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Dear KGC Friends,
I'm looking at summer in my rear-view mirror. How can it be Back to School season already?
So that means it's time for a great KGC season of fabulous programs (thank you, Elizabeth Dugan!), Show of Summer prep workshops (thank you, Heather Blackwell, Cristy Laier and Terri Lorenz!) and Outreach opportunities (thank you, Tina Rice!). This year, KGC abounds with educational and community outreach opportunities. With Terri, Heather and Cristy at the helm of Floral Design, Horticulture and Photography, respectively, KGC will be in tip-top shape for Show of Summer! We are blessed with deep SOS experience, and please join me in thanking Lyn Little, Nancy Kurz, Carole Read, Shelley Galloway, Sue Cozzens, Karin Balsbaugh, Barbara McDonough, Kitty Kirby, Barbi Paine, Sara Morgan, Judy Petrie, Anne Brown, Mary Gordon and Emily Macdonald for the advice and counsel that they will be sharing. Don't hesitate to call them throughout the year for help with your entry. They want to share their expertise with all of us.
I have important news to share with you. KGC has decided to resign its membership from Garden Club of Illinois. In June, the KGC Board, after much discussion, asked the Executive Committee to further research and discuss the matter, and decide whether to remain a member. After much research and subsequent intense discussion at a Special Executive Committee Meeting, Exec voted unanimously to resign from GCI, with leave to reinstate at a later date. We have sent our letter of resignation to GCI and will keep everyone posted. Please contact me or any member of the Executive Committee or Board for more information.
There's lots happening in Kenilworth, both with the Park District and Beautification. Please watch for updates in future KGC Newsletters. It seems that everything old really is new again! KGC will be holding its November program at the Kenilworth Club. We are not back to holding all of our meetings there as we did in the past, but this will be a special meeting and program. We will be inviting Kenilworth residents to our November meeting and share a program with our community. A big thank you to Elizabeth Dugan and Kelly Chestnut for organizing this program -- one of many community-wide programs that we hope to have in the future.
Finally, have you taken a minute and experienced the sights, sounds and scents of Ware Garden lately? It is a beauty to behold. Thank you to each and every summer volunteer (and there's still time to sign up if you haven't already done your shift) and our dedicated Ware Chairs: Sara Morgan, Barbi Paine, Elizabeth Dugan and Wendy Yamada. If Wendy calls and reminds you to volunteer, please sign up. Ware Garden and the community are depending upon you! The best part of being KGC President it accepting the myriad compliments about Ware Garden from the Park District, church goers and residents. Please know that your digging, pruning, watering, etc. is noticed -- and complimented! -- every day.
Happy Back To School! Now I'm going to go play with my new box of colored pencils. It's never too early to practice key cards!! Happy September to you and yours!
Always,
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Upcoming Events
September Program & Luncheon
Wednesday, September 21 -- 9:30 a.m.
Wendy Yamada, 1201 Pine St., Winnetka
"Nature at Home and Away"
Landscape restorer and horticulturalist Jack Pizzo will lead a presentation on having a 'sense of place', how we plant and design our gardens for where we are, not where we came from. He will focus on natives for Chicago area gardens, as well as Michigan and Wisconsin summer destination homes. Jack will share his ideas for making your garden reflect where you live by using native plants. Watch your inbox for an Evite & please be sure to RSVP.
The Cook's Tour is once again on KGC's longstanding, traditional day for our kickoff program and luncheon. Please plan to attend our very special presentation, with lunch following, in the morning. We plan to start and finish the program promptly so that you will have time in the afternoon to visit all of the houses on the Cook's Tour if you wish . See you on September 21st at Wendy's!
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Yearbook Alert! We plan to distribute KGC Yearbooks at the September meeting. If you cannot attend, please ask a friend to pick yours up.
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September Board Meeting
Monday, September 19 -- 10 a.m.
