The West Chicago Garden Club

“We haven’t designed this garden…we’ve made it a place we like, almost by accident”

From a Welsh gardener…garden featured in a recent issue of Gardens Illustrated.

How many of us have created our gardens by accident?  I expect a lot of hands are in the air!  And that is why we have January and February.  What an opportunity to read, talk, and plan!  While trial and error is tons of fun, considered choices may be more productive. Not to sound like a wet blanket…

So…we are looking through magazines, books, photos of the garden, catalogues, and such…savoring ideas of what to do this year.  Dear garden club members, we could use your help!  Got any brain storms for us?  The best results often come from a group effort.  Your input would be most welcome.  Have you thought that so and so plant/shrub would be perfect for the garden, or wouldn’t a path or bed be just the ticket …right there…. Well, talk with us.  Ideas provoke more ideas and we could be off and running on another fabulous year in the garden. Also, please think of us if you have plants ready for division.  Our best plants in the garden are pass-alongs from friends.  Last year, Merle Burleigh donated a generous amount of Plumbago/Leadwort from her garden.  The perky blue flowers were striking against purple-red foliage last fall.  Even in its first year, it was lovely!  Thanks Merle!

Speaking of garden photographs, there will be a one of a kind, lovely 2011 calendar offered as a door prize at the January meeting.  There are 13 outstanding photographs of the Kruse Garden featured in this calendar!  Some fortunate garden club member or guest will win this unique prize!  It could be you!

Speaking of photographs…again…we have decided to have a few photos of the garden available for viewing at the reception desk each monthly meeting.  It will give all of you a chance to see the garden even if you can’t get over there as often as you’d like.  Who knows, it may get us talking about some opportunities for improvement. Let us know what you think of this idea.

We are confident it will be another good year in the garden.  We thank all of you for your support and for all the positive feedback you provide.