Home & garden calendar, June 30-July 11

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

Plant Giveaway: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays to Fridays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, to Sept. 27, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Volunteers or staff in the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden share information about the featured plant and encourage visitors to take a seedling home to plant. A care sheet with growing information and use tips is available for visitors to photograph. Note: seedlings or seeds are distributed each program day while supplies last. Featured plants: July 1-12 Landreth Stringless bush bean (seed); July 15-31 Siam Queen Thai basil; Aug. 1-30 Greek oregano; Sept. 2-13 Senposai Komatsuna mustard; and Sept. 16-27 Amish Deer Tongue lettuce. chicagobotanic.org.

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.

Bug-a-Palooza: 1:30 p.m. Sunday, July 12, at River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook. Learn about the amazing diversity of insects as you catch and release them. Free. fpdcc.com/event/bug-a-palooza-3/.

“Year of the Woman Farmer” event: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, in the Woodstock Opera House community room, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock. Featuring Tiffany Eberle Kriner, the author of a book of literary theory, “The Future of the Word,” and a book of lyric essays, “In Thought, Word, and Seed: Reckonings from a Midwest Farm.” She is a professor of English at Wheaton College, where she teaches American literature and coordinates the Aequitas Fellows Program in Public Humanities and Arts, a cohort-based honors program and creative studio. She also farms with her husband, Josh, at Root and Sky Farm in Marengo. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 ($5 from each ticket will be donated to The Land Conservancy). readbetweenthelynes.com.

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/.

Sulky Bird Count: 8:30-10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Aug. 4-25, at Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington. Join a naturalist in exploring this preserve while looking for local birds. A limited supply of binoculars available for loan at select events. All levels of birding skills welcome. Free. fpdcc.com/series/sulky-bird-count/.

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.

Give a Sip fundraiser: 3-6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at the Country Bumpkin Garden Center, 27691 N. Gilmer Road, Mundelein. Lake County Extension Foundation offers an afternoon of raffles, prizes, shopping, and socializing. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener, a Master Naturalist, or a 4-Her, this garden social fundraising event supports all Illinois Extension programs in Lake and McHenry County. $35. extension.illinois.edu/events/.

Garden walks

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. Day-of tickets, $20, at the Master Gardener Demonstration Garden at MCC, parking lot C. mchenry.edu/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/.

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.

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. $5 or $7 for nonresidents. 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.

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.

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/.

Seasonal Tree Walk: 9-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 15 or Aug. 19, 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.

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. For 18 or older. 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. $5 or $7 for nonresidents. Register: lcfpd.org/calendar/.

Sunday Stroll: 9-10:15 a.m. Sunday, July 19, at Lakewood Forest Preserve, 27277 Forest Preserve Road, Wauconda. Join an environmental educator for a leisurely stroll, offering a closer look at plants, birds and other wildlife. Meet at the parking lot off Route 176. 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/.

Walk on the Wild Side: 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday, July 26, in a Bull Valley prairie off Marshland Way. The landowners began their native prairie restoration project in 2017. After clearing invasive buckthorn and honeysuckle, they began seeding small areas with native seeds. Each year, additional sections were added to their native prairie restoration project which currently stands at 2.5 to 3 acres. Maturing native plant areas, as well as new sections, are still undergoing seed bank depletion and clearing. Mowed walking paths meander through the different prairie areas. The colorful blooms of many of the native plants are at their peak in July. 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.

Prairie Walk and Talk: 9-10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 28, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Take a guided walk through the native shoreline and Dixon Prairie. Observe areas not visited by most and learn about the Illinois native plants and the wildlife that depend on them. Dress for the weather. $30. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

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.

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. 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.

Ikenobo Ikebana Society Chicago Chapter Show: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 22-23, in the Burnstein Hall at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Regenstein Center, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Presented by the Ikenobo Ikebana Society, Chicago Chapter. Ikenobo is the origin of Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging. Admission to the show is free with general admission to the Chicago Botanic Garden. chicagobotanic.org.

Heirloom Garden Show: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30, at Garfield Farm Museum, 3N016 Garfield Road, Campton Hills. Museum antique flower, vegetable gardens and prairie plots on display with growers of heirloom varieties displaying and selling. $8 or $3 children under 13. garfieldfarm.org.

BioBlitz

Food Forest Trail BioBlitz: 10-11:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 7, at Apple Creek Food Forest, 3210 Dean St., Woodstock. Interested in learning more about our local flora and fauna? Join The Land Conservancy of McHenry County in walking the Creekside trail and help document as many species of plants, insects and any other wildlife you see. Free. Register: conservemc.org/event/food-forest-trail-bioblitz/.

Workshops

Tips and Tricks for Successful Home Composting: 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, via Zoom. Hosted by Wild Ones Lake-to-Prairie Chapter and the University of Illinois Extension-Lake County. Jeannette Legge and Joy Gajda, Lake County Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists and Compost Ambassadors, on making composting work for any home. Learn about different methods, including indoor systems like Bokashi and vermiculture, to select the optimal system for you. Topics will include troubleshooting common issues and finding ways to move beyond “batch” composting to a more sustainable, continuous process for success. Get your questions answered in the open Q&A as well. Register: extension.illinois.edu/global/events

Welcome to Birding: 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, at Glen Ellyn Public Library, 400 Duane St., Glen Ellyn; and 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 will be available for sale and signing. Register for this free event via the library websites, gepl.org or gailborden.info.