Church of the Holy Comforter, Parish Hall
222 Kenilworth Ave., Kenilworth
Please let Lenore know if you have a committee report or any items for the agenda -- 847.835.3335 or mail@macdonald.in. Watch your inbox for the meeting agenda and minutes from the June Board and July Executive Committee Meetings. Please take time to review the minutes and be ready with your corrections, or, email Beth Glass your corrections at coglass@comcast.net. Coffee, tea and water are available at Holy Comforter.
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Outreach Committee Meeting
Thursday, September 8 -- 9:30 a.m.
Tina Rice, 2108 Elmwood Ave., Wilmette
Let's brainstorm and set the course for KGC's
Outreach plans and activities over the next two years. Everyone is welcome! Come catch up over coffee and treats.
Questions? Contact Tina Rice at tinarice@me.com.
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September Field Trip
Sunday, September 11 -- noon - 2 p.m.
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, join us for a ranger-guided tour of Mt. Baldy, an area of the park that's been closed to visitors for several years. For more information, contact Ann Jones at rannjones@me.com.
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New Member Orientation
Wednesday, September 14 -- 7 p.m.
Jeanne Daniel, 639 Locust St., Winnetka
For more information, contact Jeanne Daniel or Lenore Macdonald
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July's Field Trip to Lincoln Park Zoo
a real treat
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July 20 was a beautiful, hot summer day, perfect for a tour of many garden and horticultural highlights of the Lincoln Park Zoo. The zoo is evolving into more than just a place to see animals. Great care is being taken to create a beautiful setting as well. Over time, the staff is working to unify garden and exhibit fencing and create focal points throughout, such as the new wall of water that was added to the Dream Lady bronze sculpture by Edward McCartan.
The zoo's Conservation program began in 1990. Joe Rothleutner, head of Horticulture, is working to get a horticultural designation for the zoo and hopes it will become a national collection for native hydrangeas. This would involve finding and growing all cultivars and serving as a library for arboretums and other organizations by providing DNA, photos and cuttings.
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Lincoln Park Zoo's
CFO Troy Baresel and Joe Rothleutner, head of Horticulture, lead the group on its tour through the grounds.
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One newer feature at the zoo is an allee of trees that leads visitors towards the zoo's oldest building, Eadie Levy's Landmark Cafe.
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The zoo's newest garden is under construction and features a Kindred Spirit Oak. The zoo lost 60-70 Ash trees in recent years and is diversifying its replacements.
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Joe Rothleutner shared his enthusiam for his job and his goal for achieving an arboretum designation at the zoo.
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Halla,a Grevy's zebra, shown here with her mother, Adia, was born on June 18. She is the first foal born at the zoo since 2012.
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This view of the Regenstein Small Mammal and Reptile House is highlighted by beautiful plantings around the pond.
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Nature Boardwalk welcome sign with map of the paths.
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The skyline is a reminder that the Nature Boardwalk is a quiet oasis in the middle of a very populated city.
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This pavilion was a shady respite from a very hot July day. Breezes flowed and no one was in a hurry to leave!
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The group was treated to an expansive and delicious lunch prepared by Tiger Lily, the zoo's own catering company.
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The glorious view of one portion of the Nature Boardwalk from the terrace where lunch was served. Located on the second floor, this gazebo is part of the South Pond Refectory building, otherwise known as Cafe Brauer. Restoration of this prairie-style building was completed in 1989 and is a great spot to eat.
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KGC's Judy Keller is a zoo trustee, Woman's Board member and stellar volunteer, and she provided the group with much background information about the zoo and its needs. Owned by the City of Chicago, not Cook Country, the zoo relies heavily on support from its donors for upkeep and growth.
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KGC Has a New (Storage) Home
The move to the new storage locker is complete! Mary Lois Hakewill spearheaded this project and said that it could not have been done without the two great young men who helped her -- Jack Buehler & Jeremy Cunningham-Kasper. Our new locker is located at Uncle Bob's Self Storage, which is at 275 Northfield Road behind the Mariano's in Northfield. If you need access to the resources there, three people have keys to the locker: Lenore Macdonald, Diane Phillips & Mary Lois Hakewill. Our space number is 3114.
