Home & garden calendar, July 21-Aug. 1

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

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.

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 15-31 Siam Queen Thai basil; Aug. 1-30 Greek oregano. chicagobotanic.org.

Insects After Dark: 8-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at Hawthorne Hill Nature Center, 28 Brookside Drive, Elgin. Ages 5 or older with an adult can learn how to identify insects at night, using an old sheet and a light. It starts with a quick overview of how to attract insects before going outside. Wear dark clothing, and apply some bug spray. The evening ends with s’mores around the campfire. It is $8 or $10 for nonresidents. Registration is required via elginil.gov/248/Hawthorne-Hill-Nature-Center.

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/.

Garden Club of ​Lake Zurich: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, at Ela Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. Learn about turtles with Kathryn McCabe, a wildlife ecologist for the Lake County Forest Preserves. She has participated in long-term, state-endangered Blanding’s turtle research, including monitoring movements via radiotelemetry and managing threats like fungal disease. Become a member and receive a $25 garden nursery gift card. Refreshments and business meeting follows program. Visit gardencluboflakezurich.org.

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.

Garden Club for kids: 3:30-4:15 p.m. Friday, 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.

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.

Fall Preview Greenhouse Tour: 6-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, at Cantigny Greenhouse, Schaffner Road entrance, Wheaton. The greenhouse manager will lead you through the greenhouse, where you’ll discover a curated selection of plants destined for the gardens. Space is limited. $25 (canned or bottled beverage included). Register: cantigny.org/event/greenhouse-tour-8/.

Pottawatomie Garden Club: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24, at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, 307 Cedar Ave., St. Charles. In “Pumpkins Everywhere,” St. Charles resident Nicole Regan, founder of Perfect Pumpkins, will share memorable pumpkin porch designs and explain the creative choices behind them, along with simple approachable tips for creating inviting fall displays at our home. Perfect Pumpkins, Chicago's first “pumpkin concierge” since 2022, delivers pumpkins to homes and creates elaborate custom front porch displays. All are welcome. Visit pottagardenclub.org or facebook.com/pottagardenclub/.

Lombard Garden Club: 1-3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at the Lombard Community Center, 433 E. St. Charles Road. Daniel Hebreard, president of Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, will speak on “Green Initiatives.” The Forest Preserve district is the leader in everything green in DuPage! Some people may assume this is only the trees, prairies, wetlands and incredible habitats found throughout its 26,000 acres. However, we have also been the leader in alternative fuels, energy and have even taken advantage of opportunities at the landfill sites on preserve property. Learn more about all of these other green, sustainable initiatives happening right in your backyard! All are welcome; no charge. Visit lombardgardenclub.org.

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. $30 through July 31; $35 after. extension.illinois.edu/events/.

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.

BioBlitz event

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/.

Garden shows

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.

Prairie State Bonsai Society exhibition: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 1-2, at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. As part of the Destination Asia Festival, society members from all over the Chicago area will be displaying trees that they have been developing over the years. Also featuring a section of trees in training, so that guests can see bonsai trees in progress. Included in general admission. mortonarb.org.

33rd annual Antique Tool Show & Sale: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, at Garfield Farm Museum, 3N016 Garfield Road, Campton Hills. Joint show by the Early American Industries Association and the Mid-West Tools Collectors Association features over 30 different collectors with tools on display and for sale. Tours of the 1846 teamster inn and tavern begin at 10 a.m. and continue after the show until 4 p.m. Light refreshments available. $8 or $3 for age 12 or under. garfieldfarm.org.

48th Mid-America Bonsai Exhibition: noon to 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 15-16, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Sponsored by the Midwest Bonsai Society, one of the largest regional shows in the nation featuring over 80 world-class trees from across the Midwest and beyond. Trees will be judged by bonsai professional Boon Manakitivipart. Thirty vendors selling thousands of trees, tools, pots, stands, scrolls, soil/fertilizers, etc. Workshops, demonstrations, bonsai tour, tree raffle and society gear available. Included in general admission. chicagobotanic.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. Included in general admission. 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.

Illinois Mycological Association Display & Sale: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, in the Burnstein Hall at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Regenstein Center, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. The show celebrates the richness of fall mushrooms in Illinois. Exhibits 50 to 100 varieties of mushrooms foraged from area forests in the days prior to the show. Members of the Illinois Mycological Association provide information and answer questions regarding mushrooms and fungi. Mushroom-related books, T-shirts and other items are for sale. Included in general admission. Visit chicagobotanic.org or illinoismyco.org.

