Home & garden calendar, June 23-July 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
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/.
South Barrington Garden Club: 9:30 a.m. Thursday, July 2, at South Barrington Park District, 3 Tennis Club Lane. Hands-on project to celebrate America's 250th birthday. Learn how to turn a bunch of flowers from your local grocery store into a lovely centerpiece. August program will be a docent-led tour of Crabtree Nature Center. Visit sbgclub.org.
Rolling Meadows Garden Club: 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, at the Rolling Meadows Community Center’s Laurel Room, 3705 Pheasant Drive. In “Crafting Summer Herbal Mocktails,” Marcy Lautanen-Raleigh will demonstrate how to make simple syrups and herb extractions to craft a variety of herb flavored and scented alcohol-free mocktails. This hands-on masterclass dives into the art of herbal mocktails, demonstrating how to make simple syrups, herb extractions, and bitters to elevate your hosting game. Reinventing party punches with herbal ingredients, and mixing classic mocktails like martinis, fizzes, and sours. Marcy Lautanen-Raleigh is a seasoned herbalist, culinary artist, and educator with a passion for promoting the use of herbs in everyday life. She founded Backyard Patch Herbs, a hub for herbal education, artisanal blends, and the celebration of nature's bounty. Speaker presentation at 6:30 p.m. with club business at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome. Visit rollingmeadowsgardenclub.com for more details.
Rooted in Joy-Land, Legacy & Belonging: 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, at Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave, Chicago. As part of Chicago Botanic Garden’s “America Grows: 250 Years of Garden Stories,” join a conversation exploring the deep connections between Black American history, land, food, and community in the Midwest and Chicago. From Southern agricultural knowledge carried north during the Great Migration to present-day urban farming and food access work in Chicago, the panel will trace how gardens have long served as spaces of nourishment, creativity, resilience, and community. The panel features a scholar, a Chicago-based urban agriculture leader, and a culinary cultural voice. Free; $10 or $15 donation welcome. Register: chicagobotanic.org/america-grows/.
Trade & Spade Houseplant Exchange: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at Glenside Library, 25 E. Fullerton Ave., Glendale Heights. Whether you are dividing a snake plant or sharing a spider plant, this is the chance to trade your overgrown favorites and talk shop with fellow green thumbs. Limit contributions to pots 8 inches or less and only bring containers or bags you are willing to part with. Questions, contact info@glensidepld.org or (630) 260-1550.
Got Milkweed?: 10:30-11:45 a.m. Sunday, July 12, at St. James Farm, 2S541 Winfield Road, Warrenville. Learn about the monarch butterfly life cycle and migration and ways to help monarchs and other pollinators. Then hunt for butterflies, eggs, and caterpillars in our native prairie gardens. Ages 12 and up; under 18 with an adult. $5 per person. Register: dupageforest.org.
Plant Bingo fundraiser: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, July 16, at The Growing Place, 2000 Montgomery Road, Aurora. An adults-only Plant Bingo night! Play to win plants and gardening stuff, with proceeds benefiting Charity Blooms. 21-or-older event. $15. online or $20 at the door. Register: thegrowingplace.com.
Garden Club for kids: 3:30-4:15 p.m. Fridays, 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.
Bloomingdale Garden Club: 6:15-8 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, at Cornerstone Faith Community Church, 118 First St., Bloomingdale. In “Don’t Squash That Bug!” with Jim Rowan, learn about insects and spiders, how to distinguish them, and separate some of the “good guys” from the “bad guys.” Rowan, who has a degree in natural science from Northeastern Illinois University, has been associated with North Park Village Nature Center in Chicago and the Ft. Dearborn Audubon Society. He has lectured to many organizations and schools over the past 25 years. Join this interesting look into the fascinating world of insects and their impact on our environment. 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: Monday, July 27, at Aquascape, 901 Aqualand Way, St. Charles. Aquascape, which creates ponds, waterfalls, pondless streams, and fountains, also has designed water features for Lincoln Park Zoo, Shedd Aquarium and Brookfield Zoo. Tour their facilities inside and out, including the Pond Shop, Inspiration Center, and Aqua Gardens and hear a brief educational talk. Visit pottagardenclub.org or facebook.com/pottagardenclub/.
