McHenry Garden Club

Holiday Floral Extravaganza

2011-12-15T08:00:00.001-06:00

McHenry Garden Club's

Holiday Floral Extravaganza

Thursday, December 1, 2011
at
McHenry High School - West Campus

Designers from local florists created beautiful floral arrangements which were raffled. Proceeds from this event go towards beautification projects throughout McHenry, education programs, and scholarship funds.

Participating florists:
Chapel Hill Florists
Countryside Flower Shop, Nursery & Garden Center
Locker's Flowers Greenhouses and Gifts
Mary's Flowers and Gifts
Renee's of Ridgefield

Christmas at the White House

2011-10-25T08:00:00.002-05:00

On Saturday, October 22, ladies from the McHenry Garden Club attended the program of Christmas at The White House at the Christian Heritage Academy in Northfield. Nancy Clarke is the former White House Chief Floral Designer and gave a power point presentation on her flower arranging experiences at the White House from the Carter to Bush administrations.

Pictured from the left: Judy Walter, Nancy Clarke, Jean Schiller, Marita Sension, and Jane Thomas.

Richmond Garden Show

2011-10-20T08:00:00.002-05:00

The Richmond Garden Show was held on October 12th and three members of the McHenry Garden Club were winners of beautiful arrangements.

Library Program-Autumn Trees and Leaves

2011-10-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, October 15th the McHenry Garden Club and the McHenry Public Library held their program on Autumn Trees and Leaves. Jane Thomas explained how the leaves of trees change colors depending on the type of the tree. Joyce Matuszewich of the University of Illinois Extension Service Master Gardeners Program showed the children different types of trees, their leaves, and the characteristics of each. The children made 2 leaf projects, one with sponges and paint, the other with actual leaves which they placed on paper.

Pictured from Left Bottom: Jane Thomas, Gavin Plautz, Emily Walter, Daniel Hubbard, Heinz Becker and Joyce Matuszewich. Top Row: Liam Plautz, Aidan Plautz, Kailey Welter, Grace Stanes and Michael Metz.

Garden Clubs of Illinois Dist. 1 Fall Meeting

2011-10-15T08:00:00.005-05:00

The McHenry Garden Club held the Garden Clubs of Illinois District 1 Fall Meeting and Luncheon on Thursday, October 13, 2011. The event was held at the McHenry Country Club and enjoyed by all who attended. Jennifer Brennan of the Chalet Nursery and Garden Shop presented a wonderful array of arrangements and provided a wealth of information.

Pictured from the left: Garden Clubs of Illinois President Susan Cooney, McHenry Garden Club President Jean Schiller, McHenry Garden Club Member Marita Sension, Jennifer Brennan, District 1 Representative Carol Rhodes, and Woodstock Garden Club President Ann Miller.

September Meeting

2011-09-25T08:00:00.001-05:00

The McHenry Garden Club held its September meeting at the home of Guy and Pat Inman in Woodstock, who have a beautiful property incorporating wooded acres and large wetlands as well as a native and wildflower preservation area. Pat is a mycologist (mushroom cultivator) and explained how she grows different species in the woods around their home.

Pictured from the left: Pat Inman, Toni Accettura, Pat Dicker, Judy Walter, Dorothy Kowalczyk, Jean Schiller, Helen Waltmire, and Chris Metz.

Garden of the Month - September

2011-09-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

This tranquil garden at 6821 Ayre Drive in McHenry is very welcoming to visitors to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Diederick. Selected September Garden of the Month by the McHenry Garden Club, the Diederick's home also features a hedge of hydrangeas and a colorful backyard perennial garden.

McHenry's 175th Birthday 'Cake'

2011-08-31T08:00:00.002-05:00

The McHenry Garden Club promoted the City of McHenry's 175th Birthday with a three tiered birthday cake on the grounds at the McHenry County Fair and received a premium first-place award in the open class competition. Each entry had to include a vegetable, perennial, annual and herb plants in a themed garden space. Wayne Kreutzer built the three tiered planter for the club. Amy and Wayne Kreutzer, Judy Walter, Dorothy Kowalczyk, Chris Metz and her son Michael planted the garden.

