Mid Summer newsletter

Good Morning everyone,

I hope all of you are doing well and enjoying the warmer days of late spring and early summer.    I hope most or all of you have been vaccinated and now able to enjoy at least a little more normal day to day life.  We have several events planned for June, July and August.

We participated in the Des Plaines Memorial Day remembrance service at the Des Plaines Lake Park. Photos can be found on our website or facebook page.

New Members, Please join me in welcoming Eve Arena to our Garden Club.  Eve found us through our Website 

JUNE

June is the last month to view our display at the Des Plaines History Center.  If you have not been there yet, This Sunday  June 6th from 1-3 would be a great time to visit.

Des Plaines History Center   781 Pearson Street  Des Plaines Illinois  60016.  The History center is open Tuesday thru Friday 10-5  and Sundays 1-4.  Our display takes up the entire back wall. There are 5 tables of history books, awards, and miscellaneous items showing the history of our club in Des Plaines.  Most of the books are open for your browsing, but there are a few in sealed cases because of their age we don’t want to take a chance of a sticky fingerprint.  Did you know that at one time we had a Junior Garden Club and they took FIRST PLACE IN THE NATIONAL GARDEN CLUB AWARDS?  Their book is on display. 

June 6th -June 12th is National Garden Club Week.  Plant a new species in your yard, or better yet encourage one of the children on your block to come see your garden.  Maybe they can help you weed or dead head.  A whole new generation of gardeners is just waiting for an invitation to learn. No better time to share your knowledge.

THURSDAY   JUNE 10TH  will be OUR GARDEN CLUBS 90TH ANNIVERSARY  PICNIC IN THE PARK.  12PM – 2 PM

Because of Covid, we were limited to 50 spaces for this event.  The reservations are full.  

The lunch will be in their large banquet room. There is lots of room , but Please bring your mask for the indoor part of the day, just to make everyone comfortable.  After lunch and a short program, there will be time for you to wander the Friendship Park Conservatory  inside and out. 

Please arrive promptly at noon.  Our Mayor will be there at 12:30 to present us with two proclamations from the city.  

The first declaring June 6th – June 12th

                National Garden Club week in Des Plaines, 

               and also a proclamation recognizing June 4th 2021 as the 

                90TH Anniversary  of our Garden Club.

We have a great photo from the 1st birthday party that we love to recreate for our 90th Anniversary.  All of the ladies were in a Sun dress, Summer dress of some description for the event.  Can we all try to wear our favorite summer dress or skirt and blouse to the party ?  If you don’t have a dress, wear your favorite summer hat , of course if it is adorned with flowers even better.   I AM SURE OUR GENTLEMEN WILL BE DECKED OUT IN THEIR FINEST DAPPER ATTIRE.    The paper will be there to take our photo, lets do it up right 😊

JULY

THURSDAY  JULY 8th    DES PLAINES GARDEN CLUB GARDEN WALK

The details are still being confirmed but we will definitely have our garden walk this year. I will be sending out a separate email for this event .  Donna Mulderink is the Chairman for this event.  She has four gardens on her list, but there is room for one more if you would like to showcase your garden this summer.  We will have lunch after the garden tour, either at a restaurant with outdoor seating or a park. 

AUGUST

FRIDAY  AUGUST 6th ,    Des Plaines Garden Club day for the Des Plaines Food Pantry.   10 – 11:30 AM    We will have a few volunteers in the parking lot at the new food pantry   

769 Holiday Lane   Des Plaines Illinois  60016 to collect your donations for the food pantry.  A list of the most needed items can be found on page 33 of your yearbook. If everyone would just buy one bag of items from your local grocery store or Sam’s, Costco, etc. we could make a big difference in the lives of our neighbors in need.

We already have our meetings planned thru December.  The planning committee will meet over the summer to complete the year thru June 2022. 

SAVE THESE DATES:    Thursday  Nov 11th  2021    

                                            90th Anniversary Fall Luncheon and Fund Raiser.

