Home & garden calendar, April 28 to May 9
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, April 28, at State Bank of the Lakes, 50 Commerce Drive, Grayslake. Landscape designer Catelyn Crawford will demonstrate how to create a container garden arrangement, followed by a drawing for the container garden arrangement. The $5 per ticket funds the club’s scholarship program. Crawford specializes in container and annual bedding planting. She creates landscape designs for clients and landscapers in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Visit grayslakegardenclub.org.
Chicagoland Daylily Society: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, May 3, at The Community House, 415 W. 8th St., Hinsdale. Curt Hanson will present “Self-Imposed Paradise.” Visit chicagolanddaylilysociety.org.
Northbrook Garden Club: 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 5, at Northbrook United Methodist Church, 1190 Western. Author, photographer, and Master Gardener Cindy Crosby presents “Dragonflies & Damselflies.” Discover the fascinating and bizarre lives of these fliers – with plenty of group fun and lively interaction. From their unusual life cycle of transformation, mystifying migratory habits, and their struggle for survival. Hear their cultural history, including some of the myths and superstitions that surround them. Discover how you can garden to attract these remarkable creatures. Email northbrookgardenclub@gmail.com to register. northbrookgardenclub.org.
Garden Club of Lake Zurich: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, at Ela Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. Tamara Block will present a program on Piet Oudolf, a leader of the New Perennial Movement in naturalistic garden design. He is the designer behind Lurie Gardens in Chicago as well as the Battery and High Line Gardens in New York City. His five-season garden philosophy and the design techniques used to create the naturalistic gardens for which he is known will be presented. Block has taught graduate-level courses at Northwestern University and since began creating programs as a longtime member of the Garden Guild of Highland Park. Become a member and receive a $25 garden nursery gift card. Refreshments and business meeting follows program. Visit gardencluboflakezurich.org.
South Barrington Garden Club: 9:30 a.m. Thursday, May 7, at South Barrington Park District, 3 Tennis Club Lane. Brock and Ruth Ann Seney will present “Gardens of the Midwest.” Visit sbgclub.org.
Hoffman Estates Garden Club: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 7, at the Schaumburg Township building, One Illinois Blvd., Hoffman Estates. Columnist, radio host and gardening expert Mike Nowak will present “I’m Not Really a Garden Expert, I Just Play One on the Radio.” Social hour with refreshments at 6 p.m. and a short business meeting at 6:30 p.m. Nonmembers are welcome. Visit hoffmanestatesgardenclub.club.
Gardeners of Central Lake County: 7 p.m. Monday, May 11, in the CrossLife Evangelical Church basement, 431 W. Austin Ave., Libertyville. Eliza Fournier will speak on “The Ecosystem of Farm Sites and Programs.” Visit gardenersofcentrallakecounty.org.
Mount Prospect Garden Club: 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 12, at Mount Prospect Police Station, 911 E. Kensington Road. For the last program of the season, Mark Lyons will present “Controlling Garden Marauders.” The meeting begins with social time, followed by the 10 a.m. business meeting and 11 a.m. speaker. Guests are welcome. The club will meet again in September. On June 9, the club will join a Ryerson Woods Conservation Tour. Visit gcmp.weebly.com.
Buffalo Grove Garden Club: 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, at the Alcott Center, 530 Bernard Drive, Buffalo Grove. It features Kim White, Master Naturalist, for her program titled, “Pigeons and Doves.” White has been associated with the education department of Brookfield Zoo for 19 years and is a co-steward for the DuPage Monarch Project. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome. Visit bgparks.org.
Spring walks
Spring Ephemeral Walk: 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, at Burnidge Forest Preserve, 14N035 Coombs Road, Elgin. Naturalist Erica Lemon will lead the walk with the Greater Kane County Wild Ones. Visit greaterkanecounty.wildones.org.
Woodland Walk: 9 a.m. Saturday May 2, at Garfield Farm Museum in Campton Hills. Museum director Jerome Johnson will lead a walk through the museum's Garfield Harley Pond and Woods. Impacts of the recent rains and swings in temperature have sped up the warming of the soils and activity in the ephemeral pond. Traditionally rue anemone should be blooming but the wild hyacinth may be coming two weeks early into its glory. A car caravan will leave the museum for the woods. Appropriate clothing and shoes for muddy ground and spray for hitchhiking ticks is encouraged. $8 a person. Sign up by contacting info@garfieldfarm.org or (630) 584-8485.
