Get an idea of what HEGC members and guests have enjoyed during past events!
October 2, 2025 – Harmonizing Design & Plant Selection Series
Part 1 of this series will focus on breathing new life into your landscape. Presenter is Diane Smith of Perennial Professionals, Inc. Diane started The Perennial Professionals, Inc. as a natural extension of her of love color in landscapes. It has blossomed into a landscape design and installation business for the renovation of existing landscapes and the design and installation of landscapes for new homes and commercial sites. Perennial Professionals is among the most esteemed and recommended on the North Shore.
Diane holds a Certificate of Merit in Ornamental Plants and Shrubs from the Chicago Botanic Gardens. She is currently teaching classes at the Chicago Botanic Gardens.
September 4, 2025 – Attracting and Feeding Wild Birds
Ron Zick, the owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Arlington Heights, is an expert on all things “Birding”. If you have questions about attracting birds to your yard or how to feed and house them, you will not want to miss this presentation.
August 7, 2025 – GARDENS FROM AROUND THE WORLD!
July 12, 2025 – MEMBERS ONLY GARDEN WALK
This is always a highlight of our year – a chance to enjoy member gardens with fellow garden lovers followed by a relaxing picnic in a member’s lovely garden. All the details, including the schedule and addresses of the gardens we will be visiting are included in the flyer in the Members Only tab. Directions to the various gardens have also been posted to the Members Only tab.
June 6, 2025 – ANNUAL PLANT SALE
We will have our annual plant sale on Friday, June 6 from 7am-1pm at the Schaumburg Farmer’s Market (190 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg). Members will offer locally grown plants from their own gardens as well as some grown from seed. There will be a wide variety of sun and shade plants including perennials, annuals, dahlias, grasses, hostas, vegetables and herbs. A limited number of native plants like milkweed and coneflower will be available to help support our pollinators. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Schaumburg Township Food Pantry.
May 7, 2025 – MEMBERS ONLY FIELD TRIP
Lurvey’s Nursery and Garden Center, 2550 E. Dempster Street, Des Plaines
We are planning a lovely day for a May Field Trip the Wednesday before Mother’s Day – a great day to shop for plantings as well as gifts. Lurveys strives to be a convenient one-stop supplier by offering the largest variety and highest quality perennials, annuals, trees, shrubs as well as specializing in landscape design and hardscape material.
With HYDRANGEAS becoming a very hot topic, we have asked a Lurvey’s specialist to give us a presentation on Hydrangeas – Varieties, and Growing, Landscaping and Caring for them. Following the presentation, we will receive a tour of the nursery.
May 1, 2025
“THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF DAHLIAS”
Dahlias are easy to grow yet deliver spectacular blooms and add vivid color to your garden from July through frost. Presentation will focus on practical tips to plant, stake, cut, store, and divide dahlia tubers. Learn how to grow healthy and productive plants from a Dahlia Society expert!
April 29, 2025
MEMBERS ONLY FIELD TRIP
Tulip Festival at Richardson Farm, 909 English Prairie Road, Spring Grove, IL
We are celebrating spring’s arrival with a field trip to Richardson Farm for the Tulip Festival. The tulips are planted near Richardson Farm’s private 36 acre lake for an absolutely beautiful setting. With 650,000 bulbs in the ground from the previous 2 years, they have added another 350,00 bulbs this past fall……you guessed it, 1 MILLION TULIPS this Spring – plus 100,000 Daffodils.
April 3, 2025
“LATEST PERENNIAL VARIETIES – NEW ADDITIONS FOR YOUR GARDEN”
Jennifer Brennan is back to speak about the latest perennial varieties available in 2025. She’ll also discuss pairing perennials for best effect. Jennifer is a knowledgeable and stimulating speaker who is sure to get you excited about the new perennials and their possibilities for your garden. She will not disappoint! Jennifer is a renowned horticulture and gardening expert in Chicagoland. She has degrees in Ornamental Horticulture and Botany from University of Illinois, Champaign. She serves as the Horticulture Info Specialist and Manager of the Education Center at Chalet Landscape, Nursery and Garden Center in Wilmette. She often appears as the Horticulture Correspondent for ABC, Ch7 Morning News. 2025 New Perennials
March 6, 2025
“HOW TO GROW AND CARE FOR AFRICAN VIOLETS”
Dan Kaplan is returning! You’ll remember his informative dahlia presentation last year and the ensuing contest to judge our success at growing prize worthy blooms. Well, he’s even more experienced with African Violets-in fact, he has over 65 years of experience growing them.
