Discover a variety of events and workshops to enhance your home and garden this winter
As winter approaches, many homeowners and gardening enthusiasts are looking for ways to spruce up their living spaces and prepare their gardens for the colder months. From workshops on creating winter containers to design classes for rebooting your garden, there are plenty of opportunities to get inspired and learn new techniques. Additionally, holiday-themed house tours offer a chance to explore beautifully decorated homes and gather ideas for your own festive celebrations. In this home and garden calendar, we highlight a range of events taking place in the Chicago area that will help you transform your living spaces and embrace the holiday spirit.
The New Invasives: Jumping Worms, Stink Bugs, Viburnum Leaf Beetles and More
Date: November 27
Location: St. Simon’s Episcopal Church, Arlington Heights
Nanette Kalscheur, a plant and pesticide specialist, will present a talk on the ecological impact of new invasives such as jumping worms, stink bugs, and viburnum leaf beetles. Learn how to prevent their spread and protect your garden from these invasive species.
Winter Containers at the Garden
Date: November 28
Location: Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Explore the art of creating winter containers at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Discover ways to extend the beauty of your own containers into the winter season and prepare a container with fresh-cut evergreen boughs and berried or brightly colored branches.
Garden Reboot Design Workshop
Date: November 29 and December 6
Location: Morton Arboretum, Lisle
Evaluate your garden and plan for the upcoming year in this design workshop at the Morton Arboretum. With the guidance of a landscape designer, learn how to make your garden cohesive, balanced, and beautiful. Develop a conceptual plan for your space and learn to communicate your ideas effectively.
Upcycling, Door Decorations for the Holiday Season
Date: November 29
Location: Lewis University, Romeoville
Join a community hour event at Lewis University and create a holiday door decoration using materials you already have. Embrace sustainability and creativity by upcycling everyday items into festive decor.
Super Succulents
Date: November 29
Location: Glenview Public Library, Glenview
Bring the beauty of nature indoors by potting and taking home a cute succulent plant. This program, designed for children in grades 4-8, offers an opportunity to learn about plant care during the fall and winter months.
Cup of Cheer House Walk, Holiday Market, and Tea
Date: November 30 and December 1
Location: Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873, Naperville
Hosted by the Naperville Garden Club, this event offers a chance to tour beautifully decorated homes in Naperville. The Holiday Market, featuring holiday home decor, is open to the public without an event ticket. Proceeds from the event support scholarships and club projects.
Indoor Edible Gardens
Date: November 30
Location: Presented virtually through Elderwerks, Palatine
Discover how to grow your own fresh herbs, salad greens, and more indoors throughout the year. Master Gardeners from the University of Illinois Extension will share their expertise on indoor gardening techniques.
Staghorn Fern Workshop
Date: November 30
Location: Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Learn how to mount a staghorn fern onto a rustic wooden board with moss and soil in this workshop. These unique mounts, resembling reindeer antlers, make for beautiful and creative additions to your home decor, especially during the holiday season.
Focal Point Plants
Date: November 30
Location: Presented virtually through Chicago Botanic Garden
Discover the power of focal points in your garden design. Learn about plants that can become striking focal points and enhance the overall aesthetic of your landscape. This class will be taught online via Zoom.
Geneva Holiday House Tour
Date: December 1-2
Location: Geneva
Embark on a self-guided tour of five distinctive Geneva homes decorated for the holidays. This annual event offers a chance to gather inspiration and ideas for your own festive decorations. Advance tickets are available online.
Mount Prospect Historical Society House Walk
Date: December 1
Location: Mount Prospect
Explore the historic Triangle neighborhood of Mount Prospect during the Mount Prospect Historical Society’s 35th annual Holiday House Walk. Tour six private homes, ranging from 19th-century to modern, and admire their unique architectural styles and holiday decorations.
Conclusion:
With a wide range of events and workshops available, homeowners and gardening enthusiasts have ample opportunities to enhance their living spaces and embrace the holiday season. Whether it’s learning about new invasives, creating winter containers, or exploring beautifully decorated homes, these events offer inspiration and knowledge for all. Take advantage of these offerings to transform your home and garden into a cozy and festive haven this winter.
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