Garden of the Month - August

2011-08-05T08:00:00.002-05:00

Sweeps of perennials along with many easy to care for native plants make up the McHenry Garden Club’s August Garden of the Month a pure delight to both the eye and senses. Located at 117 Draper, owners Jay and Patricia Sayler have worked on their gardens over the last 20+ years and it truly shows how their dedication and hard work provides both an artistic and pleasing view.

Garden Walk

2011-07-22T11:08:00.005-05:00

The McHenry Garden Club held its first Garden Walk on Saturday June 25, 2011. Attendees were permitted to enjoy hand selected properties in the surrounding McHenry area, some of whom were past Garden of the Month winners. Our locations featured unique designs of plants, flowers, shrubs and many varieties of trees. We all gained some great ideas from different varieties of flowers, planting arrangements, or just enjoy the beauty of what has been created so tastefully by others. Walkers spoke with the property owners to ask questions or gain further insights on gardening tips from their first-hand experiences.

Petersen Farm was our 6th property. The historic farmstead is under the protection of the McHenry Landmark Commission and the City of McHenry that is being restored as part of the Petersen family heritage and will create a living museum of 19th and 20th century farm life. The Garden Club has begun landscaping the farmhouse with flowers and shrubs that represent the 19th century, and has assisted in planting the farm's vegetable garden. We had a beautiful day and many positive comments about the gardens and the walk. We have three homeowners that would like their yards in our next garden walk.

Not including all the members who helped to get Peterson Farm looking great we had 18 members helping at the garden walk. The Garden Club took pictures of the beautiful gardens and got to meet with the enthusiastic owners. This was a great experience for our club as sharing gardening is what it's all about!!!!

Please go to our Garden Walk page to see a slideshow of over 100 photos taken during the Garden Walk.

Summer Library Program

2011-07-12T08:00:00.003-05:00

The McHenry Garden Club hosted it's Summer program at the McHenry Library on July 7, 2011, with the Children's program on the life cycle of the butterfly and it's favorite meals. Joyce Matuszewich, member and Master Gardner, explained the process of Metamorphosis showing the four stages in the life of an insect's cycle. Children planted milk weed seeds, zinnia, dill, and a snapdragon flower to take home. Jane Thomas illustrated the parts of the butterfly and guided the children's drawings in their art work to take home. Assisting with the project was librarian and member, Sharon Borland, along with members Marita Sension, Dorothy Kowalczyk, Pat Schafer, and Jean Schiller.

Pictured back from left to right: Daniel Hubbard, Faith Alexander, Lauren Biasco, Kymora Haley, Nicole Mann, and Emma Mecklenberg.

Front: Madison Servica, Frank Walters, Joel Walters, Collin Miller, Ally Shattuck, Kayla Michels, Mikey Biasco, Ashley Rioux, Nathaniel Dietz, Jessica Luedtke, Lily Grinker, and Elizabeth Cahill.

Garden of the Month - July

2011-07-01T09:00:00.001-05:00

The home at 5219 North Dartmoor was selected by the McHenry Garden Club as July's Garden of the Month. At a corner on this busy street, Tom Wieczorek has created attractive gardens that are a bloom in all seasons. Colorful annuals replace early-blooming spring bulbs in front of the house. Perennials reign in the center garden. Even the mailbox gets a facelift with flowers. Tom's tomatoes grow 8 feet tall in the sunny, narrow strip next to the garage.

June 2011 Meeting

2011-06-24T10:00:00.001-05:00

McHenry Garden Club members toured the gardens of Tom and Brenda Dahlfors for their June meeting. The Dahlfors’ property covers 14 acres, and has been lovingly landscaped over the past 20+ years. Brenda guided MGC members on paths that showcased several of the beautiful and unique areas of the property.

