Home & garden calendar, June 16-27
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
Bloomingdale Garden Club: 6:15-8 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, at Cornerstone Faith Community Church, 118 First St., Bloomingdale. Kim White offers update on the DuPage Monarch and Pollinator Project and the Waystations. White is a naturalist, a former co-steward for the DuPage County Forest Preserve, education coordinator for the DuPage Monarch Project and avid gardener for both food production and habitat creation. Her summers are spent growing milkweed for the monarch butterflies she raises from eggs and releases. 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.
Palatine Garden Club: Rescheduled to 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, at Palatine Village Hall Meeting Room A, 200 E. Wood St., Palatine. Tami Block speaks on the renowned Dutch landscape designer Piet Oudolf, leader of the New Perennial Movement in naturalistic garden design. He is best known locally for Lurie Garden in Millennium Park. His other celebrated public gardens include The Battery and High Line in New York City. The presentation explores Oudolf’s five-season garden philosophy and the techniques he uses to create naturalistic gardens that celebrate perennials and grasses providing year-round interest. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Visit facebook.com/palatinegardeners.
Plant Bingo fundraiser: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, June 18, at The Growing Place, 2000 Montgomery Road, Aurora. An adults-only Plant Bingo night! Play to win plants and gardening stuff, with proceeds benefiting The GardenWorks Project. 21-or-older event. $15. online or $20 at the door. Register: thegrowingplace.com.
Pottawatomie Garden Club: 7 p.m. Monday, June 22, at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, 307 Cedar Ave., St. Charles. Note evening time. Cindy Crosby presents “For the Birds! A Cultural Look at Our Feathered Friends.” All are welcome. Visit pottagardenclub.org or facebook.com/pottagardenclub/.
Native Gardener's Club: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 25, 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. This month's session will focus on how to make yards firefly friendly. $5 or free to Lake County residents. Register: lcfpd.org/calendar/.
Pottawatomie Garden Club: Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 28, at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, 307 Cedar Ave., St. Charles. Celebrate America's 250th birthday with a picnic, fun, and games. Plenty of red, white, and blue and all your favorite picnic foods will be available. Purchase your ticket by June 21 for $15 or $20 after. Children 10 and under are complimentary. No refunds after June 21. Cheddar Up adds a small convenience charge to each order. For tickets, go to facebook.com/pottagardenclub/.
South Barrington Garden Club: 9:30 a.m. Thursday, July 2, at South Barrington Park District, 3 Tennis Club Lane. Hands-on project to celebrate America's 250th birthday. Learn how to turn a bunch of flowers from your local grocery store into a lovely centerpiece. August program will be a docent-led tour of Crabtree Nature Center. Visit sbgclub.org.
Rooted in Joy-Land, Legacy & Belonging: 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, at Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave, Chicago. As part of Chicago Botanic Garden’s “America Grows: 250 Years of Garden Stories,” join a conversation exploring the deep connections between Black American history, land, food, and community in the Midwest and Chicago. From Southern agricultural knowledge carried north during the Great Migration to present-day urban farming and food access work in Chicago, the panel will trace how gardens have long served as spaces of nourishment, creativity, resilience, and community. The panel features a scholar, a Chicago-based urban agriculture leader, and a culinary cultural voice. Free; $10 or $15 donation welcome. Register: chicagobotanic.org/america-grows/.
Got Milkweed?: 10:30-11:45 a.m. Sunday, July 12, at St. James Farm, 2S541 Winfield Road, Warrenville. Learn about the monarch butterfly life cycle and migration and ways to help monarchs and other pollinators. Then hunt for butterflies, eggs, and caterpillars in our native prairie gardens. Ages 12 and up; under 18 with an adult. $5 per person. Register: dupageforest.org.
Plant Bingo fundraiser: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, July 16, at The Growing Place, 2000 Montgomery Road, Aurora. An adults-only Plant Bingo night! Play to win plants and gardening stuff, with proceeds benefiting Charity Blooms. 21-or-older event. $15. online or $20 at the door. Register: thegrowingplace.com.
Plant sale
Little City’s Annual Plant Sale: Through June 27, at Little City Horticulture Center, 1740 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine. Every purchase supports a fully operational horticulture center that also serves as a vocational skills program for individuals with developmental disabilities. Sale hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Visit facebook.com/LittleCityOrg.
