Join us at our Annual Plant Sale in May 2027
PROGRAMS & EVENTS 2026-27
June - August 2026 Summer Garden Walks (Members only)
Each summer a number of members volunteer to open their gardens for a tour (for members only). We share our successes and failures, and projects we are working on. We get advice from others and share ideas.
These are fun, social, and educational events. It's a joy to see the wide range of gardens - large and small, newly planted and mature, gardens with native plants and ornamentals - lots of variety - and always inspirational!
Please email us if you would like to attend this program or join as a member info@northbrookgardenclub.org
September 2026 - Remnants of the Illinois Wilderness”
James Rowan, Natural Scientist, lecturer and renowned photographer
What was Illinois like 300 years ago when it was home to Native Americans and early European settlers and explorers? It was a wilderness of prairies, forests and wetlands, untouched since the retreat of the last ice sheet thousands of years earlier. Today, that wilderness is gone. But remnants survive, preserved today as state parks, nature preserves and wildlife refuges. In this program, we’ll explore some of these natural areas and discover some of the plants and animals still to be found there.
Please email us if you would like to attend this program or join as a member info@northbrookgardenclub.org
October 2026 - Pruning Woody Trees & Shrubs
Jennifer Brennen, Horticulturalist
Jennifer Brennan has decades of professional experience in plant diagnostics, perennial plants, and practical garden problem-solving. Jennifer is known for translating science-based horticulture into clear, useful guidance for home gardeners. Learn the techniques and tips you need to keep your shrubs and trees beautifully formed and healthy
Please email us if you would like to attend this program or join as a member info@northbrookgardenclub.org
November 2026 - How to Breathe Life into Your Landscaping
Diane Smith, Landscape designer, educator, and lifelong gardener
The Perennial Professionals, Inc.
Learn how to refresh and renovate an existing landscape into a more beautiful and functional outdoor space. Discover creative ways to revitalize existing planting beds, update garden features, and add new plants for season-long beauty. Leave with practical ideas and inspiration to refresh your outdoor space while making the most of what you already have.
Please email us if you would like to attend this program or join as a member info@northbrookgardenclub.org
December 2026 - Holiday Social Lunch
Members only holiday lunch - details tbd
January 2027 - Beneficial Insects – Garden Warriors!
Jill Bonucci, Univ. of Illinois Extension Master Gardener, Speaker’s Bureau
Gardeners tend to focus on insects that eat their plants without paying attention to insects that act as warriors in the garden by either eating the bad bugs or parasitizing them. Learn about the most common beneficial insects, and never accidentally kill a good bug again.
Please email us if you would like to attend this program or join as a member info@northbrookgardenclub.org
February 4, 2026 - Jens Jensen, Father of Prairie School of Design
Tamara Block, Professor, Researcher and Lecturer
Jens Jensen is the Father of the ‘Prairie School of Design’ – the first truly American style of garden design. Through pictures and his own words, Jenson’s signature design elements are highlighted. Most of his projects are centered on the Chicago parks system and surrounding area where he resided and worked for most of his professional life.
Please email us if you would like to join Please email us if you would like to attend this program or join as a member info@northbrookgardenclub.org
March 2025 - Annual Meeting & Luncheon - GCI District IX
Garden Clubs of Illinois - District IX
Members will be invited to join this event - please see the members' newsletter for updates.
April 2027 - Growing Blooms in Small Spaces
April 2027 - Growing Blooms in Small Spaces
Stacey Davis Jacobs, Floral designer, Writer, and Speaker.
Think you need a sprawling garden to grow spectacular flowers? Think again! Whether you have a sunny balcony, cozy patio, front porch, or a small backyard, you can create a colorful, thriving garden. Explore the art of container gardening, discover beautiful native plants that attract birds and pollinators, and learn space-saving design ideas that maximize blooms while minimizing maintenance. Perfect for gardeners of all experience levels, this presentation is filled with inspiration and practical tips for making every square foot count.
May 2027 - Plant Sale - Save the date!
April 2027 - Growing Blooms in Small Spaces
We will have 1000's of plants in Spring 2027 carefully selected nursery-grown, beautiful and well-behaved NATIVE plants and along with our home-grown native plants and cultivars - favorites from our gardens to yours!
Experienced gardeners will be on hand throughout this 2-day event with friendly tips and advise. Sun or shade, dry or damp soil - there will be plants we love in our gardens that will be perfect for yours.
Details TBD
May 2027 - Exploring the Dunes and Bluffs of Lake Michigan
Melissa Schwartz, BS and MS in Environmental Science, Social Media Coordinator
Along Lake Michigan Shores in Illinois and Southeastern Wisconsin are spots including Illinois Beach State Park, Rosewood Beach, Kenosha Sand Dunes and Chiwaukee Prairie, Grant Park, Warnimont Park, and Lion's Den Gorge. We will learn about the ecosystems, plants, and wildlife that make this particular region along Lake Michigan so unique. We also will learn some of the history behind each preserve and conservation efforts.
Please email us if you would like to attend this program or join as a member info@northbrookgardenclub.org
June 2027 - Summer Luncheon for members
Summer Social Lunch for members
Details will be in the member newsletter.