The West Chicago Garden Club

By Christina Covarrubias

A February garden in West Chicago should be difficult to discuss. However when you find a weekend with 50-60 degree temperatures it’s easy to survey the garden and take time to admire the winter landscape. Sadly, no early spring bulbs or ephemerals were popping up despite the unseasonable weather.

The Kruse garden, at 527 Main Street, belongs to the original house built in 1917 and presumably the garden dates back closely to that time. Past Kruse garden volunteers describe uncovering stone paths buried in layers of soil, digging a hole to find the hole belonging to the goldfish pond (though we don’t keep goldfish)and explained the north hillside was originally a rock garden. This long established garden offers visual interest in hardscaping, mature trees and perennials left standing from the past season.

As always you are welcome to walk around the garden any day of the week; parking behind the garage. You are also welcome help garden with our wonderful Kruse crew starting in April on Wednesdays from 9-11:30am or the Second Saturday of every month from 9-11:30am. Commitment to come every time is NOT required to join the fun.

By Ruth Kyme

Mel Zaloudek will be our January speaker. Mel graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in Taxonomic Botany. He served on the horticulture faculty of Triton College in River Grove for 20 years and is currently working as an independent landscaping consultant. He has been presenting programs regularly to groups large and small across the greater Chicago metropolitan area for many years.

Many gardeners (and even some industry professionals) have trouble recognizing trees during their six months of dormancy, but it’s easier than you think. During Mel’s program, Identifying Trees in Wintertime, we will focus on honing that skill. We’ll look at photos, as well as actual twigs, for simple and reliable clues to identification. Naming tree species in the off season is a valuable and enjoyable skill. Bring a small
magnifying glass and leave with a big new understanding of our wondrous, woody friends throughout the four seasons.

Meeting Location: St Andrew Lutheran Church (NE Corner of Prince Crossing & Geneva Road.)

Meeting Time:

• 6:45PM Arrive & Mingle
• 7:00PM Business Meeting
• 7:15PM Program

By Kerry Perry

The garden was put to bed in late fall. Not much was cut back as we wanted to protect the habitat for overwintering bees and other insects. There was a beautiful blanket of snow a few weeks ago and I only wish it had stayed longer. The recent warm weather brought immediate melting and now the yard is brown and somewhat dull. But, ahhh…the anticipation of spring! We’ll be ready and waiting for new growth.

“The tiny seed knew that in order to grow, it needed to be dropped in dirt, covered in darkness, and struggle to reach the light.” – Sandra Kring

Several Snowdrops Galanthus woronowii bulbs were planted in the far NE sec�on of the garden. They will be among the first flowers peeking their heads out of the snow in early spring.

One of my favorite photos is of the bench by the garden shed and the old maple in the background. It looks so peaceful, tranquil and pure.

Join the Kruse Crew Wednesday mornings, generally April through October. It’s a fun learning experience and you have the opportunity to get your hands dirty.