October Club Program

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Our first meeting of our new year was quite the start, indeed! We had to change venues, and the meeting was held at the Township Center. Several guests came to see the presentation by our wonderful presenter, Mike Nowak, titled, “Fixing Climate Change in Your Backyard (and Your Front yard).  

The presentation started with a hard, painful truth, “We are faced with a crisis in our world.” Mike shared graphs showing average temperature shifts, with a noticeable change indicating the year 2000 was the start of climate change. The opinion of scientists is that climate change IS happening, and it is us causing it. Carbon dioxide, methane, and greenhouse gases are being released into the atmosphere. 75% of greenhouse gases are from energy production, while 25% is forestry and land use.

The 2015 Paris Agreement target was to limit global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. We blew past that in 2024. July 22, 2024 Was the hottest day on record. July 2026 was the hottest month in the continental United States, according to NOAA. The Dust Bowl in 1936 was the previous record.

70% of fresh water is used for agriculture production. And yet, Americans throw away up to 40% of the food supply annually. Food scraps that end up in the landfill release methane. Compost when you can. We need to stop over producing so much food. Having a clear and consistent food date labeling system will prevent people from throwing away food that is actually still good.

The USDA plant zones are shifting. In 1990 we were in zone 5, now we are 6 B. If temperature increases do not slow, by the middle of the century our climate will be that of Tennessee. At the end of the century, we will feel like Dallas, Texas.

Other changes will be Warming Winter Syndrome - more ice, rain and slush vs snow. We have become Tornado Alley. We had the wettest start to spring in Chicago history.  

What can we do? Promote freedom - as Elsa in Frozen sang, “Let it go!” Let nature take charge. Stop using chemicals. Heal the earth - have a biodiversity of plants, animals and insects. Lawns are a biological desert, replace them with plants. Water plants more deeply and less often. Mow with blades higher, this conserves water and prevents weed from germination. Leave your clippings, they provide nitrogen. Sedge paths are great, native and comfortable to walk on. Tolerate some weeds. Strive for a minimum 50/50 mix of native and non-native plants. If a non-native dies, replace it with a native. Leave your leaves. Be careful with fertilizers. Only need to once a year, fall is a great time. Over fertilizing introduces too much nitrogen into the soil. Nitrogen and phosphorus go into the water table, and eventually into lakes and streams. Runoff has caused a massive dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico. 2024 Monsanto/Beyer was getting sued for glyphosate in RoundUp. They switched the active chemical in household RoundUp, to worse chemicals. Professionals can still use the old version. If you use it, be sure to read the label. 

Other ways to fight - stop buying plastic, recycle, wash your clothes in cold water, insulate your home, adjust your thermostat, and donate your used clothing. The fast fashion industry is responsible for pumping out 10% of carbon emissions annually. Buy clothing with natural fibers, or even second hand. The plastic industry was us to think we all save by recycling, but only 9% actually is. Contact your government representative - be the squeaky wheel.

We hope to have Mike back, and he can share information that is specific to our Chain O’ Lakes region.

When the regular meeting continued, pizza and a beautiful dessert spread were enjoyed. Chris P. was inducted as Secretary. In keeping with her troll theme, Jane B. Presented Chris P with an adorable figurine, and declared her the toad stool scribe.  

The final meeting of our year was a wonderful event that included an amazing potluck full of lovely and tasty treats, a very informative presentation about native plants, the installation of new members, and the induction of our executive officers.

The June presentation was made by David Brooks of Inspired by Nature. His presentation was Landscaping with Native Plants.

The native plant trend is picking up, with a boom of native plants being incorporated into many gardens. To have a natural landscape is landscaping in a way which imitates natural aesthetics. There are several specific types David touched on.

Native - Plants that are indigenous to a particular region, adapted to local climate, geological, pollinators and wildlife. Exotic non-indigenous plants may survive, but may need special treatment, such as watering in drought conditions.

Naturalized - Exotic plants that are adapted to local conditions and survive in the wild.

Invasive - Aggressive naturalized plants, these can be native or exotic.

What is a weed? This is subjective! A weed is any plant that is growing where it is not wanted. Ecologically, weeds usually are exotic plants, but may be pioneer species or natives.

Native Landscapes in our region draws from a palette of native species which were part of the Chicago area’s original mosaic of prairies, wetlands and woodlands.

