Home & garden calendar, Oct. 26-Nov. 7

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

Arlington Heights Garden Club: 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, at St. Simon’s Episcopal Church, 717 W. Kirchoff Road, Arlington Heights. Bev Krams will offer “Tips and Myths of Growing Peonies.” Learn how to select a peony, design your peony garden, spring and fall care, disease prevention, and dividing and planting herbaceous peony roots. Kames is a long time Arlington Heights Garden club member; she received the States Outstanding Master Gardener of the Year award and has presented programs for garden clubs and community groups. Social time is at 6:30 p.m., with the meeting and program at 7 p.m. For information, visit ahgardenclub.com.

Grayslake Greenery Garden Club: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, at State Bank of the Lakes lower-level community room, 50 Commerce Drive, Grayslake. Tamara Block, a longtime member of the Garden Guild of Highland Park, will guide you through the story of hostas -- their origins, their cultivation, their many personalities -- and how to weave them gracefully into your landscape. She'll share design insights, favorite varieties, and ways to let hostas shine in containers or shade gardens. A handout will offer lists of beloved and award-winning cultivars, along with hostas chosen for special uses. Light snacks and beverages will be served. All are welcome. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Visit grayslakegardenclub.org.

Sensory Garden Open House: 4-6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, at St. Charles Public Library’s Huntley Room, 1 S. Sixth Ave. Join Library staff and landscape architects to learn about the project, share your ideas, and provide input on this new community space. View architects' rendering and engage in community conversations. Snack and beverages will be provided. Drop-in. scpld.org.

Garden Day: 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3. Want to get your hands dirty? Help grow the Trickster Cultural Center gardens. Call 847-301-2090 for more info. Visit fpdcc.com/event/garden-day-4/.

South Barrington Garden Club: 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at South Barrington Park District, 3 Tennis Club Lane. Learn about Citizens for Conservation​. Visit sbgclub.org.

Prospect Heights Garden Club: 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at Gary Morava Recreation Center, 110 W. Camp McDonald Road, Prospect Heights. Bring a pot as attendees will be making holiday planters. There will be raffles. Bring a brown bag lunch. For questions, call Dee at 847-902-9280. Visit phparks.org/affiliates-2/.

Hoffman Estates Garden Club: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at the Schaumburg Township building, One Illinois Blvd., Hoffman Estates. “Beneficial Insects: Garden Warriors” by a University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener. Gardeners focus on insects that eat their plants without paying attention to insects that act as warriors in the garden by either eating the bad bugs or parasitizing them. Learn about the most common beneficial insects and never accidentally kill a good bug again. 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.com.

Herbarium Tours: 10-10:30 a.m. and 11:15-11:45 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Ages 7 or older can get a behind-the-scenes tour of the Herbarium and its museum collection of dried plants. Learn how staff and volunteers preserve and process specimens to record biodiversity and how the Herbarium aids biodiversity research. Tours are between 30 minutes and one hour long. Free with arboretum admission. Register: mortonarb.org.

Greenhouse Tour: 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at Cantigny Greenhouse, Schaffner Road entrance, Wheaton. Greenhouse staff members will guide you through a stunning array of vibrant poinsettias (up to 16 varieties), showcasing the beauty and tradition of this iconic Christmas plant. Learn about the history and care of these festive favorites, and discover how they are used around Cantigny for seasonal displays. Space is limited. $25 (canned or bottled beverage included). Register: cantigny.org/event/greenhouse-tour-9/.

Gardeners of Central Lake County: 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9, in the CrossLife Evangelical Church basement, 431 W. Austin Ave., Libertyville. It will be a Seed Swap & Pie Social. Visit gardenersofcentrallakecounty.org.

Mount Prospect Garden Club: 9:30 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Nov. 10, in the first-floor Farley Room in the Mount Prospect Village Hall, 911 E. Kensington Road. Heather Prince presents “Shady Characters: Nifty Plants for Shady Characters.” Guests are welcome. Visit gcmp.weebly.com.

Buffalo Grove Garden Club: 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the Alcott Center, 530 Bernard Drive, Buffalo Grove. Ann Baker will share the benefits of adding native plants to the garden, while keeping lifelong favorites. Hear about easy-going varieties and those that need a watchful eye and a firm hand. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome. Visit bgparks.org.

Geneva Garden Club: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the Stephen R. Persinger Recreation Center, 3507 Kaneville Road in Geneva. Donna Mack of the University of Illinois Extension will speak on shade gardening. Lunch at 11:30 a.m., and the program at noon. Guests are welcome. Visit genevagardenclub.com or facebook.com/GenevaGardenClub/.

Garden Club of ​Lake Zurich: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, at Ela Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. In “Tabletops and Tablescapes,” floral designer Kathi Rose will showcase her talent for creating elegant and imaginative tablescapes. She holds a horticulture degree from the University of Illinois and is a certified landscape architect. She is also the longtime owner of Kaleidoscope of Floral Design, which she has operated for more than 27 years. Visit gardencluboflakezurich.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/.