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It's never to early to think about Show of Summer and the Horticulture class is an easy way to participate --
1. Be thinking about a plant you can purchase in the next few months: Most entrants have owned the plant for at least 6 months to enter it into the show! Deadline to purchase is
December 20th.
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*Succulants are easy and I highly recommend Hlavacek Florist in Winnetka. They have a huge variety of plant and planters. They are also very knowledgeable in the world of plants and propagation.
2. Be thinking about your garden while it is still summer!
3. Take pictures now and identify the botanical names now for your plants cuttings.
4. Now is the time to collect seeds from your garden.
5. Start saving clear glass bottles of all sizes for your cuttings.
Questions? Contact Heather Blackwell or Joan Dodson. We are here to help!
TTFN: Look for Horticulture SOS in future Newsletters! --
Heather Blackwell
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Hello from your 2016-2017 Floral Design Chair. I have to admit that this position is a bit intimidating with so many accomplished designers in our midst and a Show of Summer coming in June. I've been thinking a lot about what I want to accomplish and most importantly, I want everyone to feel empowered and educated to the point that they will readily fill out an entry form for the show!
I'm a "newbie" to the formal disciplines of floral design. That is an advantage for all of you who may not be at an expert designer level yet. I will learn and you will learn. Speaking of learning, please mark your calendars for our floral workshops. All of them will be on Tuesdays from 9:30am-11:00am. The dates are 10/4, 11/1, 1/17 and 3/7. The topics will be coming soon but will focus on building skill, creativity and confidence!
Just for fun - here is an arrangement that I really like. It's an ombre color scheme and of course you could recreate it with lots of different of different main colors. I love it because it forces you to consider color and texture in a very straightforward way. Play around with your own favorite color - mine is obviously pink! --
Terri Lorenz
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Show of Summer Inspiration
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As summer wanes, this arrangement, interpreting an Indian painting, is worth a look. Courtesy of The Wall Street Journal, August 27, 2016.
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Jack Carlson is a professional photographer and instructor at the Chicago Botanic Garden. If you are a novice or are interested in improving your skills, Jack has several offerings this fall. Don't delay -- his classes are in demand! -- Cristy Laier
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Important Show of Summer & Yellow Book News
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Many members have asked us to find out how to secure an updated PRINT copy of The Flower Show & Judging Guide a/k/a The Yellow Book. We are sad to report that we've learned that GCA is not offering paper copies for purchase any longer. Please don't kill the messenger!!
Please remember that although you should be familiar with the entire book (we still find it daunting after all of these years and shows!), only some sections will be relevant to your Show of Summer entry. Heather Blackwell (Horticulture), Cristy Laier (Photography) and Terri Lorenz (Floral Design) are always available to help you through the Yellow Book.
We also want to give you a "heads up" that this year's Show of Summer schedule will be emailed and only a limited number of print copies are available. Lenore Macdonald will have the print copies. Once the schedule is emailed (we don't yet know when), please contact Lenore asap if you want a print copy.
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Have you visited Ware Garden recently - either to help maintain the garden or stroll through and enjoy it? Accompanying this article are some photos, which capture the beauty of the plants and pollinators we are seeing in the woodland area of the Garden.
The native plants, which were put in last season, have thrived - in some cases, to the point where we have had to thin a bit. The cages have remained in place because, at this point, the plants will be at risk if they are removed. They will either be removed in the late fall or early next spring. In August, Nature's Perspective planted Swamp Rose, Butterfly Weed, Calico Aster, Woodland Phlox, Bluestem Goldenrod and Pale Purple Coneflower - all of which are native.
Did you know that Ware Garden has 45 species of Tree/shrubs (approximately 140 individual) and at least 46 species of wildflowers? . . . in an area a little over an acre!!!!
We have had an arborist evaluate the trees; Tom Morrison will be doing some pruning this season. Flooding continues to be an issue in certain areas of the Garden. We are addressing that by planting species which do well in wet areas: the 5 Swamp Roses and the Green Bulrush, for example.
