Home & garden calendar, Sept. 1-12

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

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. When it comes to pollination, honey bees get most of the attention. However, many insects play a role in pollination. 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/.

Gardens, Et Cetera of Wheaton: 12:30-2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, at Gary United Methodist Church, 224 N. Main St., Wheaton. “Ikebana: Japanese, Art of Flower Arranging” will be presented by floral artist E-Ling Lou. Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome. Call Kathryn at (630) 408-5487.

Rooted in Elgin native planting ribbon cutting: 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, at Pioneer Park, southwest corner of Kimball Street and the Fox River Bike Trail in Elgin. Join Elgin Sustainability Commission for the installation of native milkweed and pollinator-friendly plantings. It will include brief remarks, a sign unveiling and ribbon cutting, and a “Take Habitat Home” seed ball giveaway, giving attendees an opportunity to learn more about native plants and take a small step toward creating habitat in their own yards. facebook.com/cityofelgin.

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.

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. Note: seedlings or seeds are distributed each program day while supplies last. Featured plants: Sept. 2-13 Senposai Komatsuna mustard; and Sept. 16-27 Amish Deer Tongue lettuce. chicagobotanic.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.

Schaumburg Community Garden Club: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, at new meeting location, Township of Schaumburg, 1 Illinois Bldg., Hoffman Estates. Jim Rowan will discuss the insects and spiders found in backyards, and how to distinguish between beneficial “good guys” and destructive “bad guys.” Only 3% of known insect species are actually agricultural or nuisance pests. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Visit schaumburggardenclub.org or facebook.com/schaumburggardenclub/.

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/.

Roselle Park District Garden Club: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at Roselle Park District, 10 N. Roselle Road. Dave Hodge of the Turning Leaf Foundation will cover the ins and outs of collecting seeds from different types of vegetables, the challenges that come with each variety, and how to store them so they last. Also, a live demo on how to save tomato seeds, step by step, so you can see the process in action. Guests welcome. facebook.com/RPDgardenclub/.

Seed Saving Secrets: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at Cook Park Library, 413 Milwaukee Ave. in Libertyville and online. Saving seeds is a great way to plan for next year's garden! Some are easy, while others require a little extra care and knowledge. Learn all the specifics from the Illinois Master Gardeners. Register: cooklib.org.

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/.

Chicagoland Daylily Society: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at The Community House, 415 W. 8th St., Hinsdale. Society members will present “Garden Transformations.” Visit chicagolanddaylilysociety.org.

Gardeners of Central Lake County: 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14, in the CrossLife Evangelical Church basement, 431 W. Austin Ave., Libertyville. Featuring a Mini Show & Veggie Tasting. Visit gardenersofcentrallakecounty.org.

Batavia Plain Dirt Gardeners: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, at The Landings Senior Living multipurpose room, 2450 W. Fabyan Pkwy., Batavia. Note: New location and time. Amber Ross, a naturalist with the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, will relay the story of the American bison's return to Kane County after more than 200 years. All are welcome; sign in at the desk and follow the signs. Visit bataviaplaindirtgardeners.org or facebook.com/BataviaPlainDirtGardeners/.

Acorns to Oaks: 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 15 or Nov. 17, and 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, 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/.

Wild Ones: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16, on Zoom. Sara Weaner Cooper, owner of New Directions in the American Landscape, will guide participants through her family’s gradual transition from lawn to meadow, a project featured in The New York Times in 2024 and the BBC in 2025. She will show how the meadow has evolved through experimentation, ecological processes, changing conditions, and ongoing learning. Free; donations welcome. Register: wildones.org.

Tri-Village Garden Club: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, at Streamwood Fire Station, 1204 S. Park Ave., Streamwood. Guest Carol Cichorski returns to share “A Few of Her Favorite Things.” Visit facebook.com/TriVillageGardenClub.

Fall Artisan Series-Flower Press: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, at Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington. Ages 18 or older can get crafty on select evenings. Free. Register: fpdcc.com/event/.

