Illinois

April 7, 2009
Spring Hanging Basket: Pansies and Sweet Peas
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL
In this popular workshop from 10:00 a.m. to noon, make a moss-lined hanging
wire basket full of pansies and dwarf sweet peas to brighten your porch or patio
early in the season. Both of these spring beauties thrive in the season's cool
weather and provide an early splash of color in your garden. Please bring gloves
and a shallow box or lid in which to take your baskets home. $62 ($49 members).
For more information or to register, contact the Chicago Botanic Gardens, 1000
Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe IL 60022 at (847) 835-8261.

April 14, 2009
Flower Towers
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL
Join Tim Pollak from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for the inside scoop on how the Chicago
Botanic Garden creates the incredible flowering columns or "towers" displayed
in the Heritage Garden during autumn. Then, create your own miniature flower
tower full of pansies, daisies, and other cool-season flowers. You will also learn
how to choose the right plants, grow them at home, and place the towers in your
garden for optimum display. Friends and neighbors alike will be dazzled by this
unusual and stunning way to grow flowers. Please bring an apron and a pair of
gloves. $87 ($69 members). For more information or to register, contact the
Chicago Botanic Gardens, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe IL 60022 at (847) 835-
8261.

April 14, 2009
Spring Containers at the Garden
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL
Tour the Garden's spring containers and collect ideas for your own. Then create
a container with plants that can tolerate the varying spring temperatures and a
full-sun to partial-shade location in this class from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Pansies,
forced bulbs, and other spring treasures may be used. A spray of branches gives
them a finishing touch. Please bring gloves. Terra cotta containers used for the
workshop are heavy, so assistance may be needed to unload them at home. $74
($55 members) with liner only; $112 ($89 members) with terra cotta pot. For more
information or to register, contact the Chicago Botanic Gardens, 1000 Lake Cook
Rd., Glencoe IL 60022 at (847) 835-8261.

April 21, June 16/17, Sept 15 and Dec 1, 2009
Four Seasons of Beauty: The CBG Container Series
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL
This series of workshops and garden walks features the diversity and creativity
of four seasons of Chicago Botanic Garden container gardens. Each season you
will explore the Garden grounds with Nancy Clifton and discover an array of
striking plants, interesting color and texture combinations, and unique container
arrangements. Nancy will then help you create a seasonal container for your sun
or partial shade patio or porch. Four sessions. $265 ($212 members) with liner
only; $403 ($320 members) with terra cotta pot. For more information or to
register, contact the Chicago Botanic Gardens, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe IL
60022 at (847) 835-8261.

April 25, 2009
Edible Ornamentals and Their Companions
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL
When you decide to beautify your landscape, why not choose plants that are
both beautiful and edible! Spend three hours with the Garden's Fruit & Vegetable
horticulturist exploring the palate of edible ornamentals that can be grown
successfully in the Chicago area, and learn which plants make suitable
companions. Discover what's edible, and more importantly, palatable. This class
from 9:00 a.m. to noon will conclude with a short cooking demonstration. $74
($59 members). For more information or to register, contact the Chicago Botanic
Gardens, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe IL 60022 at (847) 835-8261.

April 29, 2009
Topiaries for Your Garden
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL
Whether you tuck them away in your garden, decorate your countertop, or adorn
your shelves with them, topiaries will add a touch of whimsy or elegance to your
home and garden. Under the guidance of Karen Thomson, you will create your
own live topiary in this class from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Choose from a variety of
frames, including geometric shapes, rabbits, turtles, cats, and dogs. Bring
scissors, rubber gloves, and an apron. $74 ($59 members). For more information
or to register, contact the Chicago Botanic Gardens, 1000 Lake Cook Rd.,
Glencoe IL 60022 at (847) 835-8261.

May 2, 2009
Growing Warm-Season Vegetables in a Small Space
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL
As summer approaches, why not consider growing your own vegetables.  When
asked why they don’t grow their own vegetables, many people say they lack the
time or space.  Join the Garden’s Fruit and Vegetable Horticulturist to learn how
to grow warm season vegetables in a small space without spending much time.  
This class will cover growing warm season vegetables that are appropriate for
small spaces, many of which are generally unavailable or too expensive in the
marketplace. Part of the class from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. will be held outside, so
please dress for the weather. $45 ($36 members). For more information or to
register, contact the Chicago Botanic Gardens, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe IL
60022 at (847) 835-8261.

