2022 - 2023 Program Information
All Programs to be held at St. Matthew Lutheran Church unless otherwise noted
August 2nd - Alicia Timms - Topic: "Native Plants - Ancient Oaks Foundation"
The Ancient Oaks Foundation is dedicated to the preservation of the oak woodlands and natural areas. The goal is to decrease invasive species and reintroduce native vegetation. The natural beauty of Lake County inspired Alicia Timm to start learning more about the environment and local flora and fauna.
September 6th - Harvest Dinner Potluck – Members Only! No program this month.
September 6th - Harvest Dinner Potluck – Members Only! No program this month.
October 4th - Sean Menke - Topic: “The Unseen Splendor of Ants and Their Roles in Our Lives"
Biology professor Sean Menke introduces the beauty and diversity of ants and the essential roles they play in our world, including their use of tools to improve society. He studied invasive ant species at the University of California San Diego and is now an associate professor at Lake Forest College. He is doing local ecological research on ant communities, studying how ant communities change in different environments, and how nutrients in the environment help explain that pattern.
November 1st - Jill Davis - Topic: " Design for Curb Appeal"
Jill Davis is an award-winning garden designer in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. Jill will explain the basic elements needed to evaluate and improve your home’s curb appeal. The presentation will include examples of before and after pictures. Hopefully through her lens you can gain a fresh perspective on an inviting entryway.
December 6th - James Rowan – Topic: “Don’t Squash that Bug"
James Rowan is a graduate of Northeastern Illinois University where he studied Biology, Geology and Art. He was an animal keeper at Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo for 17 years. He has traveled and photographed in twenty-five countries and has developed 50 programs on travel, nature and history. In this program, we’ll meet some of the bugs and learn how to distinguish them and separate some of the “good guys” from the “bad guys”.
James Rowan is a graduate of Northeastern Illinois University where he studied Biology, Geology and Art. He was an animal keeper at Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo for 17 years. He has traveled and photographed in twenty-five countries and has developed 50 programs on travel, nature and history. In this program, we’ll meet some of the bugs and learn how to distinguish them and separate some of the “good guys” from the “bad guys”.
January 3rd - No Speaker – Topic: “The Biggest Little Farm Video Program"
Based on a true story, told in documentary style, 'The Biggest Little Farm' chronicles the first eight years of the Chester family’s new life. We will follow their successes and failures over the years as they work a 200 acre area outside of Los Angeles and will witness how it has transformed and thrived.
February 7th - Heather Prince – Topic: "By the Light of the Moon : An Evening Garden"
Many of us can only enjoy our garden spaces in the evening after a busy day. Why not create a special garden to enjoy when the sun goes down and the moon rises? We will discuss the history of moon gardens, the elements that create an evening garden design, and the top plant choices for a fragrant, white-themed garden. Heather Prince is a trained horticulturist specializing in trees, shrubs, and natives with a passion for connecting people with plants. She enjoys sharing her knowledge by teaching at The Morton Arboretum, Chicago Botanic Garden, Chicago Flower and Garden Show, Farnsworth House and garden clubs and other groups.
Many of us can only enjoy our garden spaces in the evening after a busy day. Why not create a special garden to enjoy when the sun goes down and the moon rises? We will discuss the history of moon gardens, the elements that create an evening garden design, and the top plant choices for a fragrant, white-themed garden. Heather Prince is a trained horticulturist specializing in trees, shrubs, and natives with a passion for connecting people with plants. She enjoys sharing her knowledge by teaching at The Morton Arboretum, Chicago Botanic Garden, Chicago Flower and Garden Show, Farnsworth House and garden clubs and other groups.
March 7th - Cindy Crosby – Topic: “Literary Gardens” Meeting to be held at the ELA Public Library
Meet us at the ELA Area Public Library (275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich) to take a fun look at gardens in literature and poetry. Cindy Crosby is the author and contributor of more than 20 books. She has a master’s degree in natural resources and is a master gardener. Come and learn about the many gardens that helped shape the books we love. From mystery series including Brother Cadfael’s medieval herb garden, to the “Secret Garden”, beloved of children’s literature. Discover how gardens and garden imagery intertwine in the works of Mary Oliver, Henry Mitchell, Barbara Kingsolver, Lewis Carroll and many others. See your garden with new eyes and come away with a list of books you can't wait to explore.
The public is invited to attend this free event - registration is required through ELA Library website.
April 4th - Peggy Simonsen - Topic: "Fifty Ways to Improve Habitat in Your Garden"
Peggy Simonsen with Citizens for Conservation is dedicated to preserving and restoring native habitats that once covered northeast Illinois. She is currently chair of the Community Education committee. She has been a volunteer with CFC for 18 years, and a former president. She restored her wooded acre near Deer Grove East Forest Preserve with over 200 species of native plants. Her efforts with the CFC benefits native plants and animals and enhances ecosystem services such as groundwater protection, flood and erosion control, and carbon storage.
May 2nd - Cindy Tyley - Topic: "Succulent Plants"
Cindy Tyley is the owner of Carriage House Garden Design and is a member of Landscape Design Association. Learn about the hot new trend of succulent plants for use indoors and out. Also includes a short demonstration of propagation techniques. Cindy has a certificate in landscape design and offers design and consultation services focusing on practicality, low maintenance and beauty.
May 20th - Plant Sale - Ela Area Public Library - Lake Zurich - 8:30 - Noon
The Club will offer hundreds of member- grown perennials and annuals, woodland plants, saplings, vegetable seedlings, natives, groundcovers, houseplants, herbs, and garden decor. Plant sale is Saturday, May 20, 8:30 am - noon at the Ela Area Public Library (275 Mohawk Trail (Corner of Rt. 22 and Old Rand Rd)) in Lake Zurich. Come early as plants go quickly. Get expert advise from our master gardeners and other members of the Garden Club. Looking forward to seeing you there. RAIN OR SHINE! Cash/check/credit card.
June 7th - Kayri Havens-Young - Topic: “Plant Conservation in a Changing World"
Dr. Kayri Havens of the Chicago Botanic Garden is Director of Plant Science and Conservation at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Dr. Havens has expertise in reproductive ecology along with conservation of rare, threatened, and endangered species including seed banking. She works to protect threatened plants. Research interests include conservation of plants, plant responses to climate change, and pollination biology. An area of interest focuses on invasive plant species.
June 7th - Kayri Havens-Young - Topic: “Plant Conservation in a Changing World"
Dr. Kayri Havens of the Chicago Botanic Garden is Director of Plant Science and Conservation at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Dr. Havens has expertise in reproductive ecology along with conservation of rare, threatened, and endangered species including seed banking. She works to protect threatened plants. Research interests include conservation of plants, plant responses to climate change, and pollination biology. An area of interest focuses on invasive plant species.