                                            Monday  May 30th  2022   

                                            Memorial Day Observance at Des Plaines Lake Park

                                            Monday July 4th 2022   

                                            Des Plaines Parade Celebrating our 90th Anniversary  

As always if any of you have any questions, or ideas please feel free to reach out to me.  

When your gardens start to be in full bloom, forward your favorite photos to Harold  

for publication on our website and facebook page.

I am looking forward to our birthday party on Thursday June 10th at noon. 

                                     Kind Regards,

                                    Mary Peglow, President – Des Plaines Garden Club

I hope some of you shared a bloom from your yard with a neighbor or friend on May 1st, traditionally known as May Day.  Yesterday, the Star Wars fans celebrated  May the 4th be with you , and today is May5th, Cinco de Mayo sounds like a good day for tacos, chips and salsa. Maybe even a margarita 😊

May is a busy month for our garden club.  First of all, I hope everyone has Saturday  May 15th   8:30 – Noon blocked out on your calendar to help with our  Market / trunk style Plant Sale.   We have a great plan in place to stay socially distanced and still sell lots of plants, gently used garden tools and lawn decorations.  Many of you have already reserved a spot for your car.  We will have an empty spot in between each car.  There will also be additional tables for those of you who have something to share, but not a car full.  If that is not an option, consider going to one of the local garden centers and picking up a flat of vegetables.  They are always a good seller. 

We are also accepting donations of gently used garden tools, and lawn décor.  This is our first fund raiser since November 2019 and we need everyone’s help to make it a success.   If you have a facebook page, start telling your friends about our sale on May 15th.  Or make a phone call or two to a friend and encourage them to support our sale.   I have attached a flyer to the top of the newsletter that you can share.

May 13   General Meeting   10 AM    Frisbie Center.

 We are still restricted to 45 members in person at Frisbie.  You need to register with Louise if you wish to attend in person.  There can be no walk-ins.    We will also do this meeting via zoom. 

 We will be giving out last minute details for the plant sale , including sticks and details for pricing.  We will also be recognizing our members who have been with us 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 years.  And we will recognize our committee chairs.   Our speaker will be Bev Karms , Master Gardener, who will give handy tips and share her knowledge on Peony’s. 

May 15th    Our Plant Sale  !!!!!!!

May 19th  7 – 8:30 AM    Annual Library Program

 Every May we are happy to co-host a program with the Des Plaines Library with a focus on Horticulture.  Of course this years program will be via Zoom.  

Our general meeting for April will held at the Frisbie Center on Thursday, April 11th at 10AM.

We Are limited to 45 participants, you must continue to wear a mask and stay socially distanced , even if you are fully vaccinated. Our meeting will be at the Frisbie center.  

I will also take my lap top and hopefully be able to set up a zoom for those of you out of the area or you are not comfortable attending in person.   

* We have lots to discuss regarding our plant sale. 

* We also will be installing  our 1st. Vice-President, Recording Secretary and Treasurer.

* We also have a great program right after the business meeting.  

Emma Marston from the Des Plaines History Center will be presenting “ The Historical Greenhouses of Des Plaines.”  This program was scheduled for last April, so we are excited to hear Emma’s program.  Hint: One of our members grew up in one of the greenhouses 

***

Plant Sale   May 15th 

You are all aware we were not able to do any fund raising last year.  This event is very important for our club.  Whether you have a lot to share, one or two plants, or just want to come and help, we need everyone to get on board for our plant sale.

Here are some highlights.

DES PLAINES GARDEN CLUB ANNUAL PLANT SALE Our date for the Plant Sale is May 15 (with an alternative date of  May 22, in case of rain).  8:30 am to Noon

We will be doing a trunk/farmer's market event in the East parking lot (bank parking lot)  of Frisbie Senior Center.  If you have tables you would want to put your plants on as well as any other items you bring,  that is what many of us are doing.  Some of you might just have a few things to add and can put them on any table that is available.

Our  April 8th General Meeting is at Frisbie Center, we will have sign-up sheets asking for your help during that morning.  We will also have flyers, the new Plant Sale signs and other information for you to look at even after the meeting.

