Save the Date for our Bloom & Thrive - A Native Fest!

September 13, 2025 – 9 AM to 2 PM, Griffith Izaak Walton

Lake County Master Gardeners launched their first Native Fest with a day dedicated to native plants, pollinators, and sustainable gardening practices.

Featured Presentations

• Heather Prince – “Woody Plants for Butterflies (and Moths!)”
  Heather shared how trees, shrubs, and vines serve as larval hosts for butterflies and moths, inspiring gardeners to create landscapes that support diverse Lepidoptera.
• Dr. Scott Stewart – “Incorporating Native Plants into Your Landscaping”
  Drawing on his experience as former director of Chicago’s Lurie Garden, Dr. Stewart showed how naturalistic design can create beautiful, resilient, and wildlife-friendly gardens.

Afternoon Sessions

• Walking Tours & Outdoor Learning: Dr. Stewart, CISMA, and Save Our Streams highlighted ponds, invasive species, and native ecosystems.
• Indoor Talks: Horticulturist Dolly Foster spoke on pollinator habitats, and permaculture designer Reid Swanson introduced principles for sustainable design.

Vendors & Community

Local vendors added to the festival atmosphere with sourdough bread, ceramics, native plants, mushrooms, pottery, goat milk products, elderberry syrups, and local honey.

A Taste of the Day

The $25 ticket included a continental breakfast and hearty lunch featuring meat or vegetarian chili and a baked potato bar.

Bloom & Thrive brought together gardeners, experts, and neighbors to learn, shop, and celebrate the power of native plants to create healthier landscapes and communities)