Calendar

Gardens in Literature  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. 

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.

Seed Swap! 1 pm - 4 pm

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.

Natural Plants, Conservation, Sustainability

Guest Speaker Roy Diblik, owner of Northwind Perennial Farm in Burlington, WI. Roy 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.

Lessons for the Home Gardener

Kathryn Deery, Head Horticulturist 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. 

Photos in The Garden Using your Cell Phone! 

Stephen Serio 

Documenting and Preserving Your Garden Images.

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. Bring your phone and prepare to be dazzled!

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. BYO lunch. No business meeting.  Members Only!

Field to Vase Picnic Dinner 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.

Members Only!

Winterscapes.  Details to be Announced

 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. 

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 Bloomington 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.

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! Members Only!

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. Members Only!

Book Review To Be Announced

Members will receive their complimentary copy of the chosen book at our December Holiday Dinner!

All Meetings begin at 10 am and are held at various locations in Highland Park, Illinois. Most include lunch and guest speaker.  Non Members Cost $10.00. Location, Details and any Fees for Members or Non Members will be announced the month prior to the meeting. Some meetings are for members only. Email us for Membership details! GardenGuildHP@gmail.com