West

May
May 1 (and every Tues, Wed. and Thurs. in May)
Container Design with the Experts. One-on-one consultations with a container designer. Bring your containers, liners or measurements and a professional container designer will help you with design and plant selection. Vern Goers Greenhouse, 5620 S. Oak St., Hinsdale. 6 to 8 p.m. Free. Limit 3 pots per night, but return visits allowed. Info 630-323-1085.

May 1
Prairie State Bonsai Society monthly meeting. Program is a bonsai reporting workshop. TEC Building, Room 1038B, College of DuPage, Lambert Road, Glen Ellyn. 7:30 p.m. Info: www.prairiestatebonsai.com.

May 4
Juniper Workshop. The Hidden Gardens, 16W658 S. Frontage Road, Willowbrook. 9 a.m. to noon. Call 630 655-8283 for details and to register. www.thehiddengardens.net.

May 4 and 5
Annual Plant Sale of the Tri-Village Garden Club of Bartlett, Hanover Park and Streamwood. Large selection of perennials and garden treasures at bargain prices. Banbury Fair, 211 Railroad Ave. in downtown Bartlett. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. Info: 630-289-4253 or www.trivillagegardenclub.org.

May 7
Lunch and Learn. Sue Amatangelo, author of The ABCs of Creative Container Gardens, will demonstrate how to make both simple and complex arrangements. Wasco Nursery & Garden Center, 41W781 Route 64, St. Charles. 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. $10. Registration required. Info: 630-584-4424 or www.wasconursery.com.

May 7
Gardening for Stress Management. Horticulturist Dan Kosta and chiropractor Paul Fisher will discuss gardening for your health and safe methods to use while gardening. Vern Goers Greenhouse, 5620 S. Oak St., Hinsdale. 6:30 p.m. Free, but space is limited. Register at 630-323-1085.

May 9 to 11
45th Annual Lilac Sale sponsored by the Lombard Garden Club. 450 bushes of 18 varieties. Lilacia Park, 150 S. Park Ave., Lombard. Thursday 3 to 7 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info: 630-268-7001 or www.lombardgardenclub.org.

May 10 and 11
Annual Plant Sale of the Men’s Garden Club of Villa Park. Annuals, hanging baskets, vegetables, herbs and perennials. 320 E. Kenilworth Ave., Villa Park. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Info: www.homegardening.org.

May 11
Downers Grove Organic Gardeners Plant Sale. Vegetables, herbs, annuals and perennials. Hummer Park, 4833 Fairview Ave., Downers Grove. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Info: dgorganicgardeners@gmail.com or www.dgorganicgardeners.blogspot.com.

May 11
Garden Conservancy Open Days Tour of “Hummer Haven” in Elburn. Features landscaped ponds with waterfalls, extensive bulbs, and many non-hardy, unusual plants. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $5 per person at the gate; children 12 and under free. Info: 888-842-2442 or www.gardenconservancy.org/opendays

May 11
33rd Annual Naperville Community Gardening Club Plant Sale. Mother’s Day florals, annuals, vegetables, container plants and member perennials. Master Gardeners available. Naperville Community Garden Plots, West St., Naperville. 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Info: 630-746-0784 or www.napervillecommunitygardeners.org.

May 10 through September 8
Big Bugs at The Morton Arboretum. See giant sculptures, including 25-foot-long ants, displayed around Meadow Lake. Made from natural materials. Events for children and classes for adults. The Morton Arboretum, Illinois Route 53, Lisle. Free with Arboretum admission. Info: www.mortonarg.org.

May 15
Summer Planter Demo and Planting Party. Learn about putting together beautiful planters that can take the summer heat. Also: choosing the right container, best plants, soil, fertilizer and aftercare. Wannemakers, 1940 Ogden Ave., Downers Grove. 6 p.m. Free. Info: 630-852-0700.

May 18
Gardenology Faire. A day-long event devoted to gardening. Advisors, vendors, speakers, demonstrations and children’s activities. 100 S. 3rd Street, Geneva. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info and schedule of events: 630-742-1217 or
www.gardenologygenevail.com.

May 18
18th Annual Aurora Gardeners’ Sale. Over 40 vendors and crafters selling flowers, plants, crafts, and other garden-related items in the parking lot of the train station. Aurora train station, 233 N. Broadway St., Aurora. 8 a.m. to noon. Rain or shine. Info: 630-862-1327 or apmdg3@yahoo.com.

