Past Events › Monthly Meeting

For more than 20 years, Mike Nowak has been talking about gardening, the environment and green living on Chicago radio. He is an Illinois Master Gardener, Openlands TreeKeeper, and past president of the Chicago Recycling Coalition. He will discuss such questions as: Do tree roots break into sewer or water lines? If your tree sustains a "wound," you should cover it over with tree wound paint? When you plant lawn under a tree, does the tree always win? Do most…

Marcy Lautanen-Raleigh began growing herbs in 1992 and started an herb business marketing a variety of herb products in 1995. What began as a hobby and a way to grow herbs for use in programs at the museums she managed, soon became a personal passion which was turned into a full-time endeavor. She is a regular contributor to The Essential Herbal Magazine, has a trilogy of short books on using herbs, and shares her more than 20 years of herb gardening experience on…

The energetic presentation by Kay McKeen will address the many aspects of sustainability and conservation, including the history and importance of composting, water, and our direct connection to nature and the environment. It will also provide tips on how to protect our resources and where to dispose of all unwanted materials properly. Attendees will definitely leave with valuable information pertaining to healthy living, prosperous gardens, and pollution reduction.    Visitors are welcome. Social time and announcement begin at 6:15 PM.…

Discover useful ways to save time, energy, and money while gardening. This show and tell presentation by Cindy Tyley, demonstrates tips for both indoor and outdoor gardening throughout the year. Cindy owns Carriage House Garden Design in LaGrange and is a certified landscape designer who provides design and consultation focusing on practicality and low maintenance as well as beauty. She is a member of the Landscape Design Association and the Western Springs Garden Club.

Bill Whitney has kept honey bees for over 20 years. City Bee Savers is his small honey bee farm in West Chicago that is deeply concerned about the future of bees. Their vulnerability has prompted Bill to become a certified member of the Illinois Queen Rearing Initiative. This group is developing a superior honey bee suited for the rigors of Illinois. Bill will be speaking to us about how to plant for these pollinators. He also teaches classes about bee keeping…

Carol was already garden addicted when they moved to their small house on a half-acre lot 20 years ago. The house has grown and so has the garden. She was very much a novice gardener at that time. Much has changed since then. Carol is now past-president of the Elk Grove Garden Club, quite the gardener, speaks regularly at the Chicago Flower and Garden Show and writes a gardening blog. Carol’s husband Mike is a passionate gardener as well, and…

Heather Prince is currently the nursery manager at Wannemaker’s Home and Garden in Downers Grove.  She has been a part of the green industry for more than 19 years, including experience at The Morton Arboretum, Chicago Botanic Garden, The Growing Place and The Pizzo Group. She is a trained horticulturist specializing in trees and shrubs with a passion for connecting people with plants.