Home & garden calendar, Sept. 28-Oct. 10

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

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.

Prospect Heights Garden Club: 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, at Gary Morava Recreation Center, 110 W. Camp McDonald Road, Prospect Heights. The topic will be wild birds. There will be raffles. Bring a brown bag lunch. For questions, call Dee at (847) 398-5668. Visit phparks.org/affiliates-2/.

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/.

Go Green Mount Prospect Tree & Shrub Sale: Pre-order by Friday, Oct. 2 via gogreenmp.org/online-shop/. Shop from over 40 varieties with local pick-up from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Mount Prospect Historical Society, 101 S. Maple St.

Fall Bulb Sale: 2-4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3-4, in the Chicago Botanic Garden Burnstein Hall, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. The Woman's Board of the Chicago Horticultural Society offers a wide variety of bulbs shipped directly from Holland, just in time for fall planting. Shop for an array of daffodils, tulips, alliums, crocus, hyacinths, peonies, amaryllis and more. Mums and ornamental kale grown by the garden’s production team also available for purchase. Stop by the Runnells Courtyard Marketplace for more festive fun. Get growing tips from experts on hand. Regular parking and admission fees apply. chicagobotanic.org/bulb.

Acorns to Oaks: 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3; 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, and 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, 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/.

Garlic Fest: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at The Growing Place, 2000 Montgomery Road, Aurora. Sample this year’s garlic varieties, learn how to grow garlic at home and more. Free admission. Visit thegrowingplace.com/event/garlic-fest-2026/.

“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.

Oak-tober: 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington. Learn what makes oak trees special. Free. fpdcc.com/event/oak-tober/.

Garden Club of ​Lake Zurich: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, at Ela Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. Carol Cichorski will talk about “Dahlias: Living Fireworks.” She and her husband, Mike, have been growing hundreds of dahlias for more than 20 years. They begin by starting tubers in their basement in February before moving the plants into their garden, with many of their beautiful blooms making their way to others through garden club plant sales. Visit gardencluboflakezurich.org.

Healing Gardens: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, 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. Owner Deborah Marqui leads day retreats, hosts Silent Saturday Mornings, Yoga in the Garden. For information, call (630) 740-2597 or visit healinggardensatstonehillfarm.com.

Gardeners of Central Lake County: 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, in the CrossLife Evangelical Church basement, 431 W. Austin Ave., Libertyville. Learn practical tips for raising herbs and discover creative ways to use your harvest in cooking, teas and more in “Herbology 101” with Marcy Lautanen-Raleigh of Backyard Patch Herbs. Visit gardenersofcentrallakecounty.org.

Fungi for Beginners: Three meeting dates, Thursday, Oct. 8, to Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Learn about the history of humans and mushrooms and the impact they have on each other and their shared ecosystems. Familiarize yourself with some key features for field identification, sort out myth from fact. This program concludes with a field excursion to look for fungi around the Arboretum grounds. $80. Register: mortonarb.org.

Touch-a-Tractor: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday and Monday, Oct. 11-12, at The Growing Place, 2000 Montgomery Road, Aurora. A free, drop-in day for kids and grown-ups to get up close to tractors, loaders, and other garden center equipment, with time to climb aboard and explore. Bring a lunch or snack to eat under the big tent. Free. thegrowingplace.com.

Central States Dahlia Society: 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at Elk Grove Village Township Office, 600 Landmeier Road. Learn everything you need to know about digging up your tubers and how to clean, divide and store your tubers for the winter. Doors open at 1 p.m. The November meeting will be the holiday party with no meeting in December. Visit centralstatesdahliasociety.com.

Geneva Garden Club: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, at the Stephen R. Persinger Recreation Center, 3507 Kaneville Road in Geneva. Cristin Adam of The Growing Place will present “Putting Your Garden to Bed.” Guests are welcome. Visit genevagardenclub.com or facebook.com/GenevaGardenClub/.

Buffalo Grove Garden Club: 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, at the Alcott Center, 530 Bernard Drive, Buffalo Grove. Greg Walter, beekeeper and purveyor of Harbor Honey, will share his experiences with these fascinating insects. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome. Visit bgparks.org.

Invasive Species, Native Landscaping & You: 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, on Zoom. Illinois Extension Lake County Master Gardeners, SWALCO, and the Lake County Forest Preserve District continue the 2026 Garden Learning Series on the second Wednesday of the month. Learn about the top 13 invasive plant species found in Lake County, as well as identifying characteristics, practical tips and the best times of year to manage them. Plus, discover key steps to introduce native flowers, shrubs and trees into your home landscape. Free; programs are not recorded. Register: extension.illinois.edu/events/.

Rolling Meadows Garden Club: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, at the Rolling Meadows Community Center’s Laurel Room, 3705 Pheasant Drive. In “Thyme for Herbs,” Stacy Conway, culinary lead and chef instructor at Cook, Cork & Fork in Palatine, will share tips on how to prep herbs for cooking, give you the best way to store your herbs, clarify how/when to use fresh vs. dried herbs, and even give you a few herb medicinal benefits. Get four herb-focused recipes. Speaker presentation at 6:30 p.m. with club business at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome. Visit rollingmeadowsgardenclub.com for more details.

Garden Club of Inverness: 9:45 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, at All Saints Lutheran Church, 630 S. Quentin Road in Palatine. Floral designer Promiti Prosun, founder of Fleur + Form, shares techniques for creating high-end arrangements, from sourcing to design, in a live demonstration. For information, visit gardenclubofinverness.com or facebook.com/Gardenclubofinverness/.

