 McHenry Garden Club
News Stories
The McHenry Garden Club donated two concrete benches to the University of Illinois Master Gardener Demo Garden located at McHenry County College. The benches were donated to encourage visitors to relax while viewing the beautiful environment. 
Standing behind the bench: McHenry Garden Club member Gina Dunkley and Mcc student Matt Seaver. Seated on bench: MCC students Jessica Martin and Brenda Jimenez
The McHenry Garden Club enjoyed sampling different teas and desserts during their September meeting at the Shepherd of the Hills Church. Elizabeth Musial, owner of Laisum Tea in McHenry, gave a presentation about loose tea green tea, testing the tea, brewing times and history of tea. Members brought in a tea cup for a tea cup exchange. Hostesses were Jane Pomije and Barb Patterson. 
Pictured from left:Marita Sension, Jean Schiller, Milena Buck, Elizabeth Musial, presenter, Maureen Norton, Barbara Patterson,Dorothy Kowalczyk
McHenry Garden Club members took a Sunday afternoon walk through three of the members' gardens. Gardening plants will be shared in the Spring. For information to visit or join call Dorothy 815-363-6113.
Pictured from Left: At the home of Judy Walter are: Carolyn Gunder, Holly Bauernsmith, Marita Sension, Joyce Matuszewich, Janet Adams and Judy Walter.
The McHenry Garden Club took a tour of WMLand Corp Production facilities with David Woodruff. Members learned about the certified organic nursery growing fine organic plants and produce in four greenhouses on a small farm in Woodstock. David uses only natural organic products, no synthetic chemicals of any kind, unusual methods such as bug patrolling chickens and guard tortoises in the starting greenhouses. Coordinator was Mary Napolitano. Hostesses were Janet Adams and Sue Bourassa. 
Pictured left: Eileen Lane, Carolynn Gunder, Dorothy Kowalczyk, Milena Buck and David Woodruff.
Members of the McHenry Garden Club enjoyed their September meeting with a presentation given by Louis and Babette of Rowe Honey Farms. Products they turn into honey were explained and displayed along with learning about the bees social structure, their different jobs and how they collect the pollen.. Coordinator for the evening was Mary Napolitano. Meetings are the third Thursday of the Month at the Shepherd of the Hills Church. Guests are welcome. Call Dorothy for information 815-363-6113.
Pictured are members: Jane Thomas, Jane Pomije, Chris Metz, Louis & Babette Rowe, Milena Buck, Pat Schaefer, Mary Napolitano
The McHenry Garden Club's held it's monthly meeting at The Gardens of Woodstock Nursery in May.
Gwen VanSteen took the group on a tour where she discussed the many different dwarf conifers and how they can fit into a garden. The Hostess was Jane Thomas. 
Pictured: Gwen showing one of the conifers: Maureen Norton, Chris Metz, Gwen VanSteen from the Gardens, Judy Walters, Marita Sension
2009 Scholarship Awarded  The McHenry Garden Club is proud to award a $1,000 Scholarship to Angelia Giblin, a 2009 McHenry West Campus graduate. She is the daughter of Sophia and Timothy Giblin.She intends to major in Environmental Science and is currently attending MCC. Her future plans are to attend the University of California, Berkeley. Her strong passion is in preserving and cleaning the worlds ecosystems in order to provide safe and beautiful places for humans and animals to live in. Besides being active in the school's Environmental Club she was active in other student and community activities.
2009 Container Garden Gala 
| |  | |  | Happy audience members Jane Dwyer, Molly Oakford, and Debbie Anderson enjoy the Gala
| | Laura Godek, Chairman of the Container Garden Gala, discusses the winning ticket distributions with Michelle Nowland and Jean Schiller
| | Michelle Nowland holds up a winning number to give to the recipient of a container garden in the audience
|  | |  | |  | Janet Adams assists with the raffle baskets before the start of the Container Garden Gala | | Janet Adams and Pat Schafer prepare to sell tickets for the raffle baskets
| | Jean Schiller and Sue Bourassa prepare to sell tickets to the Gala
|  | |  | |  | Carolynn Gunder and Wendy Schwan are ready with the baked goods for the Gala
| | Joyce Matuszewhich and Eileen Lane prepare to sell refreshments at the Gala
| | Judy Walters and Dorothy Kowalcyzk give out information and take ticket stubs for the drawings at the Gala held April 30, 2009 |  | |  | |  | Barb Patterson and Maureen Norton prepare to sell tickets at the Gala
| | A collection of the containers won by the audience created and donated by The Barn Nursery & Landscape Center, Cary-, Castle Gardens, Richmond & Volo, Countryside Flower Shop & Garden Center, Crystal Lake, Harms Farm, McHenry, & McHenry Garden Center, McHenry | | Vern Schiller assisted Suzanne Eck, Commentator, with the Container Garden Gala
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NEWS RELEASE: Members of the McHenry Garden Club received an informative lesson on new perennials and plant advice at a meeting Whispering Hills Nursery in Crystal Lake. Shelley Isenhart gave the group an overview of new plants and their care. For information Call Dorothy 815-363-6113
Picture: Members Carolynn Gunder, June Gruner, Sue Bourassa, Shelley Isenhart of Whispering Hills, Wendy Schwan and Mary Napolitano 
The McHenry Garden Club hosted a Water Color project for the McHenry Library . Artist and Instructor Leslie Kreher guided the children with their trees artwork in celebration of Arbor Day. Garden club members Carolynn Gunder, Dorothy Kowalcyzk, Joyce Matuszewich, Wendy Schwan, Jane Thomas, Eileen Lane,and Jean Schiller assisted with the project. 
