West
January
Jan. 14, Feb. 18 and March 24
“Plan Your Landscape,” a three-course series. Winter is a great time to plan your spring planting and designs. In the first session “Getting Started,” discover how to use your home plot, create an inventory of your property and learn about design terminology and garden styles. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $153; preregistration required. Info: 630-719-2468 or www.mortonarb.org/education.
Jan. 16
“Birds and Feeders,” monthly meeting of the Garden Club of Downers Grove. Lincoln Center, 935 Maple Ave., Downers Grove. 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Free. Info: 630-852-3912.
Jan. 21
Winter Bird Walk. Interested in birding, but don’t know where to start? Explore the winter landscape with an expert guide, learn to identify the birds that stay in Illinois during the chilly months and discuss their behaviors and natural history. Bring binoculars and a field guide. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. 8 to 10:30 a.m. $10 plus admission ($12 adults); preregistration required. Info:
630-719-2468 or www.mortonarb.org.
Jan. 26
“Landscape Genius: The Work of Olmsted, Simonds, and Jensen.” Hear about the stories, sites and clients of three masterful designers with a special emphasis on Simonds and his work on the original plan of The Morton Arboretum. Presented by landscape historian Barbara Geiger at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. 7 p.m. $17; preregistration required. Info: 630-719-2468 or www.mortonarb.org/education.
Jan. 28
“In Search of the Prairie Spirit.” Enjoy a winter afternoon of readings from prairie poets and writers followed by a walk through The Morton Arboretum’s Schulenberg Prairie. Learn about the plants in their winter condition, animal signs and the effects of winter on the prairie landscape. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. $21; preregistration required. Info: 630-719-2468 or
www.mortonarb.org/education.
Jan. 28 and 29
“Dogsled Spectacular.” Siberian husky sled dogs show their skills at The Morton Arboretum. Learn more about huskies in a special presentation, “Husky Legacy,” at 1:30 and 3 p.m. both days. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free with arboretum admission ($12 adults).
The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. Info: 630-719-2468 or
www.mortonarb.org/education.
February
Feb. 4, 11 and 18
“Landscape Plants: Evergreens, Bark, and Berries.” Perk up your winter landscape with a class on plants that add interest to the dormant garden. Learn about trees with great bark, shrubs with berries for the birds, plus evergreens. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. Meets three Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $138; preregistration required. Info: 630-719-2468 or www.mortonarb.org/education.
Feb. 18
Winter Bird Walk. Interested in birding, but don’t know where to start? Explore the winter landscape with an expert guide, learn to identify the birds that stay in Illinois during the chilly months and discuss their behaviors and natural history. Bring binoculars and a field guide. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. 8 to 10:30 a.m. $10 plus admission ($12 adults); preregistration required. Info: 630-719-2468 or www.mortonarb.org.
Feb. 18
“Starting from Seed.” Discover the rewards and benefits of growing your own annuals and vegetables from seed started indoors. Learn about lighting, soil types, containers, schedules and plant selection. Taught by Vicki Nowicki of Let’s Grow Vegetables. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $36; preregistration required. Info: 630-719-2468 or www.mortonarb.org/education.
Feb. 18
“Build a Fairy House.” At this workshop you will learn how to collect plant material from your own yard and nature to create a house for the fairies. Taught by artist Linda Haas at her studio in Sugar Grove (directions at registration). 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. $30 per house; preregistration required. Info: 630-251-5927 or www.fairyhouseworkshops.com or email treestarfarm@gmail.com.
Feb. 18 and 19
Batavia Orchid Society Show and Sale. Orchid displays and sales of plants, books and supplies. Vendors from all over the Midwest. Potting demonstrations. DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 W. Manchester Road, Wheaton. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 19. Free. Info: 630-978-0422 or theblanfords@sbcglobal.net.
Feb. 18 and 25
“Pruning Small Trees and Shrubs: Winter.” Thoughtful removal of branches in winter is easy and encourages proper spring growth. Practice the correct techniques and learn which plants to prune now and, more importantly, which to prune later. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. 1 to 4 p.m.; $78 preregistration required. Info: 630-719-2468 or
www.mortonarb.org/education.