BioBlitz event
Pollinator BioBlitz: 1-2 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, at Yonder Prairie, 1143 S. Rosefarm Road, Woodstock. For Pollinator Week, join The Land Conservancy of McHenry County in looking for a variety of bees, butterflies, day-flying moths and more. Yonder Prairie has high-quality habitat that attracts some unique insects. Get involved in citizen science and learn more about local pollinators, plants and other insects. Free. Register by June 22. Register: conservemc.org/event/pollinator-bioblitz/.
Garden walks
Petals, Ponds & Pathways Garden Walk: 1 to 5 p.m. Friday, June 26, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 27. Grow Wellness Foundation’s second annual self-guided event invites guests to tour six private gardens throughout Naperville, showcasing landscapes, water features, and creative outdoor living spaces. Rain or shine. Tickets, valid both days, are $15 in advance through June 23, or $20 day-of, on site. Tickets: growwellnessfoundation.org/events.
Hidden Gems Garden Walk: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 27. 14th annual self-guided tour will feature five local gardens, including a native garden inspired by Doug Tallamy’s Homegrown National Park initiative, gardens on both small and large lots, art integrated into the landscape, an innovative water feature at a home entrance, and a terraced slope leading to a pergola with one of the highest views in Lake County. Wild Ones will be on hand to offer guidance on native plants and habitat-friendly gardening. Select garden stops will also feature nature-based vendors with jewelry, paintings, and sculptures. $20 in advance online (fees apply) or Libertyville Village Hall, 118 W Cook Ave. $25 day of. Tickets: towncountrygardenclub.com/gardenwalk or facebook.com/towncountrygardenclublibertyville
Arlington Heights Garden Club’s Garden Walk and Unique Boutique: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 28. Tour seven home gardens throughout the village. Tickets are available online through June 27 at ahgardenclub.com under the events section. Tickets can also be purchased at the Arlington Heights Farmers Market on Saturday in June, or at Village Bank & Trust. Advance tickets are $15 or $20 at the museum campus on the day of the walk. Ticket holders will pick up their wristbands and guide booklets at the museum day of the walk beginning at 10 a.m. They will drive to the gardens throughout the village in any order. The Unique Boutique, with 50 vendors featuring items for the home and garden, will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont St.; admission is free. Proceeds are used to sponsor scholarships for students pursuing degrees in horticulture and related fields, to fund projects around the community as well as monthly programs with various topics related to gardening, horticulture and the environment.
Oak Park and River Forest Garden Walk: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 28. Enjoy a self-guided tour of seven beautiful private gardens and two community gardens during the 32nd annual event hosted by Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory and the Garden Club of Oak Park and River Forest. Advance tickets are $20 until 5 p.m. Saturday June 27. Afterward, all tickets are $25 (cash, credit, or check). Children, age 12 or under, are free. On the day of the walk, purchase tickets or exchange your pre-purchased ticket between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Elizabeth F. Cheney Mansion, 220 N. Euclid Ave. in Oak Park, or the Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield St. in Oak Park. As the garden tour will require transportation, car pooling is recommended. No strollers or pets are allowed in the gardens. Rain or shine. Tickets: gcoprf.org.
Park Ridge Garden Club Garden Walk: Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 28. 31st annual event featuring six gardens, five local artists plus raffle baskets at each garden. Proceeds go to horticultural education at local schools as well as the planting and maintenance of several public areas. $15 in advance or $20 day of; kids under age 10 free. Rain or shine. Ticket available at select merchants and online via parkridgegardenclub.org.
Evanston Garden Walk: Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 28, in Evanston. Featuring eight gardens from all around town, including an 1880s home with English and prairie style gardens; and a garden with shade-loving plants and containers under one of the largest cottonwood trees in town. Most gardens are navigable although steep inclines and steps do occur in some. No strollers allowed. All proceeds help provide scholarships for children to attend the Evanston Ecology Center's summer camps. Rain or shine. $25 each or $20 each for a group of 6 or more (advance); or $30 day of. Tickets: evanstonenvironment.org/gardenwalk.