McHenry County Master Gardner, Rich Tobiasz gave an informative presentation to the McHenry Garden Club on Composting Basics at the March meeting. He discussed construction details, the site, the ingredients, procedure, issues, and use. Laura Godek updated the club on the Container Garden Gala being held April 30th at McHenry High School's West Campus at 7pm. Judy Walters and Carolynn Gunder are the co-chairs for the Garden of the Month. Jean Schiller sent out Scholarship information to papers. The club is giving a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating McHenry High school student. Application forms are at East & West Campus. Marita Sension reported on the McHenry Library Arbor Day Kids Program being held April 25th at 10 am. Next meeting will be April 16th at Whispering Hills Nursery from 6 - 8 pm. Guests are welcome. Call Dorothy 815-363-6113. 
Pictured: Rich Tobiasz, Maureen Norton, Barb Patterson
Press Release The McHenry Garden Club will host a Container Garden Gala on Thursday, April 30. The Gala will be held in the theatre of the West Campus High School, 4724 W. Crystal Lake Rd. The show begins at 7 PM. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Garden Centers from the Barn Nursery, Castle Gardens, Countryside Flower Shop & Nursery, Harms Farm, and McHenry Garden Center will prepare container gardens live and on stage. , Suzanne Eck,who specializes in perennials and has a home based business, will discribe the attributes and unique qualities of each container. Container gardens will be given to audience members to bring home.
Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Chances on baskets designed by the garden club members and refreshments will be available.
Proceeds from this fundraiser will be used for scholarships, educational gardening events for children, and landscape beautication.
For information call Laura at 815-344-1965
Pictured left: Suzanne Eck, Garden Club Members, Jane Thomas, Marita Sension, Carolynn Gunder. 
Mary Kozub from the McHenry County Conservation District gave a presentation to the McHenry Garden Club on invasive species in our yards and gardens. Hostesses were Chris Metz and Pat Schafer. The club meets the third Thursday of the month. For information call Dorothy 815-363-6113
Pictured left: Club members, Ellen Saunders, Diane Odom, Chris Metz and Mary Kozub, MCCD. 
McHenry Garden Club members Chris Metz, Milena Buck, Sue Bourassa, Master Gardner & Artist Leslie Kowitz, Dorothy Kowalcyzk, and Wendy Schwan display art work created by Kowitz. Under her direction club members created watercolor floral note cards after the business meeting held in January at the Shepherd of the Hills Church. Hostesses were Milena Buck & Mary Napolitano. April 30th will be the Container Garden Gala at McHenry High School West Campus. Call for information to visit or join Dorothy 815-363-6113 
McHenry Garden Club members, Jeanne Smith and Pat Schaefer, have created over 20 fun-filled baskets for the Holiday Floral Extravaganza fundraiser being held Thursday, December 4th at 7:00 pm, at the McHenry High School's West Campus on Crystal Lake Road. Designers from five local florists will create, on stage, floral arrangements and through drawings the public will take them home. Chapel Hill, Countryside Flower Show, Lockers Flowers, Mary's Flowers, and Mum Floral Design will donate their time and arrangements Proceeds from this event will go towards beautification projects, education programs, and the scholarship fund. Refreshments will be available. Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Call Jean 815-385-3369 or Laura 815-344-1965 for information. 