Library Program-June 2011

2011-06-11T08:00:00.004-05:00

Members of the McHenry Garden Club helped youngsters celebrate Flag Day on Friday June 10, 2011 by planting pots of red, white and blue flowers alongside our American flag. Students learned about plant parts and flag traditions at the McHenry Public Library program. Club members Joyce Matuszewich, Jane Thomas, Judy Walker, Jean Schiller, and Children's Librarian Sharon Borland helped with planting, stories and information.

Garden of the Month - June

2011-06-01T09:00:00.001-05:00

Green and peaceful are the words to describe the garden in front of the cottage home of George and Nancy Williams. Their home is located at 4520 Lakewood Rd in McHenry. Chosen by the McHenry Garden Club as the June 2011 Garden of the Month, the Williams' home boasts a sunny garden overlooking McCullom Lake.

Garden Club Garden Walk

2011-05-27T08:00:00.003-05:00

The McHenry Garden Club would like to invite people of all ages to join us for our first Garden Walk on Saturday June 25th, from 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm. This event will be held rain or shine. Attendees will be permitted to enjoy properties in the surrounding McHenry area, some of whom were past Garden of the Month winners. Come relax and enjoy the outdoors by touring five local gardens at your own pace. Our locations feature unique designs of plants, flowers, shrubs and many varieties of trees. Gain some great ideas from the different gardens, planting arrangements, or just enjoy the beauty of what has been created so tastefully by others. Talk with the property owners to ask questions or gain further insights on gardening tips from their first-hand experiences.

As a sixth garden, take in Petersen Farm, which is considered a historic treasure. Now under the protection of the McHenry Landmark Commission and the City of McHenry, the farmstead is being restored as part of the Petersen family heritage and will create a living museum of 19th and 20th century farm life. The McHenry Garden club has begun landscaping the farm house with original flowers & shrubs from the 1800’s era and assisted in planting the farm's vegetable garden.

Purchase advance Tickets for $8.00 each through June 23rd at the McHenry Chamber of Commerce, Chapel Hill Florist or Harms Farm in McHenry, Countryside Nursery in Crystal Lake or The Gardens of Woodstock. Day of event, tickets will be sold at $10.00 each and all presale ticket holders meet at the Veterans Memorial Park at 3400 Pearl Street in McHenry for a map. A door prize will be given when the stubs from the tickets are deposited and the winner is drawn at 5 pm. Chances on a beautiful garden themed basket will be available. Proceeds from this event go towards beautification projects throughout McHenry, educational programs, and scholarship funds. For more information please call Laura at 815-344-1965.

May 2011 Meeting

2011-05-20T10:00:00.002-05:00

The McHenry Garden Club held their May meeting and enjoyed a presentation given by Heather Moister, Herbaceous Department Manager,at The Barn Nursery in Cary. She presented a program on "All about Roses." Members learned of the types of roses, rose terms, care, fertilizing,winter protection, pruning, and their companion plants.

McHenry Arbor Day Ceremony

2011-05-01T10:40:00.002-05:00

The McHenry Garden Club participated in the City of McHenry’s Arbor Day ceremony on April 29th. A Star Magnolia tree was donated by the family of Ellen Saunders and the garden club in her memory. A plaque will be set beside the Magnolia to pay tribute to Saunders, one of the original founders of the McHenry Garden Club. The garden club also donated a Sugar Maple tree. The trees were planted at the City-owned Petersen Farm on McCullom Lake Road for all to enjoy.

Garden of the Month - May

2011-05-01T09:00:00.002-05:00

The home of Tony and Katie Powe has been chosen by the McHenry Garden Club as its first 2011 garden of the month. Located at 2003 Crooked Tree Court in McHenry, the Powes’ and their new daughter, Dublin, look forward to a summer in the garden.

February 2011 Meeting

2011-02-24T10:41:00.002-06:00

McHenry Garden Club held its monthly meeting on Thursday, February 17th. Carissa Troia of Bumblebee Acres in Harvard discussed her Fiber Farm which harvests luxurious fibers from their alpacas and other animals. Carissa and her daughters Samantha and Sarah explained how this fiber is turned from raw fibers into finished goods and used in arts and crafts.