America 250 Garden Walks: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursdays, July 9 or Sept. 10, at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Join a 90-minute stroll through the gardens with horticulture director Jamie Burghardt. This year’s display theme is America 250. Several key components of modern everyday Americana either debuted or gained fame at Chicago’s 1893 Columbian Exposition. From architecture to snack foods to the democratic sense of what being part of America meant, the fair inspires props that are further interpreted with Cantigny’s renowned seasonal summer displays. Also, learn about the fabrication of the fabric art piece, Gallantly Streaming, in the patriotic-colored Upper Garden. $25 (includes one canned or bottled beverage). Tickets: cantigny.org/event.
Long Grove-Kildeer Garden Club Garden Walk: 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, July 10. Featuring several gorgeous gardens, each with a unique style and story, from native wildflower restoration to shady hosta heaven. A selection of light refreshments will be provided. Register to receive an email with directions to the gardens about four days before the garden walk. $21; children age 12 and under are free. Register: tinyurl.com/2026gardenwalk. Questions? Email lgkgardenclub@gmail.com.
MCC Garden Walk 2026: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 11, starting at the outdoor Demonstration Garden at McHenry County College, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. Illinois Extension Master Gardeners and MCC host a self-guided tour of nine gardens (two public gardens and seven residential) in Crystal Lake, Woodstock, McHenry, and Bull Valley. Master Gardeners on-site at each garden to answer questions as participants walk through colorful gardens studded with artwork, edible plots, and more. Advance tickets, $15, may be purchased through June 26 at mchenry.edu/gardenwalk or day of for $20 at the Master Gardener Demonstration Garden at MCC, parking lot C.
Roselle Park District Garden Club Garden Walk: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 11. Self-guided tour of six private gardens and one public garden throughout the community. Master Gardeners available at select locations to answer questions and share insights. Note: strollers are not permitted in the gardens. Rain or shine. Advance tickets are $20 or $25 that day until 1 p.m. (cash only). Proceeds support the Roselle Garden Club Youth Scholarship Fund, Roselle IMPACT Garden, and other local community projects. For questions, contact Valerie at dellapennav@comcast.net. facebook.com/RPDgardenclub/.
20th annual Downers Grove Garden Walk: 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 11. The fundraiser supports the work of Downers Grove First United Methodist Church Bridge Board in providing transitional housing and mentoring for previously homeless families. $20 in advance; tickets available in mid-June at the following locations: Anderson’s Bookshop, 5112 Main St., Downers Grove; Community Bank of Downers Grove, 1111 Warren Ave.; Phillip’s Flowers & Gifts, 528 N. Cass Ave., Westmont; or The Growing Place, 25W471 Plank Road, Naperville. Online at dgfumc.org/give. $25 at any of the gardens or in the church parking lot from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Grayslake in Bloom: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 18. Self-guided tour featuring six neighborhood gardens and a public garden. Meet the gardeners who design and nurture the featured gardens. Share landscaping and gardening ideas with fellow community residents. Net proceeds will help fund scholarships, civic plantings, and other garden club programs to support the local community. Advance tickets are $10 or $15 day of; free for under age 12 with paid adult. Tickets available online via grayslakegardenclub.org/garden-walk or at Grayslake Farmers Market from 3-7 p.m. July 8 and 15, or from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 18, near Centennial Plaza on Center St.
Lincolnshire Garden Club Garden Walk: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 18, rain or shine. Six gardens will be paired with local artists. All proceeds go toward grants to the community. Tickets ordered online at lincolnshiregardenclub.com for $20 in advance or $25 day of walk. Pick up tickets the day of the walk from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Spring Lake Park, 49 Oxford Drive where you get a brochure with the addresses of the gardens.
Nature walks/bike rides
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.
Morning Prairie Walk: 8:30 a.m. Wednesdays, June 17, July 15 and Aug. 19, at Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington. Join a hike around Phantom Prairie for ages 12 or older. Free; no registration required. fpdcc.com/event/morning-prairie-walk/.
Bike Tour of the Gardens: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, June 17, July 22, and Aug. 12, at Cantigny Visitors Center, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Bob Carr, greenhouse grower at Cantigny, will lead a small group ride, stopping at garden spots along the way to discuss the plantings. Biking through the gardens is only allowed on these tours. One child (no charge) may be included with each paying adult. $15. Register: cantigny.org/event/.
