Home & garden calendar, Sept. 21-Oct. 3

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

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.

Grayslake Greenery Garden Club: 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, at State Bank of the Lakes, 50 Commerce Drive, Grayslake. In “Chemistry in Your Garden,” Rosalind Franklin University biochemistry professor Eric Walters will discuss how fertilizers fuel plant growth, how soil pH alters nutrient absorption (and why it changes hydrangea colors), when and how to use pesticides, and how selective weed killers choose their targets. Learn how plants use chemistry to talk to each other when under attack. It also covers the practical science of safely handling and storing garden products. Visit grayslakegardenclub.org.

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/.

Native Gardener's Club: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, 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. The session will focus on using native trees and shrubs in your home garden. $5 or free to Lake County residents. Register: lcfpd.org/calendar/.

Lombard Garden Club: 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at the Lombard Community Center, 433 E. St. Charles Road. In “Bats Around the World,” Sharon Peterson will offer an overview of the 1,500 species of bats and their importance to so many ecosystems worldwide. She also will bring a few of her live bats along. All are welcome; no charge. Visit lombardgardenclub.org.

Planting Roots, Growing the Next 250 Years: 8:30-10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Lincoln Marsh, Harrison and Pierce avenues, Wheaton. Join an all-ages celebration of America’s 250th anniversary on National Public Lands Day. Roll up your sleeves to plant, explore, and learn how to care for shared public lands. Free. Register: wheatonparkdistrict.com.

Bulk Bulb Sale: Orders open through Sept. 27. Hosted by Woman’s Board of the Chicago Horticultural Society. Online orders cannot be shipped. Orders will be ready for pickup in the Regenstein Center during the Fall Bulb Sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday to Sunday, Oct. 10-12. Proceeds benefit the Chicago Botanic Garden, its research and programs. chicagobotanic.org/bulb/sale.

Plant Giveaway: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays to Fridays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through 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: Amish Deer Tongue lettuce. chicagobotanic.org.

Pottawatomie Garden Club: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28, at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, 307 Cedar Ave., St. Charles. In “Vitalizing Your Landscape,” Ann Baker will speak on ways to revitalize worn-out landscapes. She will consider a partial update or a complete landscape overhaul, giving tips on basic landscape design and creative ways to perk up your landscape. All are welcome. The fall luncheon is planned for October. Visit facebook.com/pottagardenclub/.

Native Garden Workday for Homeschoolers: 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Edward L. Ryerson Welcome Center, 21950 N. Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods. Homeschool families can learn about the center’s native gardens and assist with ongoing seasonal needs. Activities dependent on season and include weeding, planting, seed collection, pruning, and watering. No experience necessary. For ages 10 or older with an adult. Register: lcfpd.org.

Pollinator garden ribbon cutting: 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, at NAMI of McHenry County, 338 Memorial Drive, Crystal Lake. Celebrate the Pollinator Garden at NAMI, donated by the Rotary Dawnbreakers and Rotary of Algonquin/Lake in the Hills. Free. facebook.com/NAMIMcHenryCounty.

Hoffman Estates Garden Club: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, at the Schaumburg Township building, One Illinois Blvd., Hoffman Estates. Jennifer Brennan returns to present “Pruning Trees & Shrubs.” Social hour with refreshments at 6 p.m. and a short business meeting at 6:30 p.m. Nonmembers are welcome. The club offers several presentations and field trips throughout the year. Visit hoffmanestatesgardenclub.club.

Plant Now for Spring Blooms: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, at Grayslake Area Public Library, 100 Library Lane. Join the Lake County Master Gardeners to learn what to plant now for a vibrant spring garden. Learn how to select, plant, and care for spring-flowering bulbs that provide continuous color from April through June. Discover how to combine bulbs with different bloom times, heights, and colors, choose the right varieties for your landscape, and manage common pest issues. Register: extension.illinois.edu/events/.

Go Green Mount Prospect Tree & Shrub Sale: Pre-order by Friday, Oct. 2 via gogreenmp.org/online-shop/. Shop from over 40 varieties with local pick-up from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Mount Prospect Historical Society, 101 S. Maple St.

Acorns to Oaks: 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, and 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, 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/.

