Home & garden calendar, May 26 to June 6
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, May 26, at State Bank of the Lakes, 50 Commerce Drive, Grayslake. Eliza Fournier, director at College of Lake County’s Urban Farm Center in Waukegan, will talk about how the center can show how food and plants can help with many 21st-century challenges including climate change, social disconnection, chronic disease and more. Visit grayslakegardenclub.org.
Garden Club of Lake Zurich: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, at Ela Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. Deb Graham will present “Building Edible Fruit in Landscaping.” Graham is a member of the Midwest Fruit Explorers which is a backyard orchard society that was founded in the late 1970s in the Chicago area. Members grow almost every variety of fruit that will survive in our growing zone, as well as many varieties that require winter protection. During this presentation you will hear about the fruit trees that are grown in Graham’s home orchard and she will conduct a demonstration of tree grafting, a method of propagation used for most fruit trees. 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, June 4, at South Barrington Park District, 3 Tennis Club Lane. Club member Ursula Thebault will lead a hands-on project, “Make Your Own Herb Garden.” Take home herbs to use in your cooking. Visit sbgclub.org.
Sip and Socialize!: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 4, at Pollyanna Brewing Co., 245 E. Main St., Roselle. Join the Roselle Park District Garden Club for a fun and relaxing evening. Whether you're a current member, curious about joining, or just love a good brew, this is an opportunity to connect with fellow plant lovers. Bring your favorite snack to share. facebook.com/RPDgardenclub.
Buffalo Grove Garden Club: 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, at the Alcott Center, 530 Bernard Drive, Buffalo Grove. Master Gardener and natural history writer Cindy Crosby will offer a fun look at how gardens help shape so many of the books you love. See your garden with new eyes and go away with a list of books you can't wait to explore. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome. Visit bgparks.org.
Rolling Meadows Garden Club: 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, at the Rolling Meadows Community Center’s Laurel Room, 3705 Pheasant Drive. Beth Peluse from the Conservation Foundation will present “Save Our Environment with Rain Barrels and Simple Composting.” Around 40% of total household water used during the summer is for watering lawns and gardens. Lower your water bill, reduce the volume of stormwater and protect your yard and home using low cost simple to install rain barrels. Composting kitchen scraps and yard waste reduces the amount of material going to landfills and instead returns nutrients to the soil by adding organic matter to garden beds. Speaker presentation at 6:30 p.m. with club business at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome. Visit rollingmeadowsgardenclub.com for more details.
Garden Club for kids: 3:30-4:15 p.m. Fridays, June 12, July 17 and Aug. 14, at Geneva Public Library, 227 S. Seventh St. Young gardeners entering third to fifth grade explore the magic of planting, learn how things grow, and get their hands a little messy as they plant seeds and create garden-inspired projects. Registration required via gpld.org.
Plant Swap: 2-3 p.m. Sunday, June 14, at Glenview Public Library south patio, 1930 Glenview Road, Glenview. Swap plants or seeds with fellow garden enthusiasts while sharing simple tips to help your plant babies thrive. Drop in. glenviewpl.org.
Bloomingdale Garden Club: 6:15-8 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, at Cornerstone Faith Community Church, 118 First St., Bloomingdale. Kim White offers update on the DuPage Monarch and Pollinator Project and the Waystations. White is a naturalist, a former co-steward for the DuPage County Forest Preserve, education coordinator for the DuPage Monarch Project and avid gardener for both food production and habitat creation. Her summers are spent growing milkweed for the monarch butterflies she raises from eggs and releases. Visitors are welcome. Social time begins at 6:15 p.m., announcements at 6:45 p.m., and meeting at 7 p.m. Visit bloomingdalegardenclub.org.
Pottawatomie Garden Club: 7 p.m. Monday, June 22, at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, 307 Cedar Ave., St. Charles. Note evening time. Cindy Crosby presents “For the Birds! A Cultural Look at Our Feathered Friends.” All are welcome. Visit pottagardenclub.org or facebook.com/pottagardenclub/.
