Home & garden calendar, Aug. 17-29

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

Sulky Bird Count: 8:30-10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, through Aug. 25, at Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington. Join a naturalist in exploring this preserve while looking for local birds. A limited supply of binoculars available for loan at select events. All levels of birding skills welcome. Free. fpdcc.com/series/sulky-bird-count/.

Bloomingdale Garden Club: 6:15-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, at Cornerstone Faith Community Church, 118 First St., Bloomingdale. Veronica Porter (known as Aunt V) will speak about “Indoor Gardening to Extend the Season, from Houseplants to Succulents.” Porter is a third-generation organic farmer, chef, culinary instructor, and food educator for homes and gardens. She is a licensed chef and holds a Master’s of Organic Urban Farming and Gardening. 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.

Plant Giveaway: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays to Fridays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, to Sept. 27, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Volunteers or staff in the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden share information about the featured plant and encourage visitors to take a seedling home to plant. A care sheet with growing information and use tips is available for visitors to photograph. Note: seedlings or seeds are distributed each program day while supplies last. Featured plant through Aug. 30, Greek oregano. chicagobotanic.org.

Fall Preview Greenhouse Tour: 6-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, at Cantigny Greenhouse, Schaffner Road entrance, Wheaton. The greenhouse manager will lead you through the greenhouse, where you’ll discover a curated selection of plants destined for the gardens. Space is limited. $25 (canned or bottled beverage included). Register: cantigny.org/event/greenhouse-tour-8/.

Family drop-in on butterflies: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, at Edward L. Ryerson Welcome Center, 21950 North Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods. Discover the fascinating world of butterflies. Learn which flying jewels can be found in Lake County while exploring interactive learning stations and a craft. Adult supervision required. Meet at the Ryerson Welcome Center. Free. lcfpd.org/calendar/.

The Buzz on Bees: 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, at River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook. See the beehives and meet the beekeepers to learn about bees, pollination and honey. Free. fpdcc.com/event/the-buzz-on-bees-6/.

Pottawatomie Garden Club: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24, at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, 307 Cedar Ave., St. Charles. In “Pumpkins Everywhere,” St. Charles resident Nicole Regan, founder of Perfect Pumpkins, will share memorable pumpkin porch designs and explain the creative choices behind them, along with simple approachable tips for creating inviting fall displays at our home. Perfect Pumpkins, Chicago's first “pumpkin concierge” since 2022, delivers pumpkins to homes and creates elaborate custom front porch displays. All are welcome. Visit pottagardenclub.org or facebook.com/pottagardenclub/.

Acorns to Oaks: 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Aug. 25, 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/.

Summer Artisan Series-Floral Arranging: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, at Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington. Ages 18 or older can get crafty on select evenings. New topics each month. Free. Register: fpdcc.com/event/.

Lombard Garden Club: 12:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at the Lombard Community Center, 433 E. St. Charles Road. Daniel Hebreard, president of Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, will speak on “Green Initiatives.” Besides the trees, prairies, wetlands and habitats found throughout its 26,000 acres, the district has been a leader in using alternative fuels and introducing green, sustainable initiatives. All are welcome; no charge. Visit lombardgardenclub.org.

Give a Sip fundraiser: 3-6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at the Country Bumpkin Garden Center, 27691 N. Gilmer Road, Mundelein. Lake County Extension Foundation offers an afternoon of raffles, prizes, shopping, and socializing. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener, a Master Naturalist, or a 4-Her, this garden social fundraising event supports all Illinois Extension programs in Lake and McHenry County. $35. Tickets: extension.illinois.edu/events/.

Nature FunFest: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at Rolek Community Center, 814 W. Hart Road, Round Lake. All ages event hosted by Illinois Extension Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, 4-H, the Lake County Nature Network, and the Round Lake Area Park District. Activities include pond dipping, nature crafts, live animals, scavenger hunts, plant ID, bird watching, and more. Free. extension.illinois.edu/events/.

Art in Nature Festival: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30, at Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington. Bring out your inner artist and create your own masterpiece using different mediums. Watch plein air artists painting on the trails. Local businesses and organizations offering art activities, giveaways. Music and dance performances. Art and food available for purchase. All ages welcome. Free. fpdcc.com/event/art-in-nature-festival/.

South Barrington Garden Club: 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, at South Barrington Park District, 3 Tennis Club Lane. club member Mimi Zomorridian presents “The Art of Ikebana.” Visit sbgclub.org.