As your plants start coming up look around and see what you can share for this event.  The plants need to be potted and watered well.  We don't always have water available.

At the April meeting you will get label stickers to place on the pots which will identify what you are selling as well as popsicle sticks for pricing which You will be doing this year, as we are not having a pricing group.    We will have some pricing sheets for you to look at so you will have an idea of how  we have priced the items in previous years.   The pots have to be delivered to the Center between 7am and 8:15 am as we need to start the sale at 8:30.  If it works as it has in other years we have people at our plant sale way before 8:30.

If you have decorative pots you no longer need or yard decor that you are no longer using, that is always appreciated by the customers.

You might not have plants to divide but as you go out to nurseries, Big Box stores, Dollar stores, etc. you might see something you can contribute to be used in the garden.

For the members who will not be joining us at the April meeting but have plants or items for the sale,  Contact us to pick a day and time slot to meet and give you labels and price sticks.

There are some things still to be worked out, hopefully before the meeting, such as the best way for parking the cars, etc.  but for sure all will be settled before the Plant Sale.  This year is different for all of us and we are trying to find the best way to have a fun time and show off what our Club is all about.

+++ 

GCI  Convention.   The 2021 GCI Convention will be held virtually on SUNDAY APRIL 18th at 2 P.M.   The registration details will be out in a few days.  As soon as I receive them, I will forward to all of you via a separate email.  I hope many of you have the date marked on your calendars. 

+++

Des Plaines Garden Club 90th Birthday party in June.  Due to the ongoing COVID issues our annual birthday trip had to be changed again this year .  We are working on plans for a birthday party in a local park.  We will send out the details as soon as they are finalized. 

Des Plaines History Center Display.   The Des Plaines History Center  781 Pearson Street has given us a display area to celebrate our 90 years and promote our garden club.  We will have the space from April 6th thru June 30th.  Please make a plan to go over and see some of our Historical records.  Bring your family or a neighbor with you.  The History Center is open Tuesday thru Friday  10-5.  Sunday 1-4 PM.   Closed on Monday and Saturday.

***

Community Gardens

We maintain 4 gardens in Des Plaines.   This is a club endeavor and the work needs to be shared. We have 90 + members in our club.   It is only a once a week task if we get enough people for every other day at each space.  All of the gardens will have a spring clean up in the next month.  Then it is just a once a week commitment.

A large area at the Lake Park.   This garden could use about 3-4 volunteers who would go over one day a week and dead head, pick up trash, etc.

Frisbie Senior Center    They could use a few people to also help with the weekly tasks and some watering.

New Garden at the Self Help Pantry.   This will probably we two large planters in front of the door.  This garden needs a coordinator and a few volunteers to go once a week to water and dead head. 

Butterfly Garden This garden has several regular volunteers.

***

Garden Walk  2021

We would like to schedule a Garden Walk for July.   If you would be willing to have our members come and enjoy the bounty in your garden please contact us.

***

Chicago Botanical Garden and Morton Arboretum are open, but you must make a reservation in advance.  Only a limited number of guests are allowed on the grounds at any one time.

I wish all of you a Happy Easter.  ,

Kind Regards,

Mary Peglow, President – Des Plaines Garden Club

Good Morning ! 

I hope all of you and your families are doing well.  If any of you are still looking for your first appointment for a COVID Vaccine log on to Walgreens at 6AM  ( better yet 5:50 and keep refreshing the screen ). They open a new batch of appointments every morning.

2021  Happy 90th Anniversary  Des Plaines Garden Club.

Although Covid has changed some of our plans, we are still ready to celebrate our 90th Anniversary.  Watch our newsletter, website (  desplainesilgardenclub.com )  , facebook page  Des Plaines Garden Club,  and special emails for further details.  Be ready to celebrate 😊

If you have not taken the time to go to our new website  desplainesilgardenclub.com please log on today.  Harold Effinger has put in an unmeasurable amount of time setting it up from scratch.  It looks great and functions perfectly. Are you looking for the details about on of our recent horticulture talks ?  They are all there.   It is also showing people browsing why they should consider becoming a member.  Please join me in welcoming two new members to our club since last month.   Remember to add their information to your yearbook.