Hoffman Estates Garden Club’s “Ask Our Experts”: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, at Township of Schaumburg, 1 Illinois Blvd., Hoffman Estates. Get answers to those pesky questions you’ve been asking yourself. Maybe you don’t know where to start, or don’t have time to research, get conflicting information. This is a chance to pick the brains of the club’s gardening experts on an array of topics. Nonmembers welcome. The club offers several presentations and field trips throughout the year. The club meets on the first Thursday of the month, starting in August. hoffmanestatesgardenclub.com/events/.
Plant Bingo fundraiser: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, at The Growing Place, 2000 Montgomery Road, Aurora. An adults-only Plant Bingo night! Play to win plants and gardening stuff, with proceeds benefiting local horticulture nonprofits. 21-or-older event. $15. online or $20 at the door. Register: thegrowingplace.com.
Create a Lego Garden: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at Chicago Botanic Garden’s Lenhardt Library, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Create a Lego garden with artist Alysa Kirkpatrick. Lego bricks will be available throughout the exhibition for attendees to create their own dream garden from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays. Lego creations stay at the garden. Free with admission; no registration required. chicagobotanic.org/america-grows.
Meet a Lego Garden Artist: Saturday, Sept. 19, at Chicago Botanic Garden’s Krehbiel Gallery, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Find out how artist Rocco Buttliere created the Farm on Ogden Lego model. Lego bricks will be available throughout the exhibition for attendees to create their own dream garden from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays. Lego creations stay at the garden. Free with admission; no registration required. chicagobotanic.org/america-grows.
Plant sale
Little City’s Annual Plant Sale: Through June 27, at Little City Horticulture Center, 1740 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine. Every purchase supports a fully operational horticulture center that also serves as a vocational skills program for individuals with developmental disabilities. Sale hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Visit facebook.com/LittleCityOrg.
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: growwellnessfoundation.org/events.
Hidden Gems Garden Walk: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 27. 14th annual self-guided tour will feature five local gardens, including a native garden inspired by Doug Tallamy’s Homegrown National Park initiative, gardens on both small and large lots, art integrated into the landscape, an innovative water feature at a home entrance, and a terraced slope leading to a pergola with one of the highest views in Lake County. Wild Ones will be on hand to offer guidance on native plants and habitat-friendly gardening. Select garden stops will also feature nature-based vendors with jewelry, paintings, and sculptures. $20 in advance online (fees apply) or the Libertyville Village Hall, 118 W Cook Ave. $25 day of. Tickets: towncountrygardenclub.com/gardenwalk or facebook.com/towncountrygardenclublibertyville
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, 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 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.
America 250 Garden Walks: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursdays, July 9 or Sept. 10, at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Join a 90-minute stroll through the gardens with horticulture director Jamie Burghardt. This year’s display theme is America 250. Several key components of modern everyday Americana either debuted or gained fame at Chicago’s 1893 Columbian Exposition. From architecture to snack foods to the democratic sense of what being part of America meant, the fair inspires props that are further interpreted with Cantigny’s renowned seasonal summer displays. Also, learn about the fabrication of the fabric art piece, Gallantly Streaming, in the patriotic-colored Upper Garden. $25 (includes one canned or bottled beverage). Tickets: cantigny.org/event.
Long Grove-Kildeer Garden Club Garden Walk: 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, July 10. Featuring several gorgeous gardens, each with a unique style and story, from native wildflower restoration to shady hosta heaven. A selection of light refreshments will be provided. Register to receive an email with directions to the gardens about four days before the garden walk. $21; children age 12 and under are free. Register: tinyurl.com/2026gardenwalk. Questions? Email lgkgardenclub@gmail.com.
MCC Garden Walk 2026: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 11, starting at the outdoor Demonstration Garden at McHenry County College, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. Illinois Extension Master Gardeners and MCC host a self-guided tour of nine gardens (two public gardens and seven residential) in Crystal Lake, Woodstock, McHenry, and Bull Valley. Master Gardeners on-site at each garden to answer questions as participants walk through colorful gardens studded with artwork, edible plots, and more. Advance tickets, $15, may be purchased through June 26 at mchenry.edu/gardenwalk or day of for $20 at the Master Gardener Demonstration Garden at MCC, parking lot C.
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/.
