Home & garden calendar, March 24-April 4
Send events for this calendar to homes@dailyherald.com with “calendar listing” in the subject line. Deadline is two weeks prior to the event.
Upcoming
Grayslake Greenery Garden Club: 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, at State Bank of the Lakes, 50 Commerce Drive, Grayslake. Jackie Kosbab, senior horticulturist of Cantigny Park in Wheaton, will present “Roses: How Many Do You Have in Your Garden?” While many think that having roses in their garden can be daunting and time consuming, with a little know-how, you can have them thrive and be a wonderful addition to your garden. Visit grayslakegardenclub.org.
Lombard Garden Club: 12:30-3 p.m. Friday, March 27, at the Lombard Community Center, 433 E. St. Charles Road. In “Fixing Climate Change in Your Backyard and Frontyard,” Mike Nowak will talk about how your yard can make a huge difference in saving plants and animal species and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Nowak will walk you through the basic native plants, harvesting rainwater, reducing lawn area, composting and other garden decisions that can make a huge difference in saving plants and animal species and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. All are welcome; no charge. Visit lombardgardenclub.org. The centennial luncheon celebration is set for Friday, April 24, featuring “Hollywood in Bloom” by film historian Annette Bochenek about the impact and symbolism of gardens, forests, and plant life in Golden Age Hollywood films.
Chicagoland Daylily Society: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, March 29, at The Community House second-floor fitness studio, 415 W. 8th St., Hinsdale. Mary Beth Giacalone will speak on “The Chicago Scene: How Chicago Area Hybridizers Created a Revolution.” Visit chicagolanddaylilysociety.org.
Prospect Heights Garden Club: 11:30 a.m. Thursday, April 2, at Gary Morava Recreation Center, 110 W. Camp McDonald Road, Prospect Heights. Did you know that there’s a crow with reasoning skills comparable to a 7-year-old child? Alyse Cohen Burman will be speak on “The Evil Crow, Birdorable?” The founder and owner of the Wildbird Shack Speakeasy has been birding for over 30 years. She works with senior care communities and several area schools. A business meeting will start at 11:30 a.m. followed by a brown-bag lunch. Visit phparks.org/affiliates-2/.
Roselle Park District Garden Club: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 2, at Roselle Park District, 10 N. Roselle Road. In “From Garden Club to Garden Glove: A Cautiously Confident Beginner’s Journey,” a club member will share what it has been like to go from enthusiastic observer to hands-in-the-dirt gardener and how she applied knowledge gained from garden club meetings, asking questions, making mistakes, and growing (literally and figuratively) one season at a time. Whether you’re new to gardening or interested in trying something new, or a seasoned grower who enjoys hearing the trials of a fellow plant parent, come be reminded that every Master Gardener was once a beginner and that progress doesn’t require perfection, just curiosity and a bit of soil. Guests welcome. facebook.com/RPDgardenclub/.
Garden Club of Lake Zurich: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, at Ela Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. Krina Koenen, a designer with the Flower Studio, will provide a floral design program showcasing her artistic experience and the ease of creating floral arrangements. She has participated in numerous presentations and has won the Award of Design Excellence for multiple arrangements. Guests welcome. Become a member and receive a $25 garden nursery gift card. Refreshments and business meeting follows program. Sign up via the library website, eapl.org. Visit gardencluboflakezurich.org.
Rolling Meadows Garden Club: 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, at the Rolling Meadows Community Center, 3705 Pheasant Drive. In “New Varieties of Daylilies,” Amanda Christensen of the American Daylily Society will introduce the club to some new varieties. All are welcome. Visit rollingmeadowsgardenclub.com for more details.
Schaumburg Community Garden Club: 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, at Spring Valley Nature Center, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Speaker Cindy Crosby will speak “Illinois Wild and Wonderful Early Bloomers.” Hear stories about the earliest spring wildflowers, their folklore and their uses throughout history by Native Americans and early settlers. All your favorites are here: trillium, spring beauties, Virginia bluebells, and more! Be inspired to add some of Illinois’ wildflowers to your own garden. The business meeting starts promptly at 7 p.m.; doors open at 6:30 p.m. Visit schaumburggardenclub.org or facebook.com/schaumburggardenclub/.
