Get your garden ready: Plant sales are popping up around the suburbs
Gardeners can get the growing season off to a good start with upcoming plant sales featuring perennials, vegetables, native and organic plants. It is also a good way to support local nonprofit organizations.
May 9
COD Horticulture Program Spring Plant Sale: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, May 9; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, May 10; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 11, at the COD Greenhouse, just west of the Technical Education Center, on the College of DuPage’s main campus, 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn. The Horticulture program at College of DuPage will be hosting a Spring Plant Sale. Shoppers will be able to choose from a variety of uncommon annuals and perennials as well as fresh herbs and vegetables. Hanging baskets, mixed containers and succulents will also be available. All purchases must be made with credit or debit card only. For more information, contact Amy Hull at hullamy@cod.edu or (630) 942-3806.
Lombard’s Lilac Sale: Noon to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 9; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, May 10; 9-11 a.m. Saturday, May 11 or until sold out, at Lilacia Park, 50 S. Park Ave., Lombard. All sales will be in person and you may choose from 16 different lilacs of varying sizes. Colors of the blooms range from deep violet, magenta and lilac to pink, blue and white. Proceeds support the Lombard Garden Club’s scholarship program, community beautification projects and educational outreach about the environment and gardening in our region. For information, lombardgardenclub.org/in-person-lilac-sale.html.
May 10
Bloomingdale Garden Club Flower and Plant Sale: Noon to 6 p.m. Friday, May 10; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., or until sold out, Saturday, May 11, at the Bloomingdale Park District Maintenance Building, 259 Springfield Drive, (on the north end of Springfield Park, ¼ mile south of Route 20/Lake Street), in Bloomingdale. Sale includes professionally grown annuals in flats, 4.5- and 6-inch pots, hanging baskets, vegetables and herbs, cannas, grasses, tropicals, tuts, Proven Winners and specialty annuals, as well as perennials from members’ gardens. There will be raffles and garden items for sale. A Master Gardener Help Desk will be available to answer your gardening questions. Cash, checks, and credit cards will be accepted. Proceeds support area charities and garden club monthly programs. For information, www.bloomingdalegardenclub.org.
Petals for Plants Pet Sale: noon to 7 p.m. Friday, May 10. at a new location, the adoption center, 1901 Ogden Ave. in Downers Grove. The West Suburban Humane Society is hosting its annual “Petals for Plants Pet Sale.” All proceeds will benefit the dogs and cats of the humane society. For information, visit wshs-dg.org/news-events/upcoming-events.
May 11
Algonquin Garden Club Spring Plant Sale: 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 11, in the parking lot of St. John’s Lutheran Church, 300 Jefferson St. in downtown Algonquin. Purchase annuals, perennials and potted flowers from member gardens, as well as hanging baskets, just in time for Mother’s Day. Come early for the best selection. Proceeds go toward community projects to contribute to the beautification of the community, donating to charitable organizations, protecting the environment, and preserving history. For information, visit algonquingardenclub.org.
Gardeners of Central Lake County Plant Sale: 8:30-11 a.m. Saturday, May 11, at Crawford House, 817 Lake St., Libertyville. Sale, which will be held rain or shine, includes annuals, bedding plants, herbs, houseplants, natives, perennials, vegetables. Plants are grown by seeds, bulbs, bare root and cuttings. Cash or check accepted. For information, gardenersofcentrallakecounty.org or email juliancindy@hotmail.com.
Batavia Plain Dirt Gardeners Plant Sale: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 11, at Bethany Lutheran Church Gymnasium, 8 S. Lincoln St., Batavia. Plants are sourced locally from members’ gardens, with varieties of sun and shade native plants, perennials, iris, hostas, ferns, shrubs, small trees, grasses, sedges, bulbs, ground covers, and often annuals and house plants to choose from. For information, bataviaplaindirtgardeners.org.
Green Garden Fair: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 11, at First Congregational Church, 235 S. Kenilworth, Elmhurst. Organic vegetable and herb seedlings and beautiful flower seedlings will be available for purchase. Learn how to live more sustainably from a variety of “green” exhibitors. New this year: Bring your garden tools, knives and scissors for Custom Edge Sharpening to sharpen while you wait. Also, Prairie Wind Natives will be selling native plants. For information, elmhurstucc.org.
