Program Schedule

"Spring Flowering Bulbs in the Garden"

University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Carolina Schottland

Come to hear about the abundant possibilities for planting bulbs in your garden in preparation for a dramatic display co me the Spring! In addition to learning about the wide array of available bulbs, learn about the selection and maintenance process.  This presentation will be made by a University of Illinois Master Gardener and is based on research-based information meant to be shared to encourage the best horticultural practices.

This is also the last day to order bulbs from our fall fundraiser.  Bulbs are ordered from a reputable and reliable bulb wholesaler.  Information on another part of this website.

"The Garden's Frequent Fliers: Dragonflies and Damselflies"

Cindy Crosby - author, blogger, gardener

Discover the fascinating and bizarre lives of these jeweled garden fliers as you enjoy gorgeous close-up images of these dragonflies and damselflies in Illinois gardens, prairies, and ponds.  Hear their cultural history, including some of the myths and superstitions that surround them.  Find out how dragonflies tell us something about the health of our waterways and our world.  Then discover how you can garden to attract these remarkable flying creatures. This presentation is based in part on Cindy's recent book Chasing Dragonflies: A Natural, Cultural, and Personal History.

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"Workshop - Forcing Spring Blooming Bulbs"

 Led by Kim Hartmann

Kim will share her expertise by helping us to create an arrangement that will bloom with beautiful spring bulbs in the depths of winter.   Bring your own vase/bowl/container to showcase the bulbs that will bloom later this winter - just as your spirit longs for the signs of spring.

Sign-up for this workshop is required.

"Holiday Luncheon"

Spend a pleasant afternoon with fellow club members.

No program or business will be conducted at this meeting - just socializing.  

Details will be sent via email.  

"Illinois Native Pollinators"

University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Susan Williamson

This presentation is one of the newest prepared by the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners.  It focuses on our native bees, butterflies, flies, and other pollinators.  Learn about the pollinator's importance in our ecosystem and about the plants that attract them, and why.  Learn how a little effort on our part can go a long way for pollinators and our ecosystem while providing us with beauty and enjoyment.  This presentation is based on research-based information meant to be shared to encourage the best horticultural practices.

"Lazy Gardener's Guide to Green Gardening"

David Brooks, Manager of Conservation Services, Vera Meineke Nature Center

David Brooks, a professional naturalist, will share with us how caring for our home landscape in ways that help protect the environment can also result in reduced time, money, and effort spent on landscape maintenance, pest control, and plant replacement. The program will present options available to reduce your environmental footprint and let you spend time enjoying your yard.

"Water-wise Gardening"

University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Sue Hazelwood

This presentation is one of the newer programs prepared by the Extension Master Gardeners and focuses on developing a sizzling garden that uses plants that do not thirst for a lot of water.  Recommended drought-tolerant plants are stars at not only surviving oppressive conditions - they thrive.  As climate change impacts our lives and our gardens more each year the needs of our gardens have changed.  Learning what works now is ever more important.  This presentation will be made by a University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener and is based on research-based information meant to be shared to encourage the best horticultural proactices.

" Best New Plants for 2023"

Kim Hartmann

Kim, a favorite speaker at club meetings, will highlight the best new annuals, perennials, roses, vegetables, shrubs, and trees for 2023.  Only those plants with unique new features that are successful in our region make that list.  Kim recently joined Rosborough Partners, a landscape design/build/maintenance company in Libertyville.  The daughter of a farmer and a teacher, she has combined her heritage and her passion for learning into her career.

"Eradication of Buckthorn - It's Important for our Ecosystem"

Matt Ueltzen, Manager of Restoration Ecology, Lake County Forest Preserve

Matt will present a program that not only informs about the eradication efforts undertaken by the Lake County Forest Preserve but highlight why these efforts are important for the preservation of our ecosystem.  He will come with practical tips to help us each undertake the eradication of Buckthorn in our own yards and neighborhoods and towns.  Lessons learned may help us to help expand the process of eradication of this invasive species.

Summer Garden Tour and Members Luncheon

Join us as we mark the culmination of our 2022-23 Garden Club year.  Officers for the 2023-2024 year will be installed.  Watch your email for details.