Home & garden calendar, Nov. 9-21

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

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.

Gardens, Et Cetera of Wheaton: 12:30-2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, at Gary United Methodist Church, 224 N. Main St., Wheaton. Mike Warner of the DuPage Birding Club presents “Birds of DuPage County: Every Season is Different.” Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome. Call Kathryn at 630-408-5487.

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/.

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. The December meeting is a holiday party. 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/.

From Water to Table: The History and Health of Wild Rice: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 14, at the University of Illinois Extension office, 2205 Enterprise Drive, Suite 501, Westchester. An interactive workshop exploring the rich cultural heritage and health benefits of wild rice. Learn about the Indigenous cultural connections to this traditional food, discover its nutritional value, and gain practical tips for preparing and cooking wild rice at home. The workshop will feature a live cooking demonstration, a tasting of wild rice dishes, and two recipes to take home. Presented by Chef Paul Molina and Extension educator Leilah Siegel. Free. Register: extension.illinois.edu/events/.

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/.

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.

Grayslake Greenery Garden Club: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, at State Bank of the Lakes lower-level community room, 50 Commerce Drive, Grayslake. Ken Walczak, who co-founded the DarkSky Chicago chapter, will present “Dark is the New Green: How Our Light at Night Alters the World.” For 16 years, he managed Adler Planetarium’s Far Horizons Program, a research and engineering program engaging students, volunteers, and the public in hands-on, participatory science. Learn about recent research on excessive light at night: from human health to ecosystems, from climate change to our loss of the starry skies, and more. He’ll talk about simple solutions that make light pollution the easiest environmental challenge to solve and how you can help restore the night. Light snacks and beverages will be served. All are welcome. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. No meeting in December. Visit grayslakegardenclub.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/.

Lincolnshire Garden Club: 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at Lincolnshire-Riverwoods Fire Station, 671 Woodlands Parkway, Vernon Hills. Dan Sandacz will present “Pollinators in Your Preserves.” Continental breakfast at 9:30 a.m. with the business meeting at 9:45 a.m. and program at 10:30 a.m. The December meeting is a holiday party for members only. For membership details, visit lincolnshiregardenclub.com.

Brown Bag Lunch & Learn: Noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at Graue Mill and Museum, 3800 York Road, Oak Brook. Join wildlife interpreter Nate Hambel to learn more about the DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center, one of the largest wildlife hospitals in the nation, caring for over 10,000 sick, injured, or orphaned native Illinois animals annually. Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look of all that goes on during this presentation, including a question & answer session. For ages 18 or older. $5 per person. Register: 630-850-8112 or dupageforest.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/.

Native Landscaping for Winter Beauty: 2-3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at Algonquin Area Public Library Eastgate Branch, 115 Eastgate Drive, Algonquin. Sarah Michehl of The Land Conservancy of McHenry County will give winter landscaping tips that show off the beauty of native grasses, wildflowers and shrubs. She also will share the connection between wildlife and these particular plants. Free. Register: aapld.org.

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 Club of Downers Grove: 12:15-3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23, 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.

Arlington Heights Garden Club: 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23, at St. Simon’s Episcopal Church, 717 W. Kirchoff Road, Arlington Heights. In “The Secret Wildlife of Barrington: A Trailcam Deep Dive,” Steven Barton, a retired small and exotic animal veterinarian, has traveled around the world to photograph wildlife, but always is pulled back to the beauty and variety of birds and wildlife in the Barrington area and his own back yard. View his images at SteveBarten.smugmug.com or instagram.com/stephen_barten/. Social time at 6:30 p.m., with the meeting and program at 7 p.m. For information, visit ahgardenclub.com.

Garden Club of ​Lake Zurich: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, at Ela Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. In “Migration and Motus,” Eileen Davis, an environmental educator with the Lake County Forest Preserves, will present a program on animal migration and the Motus Wildlife Tracking System now installed throughout Lake County and beyond. This innovative technology allows researchers to track the movements of birds, bats, and even large insects, offering remarkable insights into their migratory patterns. Visit gardencluboflakezurich.org.

Westmont Gardening Club: 6:30-7:45 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, at Westmont Public Library, 428 N. Cass Ave. Connect with other gardeners, beginners and experts alike, in exploring all aspects of gardening. The next meeting will be Feb. 2. Visit westmontlibrary.org.

