Home & garden calendar, Sept. 14-26

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

Bulk Bulb Sale: Orders open through Sept. 27. Hosted by Woman’s Board of the Chicago Horticultural Society. Online orders cannot be shipped. Orders will be ready for pickup in the Regenstein Center during the Fall Bulb Sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday to Sunday, Oct. 10-12. Proceeds benefit the Chicago Botanic Garden, its research and programs. chicagobotanic.org/bulb/sale.

Gardeners of Central Lake County: 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14, in the CrossLife Evangelical Church basement, 431 W. Austin Ave., Libertyville. Featuring a Mini Show & Veggie Tasting. Visit gardenersofcentrallakecounty.org.

Bringing the Outside In: 1:30-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, online. Four Seasons Gardening Webinar Series continues with “Overwintering Tender Perennial Plants” by Illinois Extension horticulture educator Nancy Kuhajda. Zonal geraniums, black and blue salvia, coleus, and lemon grass are just a few of the dozens of plant varieties northern gardeners often treat as annuals. But these plants have a secret. They are tender perennials that can be overwintered indoors to enjoy again next year. Free. Register: extension.illinois.edu/events/.

Bloomingdale Garden Club: 6:15-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, at Cornerstone Faith Community Church, 118 First St., Bloomingdale. An indoor potluck with some social time and games. 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.

Batavia Plain Dirt Gardeners: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, at The Landings Senior Living multipurpose room, 2450 W. Fabyan Pkwy., Batavia. Note: New location and time. Amber Ross, a naturalist with the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, will relay the story of the American bison's return to Kane County after more than 200 years. All are welcome; sign in at the desk and follow the signs. Visit bataviaplaindirtgardeners.org or facebook.com/BataviaPlainDirtGardeners/.

Acorns to Oaks: 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 15 or Nov. 17, and 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, 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/.

Wild Ones: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16, on Zoom. Sara Weaner Cooper, owner of New Directions in the American Landscape, will guide participants through her family’s gradual transition from lawn to meadow, a project featured in The New York Times in 2024 and the BBC in 2025. She will show how the meadow has evolved through experimentation, ecological processes, changing conditions, and ongoing learning. Free; donations welcome. Register: wildones.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. Note: seedlings or seeds are distributed each program day while supplies last. Featured plants: Sept. 16-27 Amish Deer Tongue lettuce. chicagobotanic.org.

Tri-Village Garden Club: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, at Streamwood Fire Station, 1204 S. Park Ave., Streamwood. Guest Carol Cichorski returns to share “A Few of Her Favorite Things.” Visit facebook.com/TriVillageGardenClub.

Fall Artisan Series-Flower Press: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, at Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington. Ages 18 or older can get crafty on select evenings. Free. Register: fpdcc.com/event/.

Garden Club of Inverness: 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, at All Saints Lutheran Church, 630 S. Quentin Road in Palatine. Heather Fifarek, Little City development director, offers an overview of the Palatine nonprofit’s mission, programs, and services before highlighting the organization’s horticulture program and the meaningful role gardening plays in building vocational skills, confidence, and independence for the individuals it serves. For information, visit gardenclubofinverness.com or facebook.com/Gardenclubofinverness/.

Lincolnshire Garden Club: 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, at Lincolnshire-Riverwoods Fire Station, 671 Woodlands Parkway, Vernon Hills. John Algozzini will present “Landscapes 101.” Continental breakfast at 9:30 a.m. with the business meeting at 9:45 a.m. and program at 10:30 a.m. For membership details, visit lincolnshiregardenclub.com.

Composting Open House: 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, at the Lake County Extension office, 100 S. Route 45, Grayslake. Master Gardeners can help you get your pile back on track. Bring your toughest questions and get real, research-based answers for home composting. Tour the extension grounds to see multiple types of outdoor composting systems in action. Get an up-close look at active indoor vermicomposting and harvesting (worm bins) and Bokashi pre-composting setups. Select a 30-minute time slot via extension.illinois.edu/events/.