Des Plaines Garden Club: 9:45 a.m. Thursday, April 9, in the GENCenter, 52 E. Northwest Hwy., Des Plaines. The program starts at 10 a.m. In “The Blended Family: Integrating Natives into Traditional Gardens,” Ann Baker will talk about the benefits of adding natives to the garden, while keeping your lifelong favorites. There are easy going varieties and those that need a watchful eye. She will share keystone species for the biggest bang for your native buck. The business meeting starts at 11 a.m., followed by raffle and snacks. Bring a sack lunch and coffee cup; coffee and dessert are provided. Visit desplainesilgardenclub.com or facebook.com/DesPlainesGardenClub/.
Hoffman Estates Garden Club: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 9, at the Schaumburg Township building, One Illinois Blvd., Hoffman Estates. Ken Benson will talk about "Improving Your Soil The Natural Way." Explore some of the techniques used by Benson’s grandparents in the preparation of their flowerbeds and vegetable garden. Discussion of basic soil structure, texture, compaction and amendments will be covered. Soil ph, macro and micro elements along with mycorrhiza, green sand and compost for amendments will be reviewed. Social hour with refreshments at 6 p.m. and a short business meeting at 6:30 p.m. Nonmembers are welcome. Visit hoffmanestatesgardenclub.club.
Central States Dahlia Society: 1:30 p.m. Sunday, April 12, at Elk Grove Village Township Office, 600 Landmeier Road. Doors open at 1 p.m. In “Planting and Summer Care,” get planting tips (how, when and where) and manicuring dahlias (topping, tying, lateral management, disbudding and timing for shows), as well as summer care tips (watering, fertilizing and pest control). There will be no meetings in June, July and August. Visit centralstatesdahliasociety.com.
Gardeners of Central Lake County: 7 p.m. Monday, April 13, in the Crosslife Evangelical Church basement, 431 W. Austin Ave., Libertyville. Jeff Weiss presents “Citizen Science in Your Backyard.” Learn how to contribute to scientific study by participating in bird or bee counts, monitoring wildlife, setting up home weather station, monitoring your native plants and more. Visit gardenersofcentrallakecounty.org.
Geneva Garden Club: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, at the Stephen R. Persinger Recreation Center, 3507 Kaneville Road in Geneva. Kane County/University of Illinois Master Gardener will present “Raised Bed Veggies.” The program starts at noon following lunch. Guests are welcome. Visit genevagardenclub.com.
Tri-Village Garden Club: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, at Streamwood Fire Station, 1204 S. Park Ave., Streamwood. Ever wanted to ask an expert about trees in your yard or garden or even trees in parks and forest preserves? How each species impacts our environment? Or are you looking for ideas to plant trees? Forester Sarah Christensen will answer your questions. Visit facebook.com/TriVillageGardenClub.
Lincolnshire Garden Club: 9:30 a.m. Thursday, April 16, at Lincolnshire-Riverwoods Fire Station, 671 Woodlands Parkway, Vernon Hills. Alyse Burman Cohen of the Wild Bird Shack Speakeasy will present “Turn Your Garden into a B&B for Birds.” Continental breakfast at 9:30 a.m. with the business meeting at 9:45 a.m. and program at 10:30 a.m. For membership details, visit lincolnshiregardenclub.com.
Garden Club of Inverness: 10 a.m. Thursday, April 16, at All Saints Lutheran Church, 639 S. Quentin Road, Palatine. Heather Prince from Fearless Gardening will speak on “Romance of Roses.” Dive into the commonly available varieties as well as explore hardy heirlooms, species, and climbers. Learn the basics of culture and care, plus how to choose what roses will best match your space and expectations. Prince has been a part of the green industry for over 25 years, working in various facets, from public to private. She currently balances a busy freelance horticultural writing and teaching schedule with her role as email marketing manager for The Garden of Words. She is a trained horticulturist specializing in trees, shrubs, and native species, with a passion for connecting people with plants. Free. Visit gardenclubofinverness.com.