Pictured from the left: Dorothy Kowalczyk, Sharon Torvik, Pat Schafer, Susan Bourassa, Samantha Troia, Carissa Troia, Sarah Troia, Amy Kreutzer, Mary Napolitano, and Chris Metz.

January 2011 Meeting

2011-02-24T10:38:00.002-06:00

Mary Baltys, of Mary’s Flower’s and Gifts, brought in a variety of fresh cut flowers for vase arranging to the McHenry Garden Club's January meeting.

She explained the different characteristics of flowers and how to assemble them in many different sized vases in order to create beautiful bouquets.

Picture includes: Priscilla Rutter, Karen Schnite, Holly Bauernsmith, Mary Baltys, Jane Thomas, Sharon Borland, Joyce Matuszewich and Diane Odom.

2010 Christmas Party

2011-02-24T10:32:00.001-06:00

The McHenry Garden Club held it's 2010 Christmas party in the home of Holly Bauernsmith. "International Flair" was the theme of the evening set by Mary Napolitano, Program Chair,with a viewing of international vacation slides taken by different members. Appetizers, games and a take-away
gift exchange were highlights to a wonderful evening.

Back Row: Milena Buck, Holly Bauernsmith, Priscilla Rutter, Liz Cowsert, Pat Schafer, Mary Napolitano, Pat Dicker
Middle Row: Joyce Matuszewich, Jeanne Smith, Gina Dunkley, Jane Thomas
Front Row: Jean Schiller, Dorothy Kowalczyk, Judy Walter

Beautification Project

2010-12-02T06:22:00.004-06:00

The McHenry Garden Club in a joint effort with the City of McHenry completed the landscaping to the “Welcome to McHenry” entrance sign on Route 120 East of McHenry. The club’s beautification commitee, chaired by Barbara Patterson, did the design for the planting of the evergreens, grasses, perennials and spring bulbs.

Working together from back left: Pat Gorniak, McHenry’s Superintendent of Downtown Maintenance Division, Committee members, Dorothy Kowalczyk, Jean Schiller, Pat Schaefer and Barbara Patterson.

Children's Leaf Program at Library

2010-11-04T10:41:00.003-05:00

Children that registered in the McHenry Library's youth department program took part in a fall program led by McHenry Garden Club member's Joyce Matuszewich and Jane Thomas. Activities included leaf imprints made by 'paint pressing' and 'spatter paint'. The children made various designs to take home Participants learned how leaves helped to feed the trees and the many types of leaves. They painted different types in different colors and made impressions of the leaves in pictures to take home.

Carolynn Gunder, Pat Schaefer, Marita Sension and Jean Schiller assisted in the project.

Pictured are left front: Cody Neihengen, Olivia McCafferty, Finn Nolan, Hayden Nolan
Back row: Ben Nolan, Kymber Schreiber, Keri Schreiber, Tyler Mead

Garden Club Meeting

2010-10-31T07:46:00.003-05:00

Marlene Frisbie from Hoffie Nursery in Marengo brought in a variety of fall ornamental perennials and annuals for container gardens to the McHenry Garden Club's October meeting.

She showed the characterizes of different types of planting pots and ways to assembly the plants in them for different effects.

Picture includes: Pat Dicker, Toni Accettura, Frisbie, Dorothy Kowalczyk, Liz Cowsert, and members of the McHenry Garden Club working on their container gardens.

Garden of the Month - September

2010-09-18T07:34:00.002-05:00

McHenry Garden Club's Garden of the Month features a lovely cottage garden at the home of Milla and Sam Kaagan at 1608 Hoover Street in McHenry. In addition to the brightly colored front garden, the Kagaan's have landscaped the hillside behind their home in a sweep of evergreens, annuals, roses and other perennials.

Hosta Program

2010-08-25T20:47:00.010-05:00

While we welcomed two new garden club members, Tom Micheletti, owner of "The Hosta Patch" from Deer Park presented an informative program on Hostas in the Landscape. Colorful slide shows of the variations in color, size and shape, flowers, companion plants, landscape uses, dividing them with some evolution of hostas in years 1996 through 2009. Club members were able to purchase various plants and learned more about the characteristics of the ones they were purchasing.