Prospect Heights Garden Club: 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, at Gary Morava Recreation Center, 110 W. Camp McDonald Road, Prospect Heights. There will be raffles and the club will provide lunch. For questions, call Dee at (847) 398-5668. Visit phparks.org/affiliates-2/.

Hoffman Estates Garden Club: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, at the Schaumburg Township building, One Illinois Blvd., Hoffman Estates. A presentation on “Native Pollinators” by an Illinois Extension Master Gardener. This presentation will discuss different native pollinators and how to make your landscape attractive to them. Social hour with refreshments at 6 p.m. and a short business meeting at 6:30 p.m. Nonmembers are welcome. Visit hoffmanestatesgardenclub.club.

National Hummingbird Day: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington. Explore the conservation and historical importance of these birds throughout the Americas. Family-friendly activities and crafts from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Walking presentation for ages 16 or older at 2 p.m. Free. fpdcc.com/event/national-hummingbird-day/.

Geneva Garden Club: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, at the Stephen R. Persinger Recreation Center, 3507 Kaneville Road in Geneva. The topic will be “How Did Our Gardens Grow?” Guests are welcome. Visit genevagardenclub.com or facebook.com/GenevaGardenClub/.

Buffalo Grove Garden Club: 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, at the Alcott Center, 530 Bernard Drive, Buffalo Grove. Mary Cantrell, who has over 30 years of experience in the floral design industry, will demonstrate professional techniques while creating fresh fall flower designs. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome. Visit bgparks.org.

Rolling Meadows Garden Club: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, at the Rolling Meadows Community Center’s Laurel Room, 3705 Pheasant Drive. In “Photographing Fall Colors Using Your Cell Phone,” photojournalist Erica Benson, who teaches a variety of photography classes at the College of DuPage and Triton College, will show how to take better landscape pictures and capture fall colors using our cell phones; cameras welcome as well. Learn composition, lighting and techniques to capture fall colors. Speaker presentation at 6:30 p.m. with club business at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome. Visit rollingmeadowsgardenclub.com for more details.

Gardening on a Budget: 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, online. Part of Illinois Extension’s Lessons for Living webinar series. Starting a container garden can benefit your budget and be a fruitful hobby that satisfies your taste buds. Learn about the start-up expenses for a container garden and plan your produce to supplement your budget. Free. Register: extension.illinois.edu/events/.

Herbal Tea Party: 12:30-2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook. Learn about native plants you can grow in the garden then sample different infused teas made from them. Free. fpdcc.com/event/herbal-tea-party-3/.

Plant sales

Chicagoland Daylily Society’s Daylily Sale: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 22, at the covered outdoor pavilion at American Legion Post 80, 4000 Saratoga Ave., Downers Grove. Featuring beautiful, unique and registered cultivars. Rain or shine. Visit chicagolanddaylilysociety.org.

Go Green Winnetka Fall Native Plant Sale: 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Indian Hill Park, 131 Wilson St., Winnetka. It offers more than 40 varieties of native plants. These plants attract pollinators, enhance stormwater management, and thrive with minimal fuss in a Midwest climate. Native plant experts will be on hand to guide you in choosing the perfect additions for your garden. Zelle, PayPal, and credit cards accepted. No pre-orders. For planning tips and plant details, go to gogreenwinnetka.org/fall-native-plant-sale.

Garden shows

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. Included in general admission. chicagobotanic.org.

Heirloom Garden Show: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30, at Garfield Farm Museum, 3N016 Garfield Road, Campton Hills. Museum antique flower, vegetable gardens and prairie plots on display with growers of heirloom varieties displaying and selling. $8 or $3 children under 13. garfieldfarm.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. Included in general admission. Visit chicagobotanic.org or illinoismyco.org.

Garden walk

America 250 Garden Walk: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, 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. 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.

McHenry County Farm Stroll: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27. A self-guided tour of 11 McHenry County’s family farms in Harvard, Marengo, Woodstock, and Bull Valley. Choose the farms you wish to visit and go during the Stroll’s time frame. Some farms offer tours and demonstrations. Follow the farmers’ instructions, respect the animals, and watch your children. Do not bring pets. Free; bring cash as some farmers will be selling products and produce. mchenrycfb.org/farmstroll.

Nature walks

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. Wednesday, 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-3/.

Seasonal Tree Walk: 9-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, and Thursday, Sept. 17 and 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.

Wildflowers in the Prairie Walk: 9:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 21, at Carl R. Hansen Woods, Sutton Road/Route 59, south of Shoe Factory Road, near Schaumburg. Learn about the natural history and wildflowers of Shoe Factory Road Prairie on this 2-mile walk. Bring sun protection and water. Free. Register: fpdcc.com/event/.

