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What to do in the garden now

Garden events are listed by location and month, with exception to the featured centers below.

Featured Centers: The following centers have multiple events. To make it easier to locate their events they are listed separately.

Chalet Nursery Lecture Series

Chicago Botanic Garden

Platt Hill Nursery

Heinz Brothers Greenhouse

The Growing Place

The Natural Garden

Contrary Mary's Plant & Design


Chalet Nursery Lecture Series

Held Fridays and Saturdays from 10-11:30 am. Chalet Education Center, 3132 Lake Avenue, Wilmette. Info and registration: 847-256-0561 ext 225 or jenniferb@chaletnursery.com

June

5-6
Herbs.
Learn the best-performing herbs for the Midwest. Also: the fascinating history of our favorite culinary, healing and fragrant herbs. Presented by Terry Hollembaek and Nancy Momsen.

12-13
Landscaping with Perennials.
Presented by Prof. Diane Noland, of the Univ. of Illinois. Her organized tips based on principles of design and design strategies, like "Traditional Layering", "Relaxed Massing" and "Creative Layering" give an excellent perspective to beginner and experienced gardeners alike.

19-20
Summer Container Workshop
. Jennifer Brennan, Chalet horticulturist, will teach you the basics of container gardening and help you select the best plants for your site, sun or shade. Registration and materials fee required in advance, $54.99 (pot is included).

26-27
Mid-Season Perennial Maintenance
- by Jennifer Brennan The "in-season" coaching session on perennial maintenance. Learn the maintenance techniques to help you extend bloom display, prevent disease and insect problems and eliminate unnecessary work.

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Chicago Botanic Garden

For the Chicago Botanic Garden events listed below, the address is 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. Tel. 847-835-5440, Website: www.chicagobotanic.org

May

3
Get Started with Annuals.
Learn about soil preparation, plant selection, care and maintenance plus some propagation techniques. 9:30-11:30 am. $37.

3 - 4
Central States Dahlia Society Annual Sale.
Bulbs in a wide array of sizes, shapes and colors. Society members available to answer questions. 10 am-4:30 pm.

7
Climate Chaos: Emerging Consequences of Climate Change.
At this symposium nationally recognized experts discuss changes in the foundation of the ocean's food web, the persistence of plants and animals on land, and the spread of human disease. 8:45 am-4 pm. $79 before April 11. $119 thereafter. Registration deadline May 1.

10 - 11
American Rhododendron Society Show and Sale
of the Midwest Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society. More than 100
varieties displayed. 10 am-4:30 pm.

17
Growing Vegetables.
Learn to interplant vegetables in your existing garden, grow them in containers and on trellises. Dress for the weather; part of the class is outside. 10 am-noon. $37.

17-18
Midwest Bonsai Society Spring Show and Sale.
Spring-blooming trees, vendors, demonstrations, workshops, a Q&A table and other educational opportunities. Registration required for workshops. Info: www.midwestbonsai.org. 9 am-5 pm.

17-18
42nd Annual Plant Sale
presented by The Woman's Board of the Chicago Horticultural Society. Great selection of flowering annuals, ferns, fruits and vegetables, herbs, native wildflowers, ornamental grasses, perennials, roses, shade perennials, shrubs and vines many of which are hard to find. 10 am-3 pm both days.

31 & June 1
Ikebana International Show
. Learn about ikebana, a three-dimensional artistic expression composed of flower and plant material arranged in a container. Members demonstrate techniques and answer questions. 10 am-4:30 pm. both days.

June

1
Summer Garden Maintenance.
A hands-on outdoor class to learn proper techniques of plant maintenance. Taught by Tim Johnson. Bring pruners if possible. Dreass for the weather. 1-3 pm. $37.

7-8
North Shore Iris and Daylily Society Iris Show and Sale
. More than 10 artistic arrangements and 75 irises in bloom. Irises and daylilies also for sale. 10 am-4:30 pm. both days.

8
Herb Gardening for Beginners.
Learn to incorporate these easy-care plants into flowerbeds, vegetable gardens and containers. 1-3 pm. $45.

13
Rock Gardens for the Beginners
, taught by Ed Lyon, Executive Director of Rotary Gardens. Dwarf and miniature plants and ways to incorporate rocks into the landscape. 1-3 pm. $37.

14
Small in Size, Not Stature: Dwarf Conifers
, taught by Ed Lyon. Discover the amazing variety of dwarf conifers in different colors, forms, textures and shapes. 9-11:30 am. $49.

14
Gardening in Containers.
Learn to design and create container gardens with flowers vegetables, herbs, and more. 10 am-noon. $45.

