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Spooky trees are full of life

Posted in Going green, Organizations, The Morton Arboretum, Topics Of Interest on November 1, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Dead trees and trees with holes in them may look ominous, but they provide valuable habitat for wildlife. | Beth Botts/The Morton Arboretum

By Beth Botts | Posted to the Chicago Tribune

Dark against the autumn sky, its branches broken and twisted, with mysterious black holes and cracks in its bark, a dead tree might seem spooky. But to many animals, it’s home.

Bats, screech owls, woodpeckers, bluebirds, squirrels and many other animals live in holes in dead or living trees, or overwinter nestled deep in the furrows of their bark. “It’s almost like an apartment building for wildlife,” said Spencer Campbell, Plant Clinic manager at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle.

Holes, or cavities, occur in living trees where the trunk or branches have cracked, or where decay has created a soft spot that a woodpecker or other animals can excavate and enlarge. Once a tree has died, its gradual deterioration creates many more cavities, and expands the opportunities for animal apartment hunting.

Of course, a tree that has died or one with conspicuous holes or cracks can be a cause for concern near a home, sidewalk or roadway. “If you see cavities in a tree in your yard, you should have it inspected by a certified arborist to determine whether it poses any risk,” Campbell said. “Sometimes, a decayed branch or tree may need to be removed.”

But as long as the tree isn’t a threat to people, its cavities are one of the big ways it contributes to the ecosystem of which it is a part.

A tree doesn’t have to be dead to be housing. A hole that doesn’t undermine a living tree’s structure is usually not a problem and may even be a benefit, according to Lyn Myers, lead education program guide in the Arboretum’s school field trip program. “If woodpeckers and other animals have a cavity to live in, they may be helping it by eating the insect larvae that would be eating the wood,” she said.

Many holes have a whole succession of tenants, Myers said. First, a woodpecker may find a soft spot and use its jackhammer beak to dig out a hole large enough for nesting. Then a squirrel or bat may move in. “The mammals are opportunists,” she said. “They take advantage of a cavity that’s already there.”

Some animals don’t even need a hole; craggy bark will do. Butterflies such as the mourning cloak overwinter in the deep bark furrows of bur oak or the peeling bark of shagbark hickory. They find a spot high enough to be safe from foraging predators such as raccoons and opossums, Myers said. Bark can even shelter bats, swaddled snugly in their folded wings and hanging upside down on the sunny, warm south side of the trunk. “It’s amazing how small they are when they’re folded up,” she said.

Once a tree dies, “it keeps giving back in a different way,” Campbell said, as it gradually decomposes over years or decades. Decay is actually a process of feeding, as fungi, insects and other organisms gradually consume the wood and recycle the nutrients that were stored in it during the tree’s lifetime.

In time, the tree weakens enough to fall. As the wood continues to break down and the trunk hollows out, its decay creates more nooks where animals such as raccoons and chipmunks can shelter. Eventually, the tree’s wood dissolves to become part of healthier, richer soil that supports a wide range of life, including other plants.

That’s why many dead trees are not removed from the Arboretum’s East Woods and other natural areas, such as forest preserves. “A dead tree that isn’t at risk of falling on people or property can actually be more valuable left standing,” Campbell said.

When you spot a dead tree, take a moment to wonder: Who lives there?

For tree and plant advice, contact the Plant Clinic at The Morton Arboretum (630-719-2424, mortonarb.org/plant-clinic, or plantclinic@mortonarb.org). Beth Botts is a staff writer at the Arboretum.

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Things to do April 25 to May 1

Posted in Entertainment, The Morton Arboretum, Topics Of Interest on April 25, 2025| Leave a Comment »

The Morton Arboretum Arbor Day Plant Sale ends Saturday

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Friday

Arbor Day Plant Sale: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 25-26, at the Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Shop for a variety of plants chosen by experts for success in Chicago-area gardens. Tickets include a credit to be applied toward a purchase at the sale. $27-$32. mortonarb.org.

“Bye Bye Birdie”: 7 p.m. Friday, April 25, and 5 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Bernotas Middle School presents the classic musical. $15; $12 for kids and seniors. Rauecenter.org.