Pictured from left: Judy Walter, Jack Hilt, Ann Hilt, Marita Sension, Gina Dunkley, Tom & Becky Micheletti, Priscilla Rutter, Barb Patterson.

At our September meeting Tom & Kathryn Hausman of the Northeastern Illinois Rose Society will be speaking on history, varieties and horticultural practices of roses. Kathryn Hausman is the president of the Northeastern Illinois Rose Society.

August Garden of the Month

2010-08-14T12:50:00.005-05:00

The McHenry Garden Club chose Sharon and Doug Torvik's Fox River home as August Garden of the Month. Located at 2204 Orchard Beach Road in McHenry, it features both sweeping river vistas and cozy retreats shaded by stately old trees.

McHenry Garden Club selects local gardens for the Garden of the Month award each month of the growing season. We also present winners with $50 gift certificates to local nurseries or garden centers.

Flowers for McHenry Area Hospice Patients

2010-08-10T07:20:00.004-05:00

McHenry Garden Club supports a program to deliver flowers to the Hospice of Northeastern Illinois for McHenry area patients. Each month 2 to 4 members create 12 flower arrangements using flowers from their gardens and local businesses. Six of the arrangements are delivered to the in-patient site in Woodstock and the other six are sent with the in-home nursing staff for patient delivery. Along with the flowers to brighten everyone day's, the club sends a wish of love, peace and encouragement.

Garden Walks

2010-07-28T08:37:00.011-05:00

In July members of the McHenry Garden Club enjoyed Garden Walks in our areas. We visited gardens featured by Master Gardeners on July 10th which featured variety and professional gardens in western McHenry County. The Richmond and Rockford Garden Walks were also attended by some members.

On July 18th we toured four McHenry gardens including our May Garden of the Month and 3 member gardens and had a hay ride to visit the Schiller cows. Thanks to Betty Richardson and Tim Wheelock who maintain the huge lovely gardens in Glacier Ridge, Vern Schiller for calling in the cows, Jane Thomas for sharing her perennials, and Priscilla Rutter who provided a delightful meal at her McCullom Lake home. All the gardens were beautiful.

July Picnic

2010-07-21T15:25:00.002-05:00

Judy Walter and Carolynn Gunder hosted our annual picnic for club members in July. Master Chef Zak Dolezal from Duke's Alehouse made a tasty vegetable gazpacho while sharing his philosophy for using sustainable, locally grown and organic foods. Members enjoyed Judy and Carolynn's entrees and the array of homemade sides and desserts members brought. Our August meeting includes a presentation by Tom Micheletti, owner of The Hosta Patch in Deer Park.

Garden Glories News Contribution

2010-07-21T14:48:00.006-05:00

Our District 1 news contribution to the GardenGlories publication follows.

Each year McHenry Garden Club creates twelve flower arrangements per month and delivers them to McHenry hospice residents, selects six local Garden of the Month winners whose gardens are featured online and in local papers, plants and maintains our library gardens, provides two educational children's programs at the library, and awards two students entering plant-related studies with scholarships. This year we also donated two trees that were planted in local parks and are working with the city to beautify two city entrances. Our programs are funded by two fundraisers, Container Garden Gala and Holiday Floral Extravaganza. Our meeting programs this year included Master Gardeners and experts presenting programs such as saving oak trees, planting "moon gardens", creating beautiful floral arrangements, touring a farmette, hosta plants and using sustainable and organic locally-grown produce. We also enjoyed Garden Walks including our own where we enjoyed our members' work and shared perennials.

Scholarship Awarded to Amy McReynolds

2010-07-15T12:08:00.011-05:00

McHenry High School West Campus Graduate, Amy E. McReynolds, daughter of Scott and Mary McReynolds, is the McHenry Garden Club's $1,500 Scholarship recipient. Amy will be attending Southern Illinois University at Carbondale where she will be attending the College of Horticulture to major in Plant and Soil Science.

