Events, Activities and Meetings
Below you will find a calender, upcoming activities, and a list of meetings. Hope to see you there!
34th Annual Garden Club Beautification Awards Contest
The City of Park Ridge and the Park Ridge Garden Club co-sponsor a Beautification Awards Contest. The contest recognizes residents of free-standing, single-family homes that have made their home and landscape the most attractive in our city. Up to 5 winners each receive $100 from the Garden Club, a 1-year complimentary garden club membership, and a lawn sign from the City. Any previous winner prior to 2016 is eligible to win again.
Five winners were selected for the 34th Annual Event! See the Beautification Awards page for more information.
Five winners were selected for the 34th Annual Event! See the Beautification Awards page for more information.
97th Annual Plant Sale
This annual event will be held at Cumberland Park on May 15, 2027. See the PLANT SALE page for more information.
32nd Annual Garden Walk
This annual event will be held at various local gardens on June 27, 2027. See the GARDEN WALK page for more information.
Annual Field Trip
Members travel as a group to significant horticultural and historic sites for information and pleasure. The day always includes lunch and a stop at a garden center for shopping opportunities. There is a fee to cover transportation, entrance fees, and lunch.
Meetings
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Meetings are held the second Thursday of each month from September through June beginning at 7:00 p.m. at 100 S. Western in Park Ridge at the Centennial Activity Center. Enter using the door to the south of the main entrance.
For a full list of upcoming programs and detailed descriptions, please read below. Guests are encouraged to attend meetings. Guests may attend two meetings free of charge. For membership information, please visit the ABOUT page. |
Meetings start at 7:00pm. There is a club meeting after which there's time for socializing until the program starts as noted below. Programs generally last 1 hour. Meetings typically adjourn at 9:00pm.
Our Program selection for this season will be centered around the NGC and Garden Clubs of Illinois goals and objectives. We will be sharing programs about flower arranging, butterflies, conservation, environment, horticulture, indoor plants, and Illinois wildflowers. Our programs are a balance of requests from our members, ideas to be used for the club’s special activities, and suggestions for our continuing projects. All Programs will have a PowerPoint presentation with speakers that will include some handouts and raffled demo arrangements.
All programs were chosen for the continuing education of our members.
All programs were chosen for the continuing education of our members.
Date: September 10, 2026
Program: The Blended Family: Integrating Natives into Traditional Gardens
Speaker: Ann Baker
Curious about incorporating native plants into your garden without giving up your favorite classics? This program explores how to blend native species into an existing garden for beauty, balance, and ecological health. Learn about the advantages of adding natives - habitat creation enhancing the ecosystem, and improving air, soil, and water health. Ann will spotlight keystone species and consider the pros and cons of various native plants.
Ann Baker is a retired high school teacher and nurse whose lifelong love of gardening began as her mother's apprentice and chief weed puller. Today, she is a certified NGC Environmental and Landscape Design Consultant with a strong focus on horticulture and environment education. Ann is passionate about helping others connect with nature and create beautiful sustainable gardens.
Ann holds a BS in Nursing, an MS in Family Studies, and an MA in Religious Education. In addition to her work in the garden, Ann is an active grandmother of four, a vocalist for liturgical events, Chair of the Garden Walk for the Town & Country Garden Club of Libertyville, and Education Chairperson for District IX.
Program: The Blended Family: Integrating Natives into Traditional Gardens
Speaker: Ann Baker
Curious about incorporating native plants into your garden without giving up your favorite classics? This program explores how to blend native species into an existing garden for beauty, balance, and ecological health. Learn about the advantages of adding natives - habitat creation enhancing the ecosystem, and improving air, soil, and water health. Ann will spotlight keystone species and consider the pros and cons of various native plants.
Ann Baker is a retired high school teacher and nurse whose lifelong love of gardening began as her mother's apprentice and chief weed puller. Today, she is a certified NGC Environmental and Landscape Design Consultant with a strong focus on horticulture and environment education. Ann is passionate about helping others connect with nature and create beautiful sustainable gardens.