“The Extraordinary Caterpillar” screening: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, at University of Illinois Extension Auditorium, 100 S. Route 45, Grayslake. Hosted by Wild Ones Lake-to-Prairie Chapter and the University of Illinois Extension-Lake County. See this 60-minute documentary that reveals the vital and often overlooked role caterpillars play in our ecosystems. It takes viewers on a journey that celebrates nature’s tiniest superheroes, while showing practical ways we can all contribute to caterpillar conservation. Free. Visit extension.illinois.edu/global/events.

Bird on the Move: 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, via Zoom. The removal of the Kirtland's Warbler from the federal endangered species list is a victory for the bird and its champions. Yet threats to the species' future, including climate change and human development, persist. Examining the deep history of Kirtland's Warbler and its instinctive behaviors offers hope that the bird, despite its fussy reputation, can adapt to a changing planet. Steve Roels, Kirtland's Warbler Program Director for American Bird Conservancy, will share data from research projects that reveal how the warbler's movement ecology has enabled its survival across millennia and what we must do to support the warbler as it navigates the new millennium. $10. Register: kaneforest.com/public-nature-programs.

Naperville Garden Club’s 64th annual Cup of Cheer Home Tour, Holiday Market & Tea: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, for $45. Preview day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3 for $60. Step inside beautifully decorated homes, shop the festive Holiday Market, and enjoy a holiday tea experience. Each ticketed guest receives a commemorative teacup and saucer or mug, with a new pattern introduced each year. The Holiday Market features handcrafted and curated items at the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873, 908 W. Jackson St. (non-ticket holders welcome from noon to 4 p.m. Friday). Tickets available at napervillegardenclub.org or (cash or check only) 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. A 10% discount is available with the purchase of 10 tickets. Proceeds support the club’s community programs, scholarships, civic beautification projects, and educational initiatives.

Acorns to Oaks: 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/.

“Pollinators in Your Preserves”: 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, at Lake County Extension office, 100 Route 45, Grayslake. Lake County Forest Preserve District ecologists began monitoring the relationships between plants and pollinators in 2023 as part of their overall ecological monitoring efforts. Dan Sandacz, a Lake County Forest Preserve District restoration ecologist, will talk about the Plant-Pollinator Monitoring Program, results from the first few years and how preserve ecologists use the monitoring efforts to inform future restoration and conservation strategies. Applications to natural landscaping and native plant recommendations to support pollinator habitat also will be discussed. For fifth grade to adult. Free. Register: extension.illinois.edu.

Nature walks

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.

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/.

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/.

Trek with a Naturalist: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at Hampshire Forest Preserve, 44W780 Allen Road, Hampshire; and 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Prairie Green Forest Preserve, 698 N. Peck Road, Geneva. The naturalist-led hikes visit different preserves each month. The naturalist will stop occasionally to interpret the ecology of the preserve during the walk but the main goal is to cover ground. It is for ages 18 or older. Free. Register: kaneforest.com/public-nature-programs.

Hike Lake County: 3-4:15 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, at Grassy Lake, 23982 N. Kelsey Road, Lake Barrington. Join one of this year’s Hike Lake County events where you walk a new trail each session. Free. Register: lcfpd.org/calendar/.

Sunday Stroll: 9-10:15 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve, 1401 Middlefork Drive, Lake Forest. 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/.

Winter Solstice Walk: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 19, at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. During the guided walk, hear solstice stories, learn how plants and animals survive the cold winter months, and identify signs of life along the trails. For age 16 or older. $24. Register: mortonarb.org.

Workshops

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.

Starting Native Plants From Seed: 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, in the Edward L. Ryerson Education Center, 22196 N. 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/.

Winter Tree Identification: Wednesday, Dec. 2, at noon, online; and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at Morton Arboretum’s Thornhill Education Center, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Develop the skills to identify winter trees using clues found in buds, fruits, leaf scars, bark, and branching patterns. The class begins with a self-paced online lesson, where you will learn the foundational skills and terminology related to identifying deciduous trees. At a field session, hone your tree ID skills with the guidance of Kim Shearer, director of collections and curator, as you walk the grounds. $100. Register: mortonarb.org.