The West Chicago Garden Club

By Amanda & Brandon Skinner

“That Beautiful Garden!” The Kruse House is one of the first things I noticed from our home’s rear windows when viewing our home years ago. When I get to enjoy many different aspects of the Kruse Garden, I see so many community members taking advantage of the space. I notice people walking while playing with their dogs, friends, kids and grandchildren. It is a wonderful sight! I love to see adults with children looking at everything the garden has to offer, such as plants, animals, flowers, butterflies and birds. I always hope the children are learning wonderful things about nature. I hope you all take time to enjoy what is around you. I see many people take pictures of the plants, probably the tag as well. Hopefully, they will plant the same in their yards. Seeing what plants work perfectly in your neighborhood shows a beginner what could work for them too! I see many families use the garden for activities of all types. Recently one of our neighbors took a perfect opportunity for a photo shoot. They used many different features of the garden. I know the photographer’s pictures will be amazing family memories. (Picture used with permission)

On a sad note – Snowdrop, one of our sweet Kruse House kitties has passed away. Snowdrop was buried June 11. I will miss her waiting for me on my assigned mornings to feed the cats along with occasionally seeing her in my backyard. I hope Stripey will start making herself more visible.

$20 for Members
$30 for Non-Members

Register Online at our Square Store

Bus field trips are intended to take us to places that are further afield. We have booked a deluxe coach bus with comfortable seating & a restroom onboard. Julie has planned some trivia & games for the trip back to help pass the time!

In the past, we have seen a surge of signups for field trips during the last week – unfortunately, we cannot wait for that for this field trip! Due to the expense of the bus, the board has agreed that we need at least 30 people to signup before the last date when we can cancel the bus reservation. If you are interested in this trip, please consider signing up now!

We will visit Sheridan & Princeton Illinois with two very unique garden centers. Hornbaker Gardens also has an arboretum & botanic garden. There will be a Garden Festival at Redbud Creek Farm that day.

The bus will have plenty of storage underneath if you decide to purchase anything, however, there should be plenty to see and do even if you are not interested in shopping. The websites for both locations are linked (underlined text) so you can take a look at more information there.

8:30AM: Bus departs from St. Andrew Church parking lot
9:30AM: Arrive at Redbud Creek Farm. In addition to this unique garden center, there will also be a Garden Festival.
Noon: Depart Redbud Creek Farm
1PM: Arrive at Hornbaker Gardens. This is a garden center, botanic garden & arboretum.
3PM: Depart Hornbaker Gardens
5PM: Return to St. Andrew Church

Redbud Creek Farm Garden Center’s Garden Festival will have local artists & craftspeople along with live music. Lunch will be available to purchase from the Newark FFA (Future Farmers of America) or you can bring your own.

Hornbaker Gardens has, in addition to the garden center, an arboretum and a botanic garden. There is also a picnic area if you would prefer to bring your lunch there.

Are you interested in making your yard a place for birds yo visit, feed, nest, and raise their chicks?

Learn what birds need to make your yard their home. Inviting birds into our gardens by creating a
habitat is a joyful way to connect with nature and help support birds and pollinators.

Birds in the Garden: Creating a Bird Oasis features Pam Karlson’s photos from the Chicago bird habitat she created, illustrating how it is possible to attract over 100 bird species in your very own backyard.

Tips include landscape enhancements, practices, and plant selection, with an emphasis on native plants. Chicagoland’s location along the migratory route, bird species diversity, habitat, diet/foraging, nesting,
supplemental support and community science will also be discussed.

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