20th annual Downers Grove Garden Walk: 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 11. The fundraiser supports the work of Downers Grove First United Methodist Church Bridge Board in providing transitional housing and mentoring for previously homeless families. $20 in advance; tickets available in mid-June at the following locations: Anderson’s Bookshop, 5112 Main St., Downers Grove; Community Bank of Downers Grove, 1111 Warren Ave.; Phillip’s Flowers & Gifts, 528 N. Cass Ave., Westmont; or The Growing Place, 25W471 Plank Road, Naperville. Online at dgfumc.org/give. $25 at any of the gardens or in the church parking lot from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Grayslake in Bloom: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 18. Self-guided tour featuring six neighborhood gardens and a public garden. Meet the gardeners who design and nurture the featured gardens. Share landscaping and gardening ideas with fellow community residents. Net proceeds will help fund scholarships, civic plantings, and other garden club programs to support the local community. Advance tickets are $10 or $15 day of; free for under age 12 with paid adult. Tickets available online via grayslakegardenclub.org/garden-walk or at Grayslake Farmers Market from 3-7 p.m. July 8 and 15, or from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 18, near Centennial Plaza on Center St.
Lincolnshire Garden Club Garden Walk: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 18, rain or shine. Six gardens will be paired with local artists. All proceeds go toward grants to the community. Tickets ordered online at lincolnshiregardenclub.com for $20 in advance or $25 day of walk. Pick up tickets the day of the walk from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Spring Lake Park, 49 Oxford Drive where you get a brochure with the addresses of the gardens.
Lake County Master Gardeners’ 40th Anniversary Garden Tours: 10-11 a.m. Friday, July 24, at Deerfield Area Historic Village Gardens, 450 Kipling Place, Bannockburn. In partnership with the Deerfield Area Historical Society, Lake County Extension Master Gardeners have helped to establish and maintain multiple gardens in and around the village's five historic buildings, which date from the mid-1830s and include the oldest log house in Lake County. Vegetable and native plant gardens are supplemented by a small orchard that features three, semi-dwarf heirloom apple trees. Potato barrels and native black currant shrubs are also featured. To commemorate the 40th anniversary, they are hosting a series of public tours of Master Gardener project sites around Lake County that showcase the public service and outreach provided by Master Gardener volunteers. Register: extension.illinois.edu.
Nature walks/bike rides
America Grows walking tour: 11 a.m., noon, 1 and 2 p.m. weekdays, to Sept. 25, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Join a guided walking tour of the garden and get a closer look at the Heritage Garden, Fruit & Vegetable Garden, and more. This tour features “America Grows: 250 Years of Garden Stories.” Hear about the garden’s history and development, including the Skokie River Corridor and current initiatives. Free with admission; no registration required, 45 minutes and covers 0.6 miles. Register: chicagobotanic.org/america-grows.
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.
Red, White & Blue Nature Walk: 10:30 a.m. Sunday, July 5, at Trailside Museum building, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest. As part of America 250, join a naturalist for a guided hike on our trails and look for our nation’s flag colors in nature. Registration required; contact organizer to sign up via fpdcc.com/event/red-white-blue-nature-walk-2/.
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/.
Family Evening Hike-Wildlife at Dusk: 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, July 10, at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center, 3609 Spring Road, Oak Brook. Join an adventure with short stops along the way, kid-friendly activities, and a take-home spotlight card. All ages; under 13 with an adult. $10 per family. Register: dupageforest.org.
CCC at Fullersburg, A Guided History Hike: 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays, July 11 and Aug. 22, at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center, 3609 Spring Road, Oak Brook. Visit trails and structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps on a 2.5-mile hike that explores the legacy of the World War I veterans who helped shape the preserve during the Great Depression. Ages 16 and up; under 18 with an adult. $10 per person. Register: dupageforest.org.
Morning Prairie Walk: 8:30 a.m. Wednesdays, July 15 and Aug. 19, at Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington. Join a hike around Phantom Prairie for ages 12 or older. Free; no registration required. fpdcc.com/event/morning-prairie-walk/.
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/.
Bike Tour of the Gardens: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 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/.
Forest Invaders Hike: 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, at Fullersburg Woods, 3609 Spring Road, Oak Brook. Ages 18 and up can take a short hike with plant experts, and learn how to identify nonnative and invasive species in the wild by leaf, root, and stem. $5. Register: dupageforest.org.
Family Evening Hike-Sounds of the Evening: 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center, 3609 Spring Road, Oak Brook. Join an adventure with short stops along the way, kid-friendly activities, and a take-home spotlight card. All ages; under 13 with an adult. $10 per family. Register: dupageforest.org.