Fullersburg Wildflower Walk: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Friday, June 19, or Saturday, June 20, at Fullersburg Woods, Oak Brook. Meet a plant expert for a leisurely walk through the first blooms of spring. Learn about spring flowers, how to identify them, and what varieties you can grow at home. Ages 18 and up. $5 per person. To register, visit dupageforest.org or call (630) 850-8110.
Sunday Stroll: 9-10:15 a.m. Sunday, June 21, at Cuba Marsh, 24205 W. Cuba Road, Deer Park. 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. Free. Register: lcfpd.org/calendar/.
Garfield Farm Prairie Walk: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 27, at Garfield Farm Museum, 3N016 Garfield Road, Campton Hills. Join in a guided tour of the museum’s natural areas. $8. Reservations encouraged via info@garfieldfarm.org or (630) 584-8485. garfieldfarm.org.
Boloria Meadows Pollinator Walk: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 27, at Boloria Meadows Nature Preserve, 7219 Millburne Court, Bull Valley. A family friendly butterfly and pollinator walk. The preserve contains nearly 60 acres of high-quality restored wetlands, prairies and oak woodlands. With over 150 species of wildflowers, Boloria is a haven for over 30 species of native butterflies as well as many species of bees and other pollinators. One unusual butterfly species that should be abundant in June is the Baltimore checkerspot that uses the turtlehead flower as its host plant. The walk will cover roughly one mile of gently rolling terrain. Hosted by The Land Conservancy of McHenry County. Free. Register by June 25: conservemc.org.
Walk on the Wild Side: 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, June 27, at Locknar property in Spring Grove. Explore the 1.5-acre yard with several perennial flower gardens, several nesting bird boxes, a zero-edge pond with koi and goldfish, and a 10-foot stream with water plant bog filtration. This is not an open house; two guided walks begin at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Free and no pre-registration required. Hosted by Wildflower Preservation & Propagation Committee. For directions, go to thewppc.org.
Red, White & Blue Nature Walk: 10:30 a.m. Sunday, July 5, at Trailside Museum building, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest. As part of America 250, join a naturalist for a guided hike on our trails and look for our nation’s flag colors in nature. Registration required; contact organizer to sign up via fpdcc.com/event/red-white-blue-nature-walk-2/.
Wildflower Walk: 8-9:30 a.m. Friday, July 10, at Pine Dunes, 42909 Hunt Club Road, Antioch. Discover the diversity of summer wildflowers at Pine Dunes. Total distance walked 1.5 to 2.0 miles on a crushed gravel trail. Lightweight long sleeves and pants, closed-toe shoes, and a hat are recommended. Free. Register: lcfpd.org/calendar/.
Family Evening Hike-Wildlife at Dusk: 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, July 10, at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center, 3609 Spring Road, Oak Brook. Join an adventure with short stops along the way, kid-friendly activities, and a take-home spotlight card. All ages; under 13 with an adult. $10 per family. Register: dupageforest.org.
CCC at Fullersburg, A Guided History Hike: 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays, July 11 and Aug. 22, at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center, 3609 Spring Road, Oak Brook. Visit trails and structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps on a 2.5-mile hike that explores the legacy of the World War I veterans who helped shape the preserve during the Great Depression. Ages 16 and up; under 18 with an adult. $10 per person. Register: dupageforest.org.
Summer Blooms Hike: 7:30-9 a.m. Saturday, July 18, at Raven Glen, 41080 N. Route 45, Antioch. Whether you are a beginner or looking to deepen your native plant identification skills, join an environmental educator on this cool summer morning. Explore and learn about the local native plants that call Raven Glen Forest Preserve home. Meet at the parking lot off Route 45 for the 1.4-mile hike. Wear appropriate footwear and dress for the weather; this program is held entirely outdoors. Free. Register: lcfpd.org/calendar/.
Forest Invaders Hike: 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, at Fullersburg Woods, 3609 Spring Road, Oak Brook. Ages 18 and up can take a short hike with plant experts, and learn how to identify nonnative and invasive species in the wild by leaf, root, and stem. $5. Register: dupageforest.org.