Garlic Fest: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at The Growing Place, 2000 Montgomery Road, Aurora. Sample this year’s garlic varieties, learn how to grow garlic at home and more. Free admission. Visit thegrowingplace.com/event/garlic-fest-2026/.

“250 Years of American Woodlore”: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Explore the history of how trees have shaped American life and culture with arborist, educator, and woodlore expert Levi O’Brien. In this outdoor program, learn about the traditions and folklore connected to America’s trees, from the role of locust and pine trees in naval battles to the ways roller skating helped transform the textile industry. $32. Register: mortonarb.org.

Oak-tober: 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington. Learn what makes oak trees special. Free. fpdcc.com/event/oak-tober/.

Garden Club of ​Lake Zurich: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, at Ela Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. Carol Cichorski will talk about “Dahlias: Living Fireworks.” She and her husband, Mike, have been growing hundreds of dahlias for more than 20 years. They begin by starting tubers in their basement in February before moving the plants into their garden, with many of their beautiful blooms making their way to others through garden club plant sales. Visit gardencluboflakezurich.org.

Fungi for Beginners: Three meeting dates, Thursday, Oct. 8, to Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Learn about the history of humans and mushrooms and the impact they have on each other and their shared ecosystems. Familiarize yourself with some key features for field identification, sort out myth from fact. This program concludes with a field excursion to look for fungi around the Arboretum grounds. $80. Register: mortonarb.org.

Touch-a-Tractor: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday and Monday, Oct. 11-12, at The Growing Place, 2000 Montgomery Road, Aurora. A free, drop-in day for kids and grown-ups to get up close to tractors, loaders, and other garden center equipment, with time to climb aboard and explore. Bring a lunch or snack to eat under the big tent. Free. thegrowingplace.com.

Central States Dahlia Society: 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at Elk Grove Village Township Office, 600 Landmeier Road. Learn everything you need to know about digging up your tubers and how to clean, divide and store your tubers for the winter. Doors open at 1 p.m. Visit centralstatesdahliasociety.com.

Garden walk

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.

Garden shows

“A Century in Bloom” flower show: 1 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Wheaton Public Library, 255 N. Cross St. Floral designs, created by Wheaton Garden Club members, reflect the following themes: “Tea for Two,” “Bee My Baby,” “Age of Aquarius,” “Victory Garden,” and “Nature’s Artistry.” “Turn of the Century” horticultural display will exhibit a large variety of specimens of shrubs, trees, flowers, and plants from member gardens. Special exhibits focus on “Invasive Plants of the Midwest,” “Weeds: Friend or Foe,” “Caterpie’s Cafeteria: The Spicebush Caterpillar,” and “Host Plants for Butterflies and Moths.” Free. wheatongardenclub.org.

Illinois Orchid Society Fall Show & Sale: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 10-11, at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Presented by the Illinois Orchid Society, this show will feature artistically arranged table top displays from the rarest of species to cultivated hybrids. Illinois Orchid Society also providing orchid plants for sale as well as repotting services. Included with general admission. Visit chicagobotanic.org.

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.

Hike Lake County: 3-4:15 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Ethel's Woods, 19330 Miller Road, Antioch; or Sunday, Sept. 27, at Cuba Marsh, 24205 W. Cuba Road, Deer Park. Join one of this year’s Hike Lake County events where you walk a new trail each session. Free. Register: lcfpd.org/calendar/.

Full Moon Guided Hike: 7:30-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. A naturalist will offer moon facts and lore, and discuss how animals are adapted for nighttime. For 16 or older. $26. Register: mortonarb.org.

Hike Lake County: 3-4:15 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Ethel's Woods, 19330 Miller Road, Antioch. Join one of this year’s Hike Lake County events where you walk a new trail each session. Free. Register: lcfpd.org/calendar/.

Golden Prairie Walk: 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington. Join an afternoon stroll. Free. fpdcc.com/event/fall-hiking/.

Wednesday Wilderness Walks: 8-10 a.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 7 to Nov. 4, except Oct. 14, at Lincoln Marsh, Harrison and Pierce avenue, Wheaton. Observe the flora and fauna on a guided nature hike. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea as you learn about some of nature’s wonders before the walk. Ages 18 and up. $5. Register via dupageforest.org or (630) 942-6200, or at the walk.

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

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/.