“Assisted Living: The Musical”: 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 25, and 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock. This uproarious musical follows a cast of colorful characters navigating life after retirement, with two actors bringing 18 different characters to life. $25-$30. woodstockoperahouse.com.

The College of Lake County presents its annual Fear No Art Festival Friday and Saturday, April 25-26, at the Mainstage Theatre of the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts in Grayslake. | Courtesy of the College of Lake County

CLC Fear No Art Festival: 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 25, and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at the College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. Annual celebration features a variety of emerging choreographers, dancers, musicians, singers, actors, photographers, artists, graphic designers and poets. $5-$12. jlcenter.clcillinois.edu.

“Disaster!”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, April 25 to May 11, at the Prairie Lakes Theater, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines. Earthquakes, tidal waves, infernos and the music of the ’70s take center stage in this humorous homage to classic disaster films. $24-$35. bignoise.org/disaster.

ECC Theatre’s “That Day in Tucson”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays, April 25 through May 4, at Elgin Community College’s SecondSpace, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. ECC Theatre’s production of a drama centering around a congresswoman and a young intern who helps save her life in a shooting and the aftermath. $12-$14. eccartscenter.org/events/theatre.

Saturday, April 26

BSA Troop 209 50th Annual Pancake Breakfast: 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 26, at First United Methodist Church, 123 N. Plum Grove Road, Palatine. All-you-care-to-eat breakfast featuring pancakes, sausage and beverages prepared and served by the Troop 209 Scouts. Plus, a silent auction featuring themed baskets and gift cards. $10, $5 for kids 4-12, free for kids 3 and younger. https://my.cheddarup.com/c/t209pancakebreakfast/items

Lake County Home & Garden Show: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 26-27, at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. See and interact with thousands of home improvement and lifestyle products and services, with new and unique displays. Free admission. lakecountyhomeshow.com.

The Cor Corps Horn Ensemble will perform Saturday, April 26, at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake. | Courtesy of Cor Corps

Cor Corps Horn Ensemble: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14, Crystal Lake. The McHenry County area French Horn choir. Free. mchenry.edu.

Sunday, April 27

Farmers Market+ At The Dole: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, April 27, at The Dole, 400 Highland Ave., Crystal Lake. Over 50 farmers, food purveyors and artisans, with live music presented by BCU, food trucks, a kids’ entrepreneur booth and more. Free entry. farmersmarketatthedole.org.

The Great American Songbook: 2 p.m. Sunday, April 27, at the Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane, Rolling Meadows. Chicago-based jazz guitarist, vocalist and composer Andy Pratt plays and sings the Great American Songbook. Free. rmlib.org.

Masterpieces of Chamber Music: 3 p.m. Sunday, April 27, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Elgin Symphony string quartet performs chamber music in an intimate concert. $30, free for students 18 and younger with a paid adult. barringtonswhitehouse.com

Sharp, Shacht & Choi: 3 p.m. Sunday, April 27, at the Community Presbyterian Church, 39 N. Prospect Ave., Clarendon Hills. Featuring John Sharp, principal cello of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra; Liba Shacht, violinist in the Lyric Opera Orchestra and the principal second violin in the Grant Park Orchestra; and Winston Choi, associate professor of piano and the head of the piano program at Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts. Free. chcpc.org.

“American Songs & Stories”: 3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 27, at the Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. The Palatine Concert Band 2025 Spring Concert. $3-$10. cuttinghall.org

An Afternoon with Michael Bridge: 4 p.m. Sunday, April 27, at the Harper College Performing Arts Center, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Building R, Palatine. An intimate concert with the classical accordion wizard Michael Bridge, supporting the Annual SAI Elsie Sterrenberg String Scholarship Competition. $25. hsai-oakpark.org

Great Elgin Pipe Organ Tour: 4 p.m. Sunday, April 27, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 357 Division St., Elgin. Freewill offering. fcc-elgin.org/organ-tour.

Tuesday, April 29

“Wouldn’t It Be Loverly, The Music of Julie Andrews”: 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, at ECC Arts Center’s Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. An all-star cast brings songs from Julie Andrews’ repertoire to the stage for a loverly afternoon. $32. eccartscenter.org.