Collene Nelsen, Author of many herb articles relating to planting and usage, demonstrated various ways of using herbs by bringing in several courses of food prepared for the McHenry Garden Club to sample. She shared ideas on planting herbs in containers and to "tuck an herb here and there" among existing gardening space and how to make herbal vinegar.  Picture left: Barbara Patterson, Marita Sension, Sue Bourassa, Coleene Nelsen, Milena Buck, Pat Schaefer
Keith & Nancy Johnson, organizers of the Woodstock Farmers Market gave a presentation on "Local Food at Our Farmers Market" to the McHenry Garden Club. The Johnsons gave a brief history of their involvement with raising vegetables since 1971 and what is entailed in meeting the standards of the Woodstock Market. 
Pictured garden club members, Michelle Nowland, Sue Bourassa, Milena Buck, Kurt and Nancy Johnson, and Mary Napolitano.
Hearthstone Manor's Garden Club in Woodstock hosted a luncheon and presentations for the McHenry County Garden Clubs. Diane Cline from Cline's Nursery gave a presentation on Shade Plants For Your Garden and Mary Napolitano and Liz Melle from "Mary & Liz's Potting Bench" demonstrated container gardening. 
Pictured are McHenry Garden Club members:
Front left: Marita Sension, Dorothy Kowalcyzk, Jean Schiller,
Michelle Nowland, Mary Napolitano and Liz Melle
McHenry Garden Club members enjoy a tour of the garden at Hearthstone Manor
Pictured left: Dorothy Kowalcyzk, Joni Fisher,
Employee at Hearthstone, and Michelle Nowland
The McHenry Garden Club is overlooking the vineyard at the Salute! Farm & Vineyard on Pleasant Valley Road in Woodstock. Janet Emery Adams, previous owner of the farm and garden club member, led the garden club group that are from McHenry, Cary, Woodstock, and Crystal Lake to her former residence. Farm manager Michelle Perry explained the farm's operation. The group learned that Salute! is a small farm growing healthy, delicious fruits, vegetables, and herbs without chemical pesticides or fertilizers and the public can buy shares of the crop. Club members are anxious to try the "Primo Rosso" Wine harvested from the vineyards and can be tasted at La Petite Creperie Restaurant in Woodstock.
If you are interested in learning about our club and attending a meeting, please call Sue 815-459-9174, Milena 815-459-4430, or Jean 815-385-3369.
Click on the photo to enlarge.
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| Pictured front: Michelle Nowland, Dorothy Kowalcyzk, Jeanne Smith, Joyce Matuszewich, Marita Sension, Carolynn Gunder, Jackie Fichter, Karen Thennes, Jaron Hill, Emery Hill, Janet Adams, Chris Metz.
2nd row: Sue Bourassa, Milena Buck, Jean Schiller, Kay Hill, Dorothy Metz.
Not pictured: Vicki Mortensen
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The McHenry Garden Club recently held it's meeting in the home of Joe and Mary Napolitano. Chairman's Joyce Matuszewich and Maureen Norton reported on the Butterfly Garden and the Garden Bug activities for both children's programs held at the McHenry Library. Members signed up for the River Walk weeding work schedule. Melina Buck reminded the members of the Master Garden Walk in July. Co-chairman, Laura Godek and Jean Schiller reported that Thursday, December 4 is the date for the Holiday Floral Extravaganza. After the business meeting, Joe Napolitano gave a presentation on his Railroad Garden. Click on the photos to enlarge.
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| | Left: Marita Sension, Dorothy Kowalcyzk, Jane Thomas, Barb Patterson, Joyce Matuszewich enjoy Joe's presentation. | Left front: Barb Patterson, Michelle Nowland,
Back: Jane Thomas, Joyce Matuszewich, Sue Bourassa, Janet Adams, Jeanne Smith, Laura Godek | 
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| Left, Dorothy Kowalcyzk, Jeanne Smith, and Joe Napolitano watch as the train travels through flower beds, tunnels, and towns.
| Joe's daughter, Isabelle, and wife, Mary watch as he gives presentation to members of the garden club.
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The McHenry Garden Club put on a bug presentation to children ages 4 - 10 years at the McHenry Library as part of it's "Get the reading bug program".
Maureen Norton and Joyce Matuszewich taught the group the importance of bees and butterflies in gardens. Learning to draw and assembling the bug parts on paper were some of the projects.
Michelle Nowland & Jean Schiller assisted with the projects. Click on the photos to enlarge.
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| | Maureen Norton shows a product that bees produce. Michelle Nowland assisting. | Maureen Norton, and twins
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| Joyce Matuszewich shows real bugs
| Joyce shows how to draw a grasshopper and teaches names of the body parts |
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Meagan Graham, daughter of Frank & Maureen Graham, is the recipient of the McHenry Garden Club's $500 scholarship. Meagan, a graduate of McHenry High School West Campus, won the award for her hard work, excellent grades, and volunteer work in the community. She will be studying agriculture or environmental studies at Western Illinois University. 
