Calendar
2/17/2025 Gardens in Literature with Cindy Crosby
We will be joining Master Gardener and Natural History writer Cindy Crosby for a fun look at gardens that appear in literature and poetry! From Agatha Christie's mystery series to Brother Cadfael's medieval herb garden, to Michael Pollan's garden in "Second Nature" to the "Secret Garden" of children's literature. There are so many gardens that helped shape the books we love to read.
Location: Highland Park Presbyterian Church
330 Laurel Ave
Highland Park, IL 60035
Time: 10am
Non-Member Cost: $10 paid at the event by cash or check
3/17/25 Piet Ordolf Designer Profile Presented by Tami Block
Piet Ordolf is the leader of the New Perennial Movement in naturalistic garden design. He is the designer behind The Lurie Garden in Chicago as well as The Battery and High Line Gardens in NYC. His 5-season garden philosophy and the design techniques used to create the naturalistic gardens for which he is known are presented.
Location: Highland Park Presbyterian Church
330 Laurel Ave
Highland Park, IL 60035
Time: 10am
Non-Member Cost: $10 paid at the event by cash or check
4/5/25 Seed Swap!
Join a community of growers at this free seed swap event at The Highland Park Library, 494 Laurel Avenue Highland Park, Illinois. If you have seeds to share, please drop them off at the library during regular business hours. Please indicate the variety and harvest year of the seeds you are bringing.
Location: HP Public Library
494 Laurel Ave
Highland Park, IL 60035
Time: 1-4pm
Cost: Free!
4/21/25 Natural Plants, Conservation, Sustainability with Guest Speaker Roy Diblik
Roy Diblik, owner of Northwind Perennial Farm in Burlington, WI, has worked extensively with Piet Ordolf, providing many of the plants at the Lurie Garden. His book "The Know Maintenance Perennial Garden" (2014) emphasizes how plant knowledge can help select the right plants for the right space so that they thrive and grow together as a community, reducing garden maintenance.
Location: Highland Park Presbyterian Church
330 Laurel Ave
Highland Park, IL 60035
Time: 10am
Non-Member Cost: $10 paid at the event by cash or check
5/19/25 Lessons for the Home Presented by Kathryn Deery
Kathryn Deery, Head Horticulturist at Lurie Garden, presents insights and lessons from her experience at the Lurie Garden, Chicago Botanic Garden, and Millenium Park. Sustainable gardening and sustainable landscape management employ techniques that have minimal impact on the environment. From using little or no artificially produced chemicals, (pesticides, herbicides, quick-release fertilizers) to reducing the use of powered devices in the care of the landscape.
Location: Highland Park Presbyterian Church
330 Laurel Ave
Highland Park, IL 60035
Time: 10am
Non-Member Cost: $10 paid at the event by cash or check
6/16/25 Photos in The Garden Using Your Cell Phone with Stephen Serio
We will learn tips and tools of "iPhoneography" from Stephen Serio, professional photographer and long time resident of Highland Park. With 30 years of experience, a decade as Chief Photographer for Crain's Chicago Business, Stephen has branched into capturing unique images of the flowers from his own "COVID" garden - check out his pictures next to the event name! Bring your phone and prepare to be dazzled!
Location: Highland Park Presbyterian Church
330 Laurel Ave
Highland Park, IL 60035
Time: 10am
Non-Member Cost: $10 paid at the event by cash or check
7/21/25 Summer Garden Project: Naturalistic Garden Trough
We will create our own stone-like planting container similar to the "alpine troughs" once found in England from a concrete-like mixture called hypertufa. Suitable for the Chicago climate due to its ability to withstand the freeze and thaw of Midwest winters, it will add a practical but natural element to your garden that will last for years to come. Supplies provided at cost.
Garden Guild Members Only Event
8/18/25 Field to Vase Picnic Dinner for Members and Spouses
We will host our 4th Annual Field to Vase Dinner...or potluck picnic. Tasks will be divided up among us to coordinate tables/seating arrangements, flowers, food and fellowship! Do you have plants to share? This is the perfect opportunity to exchange plants with friends.
Garden Guild Members Only Event
9/22/25 Winterscapes (Details TBA)
A "winterscape" in the landscape refers to the visual appearance of a natural setting during the winter season, characterized by snow-covered ground, bare trees with exposed branches, frosted plants, and often a subdued color palette with shades of white, gray, and brown, creating a distinctive and sometimes stark scenery.
Location: Highland Park Presbyterian Church
330 Laurel Ave
Highland Park, IL 60035
Time: 10am
Non-Member Cost: $10 paid at the event by cash or check
10/22/25 It Takes a Garden: The Bloomingdale Trail & The 606
The success of the High Line in NYC generated what has been called The High Line Effect. Another infrastructure re-use project was the appropriation of an elevated railway embankment in Chicago, what is now the Bloomingdale Trail and the 606. Opened in 2015 we will learn more about how gardens can rejuvenate and bring needed green space to urban areas for the betterment of the community.
Location: Highland Park Presbyterian Church
330 Laurel Ave
Highland Park, IL 60035
Time: 10am
Non-Member Cost: $10 paid at the event by cash or check
11/17/25 Table Top Tree Project (Decorative Project)
We will create an everlasting tabletop tree from natural and artificial ingredients. An array of materials will be provided from which you can choose including eucalyptus leaves, pinecones, acorns, cranberries, fruit, dried florals, and more!
Garden Guild Members Only Event
12/15/25 Holiday Dinner
We just can't get enough fellowship! The Holiday lights, Piano bar for a few libations, and seasonal potluck makes this evening so special.
Garden Guild Members Only Event