Native American Herbs: 1:30-2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Geneva Public Library, 227 S. Seventh St. Explore the plants that Native American tribes of the Midwest have relied on for centuries with Marcy Lautanen-Raleigh of Backyard Patch Herbs. It will cover medicinal, culinary, and spiritual uses of herbs and plants; growing habits and sustainable harvesting; and Anishinaabe, Ho-Chunk, and other tribal traditions. Register: gpld.org.

Gifts from the Garden: 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, 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. Merleanne Rampale, programs and education director with the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County, shares some of the concoctions, tinctures, recipes, art projects, and other special goodies she has crafted from her own gardens over the years. Free; programs are not recorded. Register: extension.illinois.edu/events/.

Rolling Meadows Garden Club: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Rolling Meadows Community Center’s Laurel Room, 3705 Pheasant Drive. In “Growing Amazing Mushrooms,” Mark Lyons, an experienced mushroom grower and garden coach, will show you how to grow your very own mushroom harvest either indoors or outside. He also will show you how to preserve your mushroom harvest and how to make the most of these culinary treasures. Speaker presentation at 6:30 p.m. with club business at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome. Visit rollingmeadowsgardenclub.com for more details.

Houseplant Propagation Basics: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at Grayslake Area Public Library, 100 Library Lane, Grayslake. In this beginner-friendly program, discover simple ways to propagate houseplants using cuttings, division, and other easy techniques. Learn which methods work best for different plants and tips for helping your new plants thrive. Register: extension.illinois.edu/events/.

Lombard Garden Club: 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, at the Lombard Community Center, 433 E. St. Charles Road. Tamara Block, a longtime member of the Garden Guild of Highland Park who specializes in historical and design-focused programs, will use slides of Chicago’s Lurie Garden and High Line Garden in New York to describe Piet Oudolf’s style. Known as the leader of the “New Perennial” movement, Oudolf used bold drifts of herbaceous perennials and grasses, selected for their structure and year-round display rather than for their flower color. There will be no meeting in December. All are welcome; no charge. Visit lombardgardenclub.org.

How to Do Nothing for Overwintering Pollinators: 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington. Learn about the best gardening practices for fostering native bee species. Free. fpdcc.com/event/.

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/.

Bloomingdale Garden Club: 6:15-8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, at Cornerstone Faith Community Church, 118 First St., Bloomingdale. After the election of officers, club members will create a Christmas centerpiece for the West Suburban Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Each club member will add their own personal touches to the centerpieces. 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. Wednesday, Nov. 18, online. Join Wild Ones and Wildr Places for The Habitat Check-up, a free webinar exploring a practical, science-informed approach to evaluating your home landscape. Presenter Zoe Evans will introduce five key areas to consider when assessing habitat and share how thoughtful observations can help guide your next steps. Free; donations welcome. Register: wildones.org.

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.

Tri-Village Garden Club: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, at Streamwood Fire Station, 1204 S. Park Ave., Streamwood. Learn about winter sowing with club member Patti Chipman who uses the technique to start the club’s annual pantry garden. Visit facebook.com/TriVillageGardenClub.

Garden Club of Inverness: 9:45 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at All Saints Lutheran Church, 630 S. Quentin Road in Palatine. Horticulturist and Aster Gardens owner Amanda Thomsen, whose first book, “Kiss My Aster,” is getting a reboot and re-release in February 2027, will offer a “Houseplants 101” for those gardeners who have problems growing houseplants. She will bring lots of plants and plant care materials to discuss. Many items will be available for purchase. The next meeting will be in February. For information, visit gardenclubofinverness.com or facebook.com/Gardenclubofinverness/.

Naperville Garden Club’s 64th annual Cup of Cheer Home Tour, Holiday Market & Tea: Preview day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3 for $60 or 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, for $45. Step inside beautifully decorated homes, shop the festive Holiday Market, and enjoy a holiday tea experience. Each guest gets a commemorative teacup and saucer or mug, with a new pattern each year. The Holiday Market features handcrafted and curated items at the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873, 908 W. Jackson St. Tickets available at napervillegardenclub.org or (cash or check only) in Naperville, The Growing Place, 25W471 Plank Road; John Greene Realtor Office, 1311 S. Route 59; Baird and Warner Realtors, 836 W. 75th St.; and new this year, Dean's Clothing, ​226 S. Main St. ​Online tickets for Friday on sale until noon Wednesday. Dec. 2.

Nature walks

Wednesday Wilderness Walks: 8-10 a.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 29 and Nov. 4, 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.

Fall Color Walks: 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 28 and Nov. 4, 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/.