Family Evening Hike-Trees & Trails: 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center, 3609 Spring Road, Oak Brook. Join an adventure with short stops along the way, kid-friendly activities, and a take-home spotlight card. All ages; under 13 with an adult. $10 per family. Register: dupageforest.org.
Workshops
Insects and Invertebrates: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 24, at Woodstock Public Library, 414 W. Judd St., and 10 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, July 17, at Avon Township Center, 433 E. Washington St., Round Lake Park. Kids in kindergarten to fourth grade can join University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists to explore the tiny but amazing world of insects and other invertebrates. Kids can discover cool characteristics and species through photos, preserved specimens, and live critters, as well as by catching their own bugs. Free. Register: extension.illinois.edu/global/events.
Welcome to Birding: 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, schaumburglibrary.org or gepl.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.
Scents and Sensations: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 2, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Immerse yourself in the scents, textures, sounds, and even tastes of the Sensory Garden. Explore the grounds with horticulturist Bridget Kiernan who tends these plants every day. Breathe in fragrant blooms, feel varied bark surfaces, hear rustling leaves, and sample edible plants. Dress for the weather. $29-$36. Register: chicagobotanic.org.
Identifying Edible Plants with The Wild Dryad: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, July 11, 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.
Summer Pruning of Trees & Shrubs: 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 11, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Today’s pruning of your trees and shrubs will define how they grow for years to come. Learn which cuts are essential, which cuts to avoid, and which cuts are a matter of your personal style. Bring pruners. Dress for the weather. $29-$36. Register: chicagobotanic.org.
Gardening in Comfort: 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, July 14, at the University of Illinois Extension Lake County office, 100 Route 45, Grayslake. Learn about adaptive tools, equipment and techniques to best fit the needs of the gardener. Anyone, at any age, can garden with greater ease, preventing injury and reducing stress on the body. Included in the presentation will be a display of adaptive tools. Register: extension.illinois.edu.
Nature Poetry Walk: 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Take a leisurely walk in the garden and along the way, read and discuss selected poems that celebrate nature, the wilderness, and plants. Perfect for poetry lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a peaceful, creative escape. Led by Brook Nelson, assistant horticulturist. Dress for the weather. $19-$24. Register: chicagobotanic.org.
Tropical Bonsai Workshop: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, July 16, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Summer is the best time to work on your tropical bonsai trees. This comprehensive workshop covers all aspects of tropical tree care including species used, styles, and soil types. Bring your tree ready for critique, styling, and repotting, and set a course for the future of your bonsai tree. Bring your own tree, tools, and soil if repotting. Led by Chris Baker, curator of bonsai. $59-$74. Register: chicagobotanic.org.
Hydrangeas 101: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 1, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Learn about the most commonly planted hydrangeas in northern Illinois and techniques for pruning and caring for them in this introductory class. A garden walk to examine the various types of these dependable and ornamental garden gems will follow the talk. Dress for the weather. $59-$74. Register: chicagobotanic.org.
Welcome to Birding: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, at Gail Borden Public Library’s Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. 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 available for sale and signing. Free; register at gailborden.info.
Garden shows
Gardener's Art Fest: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at The Growing Place, 25W471 Plank Road, Naperville. Shop for one-of-a-kind botanical art from over 40 local artists and makers. Enjoy live music as you shop the art with folk-rock singer and songwriter Aaron Kelly from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and acoustic singer and songwriter Danny Rose from 2 to 5 p.m. Watch Plein Air Painters capture the landscape on their easels throughout the gardens. Free admission. For the artist lineup, go to thegrowingplace.com/event/gardeners-art-fest-2026/.
Cactus & Succulent Society of Greater Chicago Show & Sale: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 18-19, in the Burnstein Hall at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Regenstein Center, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. A show and sale presented by the Cactus and Succulent Society of Greater Chicago featuring plants grown by members of the society. Admission to the show is free with general admission to Chicago Botanic Garden. chicagobotanic.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.
Celebrations Around the World Flower Show: Noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at American Legion Post 911, 515 S. Main St., Wauconda. Presented by Grayslake Greenery Garden Club and Wauconda Garden Club. Celebrating festivals, traditions, and celebrations from around the globe expressed through floral designs and horticultural exhibits. Free. grayslakegardenclub.org.
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.