The West Chicago Garden Club

By Barbara Darrah

I am writing this article with a bit of hesitancy because since July 18 when my husband Dick had knee replacement surgery, I became his “designated driver” and have spent my Wednesday mornings ferrying him to his therapy sessions. I am sure that the crew members managed very well without me but I have missed our gardening together.

This has been a very strange and exhausting summer for all of our gardening as well. These super hot and humid days seem to just suck our energy out of us. Many plants seem to have outdone their normal growth patterns. The clover and creeping Charlie have made a concerted effort to take over our lawns and in the flower beds that I hoped were weedless, there are three and four foot invaders towering over the blossoms. The Joe Pyeweed has flopped completely over and deadheading seems endless. We are all working overtime along with the industrious Kruse crew.

I hope you have taken advantage of the Tuesday Open House at the garden. If you still haven’t had a chance to tour the house, do try to do so. Most house museums showcase the large, expensive houses of the upper classes. Thanks to the Kruse sisters’ gift to the community, we have the unique opportunity to visit an early twentieth century remarkably complete example of the small town home that your midwestern great, great grandparents probably lived in. And the docents seem to ensure that there is always something new to see every time that you visit. Thanks to our garden club volunteers, you also get to see a charming garden as well.

We welcome you to visit Kruse House Gardens and if you are interested in working in the gardens we are there Wednesdays, 9:00 to 11:30am.

Tags: Kruse Garden

By Kerry Perry

The Kruse Garden is in full bloom and looks fabulous.

In keeping with the Club’s mission statement, we are committed to preserving the nearly one-acre garden at the Kruse House Museum.

We would greatly appreciate any volunteers who can spare some time to pull a few weeds, dead-head spent flowers, trim a few shrubs, refill the bird baths….your choice. Get your hands dirty and spend an hour, part of a morning, a couple of hours one evening. Please help!

Everyone is welcome to visit any time at 527 Main Street, West Chicago. Our regular work day is Wednesday 9 – 11:30. Contact us for other times at WestChicagoGardenClub@gmail.com.

By Amanda & Brandon Skinner

“That Beautiful Garden!” The Kruse House is one of the first things I noticed from our home’s rear windows when viewing our home years ago. When I get to enjoy many different aspects of the Kruse Garden, I see so many community members taking advantage of the space. I notice people walking while playing with their dogs, friends, kids and grandchildren. It is a wonderful sight! I love to see adults with children looking at everything the garden has to offer, such as plants, animals, flowers, butterflies and birds. I always hope the children are learning wonderful things about nature. I hope you all take time to enjoy what is around you. I see many people take pictures of the plants, probably the tag as well. Hopefully, they will plant the same in their yards. Seeing what plants work perfectly in your neighborhood shows a beginner what could work for them too! I see many families use the garden for activities of all types. Recently one of our neighbors took a perfect opportunity for a photo shoot. They used many different features of the garden. I know the photographer’s pictures will be amazing family memories. (Picture used with permission)

On a sad note – Snowdrop, one of our sweet Kruse House kitties has passed away. Snowdrop was buried June 11. I will miss her waiting for me on my assigned mornings to feed the cats along with occasionally seeing her in my backyard. I hope Stripey will start making herself more visible.