Home & garden calendar, Oct. 19-31

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 to 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, at American Legion Post 80, 4000 Saratoga, Downers Grove. Kim Hartmann will present “Spring-Blooming Bulbs.” 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.

Bloomingdale Garden Club: 6:15-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, at Cornerstone Faith Community Church, 118 First St., Bloomingdale. Master Gardener Jan Gricus, who has been winter sowing since 2008, will show how to start seeds easily by growing them in the house without special lighting or equipment. Winter sowing works with nature to propagate your favorite vegetables, herbs and native plants for the spring planting season. 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.

Wild Ones: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, on Zoom. In “Bats in the Backyard,” Brandi Christiano and Megan White from Bat Conservation International will explore how native plants, healthy insect populations, and thoughtful landscape choices can help support North America’s night flyers. Free; donations welcome. Register: wildones.org.

“Ghost in the Making” screening: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, via Zoom. Hosted by Climate Action Evanston. See the short film, followed by a talk and questions with urban ecologist Libby Shafer on the endangered rusty-patched bumble bee and local sightings. Register: climateactionevanston.org.

Native Gardener's Club: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, via Zoom. Will Overbeck of Pizzo Native Plant Nursery in Leland, Ill., will present “Native Plant Migrations and Contemporary Range Boundaries.” It will focus on the presence of adventive plant species and current trends in new arrivals of native plant species that can be used in climate-resilient native landscapes of northeastern Illinois. $5 or free to Lake County residents. Register: lcfpd.org/calendar/.

Lombard Garden Club: 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at the Lombard Community Center, 433 E. St. Charles Road. Bill Karges will speak on “Gardening in the 1970s.” He worked at Pioneer Garden & Feed in Villa Park for many years and now can be found at Ace Hardware in Lombard at their new garden center. His program will take you back to the 1970s when the establishment of Earth Day ushered in a new era of environmental awareness. Learn about nature trends of the 1970s and how they influenced the way we garden today; 1970s attire encouraged. All are welcome; no charge. Visit lombardgardenclub.org.

Grayslake Greenery Garden Club: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, at State Bank of the Lakes lower-level community room, 50 Commerce Drive, Grayslake. Tamara Block, a longtime member of the Garden Guild of Highland Park, will guide you through the story of hostas — their origins, their cultivation, their many personalities — and how to weave them gracefully into your landscape. She'll share design insights, favorite varieties, and ways to let hostas shine in containers or shade gardens. A handout will offer lists of beloved and award-winning cultivars, along with hostas chosen for special uses. Light snacks and beverages will be served. All are welcome. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Visit grayslakegardenclub.org.

South Barrington Garden Club: 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at South Barrington Park District, 3 Tennis Club Lane. Learn about Citizens for Conservation​. Visit sbgclub.org.

Hoffman Estates Garden Club: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at the Schaumburg Township building, One Illinois Blvd., Hoffman Estates. “Beneficial Insects: Garden Warriors” by a University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener. Gardeners focus on insects that eat their plants without paying attention to insects that act as warriors in the garden by either eating the bad bugs or parasitizing them. Learn about the most common beneficial insects and never accidentally kill a good bug again. 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.com.

Herbarium Tours: 10-10:30 a.m. and 11:15-11:45 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Ages 7 or older can get a behind-the-scenes tour of the Herbarium and its museum collection of dried plants. Learn how staff and volunteers preserve and process specimens to record biodiversity and how the Herbarium aids biodiversity research. Tours are between 30 minutes and one hour long. Free with arboretum admission. Register: mortonarb.org.

Greenhouse Tour: 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at Cantigny Greenhouse, Schaffner Road entrance, Wheaton. Greenhouse staff members will guide you through a stunning array of vibrant poinsettias (up to 16 varieties!), showcasing the beauty and tradition of this iconic Christmas plant. Learn about the history and care of these festive favorites, and discover how they are used around Cantigny for seasonal displays. Space is limited. $25 (canned or bottled beverage included). Register: cantigny.org/event/greenhouse-tour-9/.

Mount Prospect Garden Club: 9:30 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Nov. 10, in the first-floor Farley Room in the Mount Prospect Village Hall, 911 E. Kensington Road. Heather Prince presents “Shady Characters: Nifty Plants for Shady Characters.” Guests are welcome. Visit gcmp.weebly.com.

Geneva Garden Club: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the Stephen R. Persinger Recreation Center, 3507 Kaneville Road in Geneva. An Extension Master Gardener will speak on shade gardening. Guests are welcome. Visit genevagardenclub.com or facebook.com/GenevaGardenClub/.

Buffalo Grove Garden Club: 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the Alcott Center, 530 Bernard Drive, Buffalo Grove. Ann Baker will share the benefits of adding native plants to the garden, while keeping lifelong favorites. Hear about easy-going varieties and those that need a watchful eye and a firm hand. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome. Visit bgparks.org.