Pictured are Jane Thomas, Scholarship Chairman, McReynolds, and Jean Schiller, Club President. Scholarship committee not pictured are Gina Dunkley and Ellen Saunders.

July Garden of the Month

2010-07-08T08:24:00.002-05:00

David and Lisa Pilgard's home at 6011 Whiting Dr. in McHenry, which is filled with native Illinois plants, is the recipient of the McHenry Garden Club's Garden of the Month award for July.

Tobiasz' Farmette Tour

2010-06-17T23:33:00.002-05:00

In June members of the McHenry Garden Club were given a guided tour of Rich and Wendy Tobiasz' farmette in Spring Grove. Chickens and goats provide milk, eggs and meat. Abundant vegetables, fruit trees, and herbs abound along with a large variety of trees. Master Gardeners Rich and Wendy are knowledgeable about them all in addition to the weeds and pests of the area. It was a most informative program.

Celebrate Garden Week June 6-12

2010-06-05T06:57:00.003-05:00

Mayor Sue Low presented the McHenry Garden Club with the 2010 Garden Week Proclamation deeming the week of June 6-12 Garden Week in McHenry. Pictured from left Karen Mueller, Sue Low, Jean Schiller, and Dorothy Kowalczak.

"White Gardens" or "Moon Gardens" was the featured program at the May McHenry Garden Club meeting presented by Master Gardener Pat Kraft who showed how to create a garden we can enjoy at night with white and light pinks and yellows.

Club members groomed the McHenry Library gardens and their own gardens in May. Members enjoy sharing their bountiful perennial species this time of year and we sport our tans and sooth our aching muscles while taking in Garden Walks and Farmers Markets in the area.

The June meeting of the McHenry Garden Club includes a visit to the Tobiasz' Farmette in Spring Grove and in July we will have a member's only picnic among the beautiful gardens at the home of Judy Walter.

Tree Donations

2010-05-17T09:00:00.007-05:00

On April 30th the Arbor Day program at City Hall included appreciation for donated trees.

McHenry Garden Club donated 2 flowering crabapple trees that were planted at Center Street Park and Petersen Park. A sugar maple was donated by the Historical Society and planted at Petersen Park. Another sugar maple was donated in memory of William Koester and planted at Veterans Memorial Park. Pearl Koester was in attendance. A burr oak was planted in memory of Evelyn Cortese at Veterans Memorial Park and a white pine was planted at Jaycee Park in memory of the Walters.

Mayor Sue Low read the Arbor Day resolution and McHenry was honored as a Tree City USA community for the sixteenth year.

Tips for May Gardeners

2010-05-07T10:58:00.006-05:00

Giving full credit where credit is surely due,
Timely help from the ladies of Bull Valley, so true!

Tips for May gardeners in northeastern Illinois

Remove all old foliage from the garden. Use duct tape to tape around the stalks of tall plants that need to be cut down. Then when you cut, you won't have stubble blowing all over that is hard to pick up. Duct tape is invaluable even in the garden!

Leave spring bulb foliage on plants until it is yellow and dried, but pick off the flower heads.

Braid or knot foliage for a better appearance.

Dig and divide chrysanthemums, asters, shasta daisies, and phlox. Stake tall perennials while under 6 inches.

Plant tubers of caladium, cannas, and dahlias around the middle of the month.

Remove spent lilac heads after blooming.

Plant banana skins shallowly near roses for better blooms.

Plant rhododendrons and azaleas.

Disbud peonies for larger blooms.

Plant annuals near the end of May.

- from Flowers, Feasts and Friendship by the Ladies of the Bull Valley Garden Club

Oak Trees in McHenry Co

2010-04-19T15:43:00.007-05:00

At our April 15th meeting members of the McHenry Garden Club heard Mary Kozub explain the McHenry County Conservation District plans to protect the last remaining oak groves in McHenry County, voted to donate 2 trees for Arbor Day, help the city beautify the welcome signs into the city and approved scholarship and library book donations for the year.