African Violets are extremely popular houseplants because they are so easy to grow, fit neatly on a windowsill, and under proper growing conditions, will bloom almost continuously indoors. With good care, they can last over 50 years! If you don’t have one now, you’re going to want one after hearing Dan’s presentation. With so many varieties, you’re bound to find one that strikes your fancy.
February 6, 2025
GROWING, HARVESTING, USING, AND STORING HERBS
Join us to hear Nina Koziol present “Growing, Harvesting, Using and Storing Herbs”. Whether we think of it or not, herbs play a big role in the flavors of the foods we eat and in our landscapes. These useful plants attract pollinators and add fragrance to your garden during the summer, and in winter, they brighten a kitchen counter or windowsill.
Nina Koziol is a prominent horticulturist who has been active in the local gardening scene for many years. Perhaps you’ve read some of her garden article in the Chicago Tribune, Chicagoland Gardening or taken one of her horticulture classes at the Chicago Botanic Garden or the Morton Arboretum. We are delighted to have this knowledgeable and experienced horticulturist as our first speaker of the year. This is a chance to learn more about growing and using herbs effectively in your cooking and to adding them to your garden.
December 12, 2024
MEMBERS ONLY HOLIDAY PARTY
Member’s enjoyed our annual holiday party, which featured a potluck, a winter themed project, and a chance to mix and mingle. Members created center pieces using greens, flowers, and decorative picks to bring home and beautify our spaces for the winter.
November 7, 2024
BONSAI
Learn the art of Bonsai using standard trees. Presented by Nick Cargola of Elk Grove Village who will explain the process and care of this living art form. Pictured are just of few of his amazing bonsai trees. Partially self-trained and partially developed through teachers at BC Bonsai and others, Nick is developing young trees into works of art. Nick will be traveling to the UK in October 2024 for a workshop with the famous Peter Chan to enhance his skills.
When not working on his trees, Nick manages an IT department and has a family that includes wife Amie; boys Joey and Charlie; and dog Bailey. Nick resides in Elk Grove Village.
October 3, 2024
SPRING BULBS
Preparing Bulbs for Spring – Ideas from Amsterdam’s Keukenhof Garden: The “Greatest Flower Show on Earth!” Gain inspiration for your spring garden by learning what bulbs to choose, when and where to plant, and the best companion plants. Discover how you can get the longest possible flowering season in the smallest space using the Keukenhof “lasagna” planting method. Presentation includes viewing photos from the Keukenhof Garden in Amerstdam that showcases 70 acres of 7 million flowering bulbs. Bev Krams has been a Master Gardener with the North Cook County District for over fifteen years. She has received the States Outstanding Master Gardener of the Year Award and a Sustained Excellence Award from the University of Illinois.
September 12, 2024
MEMBERS ONLY FIELD TRIP TO ANDERSON JAPANESE GARDEN
Join us for a private 90-minute docent-led walking tour of an authentic Japanese Garden exemplifying the cultural heritage of respectful humility in service to people of all cultures. Lunch at their beautiful on-site restaurant, either outside on the deck or inside depending on weather, will follow the tour.
As we walk through the gardens we will see the essential elements of the garden – stone, water and, of course, the plants which provide the color and changes throughout the seasons. We will see pagodas, stone lanterns, water basins, arbors and bridges. Though Japanese garden materials are not unusual, the way these basic elements are brought together is what makes the Anderson Japanese Gardens unique.
September 5, 2024
ROSES
Learn how to select, plant, and care for roses. Presented by Jackie Kosbab who has been the Senior Horticulturist at Cantigny for 14 years. Jackie is responsible for designing and maintaining many areas of the gardens. She has been the Rose Garden Curator for the last 4 years and will teach us how roses can be a thriving and wonderful addition to our gardens.
August 1, 2024
MEMBERS ONLY GARDEN FORUM
Our garden forum will be located at a member’s home to allow us to enjoy their garden and learn about their plants. Two of our newest members will teach us about worm farms and how to start our own. Worm farming is an easy way to dispose of unwanted food waste and get a liquid fertilizer as well. Our host will discuss her method of composting and show us her amazing native plants. Members, please bring a chair with you.