Wednesday, April 30

The James Callen Jazz Trio: 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 30, at the Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. Pop and rock tunes from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, including songs by The Eagles, The Beatles, Al Kooper, Bob Dylan, The Lovin’ Spoonful, John Denver, Queen, Gilbert O’Sullivan, Eric Clapton and Cyndi Lauper. Free. eapl.org.

Thursday, May 1

Threads Spring Fashion Show & Luncheon: 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 1, at Lindy’s Landing, 115 Park St., Wauconda. Women in Business Spring Preview Fashion Show and Luncheon. $30. waucondachamber.org

CLC International Film Series: 7 p.m. Thursday, May 1, in Room A011 at the College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. See the Academy Award-nominated 2023 UK/Poland film “The Zone of Interest.” The film has adult content and is not suitable for kids. Free. clcillinois.edu

“Rock of Ages”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, May 1-25, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. High-energy musical featuring the rock anthems and power ballads of Styx, Whitesnake, Pat Benatar, Poison and Twisted Sister. $20-$49. metropolisarts.com

Ongoing

“Art of the Parks — Paintings of the National Parks”: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with select evening and weekend hours through May 2, at the Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. A solo exhibition by artist Fred Moss with over 25 oil paintings inspired by the scenic beauty of America’s National Parks. prairiecenter.org.

Kuipers Midwest Tulip Fest runs through mid-May at Kuipers Family Farm in Maple Park. | Daily Herald File Photo

Kuipers Midwest Tulip Fest: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays at Kuipers Family Farm, 1N318 Watson Road, Maple Park. Estimated end date is May 18. Eight acres of tulips, live entertainment, attractions, food and more. Admission starts at $20.99 weekends, $16.99 weekdays. kuipersfamilyfarm.com.

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Morton Arboretum plant sale: Anyone for Lungwort or Barrenwort plants? Maybe Belgian giant tomatoes?

Posted in Chicago Sun*Times, Going green, The Morton Arboretum on April 21, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Kris Bachtell, The Morton Arboretum’s vice president of collections and horticulture, strolls through one of the center’s Quonset huts where plants are being readied for the Arbor Day Plant Sale. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

By  Stefano Esposito | Chicago Sun*Times

The long, low-slung hut without windows and a gun-metal gray door with only the number “12″ to identify it, looks like it might hold a closely guarded military secret.

Military? No. A secret? Yes, sort of — at least until April 24.

Kris Bachtell opens the door, and inside are hundreds upon hundreds of plants — in startling colors: a metallic purple and a neon-bright chartreuse. In another hut, a plant with a yellow-and-peach flower that resembles the most delicate origami creation.

The coral bell shrubs and the paper-like barrenwort are among the approximately 36,000 mostly perennial plants that The Morton Aboretum will have on sale during its annual three-day Arbor Day Plant Sale. Billed as “one of the largest seasonal plant sales in the Chicago region,” the arboretum is offering their plant “geniuses” for gardeners who might need a little advice.

Morton Arboretum Arbor Day Plant Sale
When: April 24 – 26
Where: Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle
Tickets: $32 (includes general admission and a $15 purchase voucher)
Info: mortonarb.org

For now, the plants are maturing in 10 Quonset huts. They’ll soon be hauled out on carts to a 38,000-square-foot facility for the sale, which runs April 24-26.

The plants are all designed to handle Chicago weather, including about 30 varieties of tomatoes.

Bachtell, Morton’s vice president of collections and horticulture, and Sharon Yiesla, Morton’s plant knowledge specialist, took a Chicago Sun-Times reporter and photographer on a recent preview tour.

Purple Heuchera, or coral bells, are part of the Arbor Day Plant Sale at The Morton Arboretum. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

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Things to do April 18-24: Long Grove Bunny Hop, An Evening with Itzhak Perlman, Riverdance 30 and more

Posted in Entertainment, The Morton Arboretum, Topics Of Interest on April 17, 2025| Leave a Comment »

The Long Grove Bunny Hop returns Saturday, April 19, to Historic Downtown Long Grove. | Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Friday, April 18

RCSA presents MTI’s Pure Imagination: 8 p.m. Friday, April 18, and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Musical revue featuring 14 musical numbers from shows in Music Theatre International’s Broadway Junior collection. $7-$25. Rauecenter.org.