Heather Moester, Designer, took members on a tour and explained the new 2008 perennials and annuals during the McHenry Garden Club's monthly meeting at The Barn Nursery in Cary.
From Left: Michelle Nowland, Milena Buck, Sue Bourassa, Heather Moester, Designer,
Carolyn Gunder, Dorothy Kowalczk, Jean Schiller, Jane Thomas
Back: Mary Napolitano, Carol Riha, Kim Ratway (not pictured is Laura Godek
and Marita Sension)
 Lynn Drathring from the McHenry County Conservation District recently presented to The McHenry Garden Club Herb Gardening and its many uses in cooking, making natural products and on drying. She spoke on companion planting and herb plants and their specific needs. Milena Buck & Sue Bourassa served as hostess. For information on monthly meetings & activities call Sue 815-459-9174 or Jean 815-385-3369
Pictured Left to right: Carol Riha, Theresa Keith, Sue Bourassa,
Milena Buck, Lynn Drathring, Maureen Norton, Barb Patterson,
Joyce Matuszewich, Jean Biddulph, Kim Ratway, Marita Sension
and Dorothy Kowalcyzk (front)
McHenry Garden Club's Holiday Floral Extravaganza was a hugh success thanks to floral donations from area florist: Mary's Flowers, Lockers, and Chapel Hill Florists from McHenry along with Countryside and Flowerwood from Crystal Lake. Laura Godek and Jean Schiller, co-chaired the event. Florist on stage at McHenry High School's East Campus assembled over fifty arrangements to over 225 attendees in the audience. Arrangements were raffled to audience members. Judie & Chuck Altman from Kenosha, WI, were commentators and offered informative information on flowers and arrangement types. Club member, Michelle Nowland donated a Lonaberger Basket filled with a festive design for the raffle. Club members, Pat Schaefer, Laura Godek, & Steffen Jewelry donated to the silent auction. Members donated to a bake sale. Proceeds will benefit the club's scholarship program, community beautification & children's education projects. A spring flower show is in the planning. Meetings are held the third Thursday of the Month. For information call: Sue 815-459-9174 or Jean 815-385-3369. Click on photos to enlarge. 
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| Judie & Chuck Altman commentators and florists on stage.
| Pictured is Carol Riha showing one of the arrangements to the audience. All of the arrangements were carried or carted down the aisle for the audience to see. |
The McHenry Garden Club presented a program on pumpkins to children ages 5 -11 during the McHenry Library's Children's Program on Oct 28th.. Chairman, Michelle Nowland created Mini pumpkin topiaries made in clay pots. Participates enjoyed decorating the pots. Larry Reinhardt, McHenry County Farm Bureau' Ag in the Classroom Coordinator, gave a presentation on "The History and Growth of Pumpkins." A Pumpkin Patch Dessert was made for all to enjoy.
 Members of the McHenry Garden Club organized a program on pumpkins for children at the McHenry Library. Participants ages 5 - 11 brought home a decorated pumpkin topiary. This year club members have presented several children's programs and added beauty to the library's landscape by amending the soil and planting perennials and annuals. Meetings are the third Thursday of the Month.
Call Barb 815-759-0470
Members: Pat Schaefer, Milena Buck, Dorothy Kowalcyzk, Jean Schiller, Jeanne Smith.
Back: Maureen Norton, Mary Napolitano
(Click on photo to enlarge)
Michelle Nowland, Project Coordinator for the McHenry Garden Club's October meeting furnished members with pumpkin vases and fall flowers to make their holiday  arrangements. Sue Bourassa reported on the landscaping at the Wheeler Fen Park Sign and working on Phase II at the library. Jean Schiller and Laura Godek gave reports on the Holiday Floral Show being held November 29th at McHenry East Campus at 7:00 pm. Hostess were Bridget Hoffmann and Mary Napolitano. Next meeting is November 15th at Shepherd of the Hills Church at 6:45 pm.
For info Barb 815-759-0470
Pictured: Maureen Norton, Barbara Patterson, Dorothy Kowalcyzk, Michelle Nowland, Jean Schiller, Sue Bourassa, Mary Napolitano, Melina Buck
(Click on photo to enlarge)
 Several McHenry Garden Club members were lucky winners at the Richmond Garden Club Floral Show held this month.
From Left: Jean Schiller, Michelle Nowland, Barbara Patterson, Jeanne Smith and Marita Sension.