Spring Wildflower Walk: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 2, starting at Knoch Knolls Center deck, 320 Knoch Knolls Road, Naperville. The woods at Knoch Knolls Park explode with colorful wildflowers. Join a naturalist to view the annual Virginia bluebells display along with many other spring wildflowers. Walk is free but registration is required via naperville.com/event/.
Spring Ephemeral Wildflower Hike: 2-3 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at Meacham Grove, off Circle Avenue in Bloomingdale. A guided hike where you’ll learn about the first wildflowers of the year. Spring ephemerals aren’t here for long, so catch them while you can! Ages 12 or older; under age 18 with an adult. $5 per person. To register, visit dupageforest.org or call (630) 942-6200.
Spring wildflower walk: 1:30-4 p.m. Sunday, May 3, at 301 31st St., Westchester. Hosted by Sustain DuPage. In this outdoor walk, botanist Pat Armstrong will teach how to identify our early native wildflowers and their natural histories. $30. Tickets: eventbrite.com.
Birds and Blooms Walk: 5-6:30 p.m. Sunday, May 3, at Delnor Woods, off Route 25, St. Charles. Led by naturalist Pam Otto. Meet at Route 25 and Fulton Avenue. Co-sponsored by the Greater Kane County Wild Ones and St. Charles Natural Resources Commission. Visit startinyouryard.com or greaterkanecounty.wildones.org/events/.
Wildflower Walk: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, at Batavia Wildflower Sanctuary. Led by steward Sarah Kimber. Meet at Peg Bond Center, 151 N. Island, Batavia. Free. Visit startinyouryard.com or facebook.com/BataviaPlainDirtGardeners/.
Spring Ephemeral Wildflower Hike: 2-3 p.m. Thursday, May 7, at Wood Dale Grove, 895 N. Wood Dale Road, Wood Dale. A guided hike where you’ll learn about the first wildflowers of the year. Spring ephemerals aren’t here for long, so catch them while you can! Ages 12 or older; under age 18 with an adult. $5 per person. To register, visit dupageforest.org or call (630) 942-6200.
Mother’s Day Wildflower Walk: 1 p.m. Sunday, May 10, at Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington. Discover what’s blooming. All ages. Hosted by Forest Preserve District of Cook County. Free. fpdcc.com/events/tag/wildflowers/.
Wildflower Walk: 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 10, at River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook. Learn about spring woodland wildflowers on a casual walk. All ages. Hosted by Forest Preserve District of Cook County. Free. fpdcc.com/events/tag/wildflowers/.
Wildflower and Prairie Walk: 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, at Dixie Briggs Fromm Nature Preserve in Algonquin. Led by steward Carol Weinhammer. Meet at entrance across from 1521 Winnfield Drive; park on street. Visit startinyouryard.com or greaterkanecounty.wildones.org/events/.
Woodland Wildflower Walk: 1 p.m. Sunday, May 17, at Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington. Delight in the beauty of spring ephemeral flowers on a guided walk. Hosted by Forest Preserve District of Cook County. Free. fpdcc.com/events/tag/wildflowers/.
Fullersburg Wildflower Walk: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Friday, May 22, or Saturday, May 23, at Fullersburg Woods, Oak Brook. Meet a plant expert for a leisurely walk through the first blooms of spring. Learn about spring flowers, how to identify them, and what varieties you can grow at home. Ages 18 and up. $5 per person. To register, visit dupageforest.org or call (630) 850-8110. It also will be offered at the same times June 19-20.
Wildflower Walk: 8-9:30 a.m. Thursday, June 4, at Grant Woods, 25405 West Monaville Road, Ingleside. Enjoy a relaxing walk and discover the diversity of early summer wildflowers at Grant Woods. It’s 1.8 miles at a leisurely pace on crushed gravel. Lightweight long sleeves and pants, closed-toe shoes, and a hat are recommended. Registration is required. $5 or $7 for nonresidents. Register: lcfpd.org/calendar/.
Plant sales
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.
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.
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.
Wildflower Preservation & Propagation Committee annual Native Plant Sale: noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 3, at McHenry County College, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. Huge selection of native plants at the best prices in the area. They have native plants for a variety of habitats. Check out the plant list online for what’s available. Line starts forming before 11:30 a.m. thewppc.org.
MCC Spring Plant Sale: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, May 6-7, in the McHenry County College greenhouse, Building D, 8900 S. Route 14, Crystal Lake. Shop for all your vegetables, herbs, annual and perennial flowers, blooming containers, and hanging baskets. mchenry.edu/events/.
