Illinois Dunesland Garden Club is for gardeners in Northeastern Illinois and Southeastern Wisconsin. We are a well-established garden club; we have been meeting since 1937. Our club has gardeners, recent and experienced. We are always looking for new and interested gardeners—you don’t have to be a master gardener to be included! We have nearly ninety members and are growing each year.
Ever wondered what goes on at a garden club meeting? Stop in to find out.
Take a look and dig around our site. We have so much information to share!
Please click on images or underlined phrases to follow links throughout this website for more information. Often you will find links with directions or more information about the speakers, topics and events themselves.
2026-2027 Meetings & Events
Kick-Off Afternoon Tea and Meeting
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
12 NOON
Wild Rose Banquet Hall, 1707 7th St., Winthrop Harbor, IL
Please join us for a delightful Fall Afternoon Tea Luncheon experience, catered by Wild Rose Banquet Room at 12pm (noon).
There will be a brief meeting to follow.
We welcome guests interested in discovering more about our garden club and exploring membership. See email communications for pricing.
MEETING AGENDA:
A review of the garden club’s annual activities highlighting new member inductions, incoming committee leads, innovative programs, fundraising initiatives supporting Community Outreach Programs, and our yearly Scholarship. Get ready for an exciting year of speakers, activities, workshops, community interactions and making new friends.
KICKOFF COMMITTEE:
Lead: Janet E.
Co-Leads: Kathy M.
Assists: Sheryl A., Jenny B., Brenda P., Paula R., Chris T-S., Ed W.
October Monthly Meeting
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
1 PM
Zion-Benton Public Library, 2400 Gabriel Ave, Zion, IL
Nic Geudtner, owner of Living Roots Farm, will explain the workings of this unique hydroponic farming practice, along with the importance of sustainable food production through year-round indoor gardening methods.
REFRESHMENTS:
Co-Leads: Joyce & Frank L.
Assists: Pat C., Lydia C., Barbara F., Caroline L., Joe L., Sandy W.
November Monthly Meeting + Interactive Workshop
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
1 PM
Zion-Benton Public Library, 2400 Gabriel Ave, Zion, IL
Come join IDGC members, Paula Reinier and Janet Eppers, for a free workshop. Members and guests will create two items made of natural materials for decorations and bird-friendly outdoor decor. All materials will be provided.
REFRESHMENTS:
Lead: Dolores M.
Assists: Carol A., Kathie H., Janet M., Paula P., Suzanne R., Darlene R., Diane W.
Christmas Holiday Luncheon
Tuesday, December 8, 2026
12 nOON
Birchwood Grill, 7515 125th Ave., Kenosha, WI
Christmas comes but once a year, so let’s get together for some holiday cheer! Come and join in for fun activities, socializing and making memories with our Garden Club friends. See email communications for buffet pricing.
January Monthly Meeting
Tuesday, January 12, 2027
1 PM
Zion-Benton Public Library, 2400 Gabriel Ave, Zion, IL
Cheri Doetch, owner of Beaver Creek Gardens in Kenosha, will present “Healthy Eating for Your Family and the Planet”. A field trip to the farm will be added at a future date.
REFRESHMENTS:
Lead: Dolores M.
Assists: Carol A., Kathie H., Janet M., Paula P., Suzanne R., Darlene R., Diane W.
February Monthly Meeting
Tuesday, February 9, 2027
1 PM
Zion-Benton Public Library, 2400 Gabriel Ave, Zion, IL
Bob Holbach, owner of Millburn Tree Farm, will discuss the many benefits of tree, bushes and mulch to our landscapes. Topics will include how they enhance beauty, improve environmental health, conserve moisture, reduce erosion and create healthier and more sustainable outdoor spaces.
REFRESHMENTS:
Lead: Barb A.
Assists: Gale D., Mary G., April M., Karen M., Cheri N., Bruce P., Judith S.
Nightime Fundraiser - Plant Bingo
Thursday, February 25, 2027
6 PM
TBD
Please come and join us for a fun-filled, first-ever Plant Bingo game night. Public is welcome; invite a friend or two. Prizes consist of lovely houseplants to chase the winter blues away, gift cards and gardening tools to use in your yard. Details will be provided in the coming months.
COMMITTEE:
Lead: Sheryl A. Co-Lead: Cathy P.
REFRESHMENTS:
Lead: Sheryl A.
Assists: Bailey J., Michael M., Cathy P., Jennifer Q., Michael S., Chris T-S., Sandra U.
March Monthly Meeting
Tuesday, March 9, 2027
1 PM
Zion-Benton Public Library, 2400 Gabriel Ave, Zion, IL
Andy Blaul, Information Director for the Lake County Farm Bureau, will present “Benefits for Local Farmers and Suburban Gardening”. Local farmers and suburban gardeners strengthen communities, promote sustainable food production and encourage environmental stewardship.
REFRESHMENTS:
Lead: Sandi S.
Assists: Judy A., Penny B., Beth D., Jackie K., Kathy K., Liz P., Susan R.
Special Evening Presentation "Dragonflies and Damselflies"
Tuesday, March 25, 2027
6 PM
TBD
Cindy Crosby will present “Dragonflies and Damselflies”, sharing an interactive presentation on two of the most fascinating insects found around ponds, lakes and streams. Discover how to tell them apart, learn about their life cycle and find out why they are important to healthy ecosystems.
REFRESHMENTS:
Lead: Maribel R.
Assists: Maria L. A., Cruz G., Veronica G., Evelio R., Irma R., Guadalupe R., Rogelio R.
April Monthly Meeting
Tuesday, April 13, 2027
1 PM
Zion-Benton Public Library, 2400 Gabriel Ave, Zion, IL
Nate Isch from our local Zion Ace Hardware Store will present “The Basics of Lawn Care: Making Informed Decisions for a Healthy Lawn”.
REFRESHMENTS:
Lead: Jan L.
Assists: Lynn J., Rebecca K., Jill L., Iris L., Doreen M., Elizabeth S., Ingrid T.
Potluck Luncheon
Tuesday, May 11, 2027
12 NOON
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 3350 N. Delany Rd., Waukegan, IL
The club invites you to a potluck luncheon featuring fried chicken with each member requested to bring a dish to share, fostering a culinary delight!
COMMITTEE:
Lead: Jan L.
Assists: Kathy M., Shola O., Terryl R., Ed W., JoNancy W., and new members from September–May.
Annual Plant Sale / Auction
Saturday, May 15, 2027
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 3350 N. Delany Rd., Waukegan, IL
10 AM - 1 PM
The club invites you to a potluck luncheon featuring fried chicken with each member requested to bring a dish to share, fostering a culinary delight!
COMMITTEE:
Lead: Jan L.
Assists: Kathy M., Shola O., Terryl R., Ed W., JoNancy W., and new members from September–May.