The West Chicago Garden Club

This year’s trip was attended by a small but select group of eight WCGC members. Our first stop was in Elwood (south of Joliet). We visited the delightful garden of Betty Nahas. Betty’s garden is divided into a number of “rooms” that supply delightful surprises as one enters each. Betty’s one acre property supplies the opportunity to display a large variety of sun and shade perennials in optimal conditions. While the garden contained beautiful specimens of many species, a Japanese ornamental Willow of extraordinary size and beauty stands out in my mind.

Our next stop was in Monee at the Possibility Place nursery. The nusery specializes in native perennials, woodies, and trees; many of their offerings are difficult to find at most conventional nurseries. We had our lunch on their patio and then were treated to a tour of their facilities by one of the sons of owner Conner Shaw. We were treated to an overview of a number of natives and were surprised by a number of facts supplied by our host including his observation that most of the half dozen Oak species that Possibility Place sells grow at the rate of two feet or more per year if sited and cared for correctly. The nursery employs innovative growing techniques that allow the trees and woodies to be transplanted with minimal transplant shock.

Our last stop was in Lemont at the home of John and Karen Grigas. Their two acre garden beautifully integrates native plants, sun perennials, a large vegetable garden and one of the largest and most impressive water features I have seen.

This month it’s all about the Party.  Sunday August 2^nd from 1-4 we are having a party at the Kruse House and Garden. What a great opportunity to bring friends, family, and neighbors to enjoy a fabulous garden. While you’re there you’ll want to tour the house and enjoy the special display of unique and old time pieces… AND we will have stations set up in the garden to demonstrate how to make a hypertuffa trough or a mosaic bowling ball, or how to paint a ‘concrete’ leaf. Of course, you may just want to sit in the shade and savor some home baked treats and sip a cool drink while you visit with some real nice folks! Now that sounds like a plan! Just a reminder to all who volunteered to bring treats… we are counting on you. The weather could be hot, so something that doesn’t melt would be great! There is no need to have the treats there at a special time, just bring them along when you come. You all make sure and come… we want to show you a good time in one of West Chicago’s oldest gardens! We’re pretty sure Celia would be pleased for us to gather at ‘her place’ for some summer fun!  Continue Reading »

Set the date aside to attend the Secret Garden at the Kruse House on Sunday, August 2nd from 1:00 – 4:00 pm. The event is presented by the West Chicago Garden Club and the West Chicago Historical Society. This free event combines history and gardens and is sure to surprise and delight. Refreshments will be served. The address is 527 Main Street, West Chicago.