Ann holds a BS in Nursing, an MS in Family Studies, and an MA in Religious Education. In addition to her work in the garden, Ann is an active grandmother of four, a vocalist for liturgical events, Chair of the Garden Walk for the Town & Country Garden Club of Libertyville, and Education Chairperson for District IX.
Date: October 8, 2026
Program: Bison Tales and Tallgrass Trails
Speaker: Cindy Crosby
This is a fun program featuring the largest and most charismatic of Illinois’ mammals - the American Buffalo! Learn how bison play a role in Illinois’ original garden, the tallgrass prairie. Hear about bison in literature, music and art and see beautiful photography of the native plants they are associated with, many suitable for the home garden. Discover where you can see bison and prairie plants in “The Prairie State.”
Cindy Crosby is the author, compiler or contributor to more than 20 books. Her most recent book is Chasing Dragonflies: A Natural, Cultural and Personal History. Cindy earned her master’s degree in natural resources from University of Wisconsin. She is a Master Gardener and a long-time volunteer at Nachusa Grasslands, a Nature Conservancy site with bison in Franklin Grove, Illinois. She coordinates dragonfly monitoring at Nachusa and at the Schulenberg Prairie at the Morton Arboretum. When she isn’t working in her garden she speaks and teaches on natural history topics in the Chicago region. Cindy blogs each week at “Tuesdays in the Tallgrass”.
Program: Bison Tales and Tallgrass Trails
Speaker: Cindy Crosby
This is a fun program featuring the largest and most charismatic of Illinois’ mammals - the American Buffalo! Learn how bison play a role in Illinois’ original garden, the tallgrass prairie. Hear about bison in literature, music and art and see beautiful photography of the native plants they are associated with, many suitable for the home garden. Discover where you can see bison and prairie plants in “The Prairie State.”
Cindy Crosby is the author, compiler or contributor to more than 20 books. Her most recent book is Chasing Dragonflies: A Natural, Cultural and Personal History. Cindy earned her master’s degree in natural resources from University of Wisconsin. She is a Master Gardener and a long-time volunteer at Nachusa Grasslands, a Nature Conservancy site with bison in Franklin Grove, Illinois. She coordinates dragonfly monitoring at Nachusa and at the Schulenberg Prairie at the Morton Arboretum. When she isn’t working in her garden she speaks and teaches on natural history topics in the Chicago region. Cindy blogs each week at “Tuesdays in the Tallgrass”.
Date: November 12, 2026
Program: Seasonal Flower Arranging
Speaker: Robert Neri
Robert Neri is a freelance floral designer, creating one-of-a-kind hand-crafted floral arrangements. Robert began his floral business in 1981. He has happily shared his floral experience for the last 45 years, starting an adult class at Wright Junior College in creative floral design in 1984. Throughout his career Robert has brought tasteful creativity in wedding work to all major Chicago Venues. He now is excited to continue his interest in teaching the concepts and art of floral design with lectures to garden clubs such as Oak Park, Inverness, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Mount Prospect, Des Plaines and now Park Ridge. He is also branching out to Senior Centers in Niles and Maine Township, hotels, museums, country clubs and private parties. He continues his teaching interest with his DIY classes at his home studio.
Program: Seasonal Flower Arranging
Speaker: Robert Neri
Robert Neri is a freelance floral designer, creating one-of-a-kind hand-crafted floral arrangements. Robert began his floral business in 1981. He has happily shared his floral experience for the last 45 years, starting an adult class at Wright Junior College in creative floral design in 1984. Throughout his career Robert has brought tasteful creativity in wedding work to all major Chicago Venues. He now is excited to continue his interest in teaching the concepts and art of floral design with lectures to garden clubs such as Oak Park, Inverness, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Mount Prospect, Des Plaines and now Park Ridge. He is also branching out to Senior Centers in Niles and Maine Township, hotels, museums, country clubs and private parties. He continues his teaching interest with his DIY classes at his home studio.