(Click on photo to enlarge)
The McHenry Garden Club held their monthly meeting at the home of Rich & Wendy Tobiasz's Farm in Spring Grove. Members enjoyed touring the organic farm, mini arboretum, and a large herb garden filled with over 75 different kinds of herbs. Chickens, turkeys, goats that produce milk, sheep, a llama, rabbits, and honey bees were also a part of the tour. Chris Hildebrandt and Shari Fellows provided refreshments for the evening. Meetings are held the third Thursday of the month. New members and guests are always welcome. Call Barb 815-759-0470 or Sue 815-459-9174.  | | Pictured: Chris Hildebrandt, Michelle Nowland, Milena Buck, Barb Patterson, Jane Thomas, enjoy attention from Hannah the goat, while Rich Tobiasz looks on. |
Milena Buck, Woodstock, was the Chairman for the McHenry Garden Club's Veggie Garden Presentation. Members presented a program to 25 children ages 5 - 10 and parents, at the McHenry Library. Participants were able to choose a vegetable plant and touch and explore worms. Dean Allen, member of the garden club and owner of Soil Exchange, Inc., demonstrated how worm composting benefits the soil. The garden club holds a monthly meeting the third Thursday of the month. For information call Barb 815-759-0470 or Sue 815-459-9174. Guests are welcome. 
Click on image to enlarge
Pictured: Jean Schiller, Michelle Nowland, Marita Sension,
Milena Buck, Bridget Hoffmann, Dean Allen, Chris Lumber
The McHenry Garden Club met Thursday, July 19th at the home of Mary Napolitano for a meeting, a July picnic, and a game of "Garden Jeopardy. Members brought a dish to share and wore their lovely, silly, or outrageous "garden hats." Meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month. For information call Barb 815-759-0470 or Sue 815-459-9174. 
Click on image to enlarge
Pictured left to right: Jean Schiller, Jane Thomas, Dorothy Kowalcyzk,
Carol Riha, Pat Schaefer, Marita Sension, Mary Napolitano, Sue Bourassa,
Shari Fellows, Michelle Nowland, Milena Buck, Jeanne Smith
2007 Arbor Day Tree Planting
Several members from the McHenry Garden Club attended the Arbor Day Program. The Club donated a Honeylocust tree to be planted in Fox Ridge Park. Pictured left to right: Tom Schmitt, Superintendent of Forestry & Park Planning, Michelle Nowland, Club Treasurer, Christine Smutney, Club Conservation Reporter, Pete Merkel, Director of Parks & Recreation, Jean Schiller, Corresponding Secretary, and Bob Peterson, McHenry Councilman. 
McHenry Garden Club's "Magic Garden"
project at the McHenry Library
The McHenry Garden Club helped 25 children, ages 5 - 10, put the magic into a spring garden at the McHenry Library. Club members Bridget Hoffmann, Shari Fellows, Jean Schiller, Wendy Schwan, Barbara Patterson, Dorothy Kowalcyzk and florist, Debbie Lykeouetzos helped the children decorate a container and fill it with fun things to grow. The Garden Club and All About Petals & Stems Florist donated the supplies.
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Dr. Sebastian Fuska, Chiropractor, demonstrated to
members the types of exercises to do now to prepare
for "Gardening Without Injury." Back: Sue Bourassa,
Mara Couet, Jane Thomas. Front: Dr. Sebastian Fuska,
Carol Riha
UPCOMING EVENTS Sue Bourassa summarized future programs set up for meeting and side trips including a trip to the Chicago Botanical Garden "Behind the Scenes" Tour. Christine Smutney gave a Conservation report. Wendy Schwan is looking into monogrammed shirts for club members. President Barbara Patterson, Sue Bourassa, and Michelle Nowland will meet with McHenry officials to confirm future beautification sites. Jean Schiller reported twenty-two children have signed up for the "Magic Garden" McHenry library project March 29th. Hostesses were Maureen Norton and Mara Couet.
The club meets the third Thursday of the month. The April 19th meeting will be at Countryside Nursery in Crystal Lake on "New Perennials for 2007 & Demo on Planting in Containers." For information call Barb at 815-759-0470 or Sue at 815-459-9174. On May 17th, Master Gardner, Peggy Lackman, will instruct the group on making Hypertufa Troughs. The meeting place will be at Jean Schiller's. June 15th, members will take a "Behind the Scenes" Tour to the Chicago Botanical Gardens. June 21st, Dean Allen will do demonstrations on "Worm composting. For information call Barb-815-759-0470, or Sue-815-459-9174, or Jean-815-385-3369.
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