May 2, 2009
Tulip Tutorial
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL
Did you know that there are more than 15 divisions of Tulipa, including more than
three thousand cultivars? Discover the diversity of this popular mainstay of the
spring garden in this class from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Learn how to select varieties to
enhance any garden style and how to consider the bloom sequence to design
more effectively. Cultural requirements are also discussed. $74 ($59 members).
For more information or to register, contact the Chicago Botanic Gardens, 1000
Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe IL 60022 at (847) 835-8261.

May 6, 2009
Gorgeous Container Gardens
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL
Never planted a container before? Then this class from 10:00 a.m. to noon is for
you! Beth Levy will introduce you to basic design and maintenance techniques
as you enter the world of container gardening. You will see examples of beautiful
container plantings and learn how to use unusual plants create interesting new
combinations. $37 ($29 members). For more information or to register, contact the
Chicago Botanic Gardens, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe IL 60022 at (847) 835-
8261.

May 6, 2009
Gorgeous Container Gardens
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL
Never planted a container before? Then this class from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. is for
you! Beth Levy will introduce you to basic design and maintenance techniques
as you enter the world of container gardening. You will see examples of beautiful
container plantings and learn how to use unusual plants create interesting new
combinations. $37 ($29 members). For more information or to register, contact the
Chicago Botanic Gardens, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe IL 60022 at (847) 835-
8261.

May 9, 2009
Crab Apples
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL
There is a crab apple for nearly every situation imaginable. This course from 1:00
to 4:00 p.m. focuses on several different Malus species and numerous cultivars
for the Chicago area, including proven performers and the newest introductions.
In addition to characteristics such as size, form, flower color, and fruit set, topics
will include cultural requirements, pests, diseases, and landscape use. Dress for
the weather, as a garden walk is planned. $74 ($59 members). For more
information or to register, contact the Chicago Botanic Gardens, 1000 Lake Cook
Rd., Glencoe IL 60022 at (847) 835-8261.

May 9, 2009
Living Flower Arrangements with Summer Bulbs
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL
Join internationally recognized bulb expert Brent Heath from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
for this hands-on workshop featuring often misunderstood and underused
summer bulbs. A brief slide presentation will be followed by a discussion of many
different varieties of bulbs and how they are best suited for midwestern gardens.
Brent will then demonstrate how to use the layering method of potting a
container to maximize the blooming season and how to maintain your container
to keep it looking its best. You will then create your own bulb garden to take
home. Please bring gloves. $89 ($79 members), includes all materials. For more
information or to register, contact the Chicago Botanic Gardens, 1000 Lake Cook
Rd., Glencoe IL 60022 at (847) 835-8261.

May 9, 2009
Planting Techniques
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL
Proper planting entails much more than just putting a plant in the ground. Good
techniques are vital for establishing a successful landscape. Learn how to do a
site analysis, prepare the site, select plants, and use specific planting techniques
for trees, shrubs, perennials, and ground covers in this class from 9:00 to 11:00 a.
m. Please dress for the weather. $37 ($29 members). For more information or to
register, contact the Chicago Botanic Gardens, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe IL
60022 at (847) 835-8261.

May 9, 2009
The Tropical Paradise Garden
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL
Learn how to integrate spectacular summer bulb plants into your own relaxing,
tropical garden getaway. You will see, with the aid of breathtaking slides, how to
mix summer bulbs with annuals, perennials, ground covers, trees, and shrubs to
create your own ultimate patio planter, window box, living sculpture, or jungle.
You will also gather ideas on how to build the ultimate evening garden, including
luminescent, light-colored, fragrant flowers. Class from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. $37 ($29
members). For more information or to register, contact the Chicago Botanic
Gardens, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe IL 60022 at (847) 835-8261.


May 16, 2009
Success with Trees and Shrubs
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL
Learn all you need to know about growing trees and shrubs! Glenn Grosch,
experienced horticulturist and certified arborist, presents a practical, thorough
discussion about how to be consistently successful in growing all types of
woody plants (both deciduous and evergreen). Specific discussion includes
matching plants to the site, plant selection, planting practices, first-year
maintenance, and long-term care. Find out some of the myths about traditional
woody plant care and discuss some of the current trends. This session from 9:30
a.m. to noon is of value to all skill levels, from beginner to professional. $49 ($39
members). For more information or to register, contact the Chicago Botanic
Gardens, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe IL 60022 at (847) 835-8261.

May 16, 2009
Tree Planting
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL
What is the difference between B&B, containerized, and bare-root trees? Aren't
they all perfectly healthy and ready to plant? Where is the right location for my
tree? Is there a right way and a wrong way to plant it? In this class from 1:00 to 3:
00 p.m. you will learn about site selection, prepping your tree for planting, site
remediation, and how to plant your tree for optimal root development and tree
growth. Please dress for the weather and be prepared to get dirty, as most of the
class will be spent planting trees outside. $62 ($49 members). For more
information or to register, contact the Chicago Botanic Gardens, 1000 Lake Cook
Rd., Glencoe IL 60022 at (847) 835-8261.