CLC Horticulture Department Plant Sale: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, May 7, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, May 8, at College of Lake County greenhouses, Building H, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. Great selection of perennials, annuals, natives, and veggies. All proceeds go to support the horticulture department. facebook.com/clchorticulture.
Lombard Garden Club’s Lilac Sale: noon until 7 p.m. or sold out Thursday, May 7, at the pavilion on the north side of Lilacia Park, near the park district administration building at 227 W. Parkside in downtown Lombard. Choose from 16 different lilacs of varying sizes. Colors of the blooms range from deep violet, magenta and lilac to pink, blue and white. Proceeds support the Lombard Garden Club’s scholarship program, community beautification projects and educational outreach about the environment and gardening in our region. Order and schedule pickup online at lombardgardenclub.org.
Lombard Park District's plant sale: noon to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 7, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, May 8, in the park greenhouse, 150 S. Park Ave. Choose from a selection of perennials, hanging foliage baskets, mangaves, and large and small succulents. lombardlilactime.com.
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.
Palatine Garden Club Perennial Plant Sale: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, May 9 and 16, at the Palatine Farmers Market in the Metra station parking lot, 137 W. Wood St. Choose from a variety of perennial plants sourced from club members’ gardens and area native-plant nurseries. Flowering and foliage plants, many varieties of pollinator-friendly native plants, ground covers, and ornamental grasses will be available. Also this year, several varieties of milkweed — native plants that support and attract monarchs and other butterflies — will be sold, as well as Illinois prairie-garden starter flats. Cash or check only. Questions? Call Gail at (708) 744-3446 or visit facebook.com/palatinegardeners.
Des Plaines Garden Club’s Plant & Garden Flea Market: 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 9, at the GEN-Center (formerly known as the Frisbie Senior Center) at 52 E. Northwest Hwy in Des Plaines. Pick up some annuals, perennials, vegetables, a hanging basket or maybe a houseplant. Master Gardeners will be there to answer your questions and help you select your plants. Or find garden tools or yard art donated by a club member. Also, a selection of home-baked desserts for sale. Cash sales only. Visit desplainesilgardenclub.com or facebook.com/DesPlainesGardenClub/.
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.
Batavia Plain Dirt Gardeners annual plant sale: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 9, at Bethany Lutheran Church, 8 S. Lincoln St., Batavia. Most plants are sourced from members’ gardens and include natives, perennials, shrubs, and trees. Master Gardeners will be available to answer questions and provide assistance with selecting and growing the plants in your garden. The sale raises funds for the club’s activities, including college scholarships, maintaining the Wildflower Sanctuary at the Batavia Riverwalk, Kaleidoscope Planter and Peace Bridge, planters near city hall, and the Alphabet Garden at the Batavia Public Library. The club is open to all persons interested in gardening. Visit bataviaplaindirtgardeners.org.
Green Garden Fair: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 9, at First Congregational Church, 235 S. Kenilworth, Elmhurst. Pick up pre-ordered, certified organic seedlings. Additional organic vegetable and herb seedlings, beautiful flower seedlings and bagged organic mushroom compost and potting mix will be available for purchase at the Fair. Bring your garden tools, knives and scissors and Custom Edge Sharpening will sharpen them while you wait. Also, Prairie Wind Natives will be selling native plants and City Bee Savers will have their local raw honey, just to highlight a few of the many exhibitors at the Fair. Learn how to live more sustainably from a variety of “green” exhibitors. For information, visit elmhurstucc.org.
Heritage Prairie Farm Plant Sale: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, May 9 and May 16, 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.
McDonald Farm’s annual plant sale: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at McDonald Farm, 10S404 Knoch Knolls Road, Naperville. A wide variety of native plants, organic veggie and herb seedlings, rain barrels, organic compost, and more. theconservationfoundation.org/plant-sale.
Naperville Garden Club annual plant sale: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 8-9, in Aero Estates at 9S031 Chandelle Drive in Naperville. It features a selection of hanging baskets, plants, and herbs, making it the perfect destination for gardeners of all levels and those looking for a thoughtful Mother’s Day gift. Arrive early for the best selection. The sale will be held rain or shine, with cash or check only accepted. Proceeds support the club’s mission and benefit local scholarships, civic beautification projects, and community programs throughout Naperville. Visit napervillegardenclub.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/.