Central States Dahlia Society’s 59th annual Dahlia Show and Sale: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19-20, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Included in general admission. Visit centralstatesdahliasociety.com/dahlia-show-2026.

Illinois Orchid Society Fall Show & Sale: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 10-11, at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Presented by the Illinois Orchid Society, this show will feature artistically arranged table top displays from the rarest of species to cultivated hybrids. Individual orchids in 128 classes will vie for red, white, and blue ribbons. Twenty-five entries will receive “best of class” green ribbons, and the best-appointed plant in the show will receive the Chicago Horticultural Society Award from American Orchid Society judges. Illinois Orchid Society also providing orchid plants for sale as well as repotting services. Included with general admission. Visit chicagobotanic.org.

Garden walks

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.

America 250 Garden Walks: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, 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.

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.

Moonlight Moth Hike: 8-9:15 p.m. Friday, July 24, at Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. During National Moth Week, a naturalist will show ages 8 or older how to attract moths for data collection. Learn how to bait moths, as well as make your own moth bait, while learning about the marvelous wonders of this nighttime insect in Illinois and worldwide. Children must be accompanied by a paid registered adult. It’s outdoors so dress for the weather. $14. Registration is required via pdhp.org.

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.

Paths of Pollinators Walk: 9-10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Have you ever wondered how bees, butterflies, and other pollinators traverse the flowers at the garden? How are they able to navigate between petals and pistils to find pollen? Take a walk around the garden looking for and learning more about these magnificent creatures. Dress for the weather. $30. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

Bike Tour of the Gardens: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, 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/.

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.

Morning Prairie Walk: 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, 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-3/.

Seasonal Tree Walk: 9-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, 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.

Beginner Bird Walk Main Island: 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Discover the sights and sounds of nature on a relaxed evening bird walk throughout our display gardens. This guided walk will help you spot songbirds, waterfowl, and raptors in their natural habitat. This is a beginner-friendly event; all levels of experience are welcome. Binoculars are recommended but not necessary. Dress for the weather. $30. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

CCC at Fullersburg, A Guided History Hike: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, 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.

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

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 with naturalist staff and visit two of the “moth traps” on the nature center grounds. It is for ages 8 or older with adult. Registration required; contact organizer at (708) 366-6530 to 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.

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.

Native Plants for Difficult Sites: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, on Zoom. Explore a variety of native perennials, shrubs, and trees that tolerate various environmental challenges, including limited sunlight, drought, and difficult soil conditions. Selecting resilient native plants can help reduce maintenance needs, support local wildlife, and enhance your garden’s ecological footprint. Led by Duncan Himmelman, a college horticulture instructor. $65. 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 daylilies, 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.

Night Fliers Mothing Workshop: 7:30-11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. In this evening workshop, a special rig will be set up to draw in some of these night fliers. Learn to recognize various nighttime critters and become acquainted with community science apps that will be used in future research to help preserve our planet. Class will start inside then move outdoors. Dress for the weather. $94-$118. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

Garden Mandala Making: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday Aug. 13, at the Cantigny Education Center, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Meet the guide in the Visitors Center. Hands-on workshop shows how to create your own botanical mandala using items from your garden. Led by Director of Horticulture Jamie Burghardt, learn how to balance your colors and patterns before choosing materials gathered by the horticulture team to create your own mandala. $40 (includes one canned or bottled beverage). Register: cantigny.org/event/mandala-making/.

Fall Garden Care: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Proper garden care in the fall helps ensure healthy plants the next spring. Tim Johnson, senior director of horticulture, will offer techniques for taking care of your lawn, trees, shrubs, and perennials, including fall fertilizing, mulching, cutting back plants, and protecting plants from wind and animals. Get pointers for fall planting of woody plants and spring-flowering bulbs. Dress for the weather. $49. Register: chicagobotanic.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.

Fall Lawn Care: 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Fall is the best time to prepare for a healthy, lush lawn in the upcoming season. Tom Fritz, plant health care specialist, will offer the basics of lawn renovation and how to prepare your lawn for winter. Discuss and observe proper techniques for installing sod, seeding and overseeding, and aerating and fertilizing — all aimed at revitalizing your lawn. Dress for the weather. $49. Register: chicagobotanic.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.