Walk with a Naturalist: 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at Middlefork Savanna, 1401 Middlefork Drive, Lake Forest. 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 main parking lot. Registration is required. $5 or $7 for nonresidents. Register: lcfpd.org/calendar/.

Fall Tree Walk: 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at Deer Grove-West, on West Dundee Road, east of Northwest Highway, near Barrington. Enjoy a guided walk and learn how to identify trees in the fall. Free. Register: fpdcc.com/event/fall-tree-walk/.

Fall Color Walk: 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook. View the spectacular fall colors while enjoying a casual walk in the woods. Hosted by Forest Preserve District of Cook County. Free. Register: fpdcc.com/event.

English Walled Garden Fall Walk: 9-10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Join horticulturist Heather Sherwood to explore the English Walled Garden, with its six distinct garden rooms alive with vibrant colors, scents, and textures. Glimpse the morning glories and late-season chrysanthemums. Learn about various plant-management styles used to maintain interest and to protect beneficial populations. Dress for the weather. $24. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

Walk & Talk History of Poplar Creek: 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, at Carl R. Hansen Woods, Sutton Road, south of Shoe Factory Road, near Schaumburg. For the curious mind who wants to know more about the forest preserves and natural areas. These walks will be led at a slower pace with frequent stopping and interpretation. Free. fpdcc.com/event/walk-talk/.

Fall Color Walks: 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 14 and 28 and Nov. 4; and 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington. Join this afternoon stroll to look at the fall colors. Visit pdcc.com/event/fall-hiking-3/.

Workshops

Starting Native Plants From Seed: 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, in the Edward L. Ryerson Education Center, 22196 North Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods. Starting native plants from seed can be challenging until you know the tricks to sparking germination. Discover what it means to stratify and scarify seeds and which species need which treatment. Take home a selection of native seed to start at home. Free or $7 for nonresidents. Register: lcfpd.org/calendar/.

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.

Fall Tree Identification: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 26, at Bliss Woods Forest Preserve, 5S660 Bliss Road, Sugar Grove. Environmental Education Manager Barb McKittrick will explain how to identify trees with and without their leaves during this fully-outdoors class. The program will begin with a review of basic tree anatomy and identifying features then traverse the woodlands examining leaves, bark, twigs, and fruit to identify a number of common native hardwood trees. $10. Register: kaneforest.com.

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.

Fall Color Chemistry: 10-11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at Kenyon Farm Forest Preserve, 8N700 Barry Road, South Elgin. Autumn is where art and science meet! Plants swap their green colorings for a full palette of gold, orange, and crimson, all thanks to the chemistry of pigments hiding in every leaf. Join district naturalists as we discuss the science behind the beauty of fall. Free. Register: kaneforest.com.

Trees and Shrubs with Beautiful Fall Color: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Learn to incorporate seasonal interest through trees and shrubs that exude the warm, vivid colors of a fall landscape. A garden walk is included. Dress for the weather. $82. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

Focal Point Plants: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, via Zoom with Chicago Botanic Garden. Mark Dwyer, owner of Landscape Prescriptions by MD, will show how some of the most striking plants can become powerful focal points when thoughtfully selected and placed in the landscape. $69. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

Seed to Supper community gardening workshop: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Mellody Farm, 851-1101 Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills. Explore cool tiny plant setups at the MicroHabitat Kiosk. Free. RSVP: mellodyfarm.com/events/.

Techniques for Starting Garden Beds: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 17, at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Get practical techniques and expert advice on converting traditional spaces into beautiful, eco-friendly, and sustainable gardens. Topics: Basic soil science to help your garden thrive; homeowner-friendly methods for preparing your lawn area; common myths; and basic planting and care tips. $39. Register: mortonarb.org.

Putting the Garden to Bed workshop: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Mellody Farm, 851-1101 Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills. Learn how to tidy up, mulch, and prep your garden beds for the cold months ahead. Free. RSVP: mellodyfarm.com/events/.

Soil Health Walk The Living Landscape Below: 9:30 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Oct. 28, at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Join Michelle Catania, soil expert and green industry outreach coordinator, for a tour of the Arboretum’s underground. Learn how tree and plant health starts in the soil, and discuss the different facets of assessing soil health. Participants will look for soil clues like texture, organic matter content, and other features that can support healthy landscapes. All experience levels are welcome. $39. Register: mortonarb.org.