Native Gardener's Club: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 25, via Zoom. Whether you are new to native gardening or a seasoned veteran, learn about native plants and how to use them in your home landscapes. Each session includes group discussions and plenty of time for questions. This month's session will focus on how to make yards firefly friendly. $5 or free to Lake County residents. Register: lcfpd.org/calendar/.
Pottawatomie Garden Club: Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 28, at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, 307 Cedar Ave., St. Charles. Celebrate America's 250th birthday with a picnic, fun, and games. Plenty of red, white, and blue and all your favorite picnic foods will be available. Purchase your ticket by June 21 for $15 or $20 after. Children 10 and under are complimentary. No refunds after June 21. Cheddar Up adds a small convenience charge to each order. For tickets, go to facebook.com/pottagardenclub/.
BioBlitz events
Dragonfly BioBlitz: 12:30-1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at Irish Oaks Nature Preserve, 19017 Lincoln Road, Harvard. For National Dragonfly Day, join The Land Conservancy of McHenry County in looking for as many different species of Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) as we can find in the wetlands, prairie and woodland edges at Irish Oaks. Free. Register by June 11. Register: conservemc.org/event/dragonfly-bioblitz/.
Pollinator BioBlitz: 1-2 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, at Yonder Prairie, 1143 S. Rosefarm Road, Woodstock. For Pollinator Week, join The Land Conservancy of McHenry County in looking for a variety of bees, butterflies, day-flying moths and more. Yonder Prairie has high-quality habitat that attracts some unique insects. Get involved in citizen science and learn more about local pollinators, plants and other insects. Free. Register by June 22. Register: conservemc.org/event/pollinator-bioblitz/.
Nature walks/bike rides
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/.
Seasonal Tree Walk: 9-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 17, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Enjoy a morning walk exploring the trees at the garden. Each month, visit a different section of the garden and learn about the trees unique to that area. Dress for the weather. Led by Mark Zampardo, horticulture educator. Meet at Visitor Center. $36. Register: chicagobotanic.org.
Bike Tour of the Gardens: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, June 17, July 22, and Aug. 12, at Cantigny Visitors Center, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Bob Carr, greenhouse grower at Cantigny, will lead a small group ride, stopping at garden spots along the way to discuss the plantings. Biking through the gardens is only allowed on these tours. One child (no charge) may be included with each paying adult. $15. Register: cantigny.org/event/.
Sunday Stroll: 9-10:15 a.m. Sunday, June 21, at Cuba Marsh, 24205 W. Cuba Road, Deer Park. Join an environmental educator in a leisurely stroll through one of the preserves. Get some exercise and learn about nature. Take a closer look at plants, birds and other wildlife. Free. Register: lcfpd.org/calendar/.
English Walled Garden Walk: 9-10 a.m. Wednesday, June 24, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Join horticulturist Heather Sherwood to explore the English Walled Garden, with its six distinct garden rooms alive with vibrant colors, scents, and textures. Discover features such as the blue gate, daisy garden, water elements, wisteria-draped pergola, and living sculptures. Learn about the cottage garden, with its overflowing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Dress for the weather. $24. Register: chicagobotanic.org.
Garfield Farm Prairie Walk: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 27, at Garfield Farm Museum, 3N016 Garfield Road, Campton Hills. Join in a guided tour of the museum’s natural areas. $8. Reservations encouraged via info@garfieldfarm.org or (630) 584-8485. garfieldfarm.org.
Boloria Meadows Pollinator Walk: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 27, at Boloria Meadows Nature Preserve, 7219 Millburne Court, Bull Valley. A family friendly butterfly and pollinator walk. The preserve contains nearly 60 acres of high-quality restored wetlands, prairies and oak woodlands. With over 150 species of wildflowers, Boloria is a haven for over 30 species of native butterflies as well as many species of bees and other pollinators. One unusual butterfly species that should be abundant in June is the Baltimore checkerspot that uses the turtlehead flower as its host plant. The walk will cover roughly one mile of gently rolling terrain. Hosted by The Land Conservancy of McHenry County. Free. Register by June 25: conservemc.org.