Native Advantage - These plants have adapted over thousands of years to Illinois’ variable weather and changeable climates. They have an extensive network or deep, fibrous roots hat help plants resist drought. Benefits include conservation of resources. They only need to be watered when first established, or when supplementing wilting trees and shrubs during drought. They also protect air and water as they do not need fertilizer or pesticides. They protect shoreline erosion and wildlife, as they are preferred by native birds, butterflies, humming birds, dragonflies and mammals.

The best time to plant is the dormant season (spring and fall). During the growing season heavy watering is often required to establish plants. If you have a large plot of land, seeds are best, but will take longer to establish. Always remove any sod before planting. Watering is really only necessary the first year. One inch per week until plants are established. Fertilizer is unnecessary, and will only promote weed growth and/or runoff into local waterways.  

Native gardens include Butterfly, Rain, Prairie/Sun and Woodland/Shade. Great additions include massing and grouping plants, hardscaping with boulders, adding shrubs, coarse and fine textures, and using curved boarders.  

For more information visit David's website at:  inspiredbynaturebrooks.org

Nancy Zitkus swore in new members Jose and Kathleen Martinez, and Cris and Geoff Crego. 

Jane Buck’s installation of officers was a troll theme and had lovely gifts for each member. Her words shared were of the gnomes who keep our garden growing. Folklore tells us that garden gnomes watch over the flowers, encourage growth, and bring joy to those who tend the earth. Our officers will help our club flourish like the gnomes. She charged all officers and chairs, as the new guardians of our beloved Garden Club, to pledge to protect our earth, nurture our members’ talents, and share their wisdom with lightheartedness and joy. All answered with a healthy “Heigh-ho!” May the year be filled with friendship, growth, colorful blooms, and perhaps a little gnome magic. Thank you Jane for a beautiful induction! 

Hopefully everyone had a wonderful, productive summer! 

The May meeting has another great turnout!

Our presentation was Improving your Soil the Natural Way by Ken Benson.

Our dirt is made of three main ingredients: and, silt and clay, and the proportions of each determine your soil quality. Ken shared numerous products that are great for improving your soil to improve your crop harvest. Many fertilizers are shown with a 3 digit number identifier, such as 3-4-3. These are the macro nutrients: Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. These ingredients were left over after WWII and their use as fertilizers began. Micro nutrients matter also, and they include Boron, Copper, Zinc and Molybdenum. 

Some of the products he recommends are: Texas Green Sand, Rock Phosphate, Feather Meal (chicken poop), Alfalfa Meal, Balance 4-4-4 (goes up to 10-10-10), Cotton Sane Meal, Barnyard Compost Tea (barn animal poop), Bat Guano (poop). Bat poop is the best natural by the ounce. Cindy and her husband went to the Volo Bog to get free bat guano from the resident barn bats. They debated taking the truck and trailer. The were given a ziplock baggy full. Milorganite is a treated sewer plant byproduct from Milwaukee that is bagged human sewer waste sold in stores as a natural fertilizer. This meeting by far had the most mentions sh*t and poop as any probably in the history of the club!  

When performing a soil sample imagine a number 5 domino square. Take a sample in each of the five dots in your yard to get an average. Soil types can vary wildly, an acre of land can have thousands of different results. To lower your pH add soda, to raise add Lyme. In our region we range between 6.5 to 7.2. If drowning rhododendrons add sulphur to your soil. 

If you are noticing any issues with trees or other vegetation please notify your local U of I Extension Office. If they receive multiple calls they may notice a trend and deal with a potentially new developing issue.  

Mycorrhiza is essential to getting food harvests from your plants. It breaks down organic matter and releases the elements into the soil. If you follow his hints your can get 300 tomatoes per lantern. His favorite additions are Mycorrhiza and 10-10-10 fertilizer.  

Hydrogen Peroxide is H2O2 and is wonderful. Add 4 ounces to a gallon of water. Use as a fertilizer for the plants, and adds extra oxygen to the soil. The peroxide also helps to control bugs. Do not use the 30%, as this is too strong of a concentration. 

You can fertilize all the time, there is no schedule to follow, same with watering inside plants - give them what they need it. Fertilize your house plants as well.

Composting is great for your plants. Food scraps excluding meats, turning the soil to start and adding alfalfa hay is great, but can be very pricey. Egg shells contain calcium, coffee grounds are good but not great.

Now go get some poop and get growing!  

Meeting for the month of June will be at the  Dolly Spiering Community Center

817 Holbek Dr, Antioch lL 60002

Doors open at 12:30 and the meeting starts at 1:00

Upcoming Events at a Glance:

May 16, 2026, Plant Sale

May 30, 2026, Spring Planting at 9:00 am

Arbor Day Tree Dedication
April 24, 2026
Antioch Garden Club

Summary by Jane Buck, Arbor Day Chair:

Members and friends gathered at 1:00 pm in the Antioch Downtown Mini-Park to dedicate a newly planted tree on Arbor Day.