From Canopy to Groundlayer, Building Soft Landings: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, on Zoom. Hosted by Natural Habitat Evanston. Pollinator conservationist Heather Holm will discuss keystone plants and the insects that depend on them. Learn how to implement “Soft Landings,” which focuses on creating mini ecosystems beneath native trees to support pollinators throughout their life cycles. Get practical strategies on site preparation methods, herbicide considerations, and building a resilient plant matrix of sedges, cool-season grasses, and flowering keystone species. Register: climateactionevanston.org.

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.

Insects of Autumn: 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook. Look for different insects as fall begins. Free. fpdcc.com/event/insects-of-autumn-2/.

Garden Club of Downers Grove: 12:15-3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, at American Legion Post 80, 4000 Saratoga, Downers Grove. Radio and TV’s “Gardening Guy!” Mike Nowak will present “That Ain't No Way to Treat a Tree!” It starts at 12:15 p.m. for refreshments followed by the club's general meeting then the presentation at 1:45 p.m. Visit gardenclubofdownersgrove.net or facebook.com/gardenclubdownersgrove.

Grayslake Greenery Garden Club: 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, at State Bank of the Lakes, 50 Commerce Drive, Grayslake. In “Chemistry in Your Garden,” Rosalind Franklin University biochemistry professor Eric Walters will discuss how fertilizers fuel plant growth, how soil pH alters nutrient absorption (and why it changes hydrangea colors), when and how to use pesticides, and how selective weed killers choose their targets. Learn how plants use chemistry to talk to each other when under attack. It also covers the practical science of safely handling and storing garden products. Visit grayslakegardenclub.org.

Conservation@Home-Rain Gardening 101: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, at River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook. Ages 13 or older can learn about rain gardening and how this water management strategy can benefit your yard. Presented by Master Gardener Sara Strother. Free. Register: fpdcc.com/event/.

Native Gardener's Club: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, 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. The Sept. 24 session will focus on using native trees and shrubs in your home garden. $5 or free to Lake County residents. Register: lcfpd.org/calendar/.

Lombard Garden Club: 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at the Lombard Community Center, 433 E. St. Charles Road. In “Bats Around the World,” Sharon Peterson will offer an overview of the 1,500 species of bats and their importance to so many ecosystems worldwide. She also will bring a few of her live bats along. All are welcome; no charge. Visit lombardgardenclub.org.

Planting Roots, Growing the Next 250 Years: 8:30-10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Lincoln Marsh, Harrison and Pierce avenues, Wheaton. Join an all-ages celebration of America’s 250th anniversary on National Public Lands Day. Roll up your sleeves to plant, explore, and learn how to care for shared public lands. Free. Register: wheatonparkdistrict.com.

Pottawatomie Garden Club: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28, at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, 307 Cedar Ave., St. Charles. In “Vitalizing Your Landscape,” Ann Baker will speak on ways to revitalize worn-out landscapes. She will consider a partial update or a complete landscape overhaul, giving tips on basic landscape design and creative ways to perk up your landscape. All are welcome. The fall luncheon is planned for October. Visit pottagardenclub.org or facebook.com/pottagardenclub/.

Native Garden Workday for Homeschoolers: 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Edward L. Ryerson Welcome Center, 21950 N. Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods. Homeschool families can learn about the center’s native gardens and assist with ongoing seasonal needs. Activities dependent on season and include weeding, planting, seed collection, pruning, and watering. No experience necessary. For ages 10 or older with an adult. Register: lcfpd.org.

Pollinator garden ribbon cutting: 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, at NAMI of McHenry County, 338 Memorial Drive, Crystal Lake. Celebrate the Pollinator Garden at NAMI, donated by the Rotary Dawnbreakers and Rotary of Algonquin/Lake in the Hills. Free. facebook.com/NAMIMcHenryCounty.

Hoffman Estates Garden Club: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, at the Schaumburg Township building, One Illinois Blvd., Hoffman Estates. Jennifer Brennan returns to present “Pruning Trees & Shrubs.” Social hour with refreshments at 6 p.m. and a short business meeting at 6:30 p.m. Nonmembers are welcome. The club offers several presentations and field trips throughout the year. Visit hoffmanestatesgardenclub.club.

