Vernon Hills seniors get information, native plants

By John Starks

jstarks@dailyherald.com

Seniors in Vernon Hills left with more than new information as they were welcomed back to their re-opened center at village hall Tuesday with a program on the value of native plants.

At the end of the presentation, they were given purple coneflower and black-eyed Susan plants.

“You can take a personal role in bringing native plants back to nature here,” said Seema Keshav, of Go Green Vernon Hills-Lincolnshire, who spoke to the eight seniors about the benefits of native plants. “This activity today will be engaging and helpful to the environment.”

Go Green is a volunteer-based citizens group that educates the community on environmental issues and sustainability.

After outlining how native plants require less watering, less lawn care and attract more wildlife, Keshav moved the session outside to the patio overlooking the pond on the lower level of village hall at Evergreen Drive and Route 45. There, the seniors chose their own plants.

The village long has operated a senior center on the lower level of village hall, which was closed because of the coronavirus pandemic. It recently was allowed to resume some activities under guidance from the Lake County Health Department.

The plants were delivered to Vernon Hills by the North Shore Plant Club, which was started by Winnetka residents who wanted to make gardening accessible to more people. Advanced Disposal, which traditionally sponsors summer events, bought the plants and pots.

The seniors were asked to document the progress of their work by sending photos to the village from wherever they choose to plant.