May 19
Monthly meeting of the Chicagoland Daylily Society. Presenter is master gardener Nancy Kuhajda with the Will County Extension service. The Community House, 415 W. 8th St., Hinsdale. 1:30 p.m. Free. Info: 708-848-9843 or www.chicagolanddaylilysociety.org.

May 20
“Hummingbirds, Our Flying Jewels,” the program for the monthly meeting of the Garden Club of Downers Grove. Presented by Nancy Carroll, a member of the Hummingbird Society and a regular speaker on WGN 720 radio. Refreshments. Lincoln Center, 935 Maple Ave., Downers Grove. 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Info: 630-968-6902 or shirley.nolan@att.net.

May 22
Fairy Gardens and Terrariums. Learn to create a miniature garden with proper containers, design, suitable plants and aftercare. Wannemakers, 1940 Ogden Ave., Downers Grove. 6 p.m. Free. Info: 630-852-0700.

May 24
Butterfly Release. Hundreds of butterflies released in the Exhibit House of Peck Farm Park. 4038 Kaneville Road, Geneva. 3 to 5 p.m. $25. Info: 630-262-8244 or www.genevaparks.org.

May 25
Chamaecyparis Obtusa Workshop. The Hidden Gardens,16W658 S. Frontage Road, Willowbrook. 9 a.m. to noon. Call 630-655-8283 for details and to register. www.thehiddengardens.net.

May 28
Lunch and Learn. Alan Craig of Iseli Nursery will give a presentation on “Unique and Unusual Varieties of Dwarf Conifers.” Wasco Nursery & Garden Center, 41W781 Route 64, St. Charles. 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. $10. Info: 630-584-4424 or www.wasconursery.com.

May 29
Container Pond Demo. Learn how to create a water garden in a container. Containers, plants, small pumps and fish. Wannemakers, 1940 Ogden Ave., Downers Grove. 6 p.m. Free. Info: 630-852-0700.

June
June 1 and 2
Annual Iris Show of the Northern Illinois Iris Society. Horticultural and artistic divisions; open to all exhibitors. At The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. June 1 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free with Arboretum admission. Info: phantomfyre@yahoo.com or 804-543-6057.

June 4
Lunch and Learn. Wasco Nursery & Garden Center, 41W781 Route 64, St. Charles. 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. $10. Info: 630-584-4424 or www.wasconursery.com.

June 5
Prairie State Bonsai Society monthly meeting. Program is an “Iron Bonsai” competition in which experienced members compete to see who can style the best bonsai tree from nursery stock. TEC Building, Room 1038B, at the College of DuPage, Lambert Road, Glen Ellyn. 7:30 p.m. Info: www.prairiestatebonsai.com.

June 8
Roses 101. Horticulturist Dan Kosta will discuss all things roses. Bring your questions. Vern Goers Greenhouse, 5620 S. Oak St., Hinsdale. 10 a.m. Free. Space limited so please reserve your place. 630-323-1085.

June 8
Perennial Gardening. Learn how to have bloom from spring until fall. Also: best plants and how to care for them. Wannemakers, 1940 Ogden Ave., Downers Grove. 10 a.m. Free. Info: 630-852-0700.?

June 8 and 9
Utica Garden Faire & Walk. Self-guided tour of lovely private gardens; many garden/craft vendors and huge plant sale. In historic downtown Utica. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Rain or shine. $8. Tickets at the Garden Faire in downtown Utica. Exit #81 from I-80. Info: 815-667-4856 or 815-252-4573 or uticagardenclub.org.

June 9
Summer Workshop. The Hidden Gardens, 16W658 S. Frontage Road, Willowbrook. 9 a.m. to noon. Call 630-655-8283 for details and to register. www.thehiddengardens.net.

June 9
Bonsai Tree Display at Fabyan Forest Preserve Japanese Garden, 1925 Batavia Ave. (Route 31), Geneva. Sponsored by the Prairie State Bonsai Society 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. Info: www.prairiestatebonsai.com.

June 14 and 15
“Réflexions de Monet,” the garden walk and luncheon of the Geneva Garden Club. Six gardens. Luncheon at Sandholm Woods Park. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets: $16 in advance; $18 on the day. Luncheon: reservation: $12 in advance; $14 on the day. Info and tickets: 630-742-1217 or www.genevagardenclub.com.

June 22
Butterfly Gardening. Learn about bringing butterflies to your garden and the plants to attract them. Wannemakers, 1940 Ogden Ave., Downers Grove. 10 a.m. Free. Info: 630-852-0700.

June 22
Yorkville Garden Walk. Five gardens. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. $10 in advance; $12 on the day. Tickets may be purchased on the website or at selected local businesses. Info: 630-553-8949 or www.yorkvillegardenclub.org.