Plant sales
Buffalo Grove Garden Club’s annual plant sale: Through March 29. Orders accepted via bgparks.org/information/garden-club/. Pickup date will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at the Alcott Center in Buffalo Grove. The sale features professionally grown annuals and herbs as well as perennial coral bells in 4.5-inch pots. A selection of 10- and 12-inch baskets are offered as well. To commemorate America 250 this summer, many red, white and blue offerings are available. Proceeds fund a scholarship program, planting and maintenance of four community gardens as well as presenters at meetings held March through December. Questions, contact cmcoffey65@gmail.com or bgbloomer822@gmail.com.
Naperville VFW Benefit Plant Sale: Through Monday, March 30. Featuring a variety of plants, including flowers, herbs, veggies, and more. Plant pick-up will be 1-5 p.m. Friday, May 1, at Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873. All proceeds support the mission of the Naperville VFW. Order via napervfw3873.org/plant-sale.
Citizens for Conservation’s 30th annual Spring Native Plant, Shrub and Tree Sale: Available through April 4 or until order capacity is reached. The sale offers more than 200 varieties of native plants including many species of plants that support local pollinators. Also available for pre-order: a special “30 plants for 30 years” garden, featuring a curated selection of plants to mark the sale’s 30th anniversary. Orders are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, and there is a $50 pre-order minimum charge. The in-person sale will be held Saturday and Sunday, May 2-3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at CFC’s Hill ‘N Dale Preserve, 11801 Ridge Road, Barrington Hills. Online order pickup will be 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, May 1, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at the sale site. For more information, visit citizensforconservation.org or contact (847) 382-7283.
Arbor Day Plant Sale: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, April 23-25, at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. One of the largest seasonal plant sales in the Chicago region. It offers thousands of carefully chosen plants, including hundreds of species and varieties of trees, shrubs, perennials, grasses, ferns, vegetables and herbs. Many are grown at the Arboretum. Expert Plant Geniuses are available throughout the sale to answer questions and suggest plants. Timed-entry tickets to the sale required to be purchased in advance. $47 for early access Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon. $32 for regular access beginning Thursday at 1 p.m. through noon on Saturday. April 23-24 includes general admission to the Arboretum for the day and a $15 credit toward a purchase at the sale. $17 access from 1-4 p.m.; includes general admission to the Arboretum. Tickets will be available to the public April 15 at mortonarb.org.
Heritage Prairie Farm Plant Sale: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, April 25, May 9, and May 16, Saturday, at Heritage Prairie Farm, 2N308 Brundige Road, Elburn. Featuring USDA Organic Certified vegetables and herbs. With three dates available, they have a big variety for everyone's preferences in one spring date and two summer ones. Check out the full brochure online at heritageprairiefarm.com/produce.
Weed Ladies Spring Sale: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, April 30-May 2, and 1-4 p.m. Sunday, May 3, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Featuring creative seasonal floral arrangements for sale. Proceeds benefit the Naperville Heritage Society. Admission to the sale is free. napersettlement.org.
Central States Dahlia Society’s annual Dahlia Plant Sale: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 2-3, in Burnstein Hall at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Admission to the dahlia sale is included in admission to the botanic garden. centralstatesdahliasociety.com.
Friends of the Prospect Heights Natural Resources Commission’s inaugural Plant Sale: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 2-3, at 9 E. Marion Ave. in Prospect Heights. All of the native plants are grown by PHNRC volunteers, mostly from the seed collected at the restoration sites. They also offer vegetables, herbs, and non-native garden plants. All proceeds will fund the creation and protection of natural areas in the city’s neighborhoods. Plant experts will be available for consultations. For a list of plants, visit phnrc.com/plant-sale.html.
Gardeners of Central Lake County plant sale: 8:30-11 a.m. Saturday, May 9, at the Crawford Warming House, 817 Lake St. in Libertyville. It will be held rain or shine. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, the club has a wide variety of plants to suit your needs. Offering natives, vegetables, perennials, annuals, herbs, and more. Plants grown from seed, cuttings, and bulbs. Also, browse the garden treasures shop. Proceeds benefit the club. Visit gardenersofcentrallakecounty.org.