Walk on the Wild Side: 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, June 27, at Locknar property in Spring Grove. Explore the 1.5-acre yard with several perennial flower gardens, several nesting bird boxes, a zero-edge pond with koi and goldfish, and a 10-foot stream with water plant bog filtration. This is not an open house; two guided walks begin at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Free and no pre-registration required. Hosted by Wildflower Preservation & Propagation Committee. For directions, go to thewppc.org.
Wildflower Walk: 8-9:30 a.m. Friday, July 10, at Pine Dunes, 42909 Hunt Club Road, Antioch. Discover the diversity of summer wildflowers at Pine Dunes. Total distance walked 1.5 to 2.0 miles on a crushed gravel trail. Lightweight long sleeves and pants, closed-toe shoes, and a hat are recommended. Free. Register: lcfpd.org/calendar/.
Summer Blooms Hike: 7:30-9 a.m. Saturday, July 18, at Raven Glen, 41080 N. Route 45, Antioch. Whether you are a beginner or looking to deepen your native plant identification skills, join an environmental educator on this cool summer morning. Explore and learn about the local native plants that call Raven Glen Forest Preserve home. Meet at the parking lot off Route 45 for the 1.4-mile hike. Wear appropriate footwear and dress for the weather; this program is held entirely outdoors. Free. Register: lcfpd.org/calendar/.
Plant sales
Little City’s Annual Plant Sale: Through June 27, at Little City Horticulture Center, 1740 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine. Sale hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Every purchase supports a fully operational horticulture center that also serves as a vocational skills program for individuals with developmental disabilities. Visit facebook.com/LittleCityOrg.
North Aurora Garden Club Plant Sale: 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 30, at Oak and Walnut, two blocks east of Randall Road in North Aurora. The sale offers perennials from members gardens. Held rain or shine. Find Official North Aurora Garden Club on Facebook.
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 Farmers 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, In the gated area next to the Mueller House on the Arlington Heights Historical Museum grounds, 110 W. Fremont St. in Arlington Heights. Fremont street will be closed. 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. Master Gardeners will be available for questions. Visit ahgardenclub.com.
St. Charles Park District Native Plant Sale: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, 3795 Campton Hills Road, St. Charles. Plants will be available for purchase onsite and while supplies last. Choose from a wide selection of plants that are native to the region. Plant varieties subject to change on the day of the event. Naturalists will be on hand to provide assistance with your plant selections. View this year’s catalog at stcnature.org/native-plant-sale/.
Will County Forest Preserve District Native Plant Sale: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at Isle a la Cache Preserve, 501 E. 135th St. (Romeo Road) in Romeoville. During the Pollinator Party celebration, shop a wide selection of native plants perfect for pollinators. Experts will be on hand to help you select plants and to answer questions. Plus, many other free resources will be available. Plants will be $3 per plug, and they will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. All proceeds benefit The Nature Foundation of Will County. Visit reconnectwithnature.org.
Workshops
Secrets of Gardens That Work: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 30, at Morton Arboretum's Cudahy Room, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Discover practices for garden design, establishment, and maintenance that lead to sustainable gardens. Kasey Eaves, owner of Vivant Gardening Services, shares the important traits that help a garden thrive. Good for a seasoned gardener or just starting out. $39. Register: mortonarb.org.
What’s Up With Wasps?: 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, in the Edward L. Ryerson Education Center, 22196 North Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods. Bees and wasps have many similarities, yet wasps tend to get a bad rap. Learn about some of the common wasps in Lake County and how they contribute to a healthy ecosystem. $5 or $7 for nonresidents. Register: lcfpd.org/calendar/.
Dwarf Conifer Garden Walk: 10-11 a.m. Friday, June 5, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Meet at the Dwarf Conifer Garden entrance. Led by horticulturist Francisco Manrique, observe new spring growth and cone production. Learn about some of the unique specimens that grow here and why they are called “dwarf.” Discover the fragrance, shapes, and textures that make this a four-season garden. Dress for the weather. $24. Register: chicagobotanic.org.