Plant Now for Spring Blooms: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, at Grayslake Area Public Library, 100 Library Lane. Join the Lake County Master Gardeners to learn what to plant now for a vibrant spring garden. Learn how to select, plant, and care for spring-flowering bulbs that provide continuous color from April through June. Discover how to combine bulbs with different bloom times, heights, and colors, choose the right varieties for your landscape, and manage common pest issues. Register: extension.illinois.edu/events/.

“250 Years of American Woodlore”: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Explore the history of how trees have shaped American life and culture with arborist, educator, and woodlore expert Levi O’Brien. Through stories, discussion, and close observation, hike the Arboretum’s trails and learn how the physical and aesthetic characteristics of tree species, their wood, and their many uses have influenced people and communities. In this outdoor program, learn about the traditions and folklore connected to America’s trees, from the role of locust and pine trees in naval battles to the ways roller skating helped transform the textile industry. $32. Register: mortonarb.org.

Garden shows

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.

“A Century in Bloom” flower show: 1 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Wheaton Public Library, 255 N. Cross St. Floral designs, created by Wheaton Garden Club members, reflect the following themes: “Tea for Two,” “Bee My Baby,” “Age of Aquarius,” “Victory Garden,” and “Nature’s Artistry.” “Turn of the Century” horticultural display will exhibit a large variety of specimens of shrubs, trees, flowers, and plants from member gardens. Special exhibits focus on “Invasive Plants of the Midwest,” “Weeds: Friend or Foe,” “Caterpie’s Cafeteria: The Spicebush Caterpillar,” and “Host Plants for Butterflies and Moths.” Free. wheatongardenclub.org.

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 walk

McHenry County Farm Stroll: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27. A self-guided tour of 11 McHenry County’s family farms in Harvard, Marengo, Woodstock, and Bull Valley. Choose the farms you wish to visit and go during the Stroll’s time frame. Some farms offer tours and demonstrations. Follow the farmers’ instructions, respect the animals, and watch your children. Do not bring pets. Free; bring cash as some farmers will be selling products and produce. mchenrycfb.org/farmstroll.

Nature walks

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.

Golden Prairie Walks: 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 16 and 30, at Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington. Join an afternoon stroll. Free. fpdcc.com/event/fall-hiking/.

Seasonal Tree Walk: 9-10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 17 and Oct. 8, 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.

River Trail Nightlife: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook. Learn about nocturnal animals and more on a guided hike. Ages 6 or older. Hosted by Forest Preserve District of Cook County. $5 per person. Register: fpdcc.com/event.

Walk on the Wild Side: 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at Blue Farm, 9513 Reese Road, Harvard. The 80-acre conservation and agricultural easement owned by Kevin Yapp and Alisha Mowbray. Since purchasing the property in 2019, the couple has developed an ornamental garden to replace some of the lawn with native plants. They have begun to reseed one of the two fields previously in a corn-soy rotation with local wildflowers and grasses. The walk also will cover oak forest, remnant prairie and a unique fen centered around four seeps currently being restored with the assistance of The Land Conservancy of McHenry County. Wear sturdy shoes as the paths can be uneven. This is not an open house; two guided walks begin at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Free and no pre-registration required. Hosted by Wildflower Preservation & Propagation Committee. For directions, go to thewppc.org.

Hike Lake County: 3-4:15 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Ethel's Woods, 19330 Miller Road, Antioch; or Sunday, Sept. 27, at Cuba Marsh, 24205 W. Cuba Road, Deer Park. Join one of this year’s Hike Lake County events where you walk a new trail each session. Free. Register: lcfpd.org/calendar/.

Full Moon Guided Hike: 7:30-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. A naturalist will offer moon facts and lore, and discuss how animals are adapted for nighttime. For 16 or older. $26. Register: mortonarb.org.

