Calendar

September

Monday, September 19, 12:30 p.m.

FALLing into Autumn  with Barbara Collins

 

How fortunate we are to have our own member, Barbara—adjunct professor, lecturer and author of two horticulture books—present to us this fall. Join Barb as we re-evaluate our gardens at this time of the year and then plan for the forthcoming seasons. Climate change adds a new and challenging twist.    

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October

Monday, October 18, 12:30 p.m.

Backyard Wildlife Habitats with David Brooks, from Spring Valley Nature Center

 

Creating landscapes that are friendly and inviting to wildlife is a great way to act locally on behalf of the environment. David will discuss the benefits, our options available, and will cover planning, design, implementation, and proper maintenance of different habitat components. 

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November

Monday, November 21, 12:30 p.m.

Holiday Arrangement with Stephanie Dalton, cofounder, 'Midwest Garden Stories' 

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Stephanie will demonstrate how to assemble a Christmas arrangement with fresh greens and other seasonal materials, which will be chosen upon availability of the season, allowing you to recreate the arrangement.

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December

Monday, December 5, 9:30 a.m.

A Special Day to Share and Remember - Emogene Cooke Day (Members Only)

 

​This is our annual event when we make holiday favors for area senior facilities. Coffee, nibbles, and social time 9:30-10:15, craft at 10:15. 

In 1988 the WSGC named their guild day in honor of long time member Emogene Cooke. Mrs. Cooke joined the club in 1959 and immediately became involved chairing committees, being elected to most of the officer positions for several terms, hosting the annual plant sale at her home on Forest Avenue, presenting programs and providing refreshments. Emogene Cooke Day is a time to remember the generosity, dedication and spirit of this much loved quiet leader of the WSGC.
 

More information on Mrs. Cooke is available in the 2nd VP guild binder.

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January

Monday, January 17, 2023, 12:30 p.m.

Biomimicry: Looking to Nature to Solve Today’s Problems with Kim White
 

What does a Bur have in common with NASA? A Kingfisher with a high-speed train? In this fascinating talk, Kim will show you many examples of when science and technology looked to nature to solve complex problems. Animal ambassadors: Axolotl, Dart Frog, Crested Gecko and hedgehog will accompany. This talk has received rave reviews every time it has been presented.

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February

Monday, February 20, 12:30 p.m.

Tree Pests and Diseases of the Urban Forest with David Kusnierz, arborist from ‘SavATree’ 

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David will give a comprehensive presentation of the insects and diseases that are currently impacting trees and shrubs throughout the Chicago Metropolitan area, especially the far western suburbs. He’ll detail each pest and its impact on trees and shrubs found in all our gardens and landscapes. Attendees will learn what constitutes an invasive pest as opposed to a native pest, why the right tree in the right place is so important, and how to maintain healthy trees and shrubs so they can withstand the onslaught of pests and diseases as well as climate change.

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March

Monday, March 20, 12:30 p.m.

Hydrangeas 101 with Heather Prince, trained horticulturist and professional garden writer

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Heavenly hydrangeas! One of our favorite long-blooming shrubs for the home landscape, hydrangea varieties have become one of the hottest must-have plants for your yard. With Heather’s vast experience with arboretums and garden centers and her specialized knowledge of trees, shrubs and natives, we’ll learn of the siting, care, and pruning requirements of each of the five shrub species and two vines commonly planted in the Chicago area.   

 

April

Monday, April 10, 9:30 a.m.  

Annual Election of Officers and Plant Digging. We will hold our election of officers and have a short business meeting. We will then proceed to members’ and friends’ gardens to dig and pot for our May Plant Sale.

 

Thursday, April 27, time TBA  

Bagging of seedlings for Arbor Day Kindergarten distribution Friday, April 28.

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May

Friday, May 12, 9:00 a.m., Tower Green 

Plant Sale Set-Up. Transport plants, label, price and setup for sale. Bring tables and wagons.

 

Saturday, May 13, 8:00 a.m.-12 noon, Tower Green 

PLANT SALE

 

Date & Time TBA

Plant Blue Star Memorial Garden

Volunteers gather to plant our Wolf Road garden in Western Springs.

 

Annual Luncheon, Wednesday, May 24, 12 noon, Parkers' Restaurant

Spring Luncheon and Installation of Officers

 

2023-2024 Season programs will be posted this August.

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