Garden Club of Inverness: 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, at All Saints Lutheran Church, 630 S. Quentin Road in Palatine. Heather Fifarek, Little City development director, offers an overview of the Palatine nonprofit’s mission, programs, and services before highlighting the organization’s horticulture program and the meaningful role gardening plays in building vocational skills, confidence, and independence for the individuals it serves. For information, visit gardenclubofinverness.com or facebook.com/Gardenclubofinverness/.

Lincolnshire Garden Club: 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, at Lincolnshire-Riverwoods Fire Station, 671 Woodlands Parkway, Vernon Hills. John Algozzini will present “Landscapes 101.” Continental breakfast at 9:30 a.m. with the business meeting at 9:45 a.m. and program at 10:30 a.m. For membership details, visit lincolnshiregardenclub.com.

From Canopy to Groundlayer, Building Soft Landings: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, on Zoom. Hosted by Natural Habitat Evanston. Pollinator conservationist Heather Holm will discuss keystone plants and the insects that depend on them. Learn how to implement “Soft Landings,” which focuses on creating mini ecosystems beneath native trees to support pollinators throughout their life cycles. Get practical strategies on site preparation methods, herbicide considerations, and building a resilient plant matrix of sedges, cool-season grasses, and flowering keystone species. Register: climateactionevanston.org.

Meet a Lego Garden Artist: Saturday, Sept. 19, at Chicago Botanic Garden’s Krehbiel Gallery, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Find out how artist Rocco Buttliere created the Farm on Ogden Lego model. Lego bricks will be available throughout the exhibition for attendees to create their own dream garden from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays. Lego creations stay at the garden. Free with admission; no registration required. chicagobotanic.org/america-grows.

Insects of Autumn: 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook. Look for different insects as fall begins. Free. fpdcc.com/event/insects-of-autumn-2/.

Garden Club of Downers Grove: 12:15-3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, at American Legion Post 80, 4000 Saratoga, Downers Grove. Radio and TV’s “Gardening Guy!” Mike Nowak will present “That Ain't No Way to Treat a Tree!” 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.

Conservation@Home-Rain Gardening 101: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, at River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook. Ages 13 or older can learn about rain gardening and how this water management strategy can benefit your yard. Presented by Master Gardener Sara Strother. Free. Register: fpdcc.com/event/.

Plant sale

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 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. 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.

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/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.

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/.

Golden Prairie Walks: 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/.

Seasonal Tree Walk: 9-10:30 a.m. 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.

River Trail Nightlife: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook. Learn about nocturnal animals and more on a guided hike. Ages 6 or older. Hosted by Forest Preserve District of Cook County. $5 per person. Register: fpdcc.com/event.

Walk on the Wild Side: 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at Blue Farm, 9513 Reese Road, Harvard. The 80-acre conservation and agricultural easement owned by Kevin Yapp and Alisha Mowbray. They have begun to reseed one of the two fields previously in a corn-soy rotation with local wildflowers and grasses. The walk also will cover oak forest, remnant prairie and a unique fen centered around four seeps currently being restored with the assistance of The Land Conservancy of McHenry County. Wear sturdy shoes as the paths can be uneven. This is not an open house; two guided walks begin at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Free and no pre-registration required. Hosted by Wildflower Preservation & Propagation Committee. For directions, go to thewppc.org.

Rust at Dusk: 5:45-7:15 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, at Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington. Explore an old farm trail surrounded by tallgrass prairie and relics of the past. Ages 12 or older. Free. Register: fpdcc.com/event/rust-at-dusk/.

Workshops

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.

Pollinators at Home Workshop: 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10 at the Gail Borden Public Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. Hosted by Elgin Sustainability Commission. Learn how to choose native plants for different yard conditions. Get simple planting and maintenance tips. Find out how to apply for the Pollinators at Home grant. Free. Register at ElginIL.gov/Sustainability.

Restoring Our Relationship With Soil: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Adam Schwartz, Compost Club engagement coordinator for The Urban Canopy, leads this introductory class on the basics of home composting. Bring all of your composting questions and come learn about local food systems, the circular economy, and more. $32. Register: mortonarb.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.

Garden shows

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.

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 in general admission. 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.