HELPING OTHERS GROW—ONE PROGRAM AT A TIME

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📅 Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 6:00 PM

Welcome spring with a beautiful, long-lasting garden! Join horticulturist Bryan McKay for an informative and practical session on selecting the right bulbs for Northwest Indiana. Learn when and how to plant, tips for dividing and naturalizing, and which varieties offer reliable color year after year — including deer-resistant favorites.

Whether you’re planning your first bulb garden or looking to enhance established beds, Bryan will share expert guidance to help your landscape thrive from early spring through fall.

Purdue Extension – Lake County

2293 N. Main St., Crown Point, IN

🗓 Monday, May 4, 2026 at 6:00 PM

Open to gardeners of all experience levels.

Join Purdue Extension Educator Dolly Foster to explore the colorful world of heirloom vegetables. Learn what makes a variety “heirloom,” why these historic plants have been passed down for generations, and how they differ from modern hybrids.

Dolly will share practical growing tips, common challenges, and advice for successfully growing these flavorful varieties in Northwest Indiana.

Purdue Extension – Lake County

2293 N. Main St., Crown Point, IN

🌱 Great for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.

May 13 | 6:00–7:00 PM | Live on Zoom

Want a front yard that looks great and is easier to maintain? Join award-winning garden educator Robert Pavlis as he evaluates real front yard designs and shares practical tips you can use right away.

Learn how to create strong structure, choose the right plants, and avoid common design mistakes — all in this engaging live Zoom program designed to help you garden with confidence.

📅 Thursday, June 11 at 6:00 PM

Think your landscape is too shady to grow a beautiful garden? Think again! Join Peter Sheardy as he shares how to turn low-light areas into lush, inviting spaces. Learn which plants thrive in shade, how to work with different light conditions, and simple design ideas to add texture, color, and interest.

Whether you’re dealing with full shade or just a few tricky spots, you’ll walk away with practical tips and inspiration to make the most of your garden.

📍 In person at Purdue Extension – Lake County

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 • 6:00–7:30 PM • Virtual (Zoom)

Discover the fascinating world of beneficial insects and the important role they play in creating a healthy, balanced garden ecosystem. Garden coach Amy Powers will introduce common “good bugs,” explain how they naturally control pests, and share simple ways to attract and support them in your landscape.

Amy brings over 20 years of gardening experience and a passion for making gardening easy to understand and enjoyable for all.

Missed the Social?

We had a great turnout at our Spring Social & Seed Swap!

Members enjoyed cut flower gardening ideas, bouquet design, photography tips, herbal teas, and even tool sharpening in a relaxed, hands-on setting.

While this was a member-focused event, we’re happy to share some of the inspiration, tips, and handouts with our community.

Missed the presentation—or want to enjoy it again?

You can now watch the recording of this engaging program featuring Anna Ball, Chairman and CEO of Ball Horticultural Company and a recognized leader in the horticulture industry.

In this presentation, Anna explores emerging trends in horticulture, the growing influence of plants, and how evolving design ideas are shaping the future of gardens and landscapes. You’ll also see beautiful garden examples and stunning container combinations that inspire ideas for home gardens and beyond.