Northbrook Garden Club Plant Sale: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, May 15; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday May 16, or until sold-out at Northbrook Village Green Park Center, 1810 Walters Ave. Shop local for homegrown and nursery grown native plants, cultivars and other favorite. Experienced and Master Gardeners available for gardening tips. Email questions to info@northbrookgardenclub.org or visit northbrookgardenclub.org.
Field & Flower Garden Club of Barrington Plant Sale: 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at Freier Farm, 23585 N. Kelsey Road, Lake Barrington. Choose from a variety of freshly dug plants from members’ gardens. Specialty hostas, day lilies, ornamental grasses, natives, some hard-to-find perennials, as well as garden paraphernalia will be available. Cash sales only. Rain or shine. Visit facebook.com/groups/fieldandflowerbarrington/.
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, ground covers, 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.
Geneva Garden Club's biennial plant sale: 8:30 a.m. Saturday, May 16, at 2360 Kaneville Road in Geneva. Proceeds benefit local and community beautification. Visit genevagardenclub.com or facebook.com/GenevaGardenClub/.
Dundee Backyard Garden Club plant sale: 9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 16, at Grafelman Park, Fifth and Main streets in West Dundee. It will be held rain or shine; no early birds please. Annual sale features a wide variety of perennials, grasses, native plants, vegetables, herbs and more from the gardens of club members. Garden “Junque” and gently used garden items available for sale. Proceeds fund an annual scholarship.
Greater Kane County Wild Ones Native Plant Sale: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday May 16, at Gray Willows Farm, 5N949 Corron Road, St. Charles. Choose from forbs, grasses, sedges, trees and shrubs from seven different vendors. Shop at Elder Oaks for organic vegetables and ice cream treats from the Milk House. New this year, sunny pollinator kit for $100. It contains 38 plugs which includes 12 species; covers 75-100 square feet. The sale is held in the restored barn loft. Cash, checks and credit accepted. For the full plant list, visit greaterkanecounty.wildones.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.
Mount Prospect Garden Club Plant Sale: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at Mount Prospect Historical Society Campus, 101 S. Maple St. Rain date May 17. Plants are grown by garden club members and Master Gardeners. They include a great variety of perennials, annuals and vegetables. Also house plants for sale. Come early for the greatest selection. These healthy plants have been screened for pests (sometimes a problem in plants from stores). Visit gcmp.weebly.com.
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.
Prospect Heights Garden Club’s annual perennial sale: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 16, in the north parking section of Tony’s Fresh Market at 1241 E. Rand Road in Prospect Heights. Besides many perennials from members’ gardens, there will be houseplants, baked goods and crafts. Visit phparks.org/affiliates-2/.
Schaumburg Community Garden Club Tent Sale: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 16-17, at Spring Valley Nature Center, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Preorders are closed. Visit schaumburggardenclub.org or facebook.com/schaumburggardenclub/.
Wheaton Garden Club Plant Sale: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at 504 Hamilton Drive, Wheaton. The sale will feature professionally grown annuals many of which are Proven Winners. A wide selection of red white and blue flowers are available in honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Proceeds support area community organizations and scholarships for College of DuPage, Wheaton North and Wheaton Warrenville South students. Cash or check payments. Visit wheatongardenclub.org/plantsale/.
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.
Arlington Heights Garden Club plant sale: 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 6, on the Arlington Heights Historical Museum grounds, 110 W. Fremont St. in Arlington Heights. The club’s second largest fundraiser of the year. Due to the increased incidence of jumping worms found in our area, all of the plants are raised by club members in a greenhouse from seed, cuttings, or plugs – nothing dug from the ground. The sale will include natives, perennials, annuals, vegetables, herbs, houseplants, books, and yard decor. Visit ahgardenclub.com.
Workshops
Welcome to Birding: 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, at Wheaton Public Library, 225 N. Cross St., Wheaton. Daily Herald “Words on Birds” columnist Jeff Reiter will discuss birds, birding and birders — well-timed for spring migration. The talk is based on Reiter's new book, “The Best of Words on Birds.” Copies will be available for sale and signing. Register for this free event at wheatonlibrary.org.
Gardening for Moths: 6-7 p.m. Thursday, June 11, at Dunn Museum, 1899 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville. Native moth caterpillars and adults play an essential role in local ecosystems. Discover the importance of moths and how to make your landscape moth-friendly. Native plant selection and sustainable garden maintenance will be discussed. This program is most appropriate for adults. Free but registration required via lcfpd.org/calendar/.