Date: December 3, 2026
Program: Holiday Party
Entertainment: Na Kupuna Ukulele Club
In 1997, a group of Hawaiian-American seniors got together and formed a ukulele club in Chicago. They called it the Na Kupuna Ukulele Club as Na Kupuna means “elder” in the Hawaiian language. Together the group of island and mainland born seniors sing, strum the ukulele and dance the hula to over 300 songs including iconic Hawaiian classics like “Aloha Oe”, “Blue Hawaii” and the “Hawaiian Wedding Song”. The group has held countless performances over the years, across Chicago and as far as Hawaii. One of the club’s most notable performances was when they were chosen by the City of Chicago to perform at the 2004 opening of Millennium Park. Their leader is Kaleo Lee (Kaleo means “the voice” in Hawaiian). Kaleo’s dad, Calvin Lee was one of the founding members of the club. Their love of music, camaraderie and appreciation for Hawaiian culture drives and inspires them to continue to make beautiful music together.
Please bring cash if you would like to support our raffle.
Program: Holiday Party
Entertainment: Na Kupuna Ukulele Club
In 1997, a group of Hawaiian-American seniors got together and formed a ukulele club in Chicago. They called it the Na Kupuna Ukulele Club as Na Kupuna means “elder” in the Hawaiian language. Together the group of island and mainland born seniors sing, strum the ukulele and dance the hula to over 300 songs including iconic Hawaiian classics like “Aloha Oe”, “Blue Hawaii” and the “Hawaiian Wedding Song”. The group has held countless performances over the years, across Chicago and as far as Hawaii. One of the club’s most notable performances was when they were chosen by the City of Chicago to perform at the 2004 opening of Millennium Park. Their leader is Kaleo Lee (Kaleo means “the voice” in Hawaiian). Kaleo’s dad, Calvin Lee was one of the founding members of the club. Their love of music, camaraderie and appreciation for Hawaiian culture drives and inspires them to continue to make beautiful music together.
Please bring cash if you would like to support our raffle.
Date: February 11, 2027
Program: Essence of Lavender
Speaker: Sarah Ingram
Discover the secrets to cultivating, processing, and utilizing one of nature’s most versatile herbs. Sarah will guide us through the steps of successfully growing a thriving lavender garden and will discuss how to make lavender into useful products. She will also teach us all of the benefits of this beautiful and aromatic plant.
eSCENTials Aroma is a small, family-owned company based on their farm in Woodstock, Illinois. Sarah, owner/creator is a Certified Aromatherapist, Natural Health Consultant and Master Mixologist. Using her knowledge of herbs and essential oils, she develops and hand-crafts the all-natural products they sell. They grow organic lavender and herbs which they distill and infuse as part of the creation of their pure, therapeutic items. Providing families with safe, ready to use, holistic therapies is what they strive to do. They pour their passion into everything they do, hoping to spread the love for all things natural.
Program: Essence of Lavender
Speaker: Sarah Ingram
Discover the secrets to cultivating, processing, and utilizing one of nature’s most versatile herbs. Sarah will guide us through the steps of successfully growing a thriving lavender garden and will discuss how to make lavender into useful products. She will also teach us all of the benefits of this beautiful and aromatic plant.
eSCENTials Aroma is a small, family-owned company based on their farm in Woodstock, Illinois. Sarah, owner/creator is a Certified Aromatherapist, Natural Health Consultant and Master Mixologist. Using her knowledge of herbs and essential oils, she develops and hand-crafts the all-natural products they sell. They grow organic lavender and herbs which they distill and infuse as part of the creation of their pure, therapeutic items. Providing families with safe, ready to use, holistic therapies is what they strive to do. They pour their passion into everything they do, hoping to spread the love for all things natural.
