2026 - 2027 Programs
All programs to be held at Ela Public Library unless otherwise note
Social time begins at 6:00 pm - Program begins at 6:30 pm
Guests are always welcomed!
Become a member and receive a $25 garden nursery gift card
Social time begins at 6:00 pm - Program begins at 6:30 pm
Guests are always welcomed!
Become a member and receive a $25 garden nursery gift card
August 4th - Kathryn McCabe - Topic: "Turtles"
Kathryn McCabe is a Wildlife Ecologist for the Lake County Forest Preserves bringing expertise in ecological restoration and natural resource management and specializes in monitoring local wildlife. She has participated in long-term, state-endangered Blanding’s (Emydoidea blandingii) turtle research, including monitoring movements via radiotelemetry and managing threats like fungal disease. Join us in the ‘shell-a-bration” of these fantastic reptiles.
August 4th - Kathryn McCabe - Topic: "Turtles"
Kathryn McCabe is a Wildlife Ecologist for the Lake County Forest Preserves bringing expertise in ecological restoration and natural resource management and specializes in monitoring local wildlife. She has participated in long-term, state-endangered Blanding’s (Emydoidea blandingii) turtle research, including monitoring movements via radiotelemetry and managing threats like fungal disease. Join us in the ‘shell-a-bration” of these fantastic reptiles.
September 1st - Harvest Dinner - No Meeting: "Members' Only Potluck"
No Meeting/Program this month. Members will gather to celebrate our gardens with a fall feast!
September 1st - Harvest Dinner - No Meeting: "Members' Only Potluck"
No Meeting/Program this month. Members will gather to celebrate our gardens with a fall feast!
October 6th - Carol Cichorski - Topic: “Dahlias - Living Fireworks"
Carol has been growing hundreds of stunning dahlias for more than 20 years, working side‑by‑side with her husband, Mike. They begin by starting tubers in their basement in February before moving the plants into their garden, with many of their beautiful blooms making their way to others through garden club plant sales. Mike is a past president of the Central States Dahlia Society, and Carol is a past president of the Elk Grove Garden Club, and is a past speaker at the Chicago Flower & Garden Show. Carol loves sharing their passion for dahlias and will show you just how easy—and rewarding—it can be to grow them yourself.
October 6th - Carol Cichorski - Topic: “Dahlias - Living Fireworks"
Carol has been growing hundreds of stunning dahlias for more than 20 years, working side‑by‑side with her husband, Mike. They begin by starting tubers in their basement in February before moving the plants into their garden, with many of their beautiful blooms making their way to others through garden club plant sales. Mike is a past president of the Central States Dahlia Society, and Carol is a past president of the Elk Grove Garden Club, and is a past speaker at the Chicago Flower & Garden Show. Carol loves sharing their passion for dahlias and will show you just how easy—and rewarding—it can be to grow them yourself.
November 10th - Kathi Rose - Topic: "Tabletops and Tablescapes"
Kathi Rose, a gifted floral designer, will showcase her talent for creating elegant and imaginative tablescapes. She holds a horticulture degree from the University of Illinois and is a certified landscape architect. Kathi is also the longtime owner of Kaleidoscope of Floral Design, which she has operated for more than 27 years.
December 1st - Eileen Davis – Topic: “Migration and Motus"
Eileen Davis, an environmental educator with the Lake County Forest Preserves, will present an engaging program on animal migration and the Motus Wildlife Tracking System now installed throughout Lake County and beyond. This innovative technology allows researchers to track the movements of birds, bats, and even large insects, offering remarkable insights into their migratory patterns.
December 1st - Eileen Davis – Topic: “Migration and Motus"
Eileen Davis, an environmental educator with the Lake County Forest Preserves, will present an engaging program on animal migration and the Motus Wildlife Tracking System now installed throughout Lake County and beyond. This innovative technology allows researchers to track the movements of birds, bats, and even large insects, offering remarkable insights into their migratory patterns.
January 5th - No Speaker – Topic: “Plant and Garden Trivia"
The Lake Zurich Garden Club members and new member guests will be divided into groups to play plant and garden trivia. Let’s have fun and win some prizes!
January 5th - No Speaker – Topic: “Plant and Garden Trivia"
The Lake Zurich Garden Club members and new member guests will be divided into groups to play plant and garden trivia. Let’s have fun and win some prizes!
February 2nd - Frank Moriarty – Topic: "Tell Us About Honeybees"
Have you ever considered beekeeping? Wondered about those brave souls who mingle with bees? Curious about co-existing with thousands of busy little creatures, producing all that honey? Join us for an evening with Frank Moriarty from the Lake County Beekeepers' Association. He will introduce us to the art of beekeeping - from the history of honeybees, to how the hive works, to the importance of these pollinators to our crops. Frank manages Apiaries in Lake County and has won several
Regional and National Awards for Honey & Créme Honeys, even a Grand Champion award at the Heartland Apicultural Honey
Competition. Frank is ready to teach you all about bees!
