Aug
17
2011
Yes, we did have a nice party on Sunday August 7! The heavy rain that morning provoked some doubt but by 1 PM the skies were clear and we had a lovely afternoon. Many thanks to all who brought treats for our guests! No doubt, we have some talented bakers in our group. Thanks so much for your generosity! Donna and Kent Orlandini were a great help with table set up and arranging docents for house tours. Thanks D&K! At least 30 folks toured the house and the hand-painted garden accoutrements by Mary Kay were definitely a point of interest to all. There was ample appreciation for the beautiful gardens….lots of praise for the many varieties of coleus tucked throughout the gardens. Humming birds were on hand (Dave Urhausen will testify to that) and the pond was jumping with frogs! Highest count on frogs was 6 and one posed nicely for a photo. It was wonderful to have so many garden club members come to visit the garden. As always, your interest and support are greatly appreciated! Continue Reading »
Jul
20
2011
It’s party time! The 4th annual Secret Garden at the Kruse House event is coming soon! Sunday, August 7, from 1-4 pm, please come, tour house and garden, enjoy refreshments, and visit with friends. The special feature this year will be an extensive presentation of original creations of garden art by local artist Mary Kay. Something you are sure to enjoy! We look forward to walking the garden with you. It will be a perfect way to spend a summer afternoon! We will need your help with the sweet treats. If you can provide a batch/pan of cookies/cake/bars (something that won’t melt in heat) that would be greatly appreciated! Just bring the food donation with you when you come. Continue Reading »
Apr
27
2011
The West Chicago Garden Club announces its 14th annual plant sale on Saturday, May 21st. The sale is held in conjunction with the City of West Chicago Blooming Fest in downtown West Chicago. The only fundraiser sponsored by the club, the sale also provides a way for members to share their plants and their love of plants with the greater West Chicago community. The offerings are a combination of annuals, perennials, and woody plants, most of which come from members’ gardens.
The club works throughout the winter and early spring to collect pots and plants from members. In addition to members digging their own plants in March, the Digging Squad visits members’ gardens to aid in getting plants out of the ground and to the potting site. The club is grateful to the West Chicago Park District for the use of space and materials at Manville Oaks Park for storing pots, soil, and plants. Over a period of 4 weeks in April, members also gather at this site for Potting Parties to lovingly pot up each plant, ensuring the plants are well established prior to the sale. Last year approximately 2500 perennials were prepared and given a new start at Manville Oaks.
The sale draws new and repeat customers from well beyond the West Chicago area for the quality and variety of plants offered, which includes many varieties native to northern Illinois. This year the club is working on providing more vegetable plants, to respond to the increasing interest in vegetable gardening. The members assist customers with plant advice and other help during the sale.
The WCGC plant sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Prices may be discounted later in the afternoon in order to sell all merchandise, but most patrons come early for best selection. The plant sale will be located at the Wayne and Helen Fox Center, 306 Main St, West Chicago.
- Membership