Scott Gartner, Antioch Village Mayor; Jose Martinez, Trustee; Jim Moran, Assistant Village Administrator; and Tom Shaughnessy, Antioch Township Supervisor attended the event.

Mayor Gartner read the Arbor Day Proclamation.  George Weckbacher, Club Horticulture chairman spoke about the Whitespire Birch that was planted. 

The tree is planted on the Southwest corner of the downtown Mini Park next to the parking lot.

The tree signage was placed by George. 

Our club president, Holly Markwart Swehla placed a shovel full of dirt around the tree along with the other guests. 

Tree-shaped cookie treats and Garden Club brochures were available to attendees.

Written by George Weckbacher, Antioch Garden Club Horticulture Chair

On this Arbor Day, the Antioch Garden Club proudly dedicates this planting of a White
Birch tree in this Mini Garden in downtown Antioch. This White Birch tree will not only
enhance the beauty of the area, offer a pleasing aesthetic for visitors, but it will also
provide essential benefits to local wildlife. The tree will serve as a source of shelter,
support pollination, and offer food for nature’s creatures.
This tree will be a long lasting Symbol for the Community and Village of Antioch who
has generously allowed our garden club to work together with them in support of the
people and nature.
May this tree stand as a symbol of growth, beauty, and community spirit for generations
to come.
Everyone is invited to join in on the planting this tree by placing the final shovelfuls of
dirt around the tree.


 

 "What is All the Buzz About Bees" was presented by Karen and Brian
Thomson.  The meeting was held in the Parks and Rec building (May
meeting will be as well!). In addition to the very informative
presentation about bees, they had numerous products for sale and even
some tasty samples.

Karen and Brian have tremendous knowledge and experience with bees and
beekeeping.  There are thousands of different native species of bees
in North America.  The commonly known honeybee is an imported species
from Europe.  Native bees live mostly solitary lives, while the honey
bee lives in large hives.

Flowers to attract bees are Purple coneflower, salvia, bee balm, many
plants that are in the blue family, such as herbs including mint,
oregano and basil.  Many trees are good for bees as their early spring
blossoms have nectar.  Asters and goldenrod flowers are the last
flowers of the season, and goldenrod honey is an item Karen and Brian
sell.

Honey colors vary with the season and the blossoms.  The spring is
usually lighter, summer is amber, and fall is usually darker.  The
regional honey buckwheat is very dark.

Wintering for native versus honey bees is very different.  Native
bees, including hornets and wasps, the colony will die off except for
the queen, who hibernates, and starts a new colony in the spring.  The
honey bees live in hives that they must keep warm, and also must have
a large enough quantity of honey to eat over the winter.

Some fun facts:
Three distinct types of bees: workers, drone, queen.
Queen lives 2-3 years, she can lay 2,000 eggs a day.  She will take
one flight in her life and mate with multiple drones and stores the
semen that lasts her lifetime.
Drone are the males whose egg was not fertilized. They don't do any
real work.  After summer when mating season is done they are kicked
out of the hive.
Workers are the female bees, they do a waggle dance to communicate
precise location of source found, can travel 2-3 miles away from hive
but are smart enough to stay close.
If your honey crystalizes that is a good sign, as that shows it is
pure honey.  To fix, warm the honey in a waterbath 100-110 degrees,
stirring occasionally.  This could take several hours to dissolve.  Do
not microwave, as it destroys beneficial components.
Some beekeepers are "Migrator" beekeepers, where they transport their
hives across the country to follow the seasonal blooms.  A large
market is California for the almond season, there are also cranberries
in Wisconsin, and buckwheat in Ohio.  Honey can be made from those
specific plant blossoms since the hives are located there.

"Local" honey is left to interpretation.  It is best to purchase your
honey from a reputable source, such as a local beekeeper that makes
their own honey.  The honey should be unfiltered, as you want to have
the pollen in the honey.  The pollen in the plants gets into the honey
and helps increase your immunity. One tablespoon of honey a day is
recommended.  Due to poor practices including adulterations and
undesirable additions, all honey from China is illegal to import.
However, Canada imports honey from China, and Canadian honey is
allowed to be imported - this is a loophole that allows the Chinese
honey into the US market.