Family Evening Hike-Sounds of the Evening: 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center, 3609 Spring Road, Oak Brook. Join an adventure with short stops along the way, kid-friendly activities, and a take-home spotlight card. All ages; under 13 with an adult. $10 per family. Register: dupageforest.org.
Family Evening Hike-Trees & Trails: 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center, 3609 Spring Road, Oak Brook. Join an adventure with short stops along the way, kid-friendly activities, and a take-home spotlight card. All ages; under 13 with an adult. $10 per family. Register: dupageforest.org.
Workshops
Welcome to Birding: 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, at Elmhurst Public Library, 125 S. Prospect Ave, Elmhurst; 7 p.m. Thursday, June 25, at Schaumburg Library, 130 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg; and 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, at Glen Ellyn Public Library, 400 Duane St., Glen Ellyn. Daily Herald “Words on Birds” columnist Jeff Reiter will discuss birds, birding and birders. Get fun insights about the nature of birdwatching and why it's so popular. The talk is based on Reiter's new book, “The Best of Words on Birds.” Copies will be available for sale and signing. Register for this free event via the library websites, elmhurstpubliclibrary.org, schaumburglibrary.org or gepl.org.
Family Container Gardening: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 20, at St. James Farm, 2S541 Winfield Road, Warrenville. Celebrate Pollinator Week with the family by bringing a bit of nature to your backyard. Learn about common native wildflowers, how to identify them, and why they’re important to wildlife. Then get your hands dirty mixing dirt and potting up your own container of native plants for home. Supplies and plants provided. All ages; under 18 with an adult. $25 per family. Register: dupageforest.org.
Insects and Invertebrates: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 24, at Woodstock Public Library, 414 W. Judd St., and 10 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, July 17, at Avon Township Center, 433 E. Washington St., Round Lake Park. Kids in kindergarten to fourth grade can join University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists to explore the tiny but amazing world of insects and other invertebrates. Kids can discover cool characteristics and species through photos, preserved specimens, and live critters, as well as by catching their own bugs. Free. Register: extension.illinois.edu/global/events.
The Evening Garden: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, June 25, in Chicago Botanic Garden’s Regenstein Center Design Studio, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Learn about key garden features that enhance the sights, sounds, and scents of the garden at this sunset hour. A classroom lecture is followed by a walk to immerse yourself in the evening garden. Dress for the weather. Led by Nina Kozial, horticulturist and writer. $49. Register: chicagobotanic.org.
Birds, Bees, and Butterflies: 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, June 30, at Cary Area Library, 1606 Three Oaks Road, Cary. Sarah Michehl of The Land Conservancy of McHenry County shows how to attract monarchs and other butterflies, plus birds and bees to your yard. Free. Register: conservemc.org.
Identifying Edible Plants with The Wild Dryad: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at Morton Arboretum's Cudahy Room, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Shane Alden Edwards, the forager and botanist known as the Wild Dryad, offers an introduction to how to identify common edible plants. Under the guidance of the instructor, you will practice field identification and learn to forage safely. $39. Register: mortonarb.org.
Welcome to Birding: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, at Gail Borden Public Library’s Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. Daily Herald “Words on Birds” columnist Jeff Reiter will discuss birds, birding and birders. Get fun insights about the nature of birdwatching and why it’s so popular. The talk is based on Reiter’s new book, “The Best of Words on Birds.” Copies available for sale and signing. Free; register at gailborden.info.
Reaping the Harvest: 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, at University of Illinois Extension office, 100 S. Route 45, Grayslake. Learn about collection, processing, and sowing of native seeds with Luke Dahlberg, native seed program manager at Citizens for Conservation. Hosted by Wild Ones Lake-to-Prairie Chapter and the University of Illinois Extension Lake County. Seeds are key for restoring our ecosystems and adding native plants to our yards. As diverse as our native plants are, they are equally diverse in how they disperse their seeds. Participants will look at different approaches for seed collection, equipment, and techniques to clean that seed, and sowing to get the best results out of those seeds. Register: extension.illinois.edu/events/.