Lincolnshire Garden Club: 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, at Lincolnshire-Riverwoods Fire Station, 671 Woodlands Parkway, Vernon Hills. Andrew Krause will discuss “Pruning Techniques.” 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.

Chicagoland Daylily Society: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, at The Community House, 415 W. 8th St., Hinsdale. There will be an election of officers, photo contest, and potluck. Visit chicagolanddaylilysociety.org.

Garden Club of Downers Grove: 12:15-3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, at American Legion Post 80, 4000 Saratoga, Downers Grove. Floral designer ​​Jennifer Hunt will present “A Festive Touch.” 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.

Bloomingdale Garden Club: 6:15-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, at Cornerstone Faith Community Church, 118 First St., Bloomingdale. Master Gardener Jan Gricus, who has been winter sowing since 2008, will show how to start seeds easily by growing them in the house without special lighting or equipment. Winter sowing works with nature to propagate your favorite vegetables, herbs and native plants for the spring planting season. 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.

Wild Ones: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, on Zoom. In “Bats in the Backyard,” Brandi Christiano and Megan White from Bat Conservation International will explore how native plants, healthy insect populations, and thoughtful landscape choices can help support North America’s night flyers. Free; donations welcome. Register: wildones.org.

“Ghost in the Making” screening: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, via Zoom. Hosted by Climate Action Evanston. See the short film, followed by a talk and questions with urban ecologist Libby Shafer on the endangered rusty-patched bumble bee and local sightings. Register: climateactionevanston.org.

Native Gardener's Club: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, 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. Will Overbeck of Pizzo Native Plant Nursery in Leland, Ill., will present “Native Plant Migrations and Contemporary Range Boundaries.” It will focus on the presence of adventive plant species and current trends in new arrivals of native plant species that can be used in climate-resilient native landscapes of northeastern Illinois. $5 or free to Lake County residents. Register: lcfpd.org/calendar/.

Plants in the Military: 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington. Celebrate Veterans Day by learning how plants were used in the military. Free. fpdcc.com/event/plants-in-the-military-2/.

Leaves are not Litter!: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, via Zoom. Hosted by Climate Action Evanston. Max Ferlauto, state entomologist with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, will discuss new research on the value of fallen autumn leaves to ecosystems and provide additional landscaping best practices to support local wildlife. Register: climateactionevanston.org.

Indoor Edible Gardens: Noon Saturday, Nov. 21, at River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook. Learn how to grow your own fresh herbs, salad greens and more. Presented with University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners. For ages 13 or older. Free. Register: fpdcc.com/event/indoor-edible-gardens/.

Cicada Pinning Class: 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Nov. 22, and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29, at Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest. Presented with The Insect Asylum, ages 14 or older will be walking through the process of entomology. What it is, why it’s important, and how it’s done. This class will teach students the process of preparing their real specimens for display. $5. Space is limited. Registration required by Nov. 27. Registration required; contact organizer to sign up. Visit fpdcc.com/event/cicada-pinning-class-3/.

Garden shows

“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.

Nature walks

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.

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

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/.

Walk with a Naturalist: 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at Middlefork Savanna, 1401 Middlefork Drive, Lake Forest. Age 18 or older can join a naturalist for a leisurely stroll. Learn about the history of this site and take a close look at some of the interesting plants and animals. Meet at the main parking lot. Registration is required. $5 or $7 for nonresidents. Register: lcfpd.org/calendar/.

Fall Tree Walk: 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at Deer Grove-West, on West Dundee Road, east of Northwest Highway, near Barrington. Enjoy a guided walk and learn how to identify trees in the fall. Free. Register: fpdcc.com/event/fall-tree-walk/.

Fall Color Walk: 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook. View the spectacular fall colors while enjoying a casual walk in the woods. Hosted by Forest Preserve District of Cook County. Free. Register: fpdcc.com/event.

English Walled Garden Fall Walk: 9-10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Join horticulturist Heather Sherwood to explore the English Walled Garden, with its six distinct garden rooms alive with vibrant colors, scents, and textures. Glimpse the morning glories and late-season chrysanthemums. Learn about various plant-management styles used to maintain interest and to protect beneficial populations. Dress for the weather. $24. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

Walk & Talk History of Poplar Creek: 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, at Carl R. Hansen Woods, Sutton Road, south of Shoe Factory Road, near Schaumburg. For the curious mind who wants to know more about the forest preserves and natural areas. These walks will be led at a slower pace with frequent stopping and interpretation. Free. fpdcc.com/event/walk-talk/.

Fall Color Walks: 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 14 and 28 and Nov. 4; and 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington. Join this afternoon stroll to look at the fall colors. Visit fpdcc.com/event/fall-hiking-3/.

River Trail Nightlife-Owl Prowl: 5 and 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, at River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook. A guided walk on the trail to search for local owls. Ages 8 or older. Hosted by Forest Preserve District of Cook County. Free. Register: fpdcc.com/event.

Workshops

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.

“Ask the Farmer” workshop: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Mellody Farm, 851-1101 Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills. Get complimentary, personalized gardening advice during an “Ask the Farmer” workshop with the MicroHabitat expert. Free. RSVP: mellodyfarm.com/events/.

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.

Putting the Garden to Bed workshop: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Mellody Farm, 851-1101 Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills. Learn how to tidy up, mulch, and prep your garden beds for the cold months ahead. Free. RSVP: mellodyfarm.com/events/.

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.