Bloomingdale Garden Club Spring Flower & Plant Sale: noon to 6 p.m. Friday, May 8, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at Bloomingdale Park District maintenance building, 259 Springfield Drive, north end of Springfield Park, quarter-mile south of Route 20. It will feature nursery grown annuals in flats, 4- and 6-inch pots, hanging baskets, vegetables and herbs, accessory plants, grasses, tropicals, and perennials from members’ gardens. They also will have a Master Gardener Help Desk, raffles, and gently-used garden items for sale. Cash, check, and credit cards are accepted ($2 service fee is charge for credit card use). Proceeds will support local charities. Visit bloomingdalegardenclub.org.
St. Hugh’s annual Plant, Patio & Craft Sale: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at St. Hugh of Lincoln Episcopal Church, 36W957 Highland Ave., off Randall Road in Elgin. Homegrown herbs and vegetables ready for the garden or containers; pre-owned patio and yard decor and lawn and garden tools. Also featuring handcrafted Mother’s Day gifts and homemade bakery goods. Visit sthugh.net.
Tri-Village Garden Club Plant Sale and Garden Boutique: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at Bartlett Park and Log Cabin, 102 N. Eastern Ave., Bartlett. Sale of native plants, sun and shade loving annuals and perennials, hanging baskets, vegetables and garden related craft items. Prices vary on sale items. Visit facebook.com/TriVillageGardenClub/.
Garden Club of Lake Zurich Plant Sale: 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 16, at the Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. The club offers hundreds of home-grown perennials, annuals, natives, saplings, vegetable seedlings, groundcovers, houseplants, herbs, plus garden books and decor. Plants are in sterilized soil to deter the spread of invasive worm species. Get expert advice from Master Gardeners and garden club members. It will be held rain or shine. Pay by cash, check or credit card. Come early as plants go quickly. Visit gardencluboflakezurich.org.
Green Gate Garden Club Plant Sale: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 16, at Colonel Palmer House, 5516 Terra Cotta Road, Crystal Lake. Purchase plants grown from some of the best gardeners in the area. Rain date: May 17. Visit crystallakeparks.org/colonel-palmer-house.
Lincolnshire Garden Club’s Spring Plant Sale: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at the Community Christian Church, 1970 Riverwoods Road, Lincolnshire. Flats of annuals, gallon size perennials and natives will be available for sale. Funds raided allow the Lincolnshire Garden Club to continue its tradition of providing grants to community organizations. Visit lincolnshiregardenclub.com.
Master Gardeners' Plant Sale: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at the University of Illinois Extension grounds, 100 S. Route 45, Grayslake. Featuring a selection of nursery-grown varieties not readily available at traditional garden centers – natives, new cultivars of perennials, grasses and pollinator-friendly plants. Many varieties of home-grown tomatoes, along with other vegetables and herbs, will be available. In addition, shop “Garden Treasures” for new and gently used items to enhance your landscape and home, including yard art, garden tools, decorative containers and gardening books. University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer your gardening questions, help with plant selection, and offer gardening advice. All proceeds support projects and programming for volunteers, youth and adults in Lake County. For details, call (847) 223-8627 or visit extension.illinois.edu/lm.
Park Ridge Garden Club Plant Sale: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at Cumberland Park, 101 S. Cumberland Ave., a half-block south of Touhy Avenue, in Park Ridge. For sale will be annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables, hanging baskets, geranium pots and many member-grown plants. Cash or credit cards only. Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions. Rain or shine. Parking is located east of the park. Visit parkridgegardenclub.org.
Evanston's Highland Garden Club annual Backyard Botanicals Sale: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 30, at Ackerman Park, 2500 Central St., Evanston. A variety of perennials, including native plants that work in residential gardens for bees and butterflies, will be available from gardens of club members and friends. Experienced Gardeners will be there to answer your questions. All proceeds support community projects. Cash, checks and Zelle, please. Visit facebook.com/evanstonhighlandgardenclub/.