Wednesday Wilderness Walks: 8-10 a.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 7 to Nov. 4, except Oct. 14, at Lincoln Marsh, Harrison and Pierce avenue, Wheaton. Observe the flora and fauna on a guided nature hike. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea as you learn about some of nature’s wonders before the walk. Ages 18 and up. $5. Register via dupageforest.org or (630) 942-6200, or at the walk.

Rust at Dusk: 5:45-7:15 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, at Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington. Explore an old farm trail surrounded by tallgrass prairie and relics of the past. Ages 12 or older. Free. Register: fpdcc.com/event/rust-at-dusk/.

Workshops

Cultivating Mushrooms in Your Garden: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Discover how multiple species of fungi improve your garden through increased weed suppression, nutrient cycling, and pest deterrence. Learn to identify common mushrooms in gardens and yards, with an emphasis on safe recognition and understanding their ecological value. Take home a wine cap mushroom (Stropharia rugosoannulata) grow kit. $74. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

Colorful Flowers for the Fall Garden: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Explore perennials that bloom in autumn and add color to your late-season garden. Learn how these late bloomers play an important role in feeding pollinators before hibernation or migration. Class includes a walk in the garden to see fall blooms in person. Dress for the weather. $49. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

Starting Native Plants From Seed: 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, in the Edward L. Ryerson Education Center, 22196 North Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods. Starting native plants from seed can be challenging until you know the tricks to sparking germination. Discover what it means to stratify and scarify seeds and which species need which treatment. Take home a selection of native seed to start at home. Free or $7 for nonresidents. Register: lcfpd.org/calendar/.

Fall Garden Wrap-Up: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Prepare for the upcoming winter by learning the essential tasks to ensure a healthy and successful garden for years to come. Explore a variety of tips and techniques for flower beds, lawns, and tree and shrub care. $37. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

Fall Tree Identification: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 26, at Bliss Woods Forest Preserve, 5S660 Bliss Road, Sugar Grove. Environmental Education Manager Barb McKittrick will explain how to identify trees with and without their leaves during this fully-outdoors class. The program will begin with a review of basic tree anatomy and identifying features then traverse the woodlands examining leaves, bark, twigs, and fruit to identify a number of common native hardwood trees. $10. Register: kaneforest.com.

Overwintering Tropical Plants: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Discover practical, easy-to-follow strategies for successfully overwintering tropical plants such as hibiscus, cannas, colocasia, citrus, dahlias, and herbs. Learn how to identify which plants require special winter protection, when to bring plants inside, and how to transition them without causing stress. Hands-on potting activity and take home a tuber to plant in your garden. $74. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

Fall Color Chemistry: 10-11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at Kenyon Farm Forest Preserve, 8N700 Barry Road, South Elgin. Autumn is where art and science meet! Plants swap their green colorings for a full palette of gold, orange, and crimson, all thanks to the chemistry of pigments hiding in every leaf. Join district naturalists as we discuss the science behind the beauty of fall. Free. Register: kaneforest.com.

Trees and Shrubs with Beautiful Fall Color: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Learn to incorporate seasonal interest through trees and shrubs that exude the warm, vivid colors of a fall landscape. A garden walk is included. Dress for the weather. $82. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

Focal Point Plants: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, via Zoom with Chicago Botanic Garden. Mark Dwyer, owner of Landscape Prescriptions by MD, will show how some of the most striking plants can become powerful focal points when thoughtfully selected and placed in the landscape. $69. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

Techniques for Starting Garden Beds: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 17, at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Get practical techniques and expert advice on converting traditional spaces into beautiful, eco-friendly, and sustainable gardens. Topics: Basic soil science to help your garden thrive; homeowner-friendly methods for preparing your lawn area; common myths; and basic planting and care tips. $39. Register: mortonarb.org.

Soil Health Walk The Living Landscape Below: 9:30 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Oct. 28, at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Join Michelle Catania, soil expert and green industry outreach coordinator, for a tour of the Arboretum’s underground. Learn how tree and plant health starts in the soil, and discuss the different facets of assessing soil health. Participants will look for soil clues like texture, organic matter content, and other features that can support healthy landscapes. All experience levels are welcome. $39. Register: mortonarb.org.