Home & garden calendar, Aug. 11-22
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. Note: seedlings or seeds are distributed each program day while supplies last. Featured plants: Aug. 1-30 Greek oregano. chicagobotanic.org.
Sulky Bird Count: 8:30-10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, through Aug. 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/.
Schaumburg Community Garden Club: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, at Spring Valley Nature Center, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Heather Prince will present “Fall Flowers in the Garden.” Discover the various options for vibrant fall blooms and learn tips to grow these flowers. Prince is a trained horticulturist specializing in trees, shrubs, and native plants. She has been a part of the green industry for more than 20 years in numerous capacities, public and private. The business meeting starts promptly at 7 p.m.; doors open at 6:30 p.m. Visit schaumburggardenclub.org or facebook.com/schaumburggardenclub/.
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.
Bloomingdale Garden Club: 6:15-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, at Cornerstone Faith Community Church, 118 First St., Bloomingdale. Veronica Porter, owner of Ask Aunt V, will speak about “Indoor Gardening to Extend the Season, from Houseplants to Succulents.” Porter is a third-generation organic farmer, chef, culinary instructor, and food educator for homes and gardens. She is a licensed chef and holds a Master’s of Organic Urban Farming and Gardening. 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.
Garden Club of Inverness: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, at All Saints Lutheran Church, 630 S. Quentin Road in Palatine. McKenzie Sweno, an archaeology assistant, will present “The ABCs of Archaeology — Artifacts, Bills, & Conserving Cultures.” Her talk will focus on how archaeology is regulated and enforced within both federal and state policies, and what she does as an archaeology assistant on projects, including pictures of artifacts she has found and sites worked. She also will discuss how current federal changes have put major archaeological sites at risk of development and mining, which would destroy very important indigenous cultural sites across the country. For information, visit gardenclubofinverness.com or facebook.com/Gardenclubofinverness/.
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/.
Family drop-in on butterflies: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, at Edward L. Ryerson Welcome Center, 21950 North Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods. Discover the fascinating world of butterflies. Learn which flying jewels can be found in Lake County while exploring interactive learning stations and a craft. Adult supervision required. Meet at the Ryerson Welcome Center. Free. lcfpd.org/calendar/.
The Buzz on Bees: 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, 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/event/the-buzz-on-bees-6/.
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/.
Acorns to Oaks: 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, at the operations and public safety facility, 19808 W. Grand Ave., Lake Villa. Get an insider look at how the Lake County Forest Preserves restores and protects Lake County's natural lands. During a one-hour, behind-the-scenes tour, learn how the district staff ensures every acre of habitat they restore remains ecologically healthy and provides a continuous benefit to our communities. The tour is entirely indoors, though portions of the facility have minimal temperature and humidity controls, which can feel similar to outdoor temperatures. Free. Register: lcfpd.org/preservation-foundation/event2/.
Summer Artisan Series-Floral Arranging: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, at Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington. Ages 18 or older can get crafty on select evenings. New topics each month. Free. Register: fpdcc.com/event/.
Lombard Garden Club: 12:30 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.” Besides the trees, prairies, wetlands and habitats found throughout its 26,000 acres, the district has been a leader in using alternative fuels and introducing green, sustainable initiatives. 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. $35. Tickets: extension.illinois.edu/events/.
Plant sales
Chicagoland Daylily Society’s Daylily Sale: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 22, at the covered outdoor pavilion at American Legion Post 80, 4000 Saratoga Ave., Downers Grove. Featuring beautiful, unique and registered cultivars. Rain or shine. Visit chicagolanddaylilysociety.org.
Go Green Winnetka Fall Native Plant Sale: 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Indian Hill Park, 131 Wilson St., Winnetka. It offers more than 40 varieties of native plants. These plants attract pollinators, enhance stormwater management, and thrive with minimal fuss in a Midwest climate. Native plant experts will be on hand to guide you in choosing the perfect additions for your garden. Zelle, PayPal, and credit cards accepted. No pre-orders. For planning tips and plant details, go to gogreenwinnetka.org/fall-native-plant-sale.
Garden walks
GoGreen Mount Prospect Native Garden Tour: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16. Tour Mount Prospect gardens that incorporate native plants and trees. Visit at your own leisure, whether walking, biking or driving to each site. Pick up educational materials on creating a more sustainable yard. Free. Map available the week of the tour at gogreenmp.org/upcoming-events/.
America 250 Garden Walk: 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.
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.
Sunday Stroll: 9-10:15 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, at Pine Dunes, 42909 Hunt Club Road, Antioch. An environmental educator will lead a leisurely stroll and offer participants a closer look at plants, birds and other wildlife. Lightweight long sleeves and pants, closed-toe shoes, and a hat are recommended. Meet at the main parking lot. Free. Register: lcfpd.org/calendar/.
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.
Wildflowers in the Prairie Walk: 9:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 21, at Carl R. Hansen Woods, Sutton Road/Route 59, south of Shoe Factory Road, near Schaumburg. Learn about the natural history and wildflowers of Shoe Factory Road Prairie on this 2-mile walk. Bring sun protection and water. Free. Register: fpdcc.com/event/.
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.
Junior Naturalist Walk: 10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, at Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington. Earn a Junior Naturalist badge by taking a short walk, then doing an indoor activity book. Ages 6-12 with caregiver. Free. Register: fpdcc.com/event/junior-naturalist-walk-6/.
Evening bird walk: 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, at Middlefork Savanna, 1401 Middlefork Drive, Lake Forest. Age 8 or older can join in an evening of summer birdwatching during the glow of the golden hour when the preserves come alive with avian activity. Registration is required. $5 or $7 for nonresidents. Register: lcfpd.org/calendar/.
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
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. 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. Hosted by Wild Ones Lake-to-Prairie Chapter and the University of Illinois Extension Lake County. Register: extension.illinois.edu/events/.
Autumn Container Workshop: 10-11 a.m., 1-2 p.m. and 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Create your own cool-season container with a variety of plants suitable for a full-sun or partial-shade location. It may include annuals, perennials, herbs, decorative foliage, cool-season vegetables, ornamental grasses, and gourds. Your design will be made in a 14-inch, sturdy, biodegradable container you can display as is or place in a decorative pot or urn. Dress for the weather; class will move indoors if needed. Bring gloves if desired. $110. Register: chicagobotanic.org.
How to Divide Perennials: 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Learn tips and tricks on dividing perennials in the fall. Explore the basics, then head outside to put these skills into practice. Bring gloves. Dress for the weather. Led by Heather Sherwood, senior horticulturist. $36. Register: chicagobotanic.org.
Garden shows
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.
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.