Members are preparing for our annual Container Garden Gala at the West Campus HS 7pm Thursday April 29th. Ticket stubs are drawn to win the professionally designed container gardens created on stage. Until April 25th tickets can be purchased for $8 from members and participating garden centers or $10 at the door which opens at 6:30pm.

Photo from left: Jane Pomije, Judy Walter, Mary Kozub, Marita Sension, Holly Bauernsmith, Michele Peterson (guest), and Pat Schafer

Garden Walk in Woodstock on June 17th

2010-04-19T11:20:00.006-05:00

Woodstock Professional and Business Women Garden Walk is Thursday June 17, 2010

Flier details:
Tour unique gardens on the 17th Annual WPBW Garden Walk from 1:00-7:00PM (rain or shine).

Come enjoy the picturesque Woodstock Square and pick up your map at the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce from noon to 5:00pm. Spend the day in Woodstock! Visit our fine restaurants and shops. Tickets for the Garden Walk are $13.00 in advance or $15.00 on June 17. Buy Raffle Tickets ($1.00 each or 6 for $5). Prizes include a deluxe garden cart filled with garden supplies, a garden gift basket and 2011 Garden Walk tickets. Tickets available in advance at Woodstock Chamber, Amcore, Harris, Home State, Golden Eagle and American Community Banks in Woodstock.

Proceeds benefit the FRANCES KUHN SCHOLARSHIP FUND.

Reduce Weeds in Gardens

2010-04-19T09:45:00.003-05:00

"Tips for Keeping Weeds Under Control" was presented by Scott Meyer on April 19th's Regis and Kelly on WGN.

For spot treatments (individual weeds) try:

Boiling water - just poor it on - the heat will do lots of damage to most plants
Vinegar - dilute with water

For larger areas:

Citris (lemon, lime, orange) oil added to warm water with a few drops of dish detergent (spray on)
Corn meal spread on ground around desired plants or bare spots will prevent new seeds from germinating - just need a pinch - best in spring and fall
Newspapers or old carpeting between desired plants will keep the light out and prevent plant growth

Tools:

Hula hoe - pull like a rake before weeds flower damages so they don't produce seeds
Dandelion fork - pokes down to remove the whole root

Scott also mentioned that if you have NOT treated these weeds with poison, you can eat (cook with as herbs) the following weeds or add them raw to your salads:
Lamb's Quarters, Wild Brocolli Robb, Garlic Mustard, Curly Dock, Chick Weed (taste like chives) and Dandelions.

Fruitful Gardening

2010-03-31T20:16:00.003-05:00

Learn how to to begin growing your own fruit garden. This free lecture is offered by Centegra Health Systems on Monday, April 12, 2010, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the Conference Room at Health Bridge Fitness Center in Crystal Lake. The lecture is conducted by Registered Dietitian Meg Burnham and Master Gardener Ed Schuckert from the University of Illinois-Extension. Participants will learn how to design, grow and maintain a fruit garden, as well as learn tips on including more fruits and vegetables in the diet.

Floral Arranging

2010-03-18T23:20:00.013-05:00

Members of the McHenry Garden Club delighted in a hands on floral arranging demonstration presented by Renee of Renee's of Ridgefield. Members brought their own containers. The flowers were provided by Renee's of Ridgefield.

Chicago Flower and Garden Show

2010-03-18T16:31:00.004-05:00

Several members of the McHenry Garden Club ventured by coach bus or train recently to attend the Chicago Flower and Garden Show at Navy Pier. Pictured here: Karen, Sue, Barb, Pat, Joyce, Priscilla and Linda. The day was enjoyed by all . . . and these members look forward to others joining the ranks of next year's excursion.

Scholarship Award to Dan Cross

2010-03-18T16:26:00.003-05:00

Recently the McHenry Garden Club awarded a scholarship to Dan Cross, another deserving student. Dan is a May 2009 Graduate of McHenry West HS attending McHenry County College. He enjoys wrestling and football and has been active in Business Professionals of America, the talent show, pep rallies and Youth Commission/PADS.