Garden shows
Central States Dahlia Society Sale: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 2-3, at Chicago Botanic Garden’s Burnstein Hall, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Annual plant and root sale features dahlias in an array of sizes, shapes, and colors. An opportunity to purchase dahlias seen on display at the annual show in September. Society members on hand to answer questions about planting and care. 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.
Saving Monarchs Garden Party: 2-7 p.m. Saturday, July 18, in Lombard. Curious about natural gardening or ready to take your yard to the next level? Does your yard flood? Do you love nature and want to make a difference? Looking to meet others who share your passion? Learn about monarch butterflies, native plants, wildlife, conservation, and simple ways to care for our planet. Chat with local experts and organizations, including: The Conservation Foundation, River Prairie Group of the Sierra Club, DuPage Monarch Project, DuPage Organic Garden Club, Wild Ones Greater DuPage, Sustain DuPage, Jan’s Stepping Stones (with items for sale), and Prairie Wind Native Plants (native plants available for purchase). Get ideas to improve your own yard, learn how to manage flooding naturally, and connect with fellow gardeners and nature lovers. Meet Prairie Food Co-op and learn about their new store in Lombard, and talk with the McKee Preservation Group about their vision for the historic McKee House as a Native American Cultural & Environmental Center. Tables and chairs are set up for gathering with friends, old and new. Refreshments will be served ️ Free raffle tickets for a chance to win garden prizes. Stop by anytime between 2 and 7 p.m. facebook.com/savingmonarchs.
Garden walks
Petals, Ponds & Pathways Garden Walk: 1 to 5 p.m. Friday, June 26, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 27. Grow Wellness Foundation’s second annual self-guided event invites guests to tour six private gardens throughout Naperville, showcasing landscapes, water features, and creative outdoor living spaces. Rain or shine. Tickets, valid both days, are $15 in advance through June 23, or $20 day-of, on site. Tickets: visit growwellnessfoundation.org/events.
Arlington Heights Garden Club’s Garden Walk and Unique Boutique: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 28. Tour seven home gardens throughout the village. Tickets are available online through June 27 at ahgardenclub.com under the events section. Tickets can also be purchased at the Arlington Heights Farmers Market on Saturday in June, Garden Club plant sale on Saturday, June 6, or at Village Bank & Trust. Advance tickets are $15 or $20 at the museum campus on the day of the walk. Ticket holders will pick up their wristbands and guide booklets at the museum day of the walk beginning at 10 a.m. They will drive to the gardens throughout the village in any order. The Unique Boutique, with 50 vendors featuring items for the home and garden, will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont St.; admission is free. Proceeds are used to sponsor scholarships for students pursuing degrees in horticulture and related fields, to fund projects around the community as well as monthly programs with various topics related to gardening, horticulture and the environment.
Park Ridge Garden Club Garden Walk: Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 28. 31st annual event featuring six gardens, five local artists plus raffle baskets at each garden. Proceeds go to horticultural education at local schools as well as the planting and maintenance of several public areas. $15 in advance or $20 day of; kids under age 10 free. Rain or shine. Ticket sales start June 1 at select merchants and online via parkridgegardenclub.org.
Roselle Park District Garden Club Garden Walk: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 11. Self-guided tour of six private gardens and one public garden throughout the community. Master Gardeners available at select locations to answer questions and share insights. Note: strollers are not permitted in the gardens. Rain or shine. Advance tickets are $20 or $25 that day until 1 p.m. (cash only). Proceeds support the Roselle Garden Club Youth Scholarship Fund, Roselle IMPACT Garden, and other local community projects. For questions, contact Valerie at dellapennav@comcast.net. facebook.com/RPDgardenclub/.
Ongoing
Private Garden Tour: John Richter has opened his private garden in Warrenville to share the beauty of his various grafted trees and variegated bushes, thousands of day lilies from 10 different hybridizers, and over 750 different varieties of hostas, as well as numerous sculptures. There is no charge for you to go and stroll through his garden — just call him at (630) 393-3279 to schedule a time.
Healing Gardens: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the second Sunday of the month through October, at Stone Hill Farm, 37W249 Dean St., St. Charles. The season opens on Mother’s Day. Come enjoy the natural wooded setting and perennial gardens. Admission is $5 per person; $10 per family; cancer survivors are free. Donations of time/money for upkeep are welcome. Special programs monthly. The Healing Gardens is cultivated and hosted by Deborah Marqui, owner of Stone Hill Farm with her husband, Buzz. Marqui leads day retreats, hosts Silent Saturday Mornings, Yoga in the Garden. For information, call (630) 740-2597 or visit healinggardensatstonehillfarm.com.