We have educational lecture programs throughout the year. Most of them are held at the monthly general meeting. These lectures are covered wide range of subjects and interests. All the members are encouraged to attend and have been very well received. Below are the scheduled programs for the season of 2024-2025 year.
SEPTEMBER, 2024
Blending Herbs to Be an Herbal Gourmet
Discover how adding even the most basic herbs can elevate your cooking to a gourmet experience! This lively program covers creating herbal mixtures to replace salt, enhancing flavors for healthier meals, and crafting herbal vinegars, butters, and spreads. Learn about flavor families, the best herbs for various dishes, and hands-on blending techniques to make delicious dips, dressings, and marinades. Join us for a fun and flavorful journey into the world of herbs!
OCTOBER, 2024
Spring Flowering Bulbs
With a variety of bloom color, flowering time, plant height and shape, spring bulbs can bring much interest to your landscape. This presentation focuses on selecting, planting, and caring for spring flowering bulbs. You will learn how to plant a bulb garden that is a burst of color from April through June, how to address pest issues and how to choose the right bulbs for your needs.
NOVEMBER, 2024
Turn Your Garden Into a B&B for Birds
Transform your backyard into a showcase of bird activity. The right balance of food, feeders, water and shelter are essential elements for the perfect birdscaping design. This discussion includes: ideal location for birdscape design, desirable food and feeders to attract your favorite birds, proper hygiene and squirrel prevention.
DECEMBER, 2024
Christmas at the White House
Just as there are 12 Days of Christmas (as in the song) this presentation showcases 12 Traditions of Christmas that have endured at the White House over its history. From the very public National Christmas Tree to the very humble Cranberry Tree, these holiday decorations and events are presented in all their splendor along with the history behind them. A look at our First Ladies and their individual contributions to White House Christmases through the years offers a fun perspective.
FEBRUARY, 2025
1st Annual Roundtable and Soup Fest
During this relaxing kickoff to our 2025 programs we will all share a bowl of hot soup and some interesting gardening conversations. A few members will bring a crockpot of soup to share and then we will have our roundtable discussions.
Bring an interesting garden article, your gardening questions you may need help with from other members, a new garden tool you love or any other related subjects you would like to share/discuss.
We will be asking a few people to volunteer to make their favorite crockpot of soup, so pull out your favorite recipe and volunteer!
MARCH, 2025
Getting Started with Seeds
This detailed presentation takes you back to the important basics but throws in a lot of "pro tips" for your seed starting success. Even experienced vegetable and flower gardeners will learn a lot! This presentation will get gardeners on the right path for the planting season
APRIL, 2025
Rose Gardening
Details will be released before the meeting
May, 2025
Illinois Invasive Species
From jumping worms to Asian carp, alien invasive species have made their way into Illinois. These non-native insects, fish, plants and animals can spoil the beauty of natural landscapes, endanger the future of forest and prairies, wipe out native plants and wildlife, and cost the state, businesses, and homeowners millions to manage. Explore which species are a concern in Illinois and how you can help at home.
JUNE, 2025
Jelly From Flowers
Stacy Vogt will teach how to utilize flowers, herbs and fruits in making a sweet treat. You will learn how to make jams and jellies, and take the intimidation factor out of this rewarding process. Different techniques will be taught, including canning and freezer methods, and the pros and cons of each.
JULY, 2025
Summer Outing. Whether viewing members’ gardens or having a picnic at one of our members’ homes, that’s the fun we have had in the past! Over the several years, members have graciously offered to host a summer outing at their homes. We again look forward to another fun gathering in 2025. The detailed information will be determined by spring 2025.