The West Chicago Garden Club

Autumn has definitely arrived. Dick and I were in Wisconsin at the beginning of the month. The colors were riotous, a mix of red, orange, and yellow amid the green of the pines, all gloriously reflected in the blue of the lake.

What a disappointment to come back to our Illinois oaks. But then, thanks to us gardeners, all of our colorful plantings started to turn their leaves. The sugar maples, Virginia creeper, hawthorns, serviceberries and others, along with our native walnuts and hickories are all adding their highlights to the brown oaks.

Kruse Garden is also changing. As it starts to shut down for the season, we are busy cutting back while being careful to leave enough for any wildlife to over-winter in. Some of the hardier flowers – the marigolds, begonias and sedums are still blooming, but they probably won’t last much longer. So, like the poet Robert Frost “I am done with apple picking now” and welcome the “essence of winter sleep“. It’s time to plant those last few bulbs, turn the compost heap, and wait longingly for the far-distant spring.

By Kerry Perry

Summer is waning and fall flowers are making their spectacular debut in the Kruse House Garden. Several new perennials, including Chelone and Lobelia, were planted in the front bed.

Turtlehead

Turtlehead (Chelone obliqua) is a clump-forming perennial wildflower native to eastern North America. Its hooded flowers look similar to snapdragon blooms. The flower gets its common name from its resemblance to a turtle’s head, but the genus name Chelone dates back to ancient Greece mythology.

Turtlehead is best planted in the spring or summer to give the plant time to establish itself. The plant can remain in bloom for three to six weeks, making it well worth the wait for late-season color.

Blue Lobelia

Great Blue Lobelia forms a flower spike covered in deep blue flowers from late summer to early fall. It can form colonies when happily sited in medium to wet soils in light shade, but is not overly aggressive. Combine Blue Lobelia with Red Cardinal Flower for a stunning color combo that will bring in the hummingbirds. Excellent for damp clay soil. (Lobelia siphilitica)

Blooming behind the shed is Lespedeza, also called bush clover. It has delicate foliage and is laden with thousands of rosy-purple pea like flowers. Across the path are bright yellow False Sunflowers that were planted last fall.

Blue lobelia, purple cone flowers and black eyed susans

The Kruse Crew meets Wednesday mornings from about 8:30 until 11:30 to weed, plant and discuss gardening ideas. Break time is always educational and fun. Hope you will join us.

The Kruse House Museum and Garden is located at 527 Main Street, West Chicago

The Historical Society is the organization that runs and maintains the Kruse House Museum. On Saturday, September 9th from Noon to 3:00pm they will be holding their Ice Cream Social fundraiser. This event is held out in the garden and is a wonderful opportunity to visit the garden, the museum and enjoy some tasty desserts.

Tickets are $5.00 each and can be purchased at the entrance of the Kruse House on the day of the event. Included in the price of your ticket you get ice cream, drinks and a selection from many baked items baked and donated by members of the community (including our president Dan’s almost-world famous cherry pie made with home grown cherries).

Please consider stopping by the Kruse House Garden on September 9th and enjoy some good old fashioned socializing in the beautiful gardens while supporting an organization that supports our efforts in the community. Our volunteers and the members of the Historical Society will appreciate your visit.