Plants in the Military: 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington. Celebrate Veterans Day by learning how plants were used in the military. Free. fpdcc.com/event/plants-in-the-military-2/.

Gifts from the Garden: 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, on Zoom. Illinois Extension Lake County Master Gardeners, SWALCO, and the Lake County Forest Preserve District continue the 2026 Garden Learning Series on the second Wednesday of the month. Merleanne Rampale, programs and education director with the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County, shares some of the concoctions, tinctures, recipes, art projects, and other special goodies she has crafted from her own gardens over the years. Free; programs are not recorded. Register: extension.illinois.edu/events/.

Rolling Meadows Garden Club: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Rolling Meadows Community Center’s Laurel Room, 3705 Pheasant Drive. In “Growing Amazing Mushrooms,” Mark Lyons, an experienced mushroom grower and garden coach, will show you how to grow your very own mushroom harvest either indoors or outside. He also will show you how to preserve your mushroom harvest and how to make the most of these culinary treasures. Speaker presentation at 6:30 p.m. with club business at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome. Visit rollingmeadowsgardenclub.com for more details.

Des Plaines Garden Club: 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at Manzo’s Banquets in Des Plaines. Annual holiday luncheon will feature Kim Hartmann on “Holiday Floral Creations,” a demonstration into the world of professional floral design. Also, raffle prizes, an instant win board, silent auction, and a bake sale, as well as a 50/50 raffle with proceeds going to the Irma Lehmann Scholarship Fund. A choice of two entrees available for the luncheon. Cost is $50. RSVP by calling Nancy Hensley-Olson at 847-567-7443 no later than Oct. 24. Visit desplainesilgardenclub.com or facebook.com/DesPlainesGardenClub/.

Houseplant Propagation Basics: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at Grayslake Area Public Library, 100 Library Lane, Grayslake. In this beginner-friendly program, discover simple ways to propagate houseplants using cuttings, division, and other easy techniques. Learn which methods work best for different plants and tips for helping your new plants thrive. Register: extension.illinois.edu/events/.

Acorns to Oaks: 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, and 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at the operations and public safety facility, 19808 W. Grand Ave., Lake Villa. Get an insider look at how the Lake County Forest Preserves restores and protects Lake County's natural lands. During a one-hour, behind-the-scenes tour, learn how the district staff ensures every acre of habitat they restore remains ecologically healthy and provides a continuous benefit to our communities. The tour is entirely indoors, though portions of the facility have minimal temperature and humidity controls, which can feel similar to outdoor temperatures. Free. Register: lcfpd.org/preservation-foundation/event2/.

Leaves are not Litter!: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, via Zoom. Hosted by Climate Action Evanston. Max Ferlauto, state entomologist with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, will discuss new research on the value of fallen autumn leaves to ecosystems and provide additional landscaping best practices to support local wildlife. Register: climateactionevanston.org.

Indoor Edible Gardens: Noon Saturday, Nov. 21, at River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook. Learn how to grow your own fresh herbs, salad greens and more. Presented with University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners. For ages 13 or older. Free. Register: fpdcc.com/event/indoor-edible-gardens/.

Cicada Pinning Class: 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Nov. 22, and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29, at Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest. Presented with The Insect Asylum, ages 14 or older will be walking through the process of entomology. What it is, why it’s important, and how it’s done. This class will teach students the process of preparing their real specimens for display. $5. Space is limited. Registration required by Nov. 27. Registration required; contact organizer to sign up. Visit fpdcc.com/event/cicada-pinning-class-3/.

Naperville Garden Club’s 64th annual Cup of Cheer Home Tour, Holiday Market & Tea: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, for $45. Preview day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3 for $60. Step inside beautifully decorated homes, shop the festive Holiday Market, and enjoy a holiday tea experience. Each ticketed guest receives a commemorative teacup and saucer or mug, with a new pattern introduced each year. The Holiday Market features handcrafted and curated items at the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873, 908 W. Jackson St. (non-ticket holders welcome from noon to 4 p.m. Friday). Tickets available at napervillegardenclub.org or (cash or check only) The Growing Place, 25W471 Plank Road; John Greene Realtor Office, 1311 S. Route 59; Baird and Warner Realtors, 836 W. 75th St.; and new this year, Dean's Clothing, ​226 S. Main St. ​Online tickets for Friday on sale until noon Wednesday. Dec. 2. A 10% discount is available with the purchase of 10 tickets. Proceeds support the club’s community programs, scholarships, civic beautification projects, and educational initiatives.

Nature walks

Wednesday Wilderness Walks: 8-10 a.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 21 to Nov. 4, 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.