As of mid-August 25 regular members have worked at least 2 hours at Ware Garden. Recently, Wendy sent an email via SignUp Genius to those who have not worked yet. If you haven't worked yet or paid or signed up, please visit SignUpGenius.com and sign up. Wendy added dates into October, including a Saturday.
Hope to see you at Ware Garden!!
--Sara Morgan, Barbi Paine, Elizabeth Dugan and Wendy Yamada
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Ware Garden Shifts
The garden still needs our help! To sign up for a Ware Garden shift, contact Wendy Yamada
at
raisingaz@aol.com
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As the warm summer months come to an end, the Magnolia Garden is in full bloom! Amy Thompson and I selected summer flowers to match the fountain planting of bright orange geraniums, deep purple petunias and chartreuse sweet potato vine. The geraniums and vine are thriving. I needed to replace the petunias (not enough sun under the shady trees) with new guinea impatiens and most recently with lavender mums to start the transition into fall.
Keep an eye out a changing landscape!
Kenilworth residents -- feel free to stop by anytime and deadhead and weed if you think it needs it. I wanted to do it myself this year to determine how much help I needed and will circulate a sign-up next year for help.
Happy end of Summer! --
Katherine Buehler
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Celebrate Something We All Share:
Public Lands
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From our neighborhood parks or beaches to our nation's awe-inspiring national parks, public lands of all sizes and varieties are the places where we live, learn, play, exercise, and relax. In fact, over 30% of America's land is public land.
Now it's your turn to give back!
What:
The 23rd annual National Public Lands Day
When:
September 24, 2016
Where:
Thousands of public land sites nationwide!
Who:
Hundreds of thousands of people of all ages!
Here are some events near us:
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In honor of the National Park's 100th anniversary this year, we'll be featuring sites that our members have visited. Cristy Laier was at Point Reyes National Seashore in Inverness, California, north of San Francisco, during July.
Planning your own trip?
Click here for the National Park Service's Centennial Guide
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Helen Balch
Why did you join KGC?
I have always wanted to be part of a garden club, as I consider gardening not only a passion, but therapy. I am at peace when I am getting dirty in the yard. As a child, my Dad had my sister and me pick dandelions using a screw driver and a beach bucket for collecting. My Yaya (grandmother in Greek) used the dandelions for cooking.
What is your KGC area of interest?
I enjoy floral design and love the unexpected; using different types of vessels.
What are your interests outside of KGC?
I am a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch, working on a three-woman team. I am so lucky to be part of a Friend and Family Practice. We work with wealthy families and nonprofits. Please let me know if anyone is interested in a second opinion on their investments! I never have too many friends!
What is your favorite season?
Fall is my favorite season. My favorite color is orange. I love to decorate using pumpkins, cabbages and grasses.
Tell us something we may not know about you?
I am the mother of four boys and married to a fifth. They are the roses in my life. (sometimes even with the thorns).
Thank you for letting me be part of this wonderful group.
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Book Review
I was desperately seeking a book to read at the airport earlier this summer when I saw
Lab Girl, by Hope Jahren, in the "staff recommends" section. The cover was intriguing, with its little oak seedling and dirt style lettering. Also, "the staff" has never steered me wrong before.
Although it never reached bestseller status,
Lab Girl did receive the honor of being one of Amazon's best books of the year so far back in July. Surprisingly, many people I've recommended it to had already read and loved it.
The inside cover says it all about the book. "An illuminating debut memoir of a woman in science; a moving portrait of a longtime friendship; and a stunningly fresh look at plants that will forever change how you see the natural world."
Unsurprisingly, I had never heard of Hope Jahren. She is a person who does not seek fame and fortune but is more brilliant, tenacious, complicated, hardworking and fascinating than any Hollywood celebrity. The book is just as much an unusual life story as it is a book about scientific research, which is what makes it so readable.
I have a new appreciation for what it takes to be a scientific researcher and the sacrifices they make in the name of preserving our world and making it a better place. -- Sue Cozzens
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KGC's Shelley was Guest Speaker at the
Lake Geneva Garden Club
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Shelley Galloway demonstrated Ikebana to the Lake Geneva Garden Club in July,
much to the delight of its members and guests.