Saturday, April 19

Easter Eggstravaganza: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 19, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 720 Dundee Ave., Barrington. Egg hunt with 5,000 eggs, carnival games with prizes, balloon animals and face painting. The Community Meal includes doughnuts, granola bars, fruit and more. stmatthewbarrington.org.

Long Grove Bunny Hop: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 19, in Historic Downtown Long Grove, 145 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Follow the downtown Long Grove Bunny Trail, where designated stops on the trail will offer treats and family-friendly activities. Free. longgrove.org.

Bunny Trolley Hop: Time slots from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at the Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Road, Union. Gates open at 9:15 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. Young visitors will be able to meet and be photographed with the Easter Bunny in his carrot coach, hunt for eggs and treasure, see live animals at the small animal zoo, and participate in activities, games and more. $20. irm.org.

Bunny Burrow Express: 11 a.m., 1:30 and 3 p.m. Saturday, April 19, in the Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve, 35W003 Route 31, South Elgin. Take the Fox River Valley Trolley Museum ride to the Easter Bunny’s “secret burrow,” where there will be hidden eggs to find. Children will receive a basket. $30 per person. Register: foxtrolley.org.

Earth Day Celebration: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at the Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. Exhibits, earth-friendly activities and crafts, guided hikes, food trucks, live music and puppet shows. Free. mccdistrict.org.

“Dancing with the Stars: Live”: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. See the professional dancers of the TV show on their live tour. Tickets start at $64. rosemont.com.

Sunday, April 20

Easter Brunch & Egg Hunt: 9 a.m. Sunday, April 20, at Itasca Country Club, 400 E. Orchard St., Itasca. Brunch buffet, a visit from the Easter Bunny, an egg hunt and a petting zoo. $35-$65; free for kids 3 and younger. RSVP: itascacountryclub.com.

Monday, April 21

Violinist Itzhak Perlman will tell stories, share personal photos, and perform with his pianist and friend Rohan DeSilva in “An Evening With Itzhak Perlman” Monday, April 21, at the Chicago Theatre. | Courtesy of Ravinia Festival

An Evening with Itzhak Perlman: 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 21, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. Multimedia program interweaves storytelling by Perlman with personal photos, documentary clips and music making with Perlman’s pianist and friend of 25 years, Rohan DeSilva. Tickets start at $56.50. msg.com/the-chicago-theatre.

Tuesday, April 22

Sneak Peek Showcase: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, April 22 and 24, at Cinergy Wheeling, 401 W. Dundee Road, Wheeling. An exclusive glimpse into the future of the big screen featuring trailers, never-before-seen footage and behind-the-scenes content from the upcoming theatrical slate. $3 suggested donation; proceeds will benefit the Will Rogers Pioneer Assistance Fund, Variety — the Children’s Charity, and The Cinema Foundation. cinergy.com/wheeling.

Riverdance celebrates its 30th anniversary with performances Tuesday through Sunday, April 22-27, at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago. | Courtesy of Jack Hartin

Riverdance 30 “The New Generation”: 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, April 22-24; 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 25; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 26; and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, April 27, at Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., Chicago. The fusion of Irish and international dance and music celebrates its 30-year milestone. Tickets start at $31.50. cadillacpalacetheatre.com.

Wednesday, April 23

MCC Jazz Ensembles: 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, at McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake. Free. mchenry.edu.

Thursday, April 24

Morton Arboretum Arbor Day Plant Sale

Arbor Day Plant Sale: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, April 24, at the Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Shop for a variety of plants chosen by experts for success in Chicago-area gardens. Tickets are $10-$47 and include a credit to be applied toward a purchase at the sale. mortonarb.org.