July 13, 2024
MEMBERS GARDEN WALK
We will visit the gardens of 3 members before heading to our final member’s garden where we will stay for our annual luncheon. All four gardens have unique styles and plants that will give us ideas for our own gardens. Members can get more details by going to the Members Only section and clicking on Field Trips.
June 19, 2024
MEMBERS ONLY FIELD TRIP TO KLEHM ARBORETUM & BOTANICAL GARDENS
Let’s take a stroll through over a mile of paved paths where we’ll see a peaceful pond with rushing waterfall – surging fountains, beautiful planting beds and a diverse peony garden. We will pass through several gardens showcasing themed plantings of shrubs, as well as annual and perennial plants, Klehm’s is also host to a Smithsonian “Habitat” exhibit with 14 displays, sculptures and interactive components installed throughout the grounds and gardens.
June 7, 2024
PLANT SALE AT SCHAUMBURG FARMERS MARKET
May 6, 2024
MEMBERS ONLY FIELD TRIP TO BLUMEN GARDENS NURSERY
Blumen Gardens is a true destination for garden clubs (and weddings) ! It’s a family-owned business that is in its 34th year. They offer not only an incredible array of plants but also a wide selection of garden decor, clothing, and home goods. Our visit will be hosted by the owner, Joel, who has 40-years of horticultural experience. His presentation will be focused on opening the garden and complimenting annuals and perennials. Note: They are giving us a 20% discount at their Home & Garden Shop as well on all plants, trees, and shrubs!! Woohoo
May 2, 2024
CONTAINER GARDENING
Container gardening is the hottest trend for growing vegetables (like tomatoes), herbs, and flowers. It’s ideal for those living in condos, townhomes, and homes. No yard is required, it’s easy on the back, and you don’t need heavy tools. Gain practical tips from two Master Gardeners who will discuss container and plant selection, simple design considerations, and the proper planting and maintenance to help ensure success. Presented by Master Gardeners, Sandra Atkinson and Judy Kahn
April 4, 2024
DESIGN FOR THE MATURE LANDSCAPE & INCORPORATING NATIVES
Learned how you can refresh your existing gardens and/or add a new garden area into your landscape. Ed Max, owner of Max’s Greener Places, in Winfield, IL is a professional landscape designer, naturalist and certified arborist. He is also a Native species and natural areas specialist. Ed likes to use native plants wherever possible for many reasons: One is, native plants are good for the environment (and for pollinators) Also, native plants use less water and need few chemicals to survive.
March 7, 2024
DAHLIAS – PROPAGATION, GROWING, AND STORAGE
Dahlias are a tuberous plant that requires full sun 6-8 hours of direct sunlight and will bloom all summer long. They will provide you with color and abundant flowers for cutting and enjoying throughout the summer. The more you cut a dahlia plant, the more it will bloom. Presented by Dan Kaplan. Dan has served as 1st and 2nd Vice President and President of the Central States Dahlia Society. He acts as a mentor to the many members. He is a devoted promotor of all things Dahlias.
February 1, 2024
HOUSEPLANTS – SELECTING THE RIGHT PLANTS FOR YOUR SPACE AND KEEPING THEM HEALTHY
Presented by Clark Hudson, co-owner of the family run Barn Owl Garden Center in Carol Stream. Hudmon’s interactive presentation included tips on potting mixes, fertilizers, lighting & watering. Care of Orchids and Amaryllis bulbs were discussed. Clark has a degree from UW-Madison and is also Master Gardener. After a short stint in the corporate world, Clark made a career change to follow his love of nature, gardening, birds, and bugs. He re-joined the family business, The Barn Owl Gardening Center, in 2013. Over the last decade, Clark has successfully redefined the business with a keen focus on organic gardening, birding and community service which has made the Barn Owl the go to place for both gardeners and bird enthusiasts throughout the western suburbs.
December 7, 2023
MEMBERS ONLY HOLIDAY PARTY
Member’s enjoyed our annual holiday party, which featured a potluck, a winter themed project, and a chance to mix and mingle. We enjoyed creating green & floral center pieces to bring home and beautify our spaces for the winter.
November 2, 2023
SELECTING THE RIGHT TREE INCLUDING UNDERSTORY TREES AND THE BENEFITS OF NATIVES
Brad Buker is a Certified Arborist for Bartlett Tree Experts. He began his career in arboriculture in 1989 as a Plant Health Care Technician. He is a member of the Illinois and Wisconsin Chapters of the International Society of Arboriculture and is both a Certified Arborist and a Certified Tree Care Safety Specialist. Brad prides himself as an expert in examining and evaluating his clients’ landscapes and giving them custom-tailored programs designed to maintain the health and safety of their property. These can include soil, insect, and disease management as well as general tree maintenance, such as pruning, cabling, removal and planting.