17
Dwarf Conifer Garden Design Walk & Talk
, David Gianneschi, horticulturist with Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects will discuss the design intent for the Dwarf Conifer Garden, some challenges of renovating gardens with significant collections and special plantings, and changes in materials. 6:30-8 pm. $24.

21
Wild World of Weeds.
Adam Hart explores some of the most common weeds of the Midwest. Learn the basics of plant morphology, life cycles and methods of control. 1-3 pm. $37.

21-22
Show of Summer.
Local affiliates of the Garden Club of America present this show every 3 years. This year's theme is "Tapestry - The Interwoven World." Workshops, lectures, and competitive exhibits in flower arranging and horticulture. 10 am-5 pm.

28
The ABCs of Trees.
Gain practical tips on prun
ing, mulching, soil care, planting and protecting against insects. 10 am-noon. $37.

 

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Platt Hill Nursery

Locations at 222 W. Lake St., Bloomingdale (630-529-9394) and 2400 Randall Rd., Carpentersville (847-428-6767). Events offered at both locations. Info at www.platthillnursery.com. Call to sign up for classes.

May

17
Container Gardening.
Whether you have a deck or a whole yard, come learn how to create and maintain beautiful containers with flowers and/or vegetables. 10 am.

24
Landscaping for Fall Color & Winter Interest.
Find out what trees and shrubs to plant for a beautiful display of fall color and winter interest. 10 am.


June

7
Ornamental Grasses.
Come for help in demystifying these popular perennial plants. 10 am.

14
Rose Care.
Love roses? Platt Hill experts will teach you how to care for these wonderful plants. 10 am.

21
Planting & Pruning of Trees & Shrubs.
Staff experts explain when to prune and the proper technique. Also: how to properly plant a tree or shrub. 10 am.

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Heinz Brothers Greenhouse


2010 E. Main Street, St. Charles. 630-377-6288. www.heinzbrothers.com.


May

3
Plant a Pot for Mother's Day.
Kids come and plant a pot with beautiful flowers for your mom. Plant material, container, soil and fertilizer are included in the $10 fee. 10 am.

6
Hanging Basket Planting Demonstrations.
Watch as the Heinz Brothers staff creates beautiful hanging baskets full of color and inspiration. Potting soil, fertilizing, plant selection and arrangements will be discussed. 6-6:30 pm. Free but please RSVP.

6, 8, 14
Summer Container Planting Demonstrations.
Watch as the Heinz Brothers staff creates beautiful containers full of color and inspiration. Potting soil, fertilizing, plant selection and arrangements will be discussed. May 6 at 6:30-7 pm. May 8 at 6-6:30 pm. May 14 at 6-6:30 pm. Free but please RSVP.

8 & 13
Window Box Planting Demonstrations.
Let Heinz Brothers show you a great way to plant up your window boxes. Potting soil, fertilizing, plant selection and arrangements will be discussed. 6:30-7 pm. both dates. Free but please RSVP.

13
Wire Container Planting Demonstrations.
Watch as Heinz Brothers staff shows the best method for lining wire containers. Potting soil, fertilizing, plant selection and arrangements will be discussed. 6-6:30 pm. Free but please RSVP.

15 & 24
Summer Container Planting Party.
Heinz Brothers staff will help you create a beautiful flowering container for all summer long. Potting soil, fertilizer, plant material and container included in the materials fee. May 15 at 6-7 pm. May 24 at 10-11 am. $15 plus container fees: $25 for 10-inch container; $35 for 12-inch container; $45 for 14-inch container.

17
Vegetables in Containers.
Learn how to have a vegetable garden without the garden. Tips for planting, combinations and after care.
10-10:30 am. Free.

17
Plant a Patio Vegetable Garden.
Plant a patio pot with vegetables and learn how to care for them. 11-11:30 am. $35 (includes plants, soil, support, and patio pot).

17
Vegetable Gardening Made Easy.
For those who want to grow their own fresh vegetables but don't know where to start. Learn the best and easiest way to start, grow and harvest vegetables. 1-2 pm. $10.

17
Kids Plant Your Own Vegetables.
Each child will plant four different vegetables in one container. 3-3:30 pm. $15.

18
Children’Äôs Herb Class.
Each child will plant three herbs in a container to take home. Also: care and upkeep. 2-2:30 pm. $15.

18
Growing and Using Herbs Fresh from the Garden.
Learn about the different uses of herbs in the garden. Also: soil preparation, plant selection, growing requirements and fertilization. 11 am-12 pm. $10.

18
Plant a Patio Herb Garden.
Learn about different herbs and choose five to plant in a patio pot. Take home information on how to use your fresh herbs in the kitchen. 1-1:30 pm. $35.