Central States Numismatic Society: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, April 24-25, and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at the Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. Coin collector convention with over 425 booths of vendors, experts, exhibits and more. Early-bird access available Wednesday, April 23. Daily admission $15, three-day pass $30, free admission for kids 17 and younger and after noon Saturday. csns.org/convention.

Chris Redd: 7 p.m. Thursday, April 24, and 7 and 9:15 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 25-26, at the Chicago Improv, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. Standup comedy. $25. improv.com/chicago.

MCC Chamber Ensembles and MCC Concert Choir: 7 p.m. Thursday, April 24, at McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake. Free. mchenry.edu/.

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Things to do Feb. 21-27: Disney’s Mary Poppins — A Staged Concert, Bonsai Silhouette Show, Lake County Craft Beer Fest and more

Posted in Entertainment, The Morton Arboretum on February 20, 2025| Leave a Comment »

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Friday, Feb. 21

58th annual Elmhurst University Jazz Festival: 11:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 21; 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22; and 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, in the Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel, 190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. Includes a High School Invitational at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, performances by the WDR Big Band at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 4:15 p.m. Sunday, university performances at 11:30 a.m. Friday through Sunday and more. $12-$54, weekend pass $120. elmhurst.edu.

“Disney’s Mary Poppins — A Staged Concert”: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 21-22 and 28 and March 1 and 6-8, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. A musical adventure based on the Disney movie. $24-$45. metropolisarts.com.

“The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System”: 10 a.m., with occasional 12:30 p.m. showings, various dates, Feb. 21 to March 29, at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Musical adaptation of the children’s books. Tickets start at $16.75. marriotttheatre.com.

International Gem & Jewelry Show: Noon to 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. Shop directly from gem and jewelry wholesalers, manufacturers and designers. $6-$8. intergem.com.

“Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!”: 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, and 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through March 2 at the Prairie Lakes Theater, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines. Based on the award-winning children’s book by Mo Willems about a pigeon who wants to drive a bus. $45-$75. bignoise.org/pigeon.

ECC Musical Theatre’s “Next to Normal”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 21 to March 2, at SecondSpace, Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. An unflinching look at a suburban family struggling with the effects of mental illness. $20-$22. eccartscenter.org.

Air Supply: 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. The legendary duo with their band performing their classic soft rock hits. $59-$89. geneseetheatre.com.

Saturday, Feb. 22

Unicorn World: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. See lifelike unicorns in an enchanted forest with family activities, bounce houses, rides and more. $39, family discounts available. theunicornworld.com.

See bonsai trees during the Prairie State Bonsai Society’s Bonsai Silhouette Show Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 22-23, at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle. | Courtesy of Walter Pall

Bonsai Silhouette Show: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, at the Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Presented by the Prairie State Bonsai Society, the show offers a rare look at deciduous and coniferous bonsai trees in winter, highlighting their intricate branch structures. The event also features a display of trees in training, showcasing the art of bonsai cultivation. Bonsai trees, pots, accessories and succulents will be available to purchase. Included with Arboretum admission, which starts at $15.95. mortonarb.org.

Chopin IN the City Festival: 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights. Part of the ninth Chopin IN the City Festival. A short theater performance with Chopin’s music expressed in words and dance performed by young actors from the Little Stars Theatre Workshops. Free. soundsandnotes.org.

Lincoln State Cat Club Benefit Show: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 22-23, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. Judging of up to 200 pedigreed and household pet cats. Author and radio personality Steve Dale will speak at 1 and 2 p.m. Saturday. Plus, there will be vendors, a cat food drive, local rescue and shelter cats, speakers, kids’ stuffed animal contest at noon both days and more. $15, $10 for seniors 60 and older and kids 6-11, free for kids 5 and younger, $40 family four-pack for two adults and two kids. cfa.org/event/lincoln-state-cat-club.

Oscar-Nominated Short Films: 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at Hey Nonny, 10 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights. Screening of the 10 Oscar-nominated short films. The Animated Shorts will run from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and the Live Action nominees will be shown from 1:10-3 p.m. Some films may not be appropriate for those younger than 18. $25, lunch buffet $30. heynonny.com.