June 23
Lisle Woman’s Club Garden Gait. Visit private gardens in Lisle. Shop the Garden Faire for plants and other garden items. 921 School St., Lisle. 11a.m. to 4 p.m. $15. Info: 630-719-1504 or www.lislewomansclub.org.

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The Growing Place
2000 Montgomery Rd., Aurora (630-820-8088) and 25 W 471 Plank Rd., Naperville (630-355-4000.) Info: www.thegrowingplace.com. All events are at 10 a.m. at the Aurora location unless otherwise noted. Free unless otherwise noted.

May
May 4
Herbal Potting Party. Create a container with herb combinations for various uses. 1 to 3 p.m. Cost of materials. At both locations.

May 11
Bountiful Blooms Potting Party. Build a flowering container for sun or shade. 1 to 3 p.m. Cost of materials. At both locations.

May 12
Plant a Mini Garden for Mom. Perfect for kids! Make a miniature garden with accents and tiny plants. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. $10. At both locations.

May 18
Tropical Potting Party. Create a dramatic container with lush foliage and bright tropical flowers. 1 to 3 p.m. Cost of materials.At both locations.

May 25
Succulent Potting Party. Create a low-maintenance elegant design. 1 to 3 p.m. Cost of materials. At both locations.

June
June 1 and 2
Magical Mini-Garden Festivals. Explore the magical world of miniature gardening with two days of fairy house hunts, refreshments, miniature crafts and gardening. Meet a “real live” fairy. Different activities each day. Saturday in Naperville and Sunday in Aurora location.

June 8
Summer Learning Garden Stroll: Beginning Gardening. See gardens that match many of the conditions homeowners face in their own yards. 9:30 a.m. At both locations.

June 15
Bird Walk. Stroll the gardens and look for birds. Bring binoculars and a bird book if you have one. 9 a.m. At Aurora location.

June 15
Landscaping 101: Beneficial Landscaping Trio. 10 a.m. Beneficial Landscaping—Using basic design principles, learn how to incorporate natives into your garden.
10:45 a.m. Plants That Attract Birds and Butterflies. Find out which plants attract specific songbirds. Also: design tips for butterfly gardening
11:30 a.m. Plants That Are Water-Wise. Explore how to place natives for four-season interest. Attendees will receive a $10 coupon towards a plant purchase. Limit 40. Registration recommended. Call 630-355-4000. At Aurora location.

June 22
“Enjoy the View,” the annual Gardeners’ Art Festival. More than 40 garden artists, live music, talks and refreshments. The Nature Artists Guild of The Morton Arboretum will be painting and drawing in the gardens. Also: a presentation by garden designer Amanda Thomsen, author of Kiss My Aster: A Graphic Guide to Creating a Fantastic Yard Totally Tailored to You. At Naperville location.

June 29
Unusual Succulents for Easy-Care Gardening. 10 a.m. Aurora.

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Cantigny Park
1s151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. To register call 630-260-8162 or email register@cantigny.org. www.cantigny.org.

May
May 5
Greenhouse Open House. Demonstrations, tours, exhibits, kids’ activities and plant sale. Staff available to answer gardening questions. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free admission and parking in the main lot off Winfield Road. Free tram service to the greenhouse.

May 10
National Public Gardens Day. Tours focus on Cantigny’s colorful spring plantings will be offered at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. “Experts on Location” will answer gardening questions and provide advice. Visit www.nationalpublicgardensday.org to download a voucher for free admission; good all day until 3 p.m.

May 19
Botanical Printing with Watercolor and Gouache. Students will work on high-quality watercolor paper with
watercolor paints and metallic powders. No art experience required; all supplies included. Instruction by artist JoAnne Laudolff. Meet at the Education Center. Noon to 2:30 p.m. $45. Parking free. Advance registration required.

May 23
Summer Container Workshop. Liz Omura from Cantigny Horticulture will instruct. Bring in a container of your choosing and Cantigny will supply the soil, a flat of plants, plus the know-how to keep your container pretty. Meet at Cantigny Greenhouse; enter at Shaffner Road. 6:30 p.m. $45. Parking free. Advance registration required.

June
June 1
Neighbor to Neighbor: Grow It Forward. A lecture on vegetable gardening by Liz Omura; then take home two tomato plants and two pepper plants. Guests who send in a photo of themselves giving their plants or vegetables to a needy neighbor will receive a free one-day pass to Cantigny Park. Education Center. 11 a.m. Free with paid parking ($5). Advance registration requested.

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