The West Chicago Garden Club

By Barbara Darrah

It’s February and little is happening at Kruse House. We live in the north and January and February are gray months. After the fun and excitement of the Christmas lights have dimmed, we are back to the dullness of a sleeping nature. It is only in the pleasure of watching the silhouettes of our magnificent oaks and hickories edge out against the orange and purple sunsets that I truly find the woods once again “lovely, dark and deep”.

Yet, I am writing this as millions of snowflakes are filling the skies and covering all the debris with a radiant coating of white. This is the best part of this season – waking up to a crystal fairyland of ice and snow. Once again, Kruse House and its garden are a quiet, pale oasis in the midst of the commercial bustle around them. I am proud that our garden club continues to help maintain this reminder of a gentler, kinder small town America.

Come and enjoy the serenity. The Kruse House Garden (527 Main Street, West Chicago) is open every day from dawn to dusk.

One of the most enchanting aspects of winter is the way it transforms the world into a serene and quiet landscape. Freshly fallen snow blankets the ground, absorbing sound waves and creating a peaceful atmosphere.

Come and enjoy the serenity. The Kruse House Garden (527 Main Street, West Chicago) is open every day from dawn to dusk.

I went over to the Kruse Garden on Sunday, November 3rd to check out the fall colors and I was not disappointed. The berries and the foliage on the Viburnum was beautiful!! Then I noticed the brilliant yellow on the Ginkgo tree with the many leaves gathered at its base. The recently planted Coralberry shrubs were delightful with their little purple berries and pinkish leaves. The Amsonia with its bright yellow foliage lit up the garden. I was surprised the Begonias were still going strong their bright red flowers were a constant all season. Lastly, I loved the Oak Leaf Hydrangea with its leaves of multiple shades of red and burgundy and the dried flowers that reminded me of pinecones. It was a great fall stroll through the Kruse Garden.

November seems to be the perfect time to put the garden to bed and take stock, and plan for next year. I do that at home, and that’s what we did on our last gardening Wednesday. We walked the gardens and discussed, what worked, what needs to be divided, moved, removed, or added. It was fun to have varied ideas and thoughts and opinions. Gardens are a work in progress, looking forward to gardening next year to see the gardens evolve. If you have some free Wednesdays next year, you are always welcome to join the group. You don’t need to commit to every Wednesday. We always welcome an extra pair of hands, bring your gloves and dig in.