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Pauline Kennedy Gardening Lecture Series

Botanic Garden in Christchurch Thomas Ford Memorial Library presents Pauline Kennedy Gardening Lectures each spring and fall. Registration is required for the following programs. Please sign up at the Reference Desk, or call 708-246-0520 to reserve your place.


Fall 2010 Gardening Lectures


Tuesday, September 14th at 7:00 p.m.
Chicago Gardens: The Early History


Cathy Maloney, local author and senior editor at Chicagoland Gardening magazine, will discuss her book Chicago Gardens: The Early History at this informative program. Maloney has meticulously researched Chicago’s horticultural heritage, its pioneering gardeners, and its evolution as the nation’s produce hub. You will learn about the roles that the pioneers who planted native wildflowers as well as the immigrants who cultivated treasured seeds from their homelands had in making Chicago live up to its motto, Urbs in Horto. Several lucky attendees will win autographed copies of her book. Plan to attend this delightful program which is a combination of gardening lore and a history of the city that we love.


Monday, October 25th at 7:00 p.m.
Themed Gardens


Themed gardens have captured the imaginations of gardeners for centuries. From the Shakespeare Garden at Northwestern University designed by Jens Jensen which includes herbs, trees, and flowers mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays, to the White Garden of Vita Sackville-West at Sissinghurst Castle, theme-based gardens challenge the planner in a creative manner and delight the viewer. Jackie Riffice of Prairie Godmothers will introduce us to several noted themed gardens and provide design tips and ideas. Perhaps a themed garden in celebration of Western Springs’ 125th anniversary next year??? Hmmmm…..


Tuesday, November 30th and Wednesday, December 1st at 7:00 p.m. (Duplicate sessions - Only register for one)
Winter Greens Workshop


Deb Cullen, the Container Nanny, returns to Thomas Ford to help participants create beautiful winter containers using a spruce top as a base. Other live greens and natural products will be added to make an enchanting composition. Participants will leave with a completed arrangement that looks beautiful and smells wonderful!! More details will be available when registration begins on October 4. Each class is limited to 15 participants; preference will be given to Western Springs residents. A yet-to-be-determined materials fee will be payable at the time of registration. Please stop by or call the Reference Desk on or after October 4 to register or obtain more information.
Make the holidays less stressful-start your holiday decorating early!

Lectures in this series are sponsored in memory of longtime Western Springs resident Pauline Kennedy.