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.

Monarchs, Milkweed, and More: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Spend a day immersed in monarch butterfly beauty, life cycles, adaptations, interactions with other organisms, and other concepts. While getting tips for creating pollinator-friendly gardens, learn about conservation issues and monarch tagging to track migration, and discover a technique for estimating population sizes. $45. 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.

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.

Insects and Invertebrates: 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.

The Buzz on Bees: 1:30 p.m. Sunday, July 19, at River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook. See the beehives and meet the beekeepers to learn about bees, pollination and honey. Free. fpdcc.com.

Growing a Tea Garden: 6-7 p.m. July 20, at Waukegan Public Library, 128 N County St., Waukegan. Learn what plants you can grow in this area to create or enhance your own tea blends. It will focus on a vast array of plants that can be used for making tea. Comprehensive plant list provided. Presented by the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners, in partnership with the Waukegan Public Library. Free, Register: extension.illinois.edu/events/.

American Native Plants-The Favorites of European Gardeners: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Contemporary garden designers worldwide are embracing American native plants as integral components of their landscapes. Reexamine some of the best American native trees, shrubs, perennials, and spring ephemerals. Learn how to integrate these plants into gardens traditionally dominated by nonnative species, creating landscapes that are both beautiful and ecologically resilient. Dress for the weather. $49. chicagobotanic.org.

The Gravel Garden: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, July 23, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Explore the art of gravel gardening with Jeff Epping, as he shares insights, designs, and techniques from his new book, “The Gravel Garden: Visionary, Drought-Defying, Naturalistic Design.” Discover insights of leading naturalistic designers, as well as practical techniques for various scales and applications, from intimate home settings to small and large public and commercial spaces. The book will be available for purchase in class. $74. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

Evening Mothing!: 8:30-10 p.m. Thursday, July 23, at Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest. For National Moth Week, learn about this elusive night-time pollinator and visit the “moth traps.” It is for ages 8 or older with adult. Registration required; contact organizer to sign up. fpdcc.com/event/.

After Hours-Moth Talk: 8-10 p.m. Friday, July 24, at Hennen Conservation Area, 4622 Dean St., Woodstock. What really happens when the sun goes down? Adults, age 18 or older, can celebrate Moth Week by hanging out, enjoying s’mores and campfire games while waiting for our nocturnal insect friends to join the party. Bring a chair and bug spray. Register: conservemc.org.

Gardening for Moths: 7-8 p.m. Thursday, July 30, online. 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 or $5 for nonresidents. Registration required via lcfpd.org/calendar/.

Plan Your Native Plant Garden: 7-8 p.m. Thursday, July 30, at Cary Area Library 1606 Three Oaks Road, Cary. Planning on starting a new native plant garden? Sarah Michehl from The Land Conservancy of McHenry County will talk about site preparation, favorite plant choices, the pollinator connection, and vital maintenance tips to make any garden a success. Free. Register: conservemc.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.

The World of Edible Flowers: 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, at Morton Arboretum Thornhill Education Center, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Journey through the world of edible flowers with this photo-based presentation from Marcy Lautanen-Raleigh of Backyard Patch Herbs. Discover the delicious flavors and beneficial properties of many common garden plants. Learn about over 20 edible flowers — like day lilies, anise hyssop, and flowering herbs — and get tips on how to harvest, preserve, and prepare them. Also learn the culinary and medicinal properties of purslane and garlic mustard. Receive suggested plant lists and a selection of recipes to try. $42-$49. Register: mortonarb.org.

Designing for Change in the Native Perennial Garden: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at Morton Arboretum Thornhill Education Center, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. In this interactive program, learn how to keep your native garden from getting away from you. It covers: how native perennials are different from traditional garden perennials; how to emulate natural plant communities by planting in layers; how to think about plant sociability; how to prepare a site for new planting. Led by Angela Bowman, Bowman Gardens Ecological Garden Design. $32-$39. Register: mortonarb.org.

The Ecology of Oaks: 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, at the Cary Area Public Library meeting room, 1606 Three Oaks Road, Cary. Native oaks are a keystone species that many other species rely on. How do they connect with other woodland plants, and what can you do to help our native oak trees? Sarah Michehl of TLC will share more about the fascinating life of oak trees. Register: conservemc.org.

Reaping the Harvest: 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, at University of Illinois Extension office, 100 S. Route 45, Grayslake. Learn about collection, processing, and sowing of native seeds with Luke Dahlberg, native seed program manager at Citizens for Conservation. Hosted by Wild Ones Lake-to-Prairie Chapter and the University of Illinois Extension Lake County. Seeds are key for restoring our ecosystems and adding native plants to our yards. As diverse as our native plants are, they are equally diverse in how they disperse their seeds. Participants will look at different approaches for seed collection, equipment, and techniques to clean that seed, and sowing to get the best results out of those seeds. Register: extension.illinois.edu/events/.

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.