Home & garden calendar, Oct. 5-17

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

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.

Des Plaines Garden Club: 9:45 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, at the GENCenter, 52 E. Northwest Hwy. in Des Plaines. Olivia Camino of the Des Plaines History Center will talk about the ecological history of Des Plaines at 10 a.m. The business meeting is at 11 a.m., followed by a raffle and snacks. Bring a sack lunch and coffee cup, as coffee and dessert are provided. Visit desplainesilgardenclub.com or facebook.com/DesPlainesGardenClub/.

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.

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 also offers day retreats, hosts Silent Saturday Mornings, Yoga in the Garden. For information, call (630) 740-2597 or visit healinggardensatstonehillfarm.com.

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.

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.

Mount Prospect Garden Club: 9:30 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Oct. 13, at Mount Prospect Police Station, 911 E. Kensington Road. David Brooks presents “Simple Home Composting.” Many homeowners are deterred from composting, concerned about aesthetics, odors, potential pest problems, or flak from the neighbors. This program will dispel many of the common myths surrounding home composting and present a variety of options for getting started, dealing with potential problems, and tips to help you begin recycling your yard and kitchen waste and reap the rich rewards. Guests are welcome. Visit gcmp.weebly.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.” The next meeting will be Jan. 18. 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/.

Lombard Garden Club: 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at the Lombard Community Center, 433 E. St. Charles Road. Bill Karges will speak on “Gardening in the 1970s.” He worked at Pioneer Garden & Feed in Villa Park for many years and now can be found at Ace Hardware in Lombard at their new garden center. His program will take you back to the 1970s when the establishment of Earth Day ushered in a new era of environmental awareness. Learn about nature trends of the 1970s and how they influenced the way we garden today; 1970s attire encouraged. All are welcome; no charge. Visit lombardgardenclub.org.

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/.

Des Plaines Garden Club: 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at Manzo’s Banquets in Des Plaines. Annual holiday luncheon will feature Kim Hartmann on “Holiday Floral Creations,” a demonstration into the world of professional floral design. Also, raffle prizes, an instant win board, silent auction, and a bake sale, as well as a 50/50 raffle with proceeds going to the Irma Lehmann Scholarship Fund. A choice of two entrees available for the luncheon. Cost is $50. RSVP by calling Nancy Hensley-Olson at 847-567-7443 no later than Oct. 24. Visit desplainesilgardenclub.com or facebook.com/DesPlainesGardenClub/.

Acorns to Oaks: 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/.

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/.

Garden shows

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.

Midwest Fruit Explorers Show & Sale: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17-18, at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Burnstein Hall, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. See a display of freshly harvested fruit grown in the area by members of the Midwest Fruit Explorers, featuring apples, pears, paw paws, grapes, kiwis and more. Visitors can obtain information on growing fruit. Shop for apples, cider and more. Same weekend as the Midwest Daffodil Society Bulb Sale and Wisconsin-Illinois Lily Society Bulb Sale. Free with general admission. Visit chicagobotanic.org.

Midwest Daffodil Society Bulb Sale: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17-18, at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Burnstein Hall, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Hundreds of varieties of daffodil bulbs will be available for purchase. Find a vibrant array of unique, rare, and unusual bloom types that offer proven color, hardiness and stability. Plus, daffodil enthusiasts will be on hand ready to offer expert growing tips. Free with general admission to the Chicago Botanic Garden. Visit chicagobotanic.org.

Wisconsin-Illinois Lily Society Lily Bulb Sale: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17-18, at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Burnstein Hall, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Presented by the Wisconsin-Illinois Lily Society. An annual sale that offers a wide variety of lily bulbs. Free with general admission to the Chicago Botanic Garden. 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

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.

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.

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.

Therapeutic Horticulture Workshop: 10-11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19, at Cantigny’s Le Jardin, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. A hands-on gardening workshop for veterans and their caregivers, using plant activities to support well-being and connection. It uses hands-on activities with plants and nature to support well-being, reduce stress, encourage mindfulness, and create opportunities for connection. For veterans, working with plants can offer a calm, welcoming environment to slow down, focus on the present, and connect with others through a shared activity. No gardening experience is needed. Free for veterans and their caregivers. Register: cantigny.org/event/therapeutic-horticulture/.

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.