Identifying Edible Plants with The Wild Dryad: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at Morton Arboretum's Cudahy Room, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Shane Alden Edwards, the forager and botanist known as the Wild Dryad, offers an introduction to how to identify common edible plants. Under the guidance of the instructor, you will practice field identification and learn to forage safely. $39. Register: mortonarb.org.
Birds, Bees, and Butterflies: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, June 8, at Huntley Area Public Library, 11000 Ruth Road, Huntley. Sarah Michehl of The Land Conservancy of McHenry County shows how to attract monarchs and other butterflies, plus birds and bees to your yard. Free. Register: conservemc.org.
“Hydrangeas Are Hot”: 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, at Elmhurst Public Library, 125 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst, or via Zoom. Hydrangeas are very prominent in the landscape, with many cultivars being introduced. Learn about the different species available, their care, and available varieties. Register: Call (630) 279-8696 or visit elmlib.org/events.
Native Plants for Small Spaces: 2-3 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, at Algonquin Area Public Library Eastgate Branch, 115 Eastgate Drive, Algonquin. Native plants can bring beauty and ecological health to even the smallest spaces in your yard, but it’s vital to choose the right plants. Join Sarah Michehl of The Land Conservancy of McHenry County to hear about her favorite native plants for small garden spaces. It will cover maintenance tips as well. Free. Register at conservemc.org/native-plants-for-small-spaces/.
Botanical Prints: 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, at Central School, 103 S. Maple St., Mount Prospect. Bring a variety of leaves and flowers from your garden to transform the beauty of the garden into lasting works of art. Learn a few techniques to transfer pigments and texture to material and paper. Work with paints, ink, and a gelli plate to create prints. Prepare to get messy! Bring a variety of leaves and flowers from your garden. Hosted by Mount Prospect Historical Society’s Bessie’s Workbasket and offered the second Wednesday of each month. $10. Register: mtphist.org/bessies-workbasket/.
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. Registration required via lcfpd.org/calendar/.
Best Roses for Your Garden: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 13, in Chicago Botanic Garden’s Regenstein Center Design Studio, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Heather Prince, horticulturist, garden writer and editor, will show common selections, hardy heirlooms, species, and climbers. Learn basic culture and care, plus discover the best roses for your own growing conditions. Includes an outdoor walk to examine the flowers up close. Dress for the weather. $49. Register: chicagobotanic.org.
Stop the Flop: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 13, at Morton Arboretum's Thornhill Education Center, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Kasey Eaves, owner of Vivant Gardening Services, offers a practical, hands-on workshop on helping tall, floppy plants stay upright without bulky cages and constant staking. Learn smart plant pairings that provide natural support, simple pruning techniques to control height and shape, and how to use the Chelsea Chop to encourage sturdier, bushier growth. $39. Register: mortonarb.org.
Native Bulbs and Their Allies: 1:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday, June 13, via Zoom with Chicago Botanic Garden. Native North American bulbs can make great additions to your spring and summer gardens. Learn how to plant and care for Canada lilies, eastern camas, violet wood sorrel, and allied species such as Jack-in-the-pulpit, bloodroot, and dwarf crested iris. Leave with a list of bulbs and allies suitable for many garden settings. $65. Register: chicagobotanic.org.
Tree and Shrub Identification: 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 16, at Ryders Woods, 556 Lake Ave., Woodstock. Learn how to identify common native trees and shrubs. Class will be outside, so dress for the weather. Hosted by The Land Conservancy of McHenry County. $10. Register by June 14 at conservemc.org.
Welcome to Birding: 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, at Elmhurst Public Library, 125 S. Prospect Ave, Elmhurst; 7 p.m. Thursday, June 25, at Schaumburg Library, 130 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg; and 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, at Glen Ellyn Public Library, 400 Duane St., Glen Ellyn. Daily Herald “Words on Birds” columnist Jeff Reiter will discuss birds, birding and birders. Get fun insights about the nature of birdwatching and why it's so popular. 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 via the library websites, elmhurstpubliclibrary.org, schaumburglibrary.org or gepl.org.