Feb. 20
“Tough and Lovely Plants for Dry Shade,” monthly meeting of the Garden Club of Downers Grove. At the Lincoln Center, 935 Maple Ave., Downers Grove. 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Free. Info: 630-852-3912.
Feb. 25
“Gardeners’ Pathway: Ideas to Feed Your Passion,” an all-day symposium sponsored by University of Illinois Extension, DeKalb County Master Gardeners and Kishwaukee College. Keynote speaker: Roy Diblik of Northwind Perennial Farm, Burlington, Wis. Exhibit/vendor hall, 15 seminars and Master Gardener Q&A desk. Kishwaukee College Conference Center, 21193 Malta Road, Malta, Ill. 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. $50, morning coffee and pastries and lunch included; preregistration required. Info: 815-825-2086, ext. 2040.
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The Growing Place
25W471 Plank Road, Naperville (630-355-4000) and 2000 Montgomery Road, Aurora (630-820-8088). Info: www.thegrowingplace.com. Preregistration is required for all these workshops and talks. Call 630-355-4000.
January
Jan. 14
Winter Wreath Revamp Workshop. Repurpose your Christmas wreath. Change out bows and accents to create a fresh winter-inspired look that will extend the life of your piece. Or choose natural materials for a bird-friendly wreath to hang in the backyard or on a fence. Bring in your wreath or use a provided grapevine base. Aurora location. 9:30 a.m. $20.
Jan. 28
“Make a Hypertufa Trough.” All materials will be provided to make a trough of approximately 14 by 20 inches from this lightweight concrete mixture. You may bring your own container to use as a mold. Wear your “grubbies” and prepare to get dirty. Aurora location. 9:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. $35; preregistration required..
February
Feb. 4
“Create a Mosaic Flowerpot.” Guest artist Lisa Tolbert teaches a class on creating unique mosaic flower pots from a variety of materials. Using a terra-cotta pot base, students are encouraged to bring china, glass or jewelry pieces to personalize their work. Instruction will include helpful hints, cutting, adhesive and grouting techniques as well as avoiding pitfalls. Aurora location. 9:30 a.m. Small flowerpot $30; medium $45; large $55.
Feb. 11
“Landscape Sampler: Curb Appeal.” This interactive talk uses participants’ examples about how to take your front-yard landscaping to the next level. Find out how to create an inviting path, build a four-season display and add a focal point. Also: basic design principles and how to apply them to your home. Aurora location. 9:30 a.m.
or 1 p.m. $20.
Feb. 18 and 25
“Build a Fairy or Gnome House.” Create a magical place for fairies and gnomes using logs, twigs, stones, and a variety of “found” items. Included: a planting box with handles, soil and materials so you can begin to plan and build the landscape around your fairy house. Receive a certificate to be redeemed after April 1 for a plant as well as a gnome or a fairy. Aurora location. 9:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. $30.
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Heinz Brothers Greenhouse and Garden Center
2010 E. Main St., St. Charles. 630-584-0473. www.heinzbrothers.com. Preregistration is required
for all these events.
February
Feb. 11
Valentine’s Day Plant Gift. For kids ages 4 and up. Each child will paint a planter and pot of flowers for a Valentine’s Day gift. 11 to 11:30 a.m. $10.
Feb. 11
Orchids for Beginners. Learn the basic techniques of how to keep these beautiful plants happy. 2 to 2:30 p.m. $5.
Feb. 11
Create Your Own Green Hairy Creature. For kids ages 4 and up. Make your own green hairy creature and watch its hair grow, Program cost: $5.00. 3 to 3:30 p.m. $5.
Feb. 18
Carnivorous Plants for Kids. For kids ages 4 and up. Learn about the different types of carnivorous plants, how to grow and feed them. Each participant will receive a plant to take home. 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. $10.
Feb. 18
Houseplants for Your Home. Learn how to care for houseplants and the major benefits of real vs. silk. Lighting, watering techniques and selection will be discussed. 1 to 2 p.m. Free.
Feb. 18
Make your own Mini Garden in a Pop Bottle. For kids ages 4 and up. Make your own mini-greenhouse and learn how to care for it. 3 to 3:30 p.m. $5.
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