*The public is invited to attend this free event - registration is required through the ELA Library website / calendar
February 2nd - Frank Moriarty – Topic: "Tell Us About Honeybees"
Have you ever considered beekeeping? Wondered about those brave souls who mingle with bees? Curious about co-existing with thousands of busy little creatures, producing all that honey? Join us for an evening with Frank Moriarty from the Lake County Beekeepers' Association. He will introduce us to the art of beekeeping - from the history of honeybees, to how the hive works, to the importance of these pollinators to our crops. Frank manages Apiaries in Lake County and has won several
Regional and National Awards for Honey & Créme Honeys, even a Grand Champion award at the Heartland Apicultural Honey
Competition. Frank is ready to teach you all about bees!
*The public is invited to attend this free event - registration is required through the ELA Library website / calendar
March 2nd - Jeni Gabrenya – Topic: “Forest Therapy”
Jeni is a trauma‑informed advocate, nonprofit leader, and certified forest therapy guide whose work centers on fostering connection, leadership, and healing through nature. Her background spans direct service through executive leadership in the domestic violence field, giving her deep expertise in trauma‑informed practices and nature‑based healing. Through her guided walks, Jeni helps participants slow down, reconnect with themselves, and experience the restorative power of the natural world. Her playful style creates space for nature’s healing magic to unfold. She currently serves on the board of The Nature Foundation of Will County and is a member of the Village of Romeoville’s Conservation and Sustainability Committee.
March 2nd - Jeni Gabrenya – Topic: “Forest Therapy”
Jeni is a trauma‑informed advocate, nonprofit leader, and certified forest therapy guide whose work centers on fostering connection, leadership, and healing through nature. Her background spans direct service through executive leadership in the domestic violence field, giving her deep expertise in trauma‑informed practices and nature‑based healing. Through her guided walks, Jeni helps participants slow down, reconnect with themselves, and experience the restorative power of the natural world. Her playful style creates space for nature’s healing magic to unfold. She currently serves on the board of The Nature Foundation of Will County and is a member of the Village of Romeoville’s Conservation and Sustainability Committee.
April 13th - Susan Maddox - Topic: "Plant Based Eats: Herb Sauces for Great Cuisine"
Broaden your palette of cooking methods and techniques for vegetarian entrées with Chef Susan Maddox, who brings more
than 25 years of culinary experience from restaurants, country clubs, and corporate dining venues. She studied at Kendall
College and CIA Greystone, and further refined her skills while traveling through Italy to learn authentic Italian techniques.
Susan is a dedicated educator, serving as an adjunct Chef Instructor at the College of DuPage, and she frequently visits
Chicagoland libraries to demonstrate and share her culinary talents. Whether you’re a lifelong plant‑based eater or simply
looking for fresh ideas for Meatless Mondays, you’ll enjoy these flavorful and satisfying vegetarian dinners.
*The public is invited to attend this free event - registration is required through the ELA Library website.
April 13th - Susan Maddox - Topic: "Plant Based Eats: Herb Sauces for Great Cuisine"
Broaden your palette of cooking methods and techniques for vegetarian entrées with Chef Susan Maddox, who brings more
than 25 years of culinary experience from restaurants, country clubs, and corporate dining venues. She studied at Kendall
College and CIA Greystone, and further refined her skills while traveling through Italy to learn authentic Italian techniques.
Susan is a dedicated educator, serving as an adjunct Chef Instructor at the College of DuPage, and she frequently visits
Chicagoland libraries to demonstrate and share her culinary talents. Whether you’re a lifelong plant‑based eater or simply
looking for fresh ideas for Meatless Mondays, you’ll enjoy these flavorful and satisfying vegetarian dinners.
*The public is invited to attend this free event - registration is required through the ELA Library website.
May 4th - Cindy Crosby - Topic: "DRAGON FLIES AND DAMSEL FLIES: THE GARDEN’S FREQUENT FLIERS"
Cindy Crosby, author of Chasing Dragonflies: A Natural, Cultural, and Personal History, invites us into the fascinating and often surprising world of these remarkable fliers. Enjoy an engaging presentation filled with group interaction as you explore their unusual life cycle, mysterious migratory habits, and ongoing struggle for survival. Cindy will also share the rich cultural history of dragonflies and damsel flies, including the myths and superstitions that have followed them through time.
Stunning close‑up photography of Illinois species will bring these insects to life, and you’ll learn practical ways to garden with
dragonflies in mind. Cindy leads dragonfly data collection at both the Morton Arboretum in Lisle and the Nachusa Grasslands
in Franklin Grove.
May 15th - 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 15th, 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. RAIN OR SHINE! Cash/check/credit card. Hope to see you there!
May 15th - 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 15th, 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. RAIN OR SHINE! Cash/check/credit card. Hope to see you there!
June 1st - Jim Parks - Topic: “Monet Lives : A Portrayal of Claude Monet"
Actor and artist Jim Parks, the former host of HGTV's New Spaces, brings art history to life in this portrayal of Claude Monet. Monet comes alive as Parks tells stories of the painter's struggles, obsessions, and triumphs—along with his personal takes on the other Impressionists, and what life was like in the booming Paris of 1860. The event will also feature a display of Parks' collection of handmade reproductions of Impressionist-era paintings by artists like Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh.
*The public is invited to attend this free event - registration is required through the ELA Library website / calendar