Dan's family is part of the horticulture community. His mother is a landscape designer working as a wholesale plant manager at a local nursery. His brother works at another nursery. Dan states that his family has always been interested in plants. Dan plans to take more courses to decide his area of interest and says "I enjoy giving back to my community".

Body Smart Gardening

2010-03-03T11:22:00.004-06:00

This class is offered on March 23, 2010, 7:00 to 8:30 P.M. by the University of Illinois Extension - DuPage County at their Naperville location, 1100 E. Naperville Road, Suite 170.

DuPage County Master Gardener Beth Corrigan will show you how to protect yourself from injury while gardening. Body Smart Gardening involves using the proper tools correctly and addresses things that are within our control, such as skin and eye protection and the prevention of muscle aches and strains. There is a $15 fee for this event.

Check it out at the Extension web site Body Smart Gardening

The Art of Wine

2010-03-03T10:57:00.004-06:00

This class is offered by the University of Illinois Extension on March 25, 2010 (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM) at the Woodstock, Illinois location, 1102 McConnell Road.

University of Illinois Extension and the McHenry County Farm Bureau are sponsoring a two-part program: growing grapes for wine and a wine-making school. Taught by Bill Shoemaker, University of Illinois Extension Specialist, Part I will be held on Thursday, March 25, 2010. Variety selections suitable for McHenry County land and climates along with soil preparation, planting, fertilization, systems, training, pruning, disease and pest control will be discussed in the morning. A hands-on pruning at a local vineyard will take place in the afternoon. $20.00 perperson includes coffee, rolls, and lunch. Pre-registration required.

Check it out on the Extension website at The Art of Wine

Bring Out the Photographer in You!

2010-02-16T09:50:00.002-06:00

Share your Flower and Garden Photos with us. We'll post your floral picture on our Photo of the Week in the MGC Blog. No fees are paid for photo file usage . . . just the satisfaction of being published! (Photos may be cropped when used.)

Master Composter Training

2010-02-15T22:31:00.000-06:00

Offered by the University of Illinois Extension Office, the Master Composter Training will occur this spring. This is a hands-on 15 hour classroom training program to learn the art and science of urban home composting and techniques for teaching others. Topics cover basic composting, composting bins, local ordinances, presenting to the public, student projects, worm composting and community outreach. Course fee: $80. March 19, 26 and 30. Contact the McHenry County Extension office at 815-338-3737 for more information or register on-line at the University of Illinois Extension office.

Garden Walk - Rockford, Illinois - June 16, 2010

2010-02-15T21:37:00.000-06:00

Annual FREE Garden Walk hosted by the Council of Rockford Gardeners on Wednesday, June 16, from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The plans for this year’s walk are in progress to include eight lovely gardens throughout the Rockford area to be open for viewing. They are also working to include ‘go green’ and community service agencies at various sites.

Maps and location descriptions will be available after June 7 at Council of Rockford Gardeners web site as well as at garden centers and business establishments throughout the Rockford area.

Gardenfest 2010 "Ready, Set, Grow"

2010-02-15T20:49:00.000-06:00

Gardenfest 2010 "Ready, Set, Grow"

(information excerpted from McHenry County College website)

Saturday, April 10, 2010 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
McHenry County College

$40 Public NCC S61 001 / $15 Students NCC S61 002, fee includes lunch.

If you are looking to improve your "green" thumb, or if you are a seasoned gardener, you will benefit from Gardenfest workshops.

Trudi Temple, founder of Market Day, author, and extraordinary gardener, will present a keynote address titled "Order and Creativity in the Garden." Trudi has spoken at the Chicago Flower and Garden Show, Purdue and Iowa University extension services, the Morton Arboretum, and other venues.

2010 workshops will cover topics such as: Bonsai, Culinary Herbs, the green Kitchen, Beekeeping, and much, much more! For questions, contact Amy Carzoli at (815) 455-8764.

Get Your Hands Dirty!

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The March 2010 issue of Good Housekeeping tells us to "Move It . . . Gardening gives you as much of a workout as walking or golf, a recent study reported. Plus: The weight-bearing motions involved in digging and pulling weeds can strengthen bones and muscle."