The West Chicago Garden Club

By Barbara Darrah

It’s April, known as both the sweetest and the cruelest month.

Last week, she danced in, made a brief pirouette and flitted out again.

Barbara’s Daffodils, Virginia Bluebells & scilla

Last week, my garden was a sea of daffodils, Virginia bluebells and scilla. This morning, they were barely peeking up through a light layer of snow.  But this is no surprise here in Northern Illinois and we know that she will be back, glistening in the sunlight and bursting with color.

In March, the intrepid volunteers at Kruse House came out, when the weather allowed us, to prune and clean up beds without much to show except piles of branches and brush .Last week, however, to our great happiness, we uncovered daffodil, bluebells, scilla, may apples, magnolia blossoms and a beautiful and bountiful scattering of grape hyacinths throughout the western side of the garden.  I have never seen so many massed in such a glorious spread of purple. [my favorite color]. Then, came the cold and snow. 

Nevertheless, we know that it will warm up again, the snow will melt quickly and April will leap out again to fill our gardens with abundant and glowing color.

“April, April, laugh thy girlish laughter, and the moment after, weep they girlish tears.” [Angus Wilson]

If you are interested in volunteering, our Kruse Gardeners are out in the garden (527 Main Street) every Wednesday morning (weather permitting).  All are welcome!

By Dee Soustek

Went to the Kruse Garden to take a short walk, to see what was happening.  I was greeted by a small patch of beautiful, vibrant, sunshine yellow flowers of the winter aconite (Eranthus hyemalis).  I was surprised to learn that aconite is actually a tuber and not a bulb.  These tubers should be planted in the fall the same time you plant your other spring bulbs.  Aconite for me, is the harbinger of Spring.  It has such a pop of color and it is so cheerful.  I hope the Kruse patch of aconite spreads or we add another clump or two.  

Then there were the Hellebores that were starting to bloom. One of the earliest flowers to bloom.  It’s always fun to see this early bloomer. Tried to take a picture but the downward facing flowers were not cooperating.  The new varieties are showing more outward facing blooms, it may be worth a try for this old favorite. 

There were many bulbs pushing their way up; tulips, daffodils, hyacinth, and alliums to name a few.  But there was a clump of beautiful orange/gold crocus that grabbed my attention, so nice with the sun spotlighting their presence.  It sure is a cute little clump, love the color. 

Hope you enjoyed the short visit to Kruse and I encourage you to stop by and see what else is ready to bloom.

Anticipation by Kerry Perry

“Every gardener knows that under the cloak of winter lies a miracle … a seed waiting to sprout, a bulb opening to the light, a bud straining to unfurl.  And the anticipation nurtures our dream.” –  Barbara Winkler

It’s February and things are awakening in the Kruse garden. Buds are appearing on the Cornelia Cherry  Dogwood, Lilac, Dawn Redwood and Viburnum.

Get your gardening gloves and tools ready for spring cleanup.  Please join us for fun, learning and  comradery.