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Attention Hort Gals, Conservationists and Public Policy Wonks!
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Not too early to think about the GCA National Affairs and Legislation Conference (February 27- March 2, 2017 in Washington, DC) or 2017 Shirley Meniece Conference (September 25-27, 2017 in Omaha). KGC covers your registration fee and $500 of transportation and lodging. Please confirm your interest with Lenore Macdonald (
mail@macdonald.in or 847.835.3335) well BEFORE the respective conferences' registration date, usually at least 7 months in advance. Call Lenore today! KGC would love to send a delegate!!
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Are You Really Correct?
You won't know until you visit the GCA website,
www.gcamerica.net and make sure that your name and contact information is accurate. GCA is asking us to post a photo of ourselves, too. Please do so. For login information, contact Leslie North at
leslie.a.north@gmail.com For further information about GCA or posting the photo, contact Lenore Macdonald at mail@macdonald.in or 847.835.3335.
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Green Tree Garden Club
Kettle Moraine Garden Club
Lake Geneva Garden Club
Town and Country Garden Club
Member clubs of The Garden Club of America
Present
Art en Fleurs
A GCA Major Flower Show
September 27 & 28, 2016
Hosted at the Harley-Davidson Museum® Garage, 500 W. Canal Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Open to the public
September 27, 2:00 to 7:00 p.m.
September 28, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Admission and parking are free of charge
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By now you should have received an email invitation from the Winnetka Garden Club for its benefit.
If not, contact Betty McLean at 847/251-4966 or bettydmclean@icloud.com. See you there!!
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Sogetsu School Ilinois Group
Ikebana Exhibition and
Demonstration
50 Ikebana arrangements will be on display!
Saturday, September 10, noon - 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 11, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Demonstrations: Saturday -- 2 p.m.
Sunday -- 1 p.m.
Chicago Botanic Garden, Burnstein Hall
1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe, IL
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A very warm KGC thank you (in no particular order) to:
Judy Keller,
Elizabeth Dugan and
Kelly Chestnut for a terrific July Program and Luncheon at the Lincoln Park Zoo;
Judy Keller,
Jeannie James and
Marty Shaw for their sustained and generous commitment to the Lincoln Park Zoo;
Judy Keller,
Chris Wiedrich and
Kelly Chestnut, our Lincoln Park Zoo trip carpool drivers;
Elizabeth Dugan and
Kelly Chestnut for taking care of
All Things Programs for this year;
Mary Lois Hakewill for researching and securing a new Storage Locker for our KGC "stuff" and to
Jeanne Daniel for all of her help;
Stephanie Keehn and the Keehn Family for generously sharing their storage locker with us over the past few years:
Lyn Little,
Nancy Kurz,
Carole Read,
Heather Blackwell and
Terri Lorenz for the terrific Show of Summer planning meeting;
Sue Cozzens,
Elizabeth Dugan and
Joan Senko for agreeing to serve as Show of Summer Clerks Committee Chairmen;
Kathy Elmer for agreeing to serve as a KGC Benefit Co-Chairman;
Katherine Buehler and Cyndi Chase for agreeing to serve as KGC's representatives to the Kenilworth Caucus (KCAC);
Chris Wiedrich for taking on additional duties of GCA Bulletin and KGC Public Relations Chair;
Marty Shaw for agreeing to serve as Website Chair;
Sara Morgan for writing an article about Ware Garden for GCA -- stay tuned, everyone!!!!!!
Heather Blackwell and
Ann Jones for their work on an upcoming
The Real Dirt article;
Ann Jones for her extensive research on KGC Conservation projects and issues -- she did so much for us this summer;
Our Ware Garden Chairs --
Sara Morgan,
Barbi Paine,
Elizabeth Dugan and
Wendy Yamada -- for keeping Ware in tip-top shape and making improvements;
All of our KGC Ware Garden Volunteers for keeping Ware wonderful;
Cheryl Anderson for her commitment and dedication to Kenilworth Beautification; and,
Chris Wiedrich for her hard work and dedication to KGC's newsletter.
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