Additional consumer warnings: Honey of ill repute can be found to have
on the label "Bottled in Illinois" when it was made in China, sold to
Canada, bottled, then imported into  the United States.  "Organic"
honey is not legal to produce in the United States.  By law,
everything within a 3 mile radius would have to be organic.
Additionally, the wood to make the hives would have to come from
organic trees, and that is not possible, as they do not exist.
International law states that for honey to be considered organic the
producer must pass their country's organic requirements only, not that
of the country importing the product.  So you may see organic honey on
a store's shelves, know that it is not a domestic product.

Your best, and safest, bet is to buy your honey and honey related
products from a local beekeeper!

Rainscaping, by U of I Extension of Lake County Master Gardeners

How to direct and manage water flow in a yard.

Jill gave a very informative presentation about water runoff and shared how the stormwater runoff goes into sewers, which dumps into local rivers, then into the Mississippi River.  While this was done to prevent contaminants from entering the drinking water supply of Lake Michigan, the water is diverted to the Gulf and leaves our community.  Water preservation through rain barrels, native plants with substantial roots, permeable surfaces and rain gardens will help keep the water local.  Rain barrel water can be used for plants but not vegetables due to roof contaminants. Bioscapes are becoming increasingly popular with municipalities. Rain Gardens are an excellent way to keep water in your yard, and Jill shared how to makes, establish, and maintain one in your own yard.  

Additional information about rainfall management can be found at:

https://extension.illinois.edu/rainfall-management

Animal Resistant Gardening, by Mel Zaloudek

The February meeting was the club’s first of the year, and the first official meeting since our November meeting, and it was nice to see familiar faces again.

The meeting had a lively and entertaining presenter - Mel Zaloudek, who resides in Cook County. While some of our plant and pest problems were the same, when asked about beavers and musk rats he was stumped and felt like he was in Canada. (His fur cap would have fit in!)           
           Mel shared about pest control:

Bonide Sulfur Organic Concentrated Dust Fungicide - Control diseases in your lawn and garden which can be used on fruits, vegetables and ornamentals around your home. Fine sulfur particles adhere to plants easily to prevent and control common diseases including rust, leaf spot, powdery mildew and other diseases. Apply to grapes, peaches, berries, roses, ornamental shrubs and more. And what’s best, this product is approved for organic gardening and can be used up to the day of harvest. 

Scarecrow brand motion sensor water sprinkler - When a critter moves in front of the sensor it will spray water.  Use caution, as it does not distinguish between squirrels, dogs or humans! 

Have a Heart Live traps - Be sure to relocate the animal far enough away that they do not return, at least one mile.

Metal fencing - holes must be no larger than chicken wire or baby bunnies can get through. Must also be strong, as rabbits will rise up on hind legs and lean with front feet and push over. Additionally, they can jump 2 feet high. 

Deer can travel far for food.  If they damage the bark of your tree do NOT use the tree wound paint, as it breeds fungus and infection.  Instead, after cleaning the wound hit it with spray paint. 

Wrapping the trunk with a sisal rope is a good deterrent. Mothballs, not chips, scattered in beds can help. His strongest advice is to avoid the plants that invite unwanted guests.  Rabbits LOVE hostas and you will have problems with rabbits so long as you have hostas.  Mel provided a great variety of pest-resistant options in his slide show including salvia, dahlia, cleome, tobacco, lantana, lambs ear, Joe-Pye-weed, lungwort, Herman's pride, pachysandra, butterfly bush and giant allium, just to name a few. 

Our annual Christmas party was held on December 13th, and this year’s theme—Cookies and Cocoa—made for a cozy and festive celebration. Members were invited to dress in their finest pajamas, and they certainly delivered!

Each table was set with individual jars of cocoa for every guest, complete with mini marshmallows and peppermint candy spoons, creating the perfect winter treat. Santa made a special appearance and judged the Best Pajamas contest. Judy took first place dressed in festive white, with Mary earning runner-up honors in a burgundy robe topped with a captain’s hat.

Following the contest, everyone enjoyed refreshments featuring homemade cookies, homemade fudge, and a variety of other sweet treats. We then learned about the Crego family’s asters, and free seed packets were handed out to all attendees.

Each guest also received a complimentary gift bag filled with lotions and other small luxuries—a thoughtful surprise for everyone who came. The afternoon wrapped up with a lively White Elephant gift exchange, with participants receiving numbers as they arrived to determine the order of choosing gifts.

It was a joyful, relaxed gathering full of laughter, generosity, and holiday spirit—another wonderful way to celebrate the season together.