Native Plant Identification: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 20, at Morton Arboretum's Cudahy Room, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Horticulturalist Cari Dale will show what to look for when identifying a plant. Then join in walking the grounds with an expert, learning the names and identifying characteristics of common native plants of northern Illinois. Open to all experience levels. $39. Register: mortonarb.org.
Family Container Gardening: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 20, at St. James Farm, 2S541 Winfield Road, Warrenville. Celebrate Pollinator Week with the family by bringing a bit of nature to your backyard. Learn about common native wildflowers, how to identify them, and why they’re important to wildlife. Then get your hands dirty mixing dirt and potting up your own container of native plants for home. Supplies and plants provided. All ages; under 18 with an adult. $25 per family. Register: dupageforest.org.
The Evening Garden: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, June 25, in Chicago Botanic Garden’s Regenstein Center Design Studio, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Learn about key garden features that enhance the sights, sounds, and scents of the garden at this sunset hour. A classroom lecture is followed by a walk to immerse yourself in the evening garden. Dress for the weather. Led by Nina Kozial, horticulturist and writer. $49. Register: chicagobotanic.org.
Birds, Bees, and Butterflies: 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, June 30, at Cary Area Library, 1606 Three Oaks Road, Cary. Sarah Michehl of The Land Conservancy of McHenry County shows how to attract monarchs and other butterflies, plus birds and bees to your yard. Free. Register: conservemc.org.
Garden shows
PlantCon Chicago 2026: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 20-21, at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. The largest plant convention in the nation is coming for the first time in the Midwest. It is a community-driven celebration of plants, people, and culture. PlantCon connects thousands of plant lovers, hundreds of small businesses, and creators in an inclusive space built to inspire and grow together. Advance tickets are $39 to $249; $55 for a two-day pass or $45 for Sunday at the door. plantcon.org/chicago/tickets.
Garden walks
24th annual Garden Gait: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 14. Lisle Woman’s Club’s major fundraising event showcases beautiful gardens at homes across Lisle. Begin at the Museum at Lisle Station Park, 921 School St. in Lisle. where you will pick up a booklet directing you to the gardens. Stop by the craft fair at the Museum Park and enter the club’s gift baskets raffle. The Netzley-Yender House offers complimentary refreshments during the event. Tickets are $20 before 10 p.m. Saturday, June 13, via lislewomansclub.org/garden-gait or $25 day of. Raffle tickets are $2 each or six for $10 when purchased at the event.
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.
Oak Park and River Forest Garden Walk: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday June 28. Enjoy a self-guided tour of seven beautiful private gardens and two community gardens during the 32nd annual event hosted by Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory and the Garden Club of Oak Park and River Forest. Advance tickets are $20 until 5 p.m. Saturday June 27. Afterward, all tickets are $25 (cash, credit, or check). Children, age 12 or under, are free. On the day of the walk, purchase tickets or exchange your pre-purchased ticket between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Elizabeth F. Cheney Mansion, 220 N. Euclid Ave. in Oak Park, or the Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield St. in Oak Park. As the garden tour will require transportation, car pooling is recommended. No strollers or pets are allowed in the gardens. Rain or shine. Tickets: gcoprf.org.
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.
Evanston Garden Walk: Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 28, in Evanston. Featuring eight gardens from all around town, including an 1880s home with English and prairie style gardens; and a garden with shade-loving plants and containers under one of the largest cottonwood trees in town. Most gardens are navigable although steep inclines and steps do occur in some. No strollers allowed. All proceeds help provide scholarships for children to attend the Evanston Ecology Center's summer camps. Rain or shine. $25 each or $20 each for a group of 6 or more (advance); or $30 day of. Tickets: evanstonenvironment.org/gardenwalk.
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. 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.