Garden shows
PlantCon Chicago 2026: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 20-21, at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. The largest plant convention in the nation is coming for the first time in the Midwest. It is a community-driven celebration of plants, people, and culture. PlantCon connects thousands of plant lovers, hundreds of small businesses, and creators in an inclusive space built to inspire and grow together. Advance tickets are $39 to $249; $55 for a two-day pass or $45 for Sunday at the door. plantcon.org/chicago/tickets.
Gardener's Art Fest: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at The Growing Place, 25W471 Plank Road, Naperville. Shop for one-of-a-kind botanical art from over 40 local artists and makers. Enjoy live music as you shop the art with folk-rock singer and songwriter Aaron Kelly from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and acoustic singer and songwriter Danny Rose from 2 to 5 p.m. Watch Plein Air Painters capture the landscape on their easels throughout the gardens. Free admission. For the artist lineup, go to thegrowingplace.com/event/gardeners-art-fest-2026/.
Cactus & Succulent Society of Greater Chicago Show & Sale: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 18-19, in the Burnstein Hall at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Regenstein Center, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. A show and sale presented by the Cactus and Succulent Society of Greater Chicago featuring plants grown by members of the society. Admission to the show is free with general admission to Chicago Botanic Garden. chicagobotanic.org.
Saving Monarchs Garden Party: 2-7 p.m. Saturday, July 18, in Lombard. Curious about natural gardening or ready to take your yard to the next level? Does your yard flood? Do you love nature and want to make a difference? Looking to meet others who share your passion? Learn about monarch butterflies, native plants, wildlife, conservation, and simple ways to care for our planet. Chat with local experts and organizations, including: The Conservation Foundation, River Prairie Group of the Sierra Club, DuPage Monarch Project, DuPage Organic Garden Club, Wild Ones Greater DuPage, Sustain DuPage, Jan’s Stepping Stones (with items for sale), and Prairie Wind Native Plants (native plants available for purchase). Get ideas to improve your own yard, learn how to manage flooding naturally, and connect with fellow gardeners and nature lovers. Meet Prairie Food Co-op and learn about their new store in Lombard, and talk with the McKee Preservation Group about their vision for the historic McKee House as a Native American Cultural & Environmental Center. Tables and chairs are set up for gathering with friends, old and new. Refreshments will be served. ️Free raffle tickets for a chance to win garden prizes. Stop by anytime between 2 and 7 p.m. facebook.com/savingmonarchs.
Celebrations Around the World Flower Show: Noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at American Legion Post 911, 515 S. Main St., Wauconda. Presented by Grayslake Greenery Garden Club and Wauconda Garden Club. Celebrating festivals, traditions, and celebrations from around the globe expressed through floral designs and horticultural exhibits. Free. grayslakegardenclub.org.
Ikenobo Ikebana Society Chicago Chapter Show: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 22-23, in the Burnstein Hall at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Regenstein Center, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Presented by the Ikenobo Ikebana Society, Chicago Chapter. Ikenobo is the origin of Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging. Admission to the show is free with general admission to the Chicago Botanic Garden. chicagobotanic.org.
Illinois Mycological Association Display & Sale: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, in the Burnstein Hall at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Regenstein Center, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. The show celebrates the richness of fall mushrooms in Illinois. Exhibits 50 to 100 varieties of mushrooms foraged from area forests in the days prior to the show. Members of the Illinois Mycological Association provide information and answer questions regarding mushrooms and fungi. Mushroom-related books, T-shirts and other items are for sale. Admission to the show is free with general admission to the Chicago Botanic Garden. Visit chicagobotanic.org.
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 with general admission to the Chicago Botanic Garden. Visit centralstatesdahliasociety.com/dahlia-show-2026.
Ongoing
Private Garden Tour: John Richter has opened his private garden in Warrenville to share the beauty of his various grafted trees and variegated bushes, thousands of day lilies from 10 different hybridizers, and over 750 different varieties of hostas, as well as numerous sculptures. There is no charge for you to go and stroll through his garden — just call him at (630) 393-3279 to schedule a time.
Healing Gardens: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the second Sunday of the month through October, 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. The Healing Gardens is cultivated and hosted by Deborah Marqui, owner of Stone Hill Farm with her husband, Buzz. Marqui leads day retreats, hosts Silent Saturday Mornings, Yoga in the Garden. For information, call (630) 740-2597 or visit healinggardensatstonehillfarm.com.