October 5, 2023
PUTTING THE FALL GARDEN TO BED
Bill Karges worked for Pioneer Garden & Feed for close to 50 years. He was manager, chief botanist, and all-around dispenser of gardening information. Bill will walk us through Fall garden clean-up do’s and don’ts. He will also explain why waiting until spring for major clean-up of beds is encouraged by many naturalists.
September 7, 2023
PERENNIALS: NEW VARIETIES AND LATE BLOOMING CULTIVARS THAT BRING COLOR TO THE FALL GARDEN
Jennifer Brennan is a renowned horticulture and gardening expert in Chicagoland. Jennifer has degrees in Ornamental Horticulture and Botany from University of Illinois, Champaign. She serves as the Horticulture Info Specialist and Manager of the Education Center at Chalet Landscape, Nursery and Garden Center in Wilmette. She often appears as the Horticulture Correspondent for ABC, Ch7 Morning News anchor Tracy Butler. Jennifer is very active in the Perennial Plant Association and is a frequent speaker at the Chicago Flower & Garden Show and the Chicago Botanical Garden.
August 25, 2023
MEMBERS ONLY FIELD TRIP TO THE GARDENS OF BALL
Wow, what a treat to be able visit Ball Horticultural’s West Chicago gardens at our leisure. There are 9-acres of display beds of annuals, perennials, vegetables, and cut flowers, including the newest plants from the industry’s leading breeders and marketers. The visit was amazing!
August 3, 2023
MEMBERS ONLY GARDEN FORUM
Our garden forum will take place at a member’s house. We walked around the beautiful garden and the member told us all about her large variety of native plants.
July 15, 2023
MEMBERS ONLY GARDEN WALK
We are fortunate to have 4 of our members offer their gardens for all of us to enjoy. Thank You Debbie, Carol, Steve, and Susan! Please see the Members Only site for the details. Don’t forget to get your lunch order to Nancy R. by July 6th.
June 17, 2023
Member Field Trip to Cantigny Park in Wheaton, IL
Cantigny is a 500 acre park with formal and informal gardens on the former estate of Colonel Robert McCormick (former owner and publisher of the Chicago Tribune). It was named after the World War I Battle of Cantigny in which Colonel McCormick fought. These world class Display Gardens contain 160,000 annuals, perennials, ground covers, flowering shrubs and trees.
May 7, 2023
Member Field Trip to Lilacia Park in Lombard, IL
Lilacia Park is an 8.5 acre horticultural showcase featuring 700 lilacs and 25,000 bulbs. In 2019, the park was recognized and placed on the official list of National Register of Historic Places. Members enjoyed tours of a Victorian Cottage & Carriage House as well as the grounds of Lilacia Park. After a group lunch, members attended the Lombard Garden Club Lilac and Perennial Sale, before returning home.
May 4, 2023
Solving Water Problems in the Landscape
Tired of battling wet areas in your lawn? Come and listen to Amanda Arnold discuss how to solve these problems with rain gardens, swales, drainage ways, and plantings. Amanda has a BS in Landscape Architecture from Ball State University and is an Adjunct Faculty member at College of DuPage. She is the owner of PlanIt Landscape Perspectives specializing in eco-focused designs and landscapes. Her past experiences of serving as Chair of several landscape design and education organizations have steered Amanda to concentrate her passion on native and natural spaces.
April 6, 2023
Growing Lilium Lilies in the Garden
Donna Mack, a member of the Lily Society, will share her expertise on the many lily varieties that she grows and explain how to successfully plant, grow, and care for them. Also learn how to protect your bulbs from animals.
March 2, 2023
Seed Starting Demonstration with speaker Debbie Kalasa
Debbie Kalasa is a Master Gardener Intern and club member. Debbie, who has successfully started seeds for over 30 yrs, will share tips and best practices on seed starting mixes, lighting, and demonstrate how to successfully take a seed from planting through the hardening-off process.
February 2, 2023
Attracting Birds to the Landscape
Jeff Miller has been selling and formulating wild bird seed for 49 years. He has been constantly testing different bird seeds and grains to attract colorful birds to the backyard. Questions about bird feed seeds will be welcome.