Get creative at Idea Garden open houses

Despite a wet beginning to the Idea Garden season, the Kane County Master Gardeners have set six upcoming open house dates for 2015.

"The 2015 Idea Garden features unique combinations of flowers, herbs and vegetables in several creative projects that are designed to replicate easily at home," said Sarah Fellerer, program coordinator for University of Illinois Extension. "While we've experienced more precipitation than usual, and some flooding to go with it, our Master Gardeners have worked hard to keep the project moving forward successfully, and there will be much to see."

This year's gardens include a children's space with interactive elements, a traditional Native American "Three Sisters" bed, a Thomas Jefferson vegetable garden, and a pollinator plot, as well as updates to our African Keyhole, vertical and rain gardens.

Overall, the gardens also feature plants that can be used for salsa, teas, herbal medicine, decoration, and more.

Open house dates include: 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays, July 7, 21, and Aug. 11; and 4 to 6 p.m. Thursdays, July 9, July 23, and Aug. 13.

The July 7 and Aug. 11 events will include tag sales. The Kane County Master Gardener Idea Garden is located at the corner of Peck Road and Route 38 in St Charles. Visitors can enter via the Route 38 driveway.

Do you have questions about your garden, lawn, or trees? Call the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Help Desk of Kane County at (630) 584-6166, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays. Visit web.extension.illinois.edu/dkk/kanemg/.

University of Illinois Extension provides educational programs and research-based information to help Illinois residents improve their quality of life, develop skills and solve problems. For information on University of Illinois Extension programs, visit web.extension.illinois.edu/dkk/.