hybrids.
L'Etoile is amazing. I certainly can't afford to go there every week, but as an occasional treat it is superb and always "just right." I actually have plans to go in December, so it is good to know that they have moved.
Yup, the DCFM is awesome. I have never seen a farmers market here in Chicago that can even somewhat compare to the quality. That said, my favorite market here in the city is the Logan Square market on Sunday mornings. It is much better and more authentic than the much-touted (but disappointing and over-priced) Green City Market. My partner and I also strive to support local food and businesses as much as we can. It was challenging at first, but you learn to adapt soon enough. It has also been much easier lately to find really excellent quality local produce, meats and foods since the demand is now so high. Still, nothing beats growing your own!