Sharon Malen

Susan Linton

Trudy Hanzel

Welcome Ladies,  I hope we have the opportunity to meet in person very soon.

Our speaker will be Heather Prince who will present a program titled “ By the light of the moon”   What plants bloom in the late afternoon and add color and fragrance to your yard at sunset and into the night.  

 Our horticulture chairman, Karen Pacey will give a brief talk on Clematis.  How to care for , determine which group to plant in our area, etc.   

We will also elect the following officers to a two year term.  2021-2023.

1st. Vice President

Recording Secretary

Treasurer

Illinois Orchid Society      March 7th    1-5 PM

Last week I sent all of you an email regarding a FREE zoom presentation on Orchids around the world and at home.   

You can log on and off for each part of the program that might interest you.

1PM – 2PM Andrean Orchids. Ecuadorian Native species are threatened.  Researcher Lou Jost offers a look to coexist.

2PM-3PM  Orchid Fix Nursery  From Hawaii’s Big Island, Jurahame Leyva cultivates their unique collection, and guides first time growers

3:30-4 :00 The Smithsonian Collection  Gabriel Johnson walks amongst 145 million research specimens.  Let this researcher open the door for you.

4:00 – 5:00  Orchids of New Guinea  Wolfgang Bandish recounts expeditions in the jungle of New Guinea.

Again this is a FREE EVENT.  If you are interested sign up today.

District IX    Annual Meeting   Tuesday   March 9th   10- noon

Another great FREE opportunity for our members.  If you are new to our garden club  the structure is Gardens Clubs of Illinois

  Under GCI  We fall into District IX

  Under District IX we are one of the larger clubs in our district.

The Annual meeting is being help virtually via zoom this year.  The business meeting will be first with election of district officers, presentation of Club Awards, and general business of the District.  The business meeting will be followed with a presentation by

Jennifer Hunt of JR Designs in McHenry.  Her presentation is titled “ Brightening Up Our Homes”. 

Several of us have already registered, but it is not too late.  Please log on and register today.  This is a great opportunity to attend a district meeting for FREE.

GCI   Garden Clubs of Illinois   Annual Convention   Sunday  April 18th

This event will also be a virtual zoom event this year.  Details will follow shortly.

Annual Plant Sale   Saturday  May 15th

Our annual plant sale will look a little different this year.  We will not be having a bake sale because of COVID-19.  We are going to set the plant sale up like a farmers market.  You can bring your plants and a small folding table to set up behind your car.  We will have a pay station set up  at the end of the row.  If you only have a few plants feel free to bring them along.  I’m sure someone will have a spot on their table to share the space.  Is this different than in years past.  Of course, but we can make this work.  Start thinking about what has been hiding under the snow that you want to separate and share.  We will keep social distancing a priority.  Even if you don’t have plants to share, we will need helpers the day of the sale.  SAVE THE DATE   SATURDAY  MAY 15TH  8-NOON

MILK JUG PLANTERS

Please share your stories of starting your milk jug planters.  We certainly had enough snow to place the planter in for vitamin D from the sun. 

SELF HELP PANTRY

The Des Plaines Food Pantry is still accepting donations through their drop off program.  Every Other Monday at the First Congregational Church   766 Graceland Avenue   10-11 AM.  Just use the back driveway and pull up to the back door.  You don’t even need to get out of your car.  Someone will be there to accept your donations.  A list of most needed items is in your yearbook on page 33. The Next Drop off is Monday March 15th.  Please mark your calendars. 

Stay well !  See you Soon !

Mary Peglow

President – Des Plaines Garden Club

Good Morning and Happy New Year !!

Our Long awaited 90th Anniversary Year has arrived,   We are looking forward to a wonderful year for our garden club.  Maybe not the way we envisioned to start the year, but I am confident that by November when our Annual Luncheon and Fund Raiser arrives we will be able to host our event, see each other in person, renew old friendships and have a great time. 