May 16, 2009
Viburnums
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL
"A garden without viburnums is akin to life without music and art." - M. Dirr. Join
Mark Zampardo in a walk and discussion about this terrific genus in this class
from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Viburnums are somewhat confusing but well worth
learning about. Several do well in the Midwest, and a few are native to our
woodlands. $74 ($59 members). For more information or to register, contact the
Chicago Botanic Gardens, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe IL 60022 at (847) 835-
8261.


May 16 - Aug 15, 2009
Hands-On Gardening Series
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL
Learn to garden with confidence! This series will enable you to gain hands-on
experience carrying out different home gardening projects. Class sizes are
limited to ensure individual instruction and feedback from a Garden horticulturist.
Classes from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday May 16, June 13, July 18 and Aug 15.
$220 ($176 members). For more information or to register, contact the Chicago
Botanic Gardens, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe IL 60022 at (847) 835-8261.

May 21, 2009
Lilacs
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL
Few people understand and appreciate the diversity of lilacs. Come learn more
about the genus Syringa in this class from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The species ranges
from small shrubs to medium-sized trees. The beautiful flowers are generally
fragrant, and the plants are hardy and easy to grow. Lilacs tolerate to a wide
range of soils types, including alkaline. A walk around the gardens to view lilacs
in bloom is included. $74 ($59 members). For more information or to register,
contact the Chicago Botanic Gardens, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe IL 60022 at
(847) 835-8261.

May 26 - July 14, 2009
Annuals and Biennials
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL
Annuals and biennials have a rich tradition and exciting future. During this
course (7 classes, Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.), focus on the most popular
cool- and warm-season species, along with a selection of the new cultivars and
unusual plants, all of which are well-suited to container and in-ground gardening
in the Midwest. During the lectures and garden walks, learn plant identification
and cultural information, and see examples of refined plant combinations and
intriguing planting styles. $287 ($229 members). For more information or to
register, contact the Chicago Botanic Gardens, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe IL
60022 at (847) 835-8261.

June (tbd), 2009
Conservation of Native Pollinators
Rockford, IL
This day-long workshop will equip conservationists, land managers, educators
and agricultural professionals with practical science-based approaches to
increasing crop security and reversing the alarming trend of pollinator decline,
especially in heavily managed agricultural landscapes. Introductory topics
include the basic principles of pollinator biology, the economics of insect
pollination, recognizing native bee species, and assessment of pollinator habitat.
Advance modules will cover farm management practices for pollinator protection,
the development of pollinator habitat enhancements, incorporating pollinator
conservation into existing NRCS programs, selection of plants for pollinator
enhancement sites, management of natural and urban landscapes, and the
additional funding sources and technical support available to land managers.
$100. Register online on the Conservation Professional Training Program
website. For more information contact Kevin Erb.


June 10, 2009
Fundamentals of Sustainable Gardening
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL
Learn the ABCs of creating a garden using sustainable practices. Emphasis will
be placed on improving your garden soil's tilth, biological activity, and nutrient
levels through cultivation and tillage practices, cover crops/green manures, and
the addition of plant and animal waste. The importance of emulating nature while
minimizing external inputs will be covered in detail in this class from 6:30 to 8:30
p.m. $74 ($59 members). For more information or to register, contact the Chicago
Botanic Gardens, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe IL 60022 at (847) 835-8261.

June 13, 2009
Divide and Conquer Your Perennials
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL
Perennials are the gift that keeps on giving. Learn when, how, and where to
divide these "anchors of the garden" to ensure their continued health, beauty,
and performance. You will be expanding your knowledge and stretching your
garden dollar. Please dress for the weather and plan on getting dirty, as most of
this class from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. will be spent outside, rain or shine. $62 ($49
members). For more information or to register, contact the Chicago Botanic
Gardens, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe IL 60022 at (847) 835-8261.

June 16, 2009
Summer Containers at the Garden
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL
Enjoy a tour featuring the summer containers at the Garden. Then prepare a
warm-season mixed container suitable for a sun or partial shade location in this
class from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Your container may include annuals, perennials,
herbs, and decorative foliage. Please bring gloves. Terra cotta containers used
for the workshop are heavy, so assistance may be needed to unload them at
home. $74 ($55 members) with liner only; $112 ($89 members) with terra cotta pot.
For more information or to register, contact the Chicago Botanic Gardens, 1000
Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe IL 60022 at (847) 835-8261.

