The West Chicago Garden Club

“Here I come, ready or not”. No, it’s not kids at play…it’s the plants as they burst forth with the warm temperatures! Spring cleanup has begun and we realize that plants aren’t the only thing dormant over winter. The muscles (oh my back) and memory (what did we plant there?) also need to reawaken. Votavas Lawn Care can’t come until April because the refuse dump places don’t open before then but April 2nd (weather permitting) we are on schedule.

Of course, the pervasive Grape Hyacinths standout this time of year and the Ghost Lilies are thick bundles of strappy green foliage.  As we inspect and stroll, great plans are made. Mrs. CW Earle 1897 pointed out in Pot-Pourri from a Surrey Garden “Half the interest of a garden is the constant exercise of the imagination”. We love to exercise the imagination!

We have been away from NFK for several months. We have enjoyed the time off but it’s time to start talking about our favorite garden again.

I’m sure the winter season holds commonality for all dyed-in-the-wool gardeners.  First we take a break.  Leave it alone for a while.  But soon enough we need a hort fix.  It’s those great garden magazines and fabulous garden books you got for Christmas that stir the blood and those ‘new’ hybrids start looking very interesting.  Even though your head says ‘tried and true’ plants make the most sense the intrigue is undeniable. However, when it comes to the Kruse Garden, we are nothing but practical with our plants.  Our backs, our time, and our budget all offer constraints.  So ‘known’ wins over ‘unknown’ every time. Continue Reading »

From Olde News Now, West Chicago Historical Society’s Nov-Dec 2011 newsletter … “a big thank you to the West Chicago Garden Club and their members for all the hard work they do on the garden at the Kruse house.  We could not maintain this historic garden without all the time they volunteer and the dedication they bring to this project.”  We appreciate the recognition of our efforts!  Thanks for the thank you!

It has been a good year in the garden.  We keep moving steadily forward and are satisfied with our progress.  We want to recognize Tom Fessler’s faithful presence and helpful efforts in the garden.  It will be good to have our seasonal winter break.  But, we plan to be back in full force when spring rolls around again.  Until then we will be happy to view the pictures taken this year and toy with some new and better ideas for next year.