St. Mary Irish Fest: 4-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at Trademark Events, 240 N. Throop St., Woodstock. St. Mary Catholic School hosts Irish Fest with music featuring Switchback, Mayer School of Dance, silent and live auctions, games and more. Entertainment only $20; dinner and entertainment $40; $15 for kids. st-mary-catholic-school.betterworld.org.

“i have a voice” National Gala 2025: 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. Benefit for GiGi’s Playhouse with dinner, open bar, live auction, special guests, live music and dancing and more. $300. gigisplayhouse.org.

The Lake County Craft Beer Festival comes to the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake Saturday, Feb. 22. | Daily Herald file photo

Lake County Craft Beer Festival: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. Local, regional and national breweries, distilleries and wineries offer samples of specialty and seasonal beers, plus music, food, games and entertainment. Must be 21 or older. $60, VIP admission $80, designated driver $10. lcfairgrounds.com.

Art Clash: 6:45 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, in the Theater at Side Street Studio Arts, 15½ Ziegler Court, Elgin. Monthly live painting competition. The February theme is “Identity.” Suggested donation: $13 in advance or $15 at the door. sidestreetstudioarts.org/artclash.

Evening of Percussion: 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. A night of music featuring the performing ensembles of the Crystal Lake Strikers and surprise guests. Fundraiser for the CL Strikers. $8-$16. Rauecenter.org.

Sunday, Feb. 23

Farmers Market+ At The Dole: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, at The Dole, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Over 50 farmers, food purveyors and artisans, with live music from BCU and food trucks serving breakfast and lunch. Free admission. farmersmarketatthedole.org.

“A Family Affair”: 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, at Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights. The Arlington Heights Community Concert Band will perform music with family themes. Free; tickets required. arlingtonheightsband.org.

The Chicago Bandura Ensemble will perform “Melodies of Resilience,” a concert honoring the resilience and culture of the Ukrainian people, Sunday, Feb. 23, at Journey of Hope United Methodist Church in Elgin. | Courtesy of Peter Koutun

“Melodies of Resilience”: 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, at Journey of Hope United Methodist Church, 37W040 W. Highland Ave., Elgin. Elgin Symphony Orchestra will present The Chicago Bandura Ensemble in a concert honoring the resilience and culture of the Ukrainian people. $20 for adults, $5 for students. elginsymphony.org.

Monday, Feb. 24

“The Winter’s Tale”: 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24, at the Vernon Area Public Library, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. The professional players of the Shakespeare Project of Chicago present a full, theatrical reading of a story of jealousy and redemption. The preshow introduction begins at 6:15 p.m. Free, but signup required. vapld.info.

American Stories: 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24, at First Congregational Church of Dundee, 900 S. 8th St., West Dundee. The internationally recognized Zodiac Trio presents familiar masterpieces alongside hidden musical gems in a compilation of pieces that have proven to be meaningful to people across both American continents. $15-$25. chambermusiconthefox.org.

Tuesday, Feb. 25

Alexis J. Roston sings Ella Fitzgerald: 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. Award-winner Alexis J. Roston salutes jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald. $49, $45. metropolisarts.com.

Sinatra ’55, “In The Wee Small Hours”: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25, at Hey Nonny, 10 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights. Gary Thomas, joined by special guest vocalist David Edelfelt, brings to life the magic of Frank Sinatra’s first masterpiece album, “In The Wee Small Hours.” $15-$35. heynonny.com.

Wednesday, Feb. 26

Murder Mystery Dinner and Show: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, at the Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner St., Des Plaines. Dine on an Italian feast while trading clues, gathering information and solving a mystery. $65. desplainestheatre.com.

Thursday, Feb. 27

The Northern Illinois Boat Show returns to the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake Thursday through Sunday, Feb. 27 through March 2. | Daily Herald file photo

Northern Illinois Boat Show: Noon to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Feb. 27-28; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 1; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 2, at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. Over 200 new and used boats from more than 50 manufacturers, and over 20 exhibitors, as well as boat trailers, parts and accessories. $9, $7 for seniors and veterans, free for kids younger than 12. illinoisboatshow.com.