Adult Fall Colors Walk: 1-2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, at McDonald Woods, 19611 W. Grass Lake Road, Lindenhurst. Enjoy the colors of fall and discover the science behind it. The walk will be 2.1 miles along uneven terrain. Dress for the weather; this program is held entirely outdoors. $5-$7. Register by midnight Nov. 1: lcfpd.org/calendar/.

Hike Through History: 1:30-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Grassy Lake Preserves, 23982 N. Kelsey Road, Lake Barrington. On this collaborative walk, join an environmental educator and a history educator to explore Grassy Lake and learn about both the land and the people who have lived here. Meet in the parking lot of the main entrance off Kelsey Road. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes and bring your own water bottle. $5-$7. Register: lcfpd.org/calendar/.

Sunday Stroll: 9-10:15 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at Fox River Forest Preserve, 28500 W. Roberts Road, Port Barrington. Join an environmental educator in a leisurely stroll through one of the preserves. Get some exercise and learn about nature. Take a closer look at plants, birds and other wildlife. Meet at Shelter A parking lot. Free. Register: lcfpd.org/calendar/.

Hoot and Howl Hike: 6-7:15 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at Edward L. Ryerson Welcome Center, 21950 N. Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods. Late fall and early winter months are an ideal time of the year to hear hoots and howls. Ages 7 to adult can join an environmental educator on a fall evening at Ryerson Woods to learn about coyotes, owls, and other nocturnal critters. Dress for the weather. $5-$7. Register: lcfpd.org/calendar/.

Seasonal Tree Walk: 9-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, 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. $37. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

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.

Walk with a Naturalist: 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at Lakewood Forest Preserve, 24323 W. Route 176, Wauconda. Join a naturalist for a leisurely stroll through this preserve. Learn about the history of this site and take a close look at some of the interesting plants and animals. The entrance is located off 176, just west of Fairfield Road. Pull onto Forest Preserve Road, and the parking lot will be on the left. For age 18 or older. $5-$7. Register: lcfpd.org/calendar/.

Garden shows

The Great Seed and Soil Event 2027: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, 2027, at McHenry County College Café, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. Back for its fourth year and brought to you by the Center for Agrarian Learning at MCC and the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners, this popular annual event is designed for anyone interested in growing their own food and expanding home gardening skills. Sponsorship and vendor opportunities available. Email Emily Zack at ezack@mchenry.edu for more information. Visit mchenry.edu/seed/

Workshops

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.

Paperwhite Centerpiece Workshop: 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Learn the proper techniques for forcing paperwhite bulbs indoors. All supplies provided, including a decorative vessel and river rock, which can be reused to force other bulbs. Register by Oct. 28. $74. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

Starting Native Plants From Seed: 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, or 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, 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/.

Growing Microgreens Workshop: 10-11:15 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Microgreens are the seedlings of common edible vegetables and herbs. Easy to grow in your own home, they are abundant in concentrated nutrients and flavor. Elawa Farm Foundation’s Elaine Madansky will talk about the health benefits of microgreens, the best varieties to grow, and simple ways to use them at home. Plant two containers of microgreens to take with you. All supplies are included. $44. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

Wintering Bees in Cold Climates: 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Nov. 8, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. What happens to your beehive in winter? Beehives can be a challenge to overwinter, especially in northern climates. Troubleshoot with Wil Pilipauskas, head beekeeper at Willie's Honey Co., who will offer care tips to help maintain a healthy bee colony year-round. $57. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

Native Plants for Year-Round Interest: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, online with Chicago Botanic Garden. Transform your garden into a multi-season landscape with a variety of native trees, shrubs, and perennials that are suited to your environment, providing color and texture throughout the year. $69. Register at least two days in advance. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

Woody Plants for Four Seasons: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 14, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Horticulture educator Mark Zampardo will talk about how to make your landscape attractive and interesting in every season. Take a closer look at a variety of specimens with outstanding form, colorful fruits, interesting bark, and showy flowers. A garden walk is included. Dress for the weather. $82. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

Maximizing Texture in the Garden: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, online with Chicago Botanic Garden. While a progression of interesting flowers and colorful foliage is appreciated in the garden, the visual texture of your compositions is equally important. Mark Dwyer, owner of Landscape Prescriptions by MD, will discuss textural examples of plants and combinations. $69. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

Build A Terrarium Workshop: 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Create a terrarium containing an assortment of small indoor plants, rocks, and decorative elements. Horticulturist Alicia Green will discuss the fundamentals of designing, layering, planting, and caring for your creation. Perfect for beginners and experienced plant growers alike. All supplies are included. $112. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

Winter Container Design Tips: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Chester Jankowski, senior horticulturist, will offer the best plant selection for winter containers, focusing on hardy perennials, evergreens, and seasonal accents that add color and texture throughout the colder months. Through demonstration and discussion, understand the principles of container design, including balance, contrast, and the use of height, filler, and trailing elements to create visually appealing arrangements for your own winter container. Also gain troubleshooting advice to refine your container designs and care strategies. $24. Register: chicagobotanic.org.