22 & 24
Plant Your Wire Containers.
Bring in or purchase any wire container. Heinz Brothers will teach you how to moss your planter and select plant material. May 22 at 6-7 pm.; May 24 at 1-2 pm. $15 includes moss, soil, fertilizer, Additional fee for plants and wire container.

29
Plant Your Own Water Garden Bowl.
Glazed water bowls and suitable water plants will be selected and planted. Also: care and maintenance. 6-7 pm. $45 (includes water bowl, one floating water plant, and three potted water plants, soil and fertilizer).

June

7
Summer Pond Maintenance.
Learn about controlling algae, fish and amphibian care/feeding and general clean up. 10-10:30 am. $5.

29
4th of July Planter for Kids.
Paint your own red, white and blue masterpiece on a pot and Heinz will help you fill the pot with a red, white or blue flowering plants. 11-11:30 am. $15.

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The Growing Place

Located in Naperville on Plank Rd. 3 blocks west of Naper Blvd. (630-355-4000) and in Aurora on Montgomery Rd. 2 blocks north of Ogden (630-820-8088). Info at www.thegrowingplace.com. Call Carol at 630-355-4000 to register for all events.

May

10 - 11
Plant a Pot for Mom
. Children from 3-10 are invited to paint and plant a container that Mom is guaranteed to love. Both locations. 11-2 pm. $5.

17 & 20
Summer Color Splash.
Work with Growing Place designers to plant your own summer container. Includes all materials for $49 or just observe for free. May 17 at 10 am; May 20 at 6 pm.

31 & June 3
Designed to Entertain.
Get new decorating ideas to help you decorate your patio and gardens. May 31 at 10 am; June 3 at 6 pm.

June

14
Gardener's Art Festival
at Naperville. Enjoy a day filled with unique garden art, beautiful gardens and light-hearted talks. Watch for complete information.

21
Make a Container Water Garden for Birds & Butterflies
at the Aurora location. Class for kids at 10 am. $10. For adults at 1 pm. $10 plus materials.

22
Benefit Garden Walk
for the Michael J. Fox Parkinson's Foundation. Visit Naperville gardens and enjoy a festive reception at The Growing Place in Naperville.

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The Natural Garden

38W443 Highway 64, St. Charles. Pre-registration required for all events. Lunch and Learn classes limited to ten participants; includes a catered lunch, 11:30 am-1 pm. $20 per class. Info at 630-584-0150 or www.thenaturalgardeninc.com.

May

3 & 17
Design a Perennial Garden.
In a 45-minute session, get a quick sketch design for an area of 100 square feet or less. Pictures helpful. 1 pm, 2:30 pm, and 4 pm. $50 ($25 at registration, $25 at class) Registration deadline one week prior to session.

9-10
Container Class.
Bring in your own container or purchase one at The Natural Garden. Staff will assist in making a unique arrangement for your home. A varied selection of fresh annuals will be available to use in your design. Friday 9-10:30 am; Saturday 8:30-10 am. Fee: $10 registration fee plus cost of plants. Registration deadline May 5.

June

21-22
Mid-Summer Celebration and Artisan Faire.
On Saturday local artisans will be offering their wares from 10 am-4 pm. Gramps Custard will sell their delicious custards. Brian Kay will sign his new book Yard and Garden Makeovers from 1-1:45 pm. On Sunday The Natural Garden will celebrate 55 years of doing business. Behind the scenes tours of the nursery at 11:30 am and 2 pm. Garden walks at 1 pm and 3 pm. Special pricing on selected plants both days.

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Contrary Mary's Plants & Designs

2735 Route 52, Minooka, 7 miles west of I55 on Route 52. Call 815-521-9535 to pre-register for all seminars. Space is limited. Info: www.contrarymarysplants.com.

May

4
Fabulous Fountains and Spritely Small Water Features.
Contrary Charlie will demonstrate how easy it is to create a small water feature for your own little paradise. Featuring Aquascape Aquabasins, Natural Stone Fountains, and unique bubbling beauties. 1-3 pm. $10.

June

1
Precocious Peonies and Colorful Compatriots
- or how you too can create a gorgeous Gramma garden. Contrary Mary will introduce you to the pleasures of peonies and companion plants. 1-2:30 pm. $10.

14
De-thorning the Rose Risk.
How to raise non-chemically dependent, well-adjusted roses. Don't let the prickly subject of roses scare you; they're fabulous, fragrant, and floriferous! 3-4:30 pm. $10.

22
Hellaciously Hot Hostas to Spice up Your Shady Situation.
Shade lovers rejoice - Contrary Mary will introduce unique hostas and companion plants that are "gotta-haves." 1-2:30 pm. $10.

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