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Here’s permission to be a lazy gardener as summer wanes

Posted in Chicago Tribune, Going green, The Morton Arboretum, Topics Of Interest on August 12, 2024| Leave a Comment »

By August, many leaves in the garden will have minor holes, spots, scorched edges or tatters. You can spruce up the look of the garden by snipping them off. (Beth Botts/The Morton Arboretum)

By BETH BOTTS | Published in the Chicago Tribune

By the time August comes with its heat and humidity, many gardeners are ready for a break and so are many plants.

“The growing season is starting to wind down,” said Sharon Yiesla, plant knowledge specialist in the Plant Clinic at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle. “You still need to do some things for your plants, but there are other tasks you can let go.” Here are some tips for somewhat lazier late-summer gardening.

Stop pruning. “Pruning stimulates new growth on trees and shrubs,” she said. If you prune them now, the twigs and bark that sprout in response will be too young and tender to survive the coming cold, dry winter weather. Do prune a branch that is broken or blocking the sidewalk, but save serious pruning for the dormant season, after plants have dropped their leaves, from November through March. Stop shearing yews and other evergreens too.

Keep watering. “Plants will need a water supply until they go dormant,” she said. Regularly water trees and shrubs as well as perennials, vegetables, annuals, and container plants. In hot weather, you may need to water containers and annuals every day, because the plants have grown so large that they will use water up fast. To determine whether you need to water plants in the ground, check for soil moisture by digging down 3 to 4 inches with a trowel and feeling to see if the soil is moist. “Be sure to check even if it’s rained,” she said. “Sometimes it can seem like there was a big downpour, but if you dig, you find the soil is moist only at the surface and bone-dry further down where the plant’s roots are.”

Tidy up. Remove plants that have died and the top growth of spring perennials that have gone dormant, such as bleeding heart. Spruce up perennials: “Just snipping off hosta leaves or other foliage that has gotten tattered or sun-scorched can really freshen up the look of a garden,” she said.

Deadhead. Cut off the spent blooms of annuals and perennials. “Many plants, such as perennial geraniums, salvia, petunias, and marigolds, will respond with new flowers,” Yiesla said. If you deadhead them promptly to keep them from forming seeds, you can often extend their bloom. Be careful not to remove too much foliage with the flowers — the plants need their leaves — but don’t leave awkward-looking bare stems.

Harvest crops. Pick tomatoes, squash and other vegetables as soon as they’re ripe so the plants keep producing. Cut back greens and herbs regularly so that plants such as lettuce, parsley and basil don’t get a chance to flower or bolt. “This is the time to make pesto with all those basil leaves,” she said.

Quit fertilizing. “At this point in the season, we need to stop pushing plants and let them start slowing down,” Yiesla said. Although it’s hard for us to grasp when we’re melting in the heat, winter is coming for plants. “They should be conserving their resources in preparation for dormancy, not putting on new growth,” she said. Only container plants still need occasional fertilizing. They quickly use the available nutrients in their limited soil, and frequent watering also sluices nutrients away.

Don’t worry about holes and spots. Most plants will have accumulated some imperfections by the end of the summer. “They’re usually not important,” she said. If you are concerned about signs of a disease or pest, consult with experts such as the Plant Clinic (mortonarb.org/plant-clinic) to identify it for certain and consider whether it’s worth worrying about.

Postpone planting projects. Cooler weather in September will make planting easier on both you and the plants. If you’ve already planted any perennials, trees or shrubs this year, be extra sure to keep them watered through the end of the season. “They haven’t had time yet to develop much of a root system to collect and store water,” she said.

Assess. While the plants are still lush, take a critical look at your garden. “Make notes and take pictures,” Yiesla said. “Look for spots you can improve next year.” In particular, consider spots where you could add plants for late-summer or fall color or interest. “In April and May, people tend to buy plants that are in bloom at the time, and they often don’t think about August,” she said. “Make some notes and plans now so you can plant for late summer next spring.”

For tree and plant advice, contact the Plant Clinic at The Morton Arboretum (630-719-2424, mortonarb.org/plant-clinic, or plantclinic@mortonarb.org). Beth Botts is a staff writer at the Arboretum.

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