CCC at Fullersburg, A Guided History Hike: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, 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.

Junior Naturalist Walk: 10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, at Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington. Earn a Junior Naturalist badge by taking a short walk, then doing an indoor activity book. Ages 6-12 with caregiver. Free. Register: fpdcc.com/event/junior-naturalist-walk-6/.

Evening bird walk: 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, at Middlefork Savanna, 1401 Middlefork Drive, Lake Forest. Age 8 or older can join in an evening of summer birdwatching during the glow of the golden hour when the preserves come alive with avian activity. Registration is required. $5 or $7 for nonresidents. Register: lcfpd.org/calendar/.

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.

Hike Lake County: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Ray Lake, 23275 W. Erhart Road, Wauconda. Join one of this year’s Hike Lake County events and experience the magical time of day when the diurnal animals settle in for the night and the night shift begins. Trail distance: 2.6 miles. Free. Register: lcfpd.org/calendar/.

Walk with a Naturalist: 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Van Patten Woods, 15838 W. Route 173, Wadsworth. 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 Shelter A parking lot. Registration is required. $5 or $7 for nonresidents. Register: lcfpd.org/calendar/.

Fall Hiking: 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 16 and 30, at Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington. Join an afternoon stroll. Free. fpdcc.com/event/fall-hiking/.

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/.

Workshops

Fall Garden Care: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Proper garden care in the fall helps ensure healthy plants the next spring. Tim Johnson, senior director of horticulture, will offer techniques for taking care of your lawn, trees, shrubs, and perennials, including fall fertilizing, mulching, cutting back plants, and protecting plants from wind and animals. Get pointers for fall planting of woody plants and spring-flowering bulbs. Dress for the weather. $49. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

The Ecology of Oaks: 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, at the Cary Area Public Library meeting room, 1606 Three Oaks Road, Cary. Native oaks are a keystone species that many other species rely on. How do they connect with other woodland plants, and what can you do to help our native oak trees? Sarah Michehl of TLC will share more about the fascinating life of oak trees. Register: conservemc.org.

Fall Lawn Care: 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Fall is the best time to prepare for a healthy, lush lawn in the upcoming season. Tom Fritz, plant health care specialist, will offer the basics of lawn renovation and how to prepare your lawn for winter. Discuss and observe proper techniques for installing sod, seeding and overseeding, and aerating and fertilizing — all aimed at revitalizing your lawn. Dress for the weather. $49. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

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/.

Autumn Container Workshop: 10-11 a.m., 1-2 p.m. and 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Create your own cool-season container with a variety of plants suitable for a full-sun or partial-shade location. It may include annuals, perennials, herbs, decorative foliage, cool-season vegetables, ornamental grasses, and gourds. Your design will be made in a 14-inch, sturdy, biodegradable container you can display as is or place in a decorative pot or urn. Dress for the weather; class will move indoors if needed. Bring gloves if desired. $110. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

How to Divide Perennials: 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Learn tips and tricks on dividing perennials in the fall. Explore the basics, then head outside to put these skills into practice. Bring gloves. Dress for the weather. Led by Heather Sherwood, senior horticulturist. $36. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

Cultivating Mushrooms in Your Garden: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Discover how multiple species of fungi improve your garden through increased weed suppression, nutrient cycling, and pest deterrence. Learn to identify common mushrooms in gardens and yards, with an emphasis on safe recognition and understanding their ecological value. Take home a wine cap mushroom (Stropharia rugosoannulata) grow kit. $74. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

Colorful Flowers for the Fall Garden: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Explore perennials that bloom in autumn and add color to your late-season garden. Learn how these late bloomers play an important role in feeding pollinators before hibernation or migration. Class includes a walk in the garden to see fall blooms in person. Dress for the weather. $49. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

Fall Garden Wrap-Up: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Prepare for the upcoming winter by learning the essential tasks to ensure a healthy and successful garden for years to come. Explore a variety of tips and techniques for flower beds, lawns, and tree and shrub care. $37. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

Overwintering Tropical Plants: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Discover practical, easy-to-follow strategies for successfully overwintering tropical plants such as hibiscus, cannas, colocasia, citrus, dahlias, and herbs. Learn how to identify which plants require special winter protection, when to bring plants inside, and how to transition them without causing stress. Hands-on potting activity and take home a tuber to plant in your garden. $74. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

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.