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

Seasonal Tree Walk: 9-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Enjoy a morning walk exploring the trees at the garden. Each month, visit a different section of the garden and learn about the trees unique to that area. Dress for the weather. Led by Mark Zampardo, horticulture educator. Meet at Visitor Center. $37. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

River Trail Nightlife-Owl Prowl: 5 and 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, at River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook. A guided walk on the trail to search for local owls. Ages 8 or older. Hosted by Forest Preserve District of Cook County. Free. Register: fpdcc.com/event.

Workshops

Leave the Seeds: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 24, at Chicago Botanic Garden Regenstein Center, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Not only do the seedpods of perennials feed birds and wildlife throughout winter, they also add rich textural and structural elements to the dormant garden. Explore seeds, pods, and stems that bring interesting shapes and structure to the garden. It includes a walk to view examples in the garden. Led by Heather Prince, horticulturist, garden writer and editor. Dress for the weather. $49. Register: chicagobotanic.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/.

Native Bees in Fall: 10-11:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Where do the bees go as the seasons change? Wil Pilipauskas, head beekeeper, Willie's Honey Co. will talk about the lifecycle of Illinois native solitary bees, including what happens to them as temperatures cool in fall and winter. Learn how to support native bees at home through your landscaping. $44. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

Ghoulish Plants in Folklore: 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, online with Chicago Botanic Garden. Horticulture educator Julia Zoltowsky will talk about the curious plants that have haunted folklore throughout the ages. From belladonna to zombie plants, you will uncover ghoulish tales and fascinating species. Register at least two days in advance. $37. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

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.

Plan Next Year's Vegetable Garden: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, online with Chicago Botanic Garden. Fall is a great time to start planning next year’s vegetable and herb gardens. Horticulturist and writer Nina Koziol will talk about soil preparation and tests, vegetable garden layouts, heirloom and modern cultivars, and when and how to plant for a continued, flavorful harvest. Register at least two days in advance. $49. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

Carnivorous Plant Terrarium Workshop: 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Turn a live plant into a ghoulish holiday display. The terrarium becomes a fascinating conversation piece during and after the season. Learn how it has adapted the ability to eat insects and how to care for your terrarium at home. All supplies are included. Register by Oct. 23. $87. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

Paperwhite Centerpiece Workshop: 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Learn the proper techniques for forcing paperwhite bulbs indoors. All supplies provided, including a decorative vessel and river rock, which can be reused to force other bulbs. Register by Oct. 28. $74. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

Growing Microgreens Workshop: 10-11:15 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Microgreens are the seedlings of common edible vegetables and herbs. Easy to grow in your own home, they are abundant in concentrated nutrients and flavor. Elawa Farm Foundation’s Elaine Madansky will talk about the health benefits of microgreens, the best varieties to grow, and simple ways to use them at home. Plant two containers of microgreens to take with you. All supplies are included. $44. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

Wintering Bees in Cold Climates: 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Nov. 8, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. What happens to your beehive in winter? Beehives can be a challenge to overwinter, especially in northern climates. Troubleshoot with Wil Pilipauskas, head beekeeper at Willie's Honey Co., who will offer care tips to help maintain a healthy bee colony year-round. $57. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

Native Plants for Year-Round Interest: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, online with Chicago Botanic Garden. Transform your garden into a multi-season landscape with a variety of native trees, shrubs, and perennials that are suited to your environment, providing color and texture throughout the year. $69. Register at least two days in advance. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

Woody Plants for Four Seasons: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 14, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Horticulture educator Mark Zampardo will talk about how to make your landscape attractive and interesting in every season. Take a closer look at a variety of specimens with outstanding form, colorful fruits, interesting bark, and showy flowers. A garden walk is included. Dress for the weather. $82. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

Growing Salad Indoors: 6-7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, online with Chicago Botanic Garden. Explore the foundational tools needed to grow greens indoors. Horticulture educator Julia Zoltowsky will talk about required and alternative materials, ideal crop varieties, the benefits and drawbacks of direct sowing versus transplanting, and the optimal conditions for successfully growing greens indoors. $24. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

Maximizing Texture in the Garden: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, online with Chicago Botanic Garden. While a progression of interesting flowers and colorful foliage is appreciated in the garden, the visual texture of your compositions is equally important. Mark Dwyer, owner of Landscape Prescriptions by MD, will discuss textural examples of plants and combinations. $69. Register: chicagobotanic.org.

Build A Terrarium Workshop: 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Create a terrarium containing an assortment of small indoor plants, rocks, and decorative elements. Horticulturist Alicia Green will discuss the fundamentals of designing, layering, planting, and caring for your creation. Perfect for beginners and experienced plant growers alike. All supplies are included. $112. Register: chicagobotanic.org.