The West Chicago Garden Club

In an article entitled “Interesting Shrubs” published in the May 1939 Bulletin, publication of The Garden Clubs of America, the witch hazel and fothergilla are extolled for their hardiness and ornamental value. That opinion is echoed by gardeners and horticultural experts today. The American Gardener magazine, official publication of the American Horticultural Society, Nov/Dec 2012 issue, has an extensive article on “Enchanting Witch Hazels”. The author says “few shrubs pack more punch in the winter landscape than witch hazels, which bear delicate fragrant flowers on a sculptural frame of bare branches”. Large, low maintenance shrubs are valuable structural additions to any garden. This time of year the value of garden bones (trees & shrubs) are evident and the Kruse Garden could use a few more bones to fill out the skeleton. A fothergilla shrub was added to the back garden a few years ago and it is doing well, but we don’t have any witch hazels.  Both of these shrubs have 3 season interest with early spring flowers to fabulous fall color. It’s apparent that a shrub recommendation that endures for 75 years is solid bet. We’re convinced that a witch hazel would be a grand addition to the back garden! Continue Reading »

Our Garden Club will once again be supporting garden maintenance at the Kruse House Museum Garden. We started this project back in 1998 when this club was resurrected from dormant status by some ingenious Historical Society members. The Garden C lub has invested many hours and dollars over the years and the garden has evolved into a very fine garden. We are confident that the Kruse family would be proud that it is still a garden enjoyed by the community. Their intent was to preserve a snippet of their lives; thus the property was donated to the Historical Society in the 1960s. The gardens were always important to them. It was only in their later years they were unable to maintain the grounds in the fine style they were accustomed to. The revived garden has matured to where it currently ‘gives back’. We are able to dig quite a number of plants for our annual plant sale. Continue Reading »

Someone has been edging the Kruse Garden beds!  And they are doing a mighty fine job of it! We have asked around trying to identify the gracious gardener but to no avail. The crisp edging is so perfect it looks to be machine done. It really helps keep the weeds out of the beds and frames the gardens very nicely.  As you know from touring the gardens, there are many feet of edging surrounding the beds and it’s not an easy task to keep up with. Whoever is helping us… thank you… it is greatly appreciated! We’d love to thank you in person and pick up some tips from your fine skills. Let us know who you are. We know there are other helpful gardeners who stop by the Kruse Garden and pull some weeds, pick up some trash or do a bit of deadheading or watering. We tip our sun hats to all of you and encourage your continued efforts. Small acts do make a difference and you are encouraged to join us when you can on Monday mornings or go solo and contribute as you can on your own. We will schedule a ‘mulch distribution’ work day this fall so maybe that will be your opportunity to be involved. It is rewarding to work with other gardeners. The things learned are remarkable! Continue Reading »