The West Chicago Garden Club

The time away from ‘News From Kruse’ slipped by quickly and another year in the garden begins! But before the past is forgotten let us tell of the lovely recognition bestowed by the Historical Society at their annual meeting last November. Angie, Billie, and Tom received certificates of appreciation and luscious toffees for their part in maintaining and growing the 2008 Kruse House Garden. Of course, we are only representatives of the Garden Club and want to pass the appreciation along to all of you for your support of the Kruse Garden efforts! The addition to the big sign in front of the Kruse house is also great recognition for Garden Club’s role in the gardens. Thanks to Dick Darrah for installing that addition to the sign! Thank you all for a great year past and ‘tally ho, away we go’ to a fantastic year to come!

We can only plan (well, dream too) at this time of the year; however it should be noted that conceptualizing is an important component of gardening. The overarching goal for the Kruse Garden is to create a charming, low maintenance garden that will be enjoyed and appreciated for many years.

The house and garden are a unique part of the city’s past. The West Chicago Kruse House Museum is tucked in on Main Street, many times overlooked, seemingly out of place, having a garden not often visited. It is like other houses that at one time lined Main Street, the home of a middle-class railroad conductor who lived in a railroad town. This was a family of gardeners; therefore, the picture would be incomplete without the beauty of gardens to envelope the house now as they did back then. Working on the garden of the museum makes us custodians in the preservation of our city’s past.

So… what’s on the agenda this year? Maintenance, of course, and some more renovation of the beds, but we are getting to more of a ‘tweaking’ stage in the gardens. Hallelujah! Planting some of those big bushes last year almost did us in!

Another ‘open garden’ party for the community is planned for early August.  Last year we had a fabulous turnout and such a good time at this event that we can’t wait to do it again! But, as I said at the close of last year, the Kruse House Garden beckons you to visit throughout the year. The garden promises to delight with ever evolving displays! Make it a regular destination… you will find it a joy to experience and you will be proud that it is our project!

We are planning to enter the garden in the city’s garden contest.  Details are vague at time of this writing, but what an opportunity to show it off to the contest judges… maybe win something? Oh, that’s just our competitive nature surfacing… never mind.