Date: March 11, 2027
Program: Hollywood in Bloom
Speaker: Dr. Annette Bochenek
There’s nothing quite like the beauty of nature, and classic Hollywood films surely agree. From depictions of stunning gardens and forests to flowers in bloom, classic Hollywood films have long been inspired by nature. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation about the impact and symbolism of gardens, forests, and plant life in Golden Age Hollywood films. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories.
Annette Bochenek, Ph.D., is a film historian, professor, and avid scholar of Hollywood’s Golden Age. She manages the “Hometowns to Hollywood” blog, in which she profiles her trips to the hometowns of classic Hollywood stars. She has also been featured on the popular classic film-oriented television network, Turner Classic Movies. A regular columnist for Classic Movie Hub, her articles have appeared in TCM Backlot, Silent Film Quarterly, Nostalgia Digest, The Dark Pages Film Noir Newsletter, and Chicago Art Deco Society Magazine.
Program: Hollywood in Bloom
Speaker: Dr. Annette Bochenek
There’s nothing quite like the beauty of nature, and classic Hollywood films surely agree. From depictions of stunning gardens and forests to flowers in bloom, classic Hollywood films have long been inspired by nature. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation about the impact and symbolism of gardens, forests, and plant life in Golden Age Hollywood films. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories.
Annette Bochenek, Ph.D., is a film historian, professor, and avid scholar of Hollywood’s Golden Age. She manages the “Hometowns to Hollywood” blog, in which she profiles her trips to the hometowns of classic Hollywood stars. She has also been featured on the popular classic film-oriented television network, Turner Classic Movies. A regular columnist for Classic Movie Hub, her articles have appeared in TCM Backlot, Silent Film Quarterly, Nostalgia Digest, The Dark Pages Film Noir Newsletter, and Chicago Art Deco Society Magazine.
Date: April 8, 2027
Program: The Chicago Scene: How Chicago Area Hybridizers Created a Daylily Revolution!
Speaker: Mary Beth Giacalone
Most gardeners know the daylily as an easy-care perennial, but few realize that many of today’s spectacular cultivars trace their roots to the Chicago area. This program begins with a brief Daylily 101, introducing the basics of this remarkable perennial before exploring how a dedicated group of Chicago-area hybridizers transformed the daylily into one of America’s favorite garden flowers. Along the way, we’ll discover the fascinating stories behind these pioneers—including Dr. Robert Griesbach, who hybridized award-winning daylilies from his backyard on Cumberland Avenue right here in Park Ridge. Discover how their innovation, perseverance, and passion forever changed the world of daylilies and left a legacy that continues to bloom in gardens today.
Mary Beth Giacalone grew up in Park Ridge graduating from Maine South High School in 1969. She is a lifelong gardener, lecturer, and educator with a passion for helping others discover the beauty and history of daylilies. Although her professional career spanned 45 years in the travel industry, teaching has always been at the heart of what she does. From operating her own travel school to leading one of the world’s largest global corporate travel programs and coaching leadership development, Mary Beth built a career centered on teaching, mentoring, and helping others succeed. Today, she brings that same enthusiasm to gardening. Her home garden serves as a teaching garden, where visitors discover that modern daylilies are far more than the familiar roadside flower. As an active board member of the Chicagoland Daylily Society and the Northern Illinois Hosta Society, Mary Beth’s goal is to inspire gardeners to discover, grow, and share these extraordinary perennials.
Program: The Chicago Scene: How Chicago Area Hybridizers Created a Daylily Revolution!
Speaker: Mary Beth Giacalone
Most gardeners know the daylily as an easy-care perennial, but few realize that many of today’s spectacular cultivars trace their roots to the Chicago area. This program begins with a brief Daylily 101, introducing the basics of this remarkable perennial before exploring how a dedicated group of Chicago-area hybridizers transformed the daylily into one of America’s favorite garden flowers. Along the way, we’ll discover the fascinating stories behind these pioneers—including Dr. Robert Griesbach, who hybridized award-winning daylilies from his backyard on Cumberland Avenue right here in Park Ridge. Discover how their innovation, perseverance, and passion forever changed the world of daylilies and left a legacy that continues to bloom in gardens today.