Hoffman Estates Garden Club’s annual plant sale: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, June 5, at the Schaumburg Farmer’s Market, 190 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. Members will offer locally grown plants from their own gardens as well as some grown from seed. There will be a wide variety of sun and shade plants including perennials, annuals, dahlias, grasses, hostas, vegetables and herbs. A limited number of native plants like milkweed and coneflower will be available to help support pollinators. A portion of the sales will be donated to the Schaumburg Township Food Pantry. Visit hoffmanestatesgardenclub.club.
Workshops
Midwest Fruit Explorers Grafting Workshop: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, March 29, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. The Midwest Fruit Explorers present this hands-on workshop with step-by-step instructions on how to graft and care for fruit trees. Beginners are welcome! Experts will guide newcomers, and grafting supplies including scion wood will be available for purchase. No registration required. Regular parking and garden admission fees apply. Visit chicagobotanic.org.
All Things Aquascaping: Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at American Legion Post 964, 51 Lions Drive, Lake Zurich. Dive into the world of aquascaping with hands-on tips, cool setups, and creative plant ideas! Whether you're a beginner or a pro, this is a chance to learn cool tips, check out stunning setups, and meet fellow water gardening fans. Free. For details, contact Jim Kornfeld, Frugal Fishkeeping, at frugalfishkeeping@gmail.com or (224) 286-4141.
Garden shows
Arboretum Discovery Day and Touch-a-Truck: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Celebrate Arbor Month with an all-ages, behind-the-scenes look at tree care and the green industry. Connect with Arboretum staff and certified arborists, explore careers in tree care and horticulture, and get practical tree and soil care tips. Also, crafts and activities that highlight the importance of trees; guided tours of key Arboretum areas, including the Herbarium (free with advance registration online). Watch tree climbing, soil assessment and air-spade excavation in action. See some of the Arboretum’s largest trucks and municipal vehicles. Ask arborist specialists questions about tree care in the Firefly Pavilion. Enjoy food trucks, beverages and an Arboretum Store pop-up featuring garden items, apparel and kids’ outdoor toys. Included with Arboretum admission. For the event schedule, visit mortonarb.org.
Sogetsu School of Illinois Ikebana Exhibition: noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 11, and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, April 12, at Chicago Botanic Garden’s Burnstein Hall, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Ikebana is one of the traditional arts of Japan, and has been practiced for more than 600 years. This exhibition, presented the Sogetsu School of Illinois, features 50 Ikebana (Japanese floral arrangements) on display. Included in admission. Tickets: chicagobotanic.org.
Nature Artists’ Guild Spring Exhibit: 4:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 17 (opening reception) and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 18-19, at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Enjoy a juried art exhibit that celebrates the beauty of nature, hosted by Morton Arboretum’s Nature Artists’ Guild. With works featuring plants, wildlife and landscapes from the Arboretum and beyond. Many art pieces, all produced by local artists, available for purchase. Included with Arboretum admission. mortonarb.org.
American Daffodil Society National Convention: 1:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 24, and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, April 25, at Chicago Botanic Garden’s Burnstein Hall, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. See a floral design show and displays featuring daffodils (as blooms permit). Learn about the 13 divisions of daffodils, many of which are featured in garden display beds. Included in admission. Tickets: chicagobotanic.org.
Midwest Bonsai Society Spring Show & Sale: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 16-17, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Presented by the Midwest Bonsai Society. Hundreds of bonsai specimens will be on display or for sale. Free demonstrations and lectures will be held in Regenstein Center. Workshops for beginners and accomplished bonsai growers will be held in various locations. Additional fee and registration is required for workshops. Visit midwestbonsai.org or chicagobotanic.org.
Iris Society Show: Noon to 5 p.m. Monday, May 25, at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Experience nearly 100 varieties of blooming irises, with some available for purchase in the Arboretum’s Sycamore Room. Presented by the Northern Illinois Iris Society, the event also offers opportunities to speak with iris experts, learn the meanings behind iris colors, and discover new and novel varieties for home gardens. Included with Arboretum admission. Tickets: mortonarb.org.