The winter and spring meetings will be held via zoom with the ability to switch to live meetings at Frisbie if the situation with COVID changes rapidly and the vaccine is available to the general population.

December meeting update

It was wonderful to have over 45 of our members on our zoom call for our December meeting.  One advantage to zoom is our members who have moved out of the area can join us.  Nice to see you  Marge Josephson !

New Member

Please join me in welcoming Pam Mazzini to our Garden Club.  

A few of us were working in the garden at the Lake Park and Pam was taking a walk. 

She stopped to chat and decided to join our club.  

Also if I did not mention it last month Robert ( Bob ) Provenzano has also joined our club.  Bob is the husband of current member Jan Provenzano.

January General Meeting via Zoom      Thursday  January 14th   10  A.M.

Karen Pacey will lead us through the steps to create milk jug planters for the garden.  

Once you plant them, they go right out in the snow to germinate your plants for the spring garden.  You might want to have a clear milk jug, potting soil and a package of seeds of your choice ready to plant after the presentation.  This is one of those things that you say,  I can do this !  So you’ll want to have your supplies ready.  This is a very fun project.  

You can even get the grandchildren involved.  Good science ( solar energy ) project. 

We will send out a work sheet after the meeting.  

Programs

The program committee is working hard to secure all of our programs for 2021.  This is a bit of a challenge with COVID still lingering.

Watch for an update soon !!!!

Website

Our new website site should go live very shortly.  Harold Effinger is working with the former provider to take down the old site which does not function so we can proceed with our new site.  Our new site will be a great source of stored information, and a place where you can direct friends to find out about our garden club. 

Bylaws – Standing Rules Committee

The bylaws – standing rules committee meet this week and reviewed the current documents.  There are many changes that needed to be made.  Most of the changes were to update how we are functioning in 2021.  The changes , once approved will be made and the documents will be on our website.

Environmental Committee

Maine township has a container for paper at their facility on 1700 W. Ballard Road.  

Please consider using the recycle bin rather than the garbage for your paper, cardboard etc.

2021 Plant Sale

We WILL have a plant sale in May.  It may be different than in the past, but keep us in mind when you start to transplant your spring perennials. 

Garden Walk

Dure to COVID we had a cancel our 2020 garden walk.  A few of our members still opened their gardens to a walk thru for a few members at a time.  Hopefully we will be able to plan a GARDEN WALK for this July.  

Horticulture

Karen will continue to give a 10 to 15 minute talk on a timely horticulture topic each month on our zoom meeting.  If there is a handout about the subject they will be forwarded after the meeting.  This is another great reason to join our zoom meeting !

Telephone Tree

Ann and Annette continue to send updates to our telephone tree.  All of you are so good about sending a note of cheer or concern to our fellow members when they are under the weather.   At this time, Beatrice Ross is fighting hard against COVID.  Please keep Bea and her family in your thoughts and prayers. 

WAYS and Means

You are all aware we were not able to do any fundraising in 2020.  That does not mean our expenses stopped.  We still had bills to pay.  It will be very important for all of us to help out with the Plant sale however that happens and also please mark your calendars right now  

Thursday  November 11    90th Anniversary luncheon and Fund Raiser.  I am confident we will be able to host that event.  Plan now to attend and a bring a friend or two 

Committee Chairs needed

A few of our committees are still seeking a chairman.  Being the chairman does not mean you do all the work.  There are 90 members in our club for your to ask for assistance.  Please consider volunteering to be the committee chair for

Historian 

Keeping track of our books with the history of the club.  And adding new information for the future as it occurs.

Photographer

taking a few snapshots at our meeting and special events.  Keeping them in a book for future reference.  You are reimbursed for any printing expense.

Special events.

A fun part of our garden club has always been the little side trips that we planned for 6-8 months of the year.  

We all know COVID will be controlled and we will be able to go out and enjoy like again soon.   Again, this is a committee   It needs a chairman to organize a planning meeting with three or four others for later summer and into the fall. 

We are going to have a terrific 2021 !  

Kind Regards,

Mary Peglow

President, - Des Plaines Garden Club