Mary Beth Giacalone grew up in Park Ridge graduating from Maine South High School in 1969. She is a lifelong gardener, lecturer, and educator with a passion for helping others discover the beauty and history of daylilies. Although her professional career spanned 45 years in the travel industry, teaching has always been at the heart of what she does. From operating her own travel school to leading one of the world’s largest global corporate travel programs and coaching leadership development, Mary Beth built a career centered on teaching, mentoring, and helping others succeed. Today, she brings that same enthusiasm to gardening. Her home garden serves as a teaching garden, where visitors discover that modern daylilies are far more than the familiar roadside flower. As an active board member of the Chicagoland Daylily Society and the Northern Illinois Hosta Society, Mary Beth’s goal is to inspire gardeners to discover, grow, and share these extraordinary perennials.
Date: May 13, 2027
Program: Creating Your Own Spring Planter
Coordinator: Suzanne Dahm
In this hands-on workshop, members will select five plants from a variety of premium annuals to create their own beautiful container garden. Members must register and pay in advance for a portion of the cost of the plants provided. You must pre-register as there usually are few additional plants the day of the program. Participation is optional. Check newsletter for details.
Program: Creating Your Own Spring Planter
Coordinator: Suzanne Dahm
In this hands-on workshop, members will select five plants from a variety of premium annuals to create their own beautiful container garden. Members must register and pay in advance for a portion of the cost of the plants provided. You must pre-register as there usually are few additional plants the day of the program. Participation is optional. Check newsletter for details.
Date: June 10, 2027
Program: Dahlias From Start to Finish
Speaker: Jim Kassner
This program will teach you how to start tubers inside for a quick start to your season. You will also learn how to make cuttings and how to plant and manicure plants for more blooms and better-quality blooms. Jim will show you how, at the end of the season, to clean and store these tender tubers for the winter.
Jim is currently the President of Central States Dahlia Society and past President and Secretary/treasurer for the Midwest Dahlia Conference (16 societies). He is one of 5 Senior Judges in Illinois and has been Show Chairman for the past 11 years including two national shows in Chicago in 2017 and 2025. Jim has been an exhibitor of approximately 60 shows across the country.
Annual Plant Exchange
The Plant Exchange will take place at 6:00 PM in front of the Centennial Activity Center.
Park Ridge Garden Club members generously share what nature and hard work has provided by participating in a reciprocal plant exchange before the June meeting. By participating in this event, members are certain that the plants they bring home are ones that will thrive throughout the challenging Park Ridge summers and often brutal winters.
Installation of New Officers & Committee Chairs
Program: Dahlias From Start to Finish
Speaker: Jim Kassner
This program will teach you how to start tubers inside for a quick start to your season. You will also learn how to make cuttings and how to plant and manicure plants for more blooms and better-quality blooms. Jim will show you how, at the end of the season, to clean and store these tender tubers for the winter.
Jim is currently the President of Central States Dahlia Society and past President and Secretary/treasurer for the Midwest Dahlia Conference (16 societies). He is one of 5 Senior Judges in Illinois and has been Show Chairman for the past 11 years including two national shows in Chicago in 2017 and 2025. Jim has been an exhibitor of approximately 60 shows across the country.
Annual Plant Exchange
The Plant Exchange will take place at 6:00 PM in front of the Centennial Activity Center.
Park Ridge Garden Club members generously share what nature and hard work has provided by participating in a reciprocal plant exchange before the June meeting. By participating in this event, members are certain that the plants they bring home are ones that will thrive throughout the challenging Park Ridge summers and often brutal winters.
Installation of New Officers & Committee Chairs
Park Ridge Garden Club
P.O. Box 127
Park Ridge, IL 60068
P.O. Box 127
Park Ridge, IL 60068