June 17, 2009
Summer Containers at the Garden
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL
Enjoy a tour featuring the summer containers at the Garden. Then prepare a
warm-season mixed container suitable for a sun or partial shade location in this
class from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Your container may include annuals, perennials,
herbs, and decorative foliage. Please bring gloves. Terra cotta containers used
for the workshop are heavy, so assistance may be needed to unload them at
home. $74 ($55 members) with liner only; $112 ($89 members) with terra cotta pot.
For more information or to register, contact the Chicago Botanic Gardens, 1000
Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe IL 60022 at (847) 835-8261.

July 9 and 16, 2009
Math for Gardeners
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL
Does calculating how much topsoil you need to fill a raised bed make you dizzy?
Have you ever had too many or too few plants to fill a bed? This course is
designed for gardeners who are responsible for maintaining or directing the
maintenance of outdoor landscapes. Basic methods of calculating areas,
volumes, conversions, for the landscaping trade such as application rates of
fertilizers, determining how many plants per bed to use, and how much soil
amendment is needed, as well as other topics will be covered in this class from 6:
30 to 8:30 p.m. on two Thursdays. Students will need a calculator, a ruler, a
protractor and graph paper. Class size is limited. $99 ($79 members). For more
information or to register, contact the Chicago Botanic Gardens, 1000 Lake Cook
Rd., Glencoe IL 60022 at (847) 835-8261.

July 18, 2009
Pruning: Correct, Shape and Deadhead
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL
Today's pruning of your trees and shrubs will define how they grow for years to
come. Learn which cuts to avoid, which cuts are essential, and which cuts are a
matter of your personal style. You may even learn how to correct some
counterproductive habits you picked up in the past. Please dress for the weather,
bring gloves, and be prepared get dirty, as most of this class from 1:00 to 3:00 p.
m. will be spent outside, rain or shine. $62 ($49 members). For more information
or to register, contact the Chicago Botanic Gardens, 1000 Lake Cook Rd.,
Glencoe IL 60022 at (847) 835-8261.



Aug 15, 2009
Mulching and Edging
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL
Improper mulching can do far more harm to plants than not doing it at all! Learn
how much mulch is enough, where to spread it, and the best material to use. After
a brief classroom discussion, you will go outside and do some hands-on
mulching and edging. Please dress for the weather and be prepared to get dirty,
as most of the class from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. will be spent outside, rain or shine. $62
($49 members). For more information or to register, contact the Chicago Botanic
Gardens, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe IL 60022 at (847) 835-8261.

Sept 15, 2009
Fall Containers at the Garden
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL
Take a garden walk to view the Garden's fall containers. Then create a cool-
season mixed container with a variety plants suitable for a full-sun or partial-
shade location in this class from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Your container may include
annuals, perennials, herbs, decorative foliage, cool-season vegetables,
ornamental grasses, a decorative vine, and gourds. Please bring gloves. Terra
cotta containers used for the workshop are heavy, so assistance may be needed
to unload them at home. $74 ($55 members) with liner only; $112 ($89 members)
with terra cotta pot. For more information or to register, contact the Chicago
Botanic Gardens, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe IL 60022 at (847) 835-8261.

Dec 1, 2009
Winter Containers at the Garden
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL
Explore the winter containers at the Garden and learn ways to extend your own
containers into the winter season. Then prepare a container with fresh-cut
evergreen boughs and berried or brightly colored branches in this workshop
from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Please bring gloves and pruners. Terra cotta containers
used for the workshop are heavy, so assistance may be needed to unload them
at home.  $74 ($55 members) with liner only; $112 ($89 members) with terra cotta
pot. For more information or to register, contact the Chicago Botanic Gardens,
1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe IL 60022 at (847) 835-8261.

Jan 13-15, 2010
Mid-Am Horticultural Trade Show
Chicago, IL
The largest horticultural show in the Midwest, with nearly 600 vendors, numerous
educational programs, inspiring landscape displays, and more. At Lakeside
Center at McCormick Place. For more information visit Mid-Am's website.

Sept 16-18, 2010
Upper Midwest MG Conference
Rockford, IL
Hosted by the Illinois Master Gardener Program. At the Clock Tower Resort,
Rockford. More details will be available in late 2009 or early 2010. For more
information contact Monica David, Illinois MG Coordinator, 1007 Plant Sciences
Lab, 1201 Dorner Drive, Urbana, IL 61801 at (217) 265-5256 or visit the Illinois MG
Program website.
Master Gardener's Network