Rolling Meadows Garden Club Plant and Craft Sale: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 11, at 3000 Central Road, Rolling Meadows. Experienced gardeners will be available to assist in your selections and answer gardening questions. Browse a wonderful selection of premium hanging baskets, flowering annuals, perennials, vegetables, accent plants, milkweed, and outdoor/nature art and crafts. For information, rollingmeadowsgardenclub.com.
St. Hugh of Lincoln Plant, Patio and Craft Sale: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 11, at St. Hugh of Lincoln Episcopal Church, on the southeast corner of Randall Road and Highland Avenue, in Elgin. The sale features a variety of homegrown flower, herb and vegetable plants ready for containers or the garden, as well as pre-owned patio décor and garden tools. Vendors will showcase items for spring and Mother’s Day. All proceeds benefit St. Hugh Outreach Ministries. For information, sthugh.net.
The Conservation Foundation's annual plant sale: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 11, at McDonald Farm, 10S404 Knoch Knolls Road, Naperville. Come to the farm for the annual Mother’s Day weekend plant sale, where you’ll find a wide selection of native perennials and grasses, McDonald Farm-grown organic vegetable and herb seedlings, organic compost, rain barrels, Mother’s Day gift options, and more. Visit theconservationfoundation.org/conservation-home/plant-sale/.
May 12
Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital's Smart Farm Plant Sale: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, May 12, at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, 450 W. Highway 22, Barrington. Join the annual Smart Farm plant sale featuring a wide variety of plants available for $5 per plant. The sale will take place at Advocate Good Shepherd's Barns, located just east of the hospital. For information, smartfarms.org/event/annual-plant-sale-2.
May 17
Kane DuPage Soil and Water Conservation District Native Trees, Shrubs and Plant Sale: The order deadline for plants is May 17; order deadline for trees and shrubs has past. The digital catalog is available on the organization’s website. Download the order form, complete your selections and follow the instructions to submit the order and payment. The Northern Illinois Worm Farm will be on hand at pickup days with fresh, local worm casting and worm castings tea for sale. For information, kanedupageswcd.org/kd.
Friends of the DuPage County Fair Flower & Plant Sale: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, May 17, to Sunday, May 19, at DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. Featuring hanging baskets, annuals, vegetables, herbs, and more. All plants locally grown and provided by Prosek's Greenhouse. Proceeds helps Friends of the DuPage County Fair raise funds to enhance and improve the grounds. dupagecountyfair.org/event/flower-plant-sale.
Northbrook Garden Club Plant Sale: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, May 17, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at Village Green Community Center, 1810 Walters Ave., Northbrook. Northbrook Garden Club’s plant sale is an annual event with a thousands of perennials, natives and non-natives for sale. There will be over 100 different varieties for sun to shade, dry and moist soils, and everything in between. Also available vegetable starts and herbs, and a small number of shrubs/small trees. Held indoors rain or shine. Credit cards accepted. For information, northbrookgardenclub.org.
May 18
Palatine Garden Club Annual Perennial Sale: 7 a.m. Saturday, May 18, in the Palatine Farmers Market at the Metra Station parking lot, 137 W. Wood St., Palatine. Choose from a variety of perennial plants, including many native to the region, sourced from club members’ gardens. Many flowering and foliage plants, ornamental grasses and more will be on sale. Milkweed for the Monarchs will be available. Knowledgeable gardeners will be on hand to answer questions and help patrons choose the right plant for the right situation. Cash or check only. For information, (847) 287-6423.
Fox Valley Garden Club Gardeners' Sale: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 18, in the parking lot behind West Aurora Learning Center, 1870 W. Galena Blvd. in Aurora. The 27th annual fundraiser is scheduled on the Saturday after Mother’s Day. Stroll through the farmers market-style sale. They will be featuring vendors selling plants and gardening-related items. Proceeds from the sale fund the club's community projects. It will be held rain or shine. Free admission. foxvalleygardenclub.com/GardenerSale.html.
Des Plaines Garden Club’s Annual Plant and Garden Flea Market: 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 18, at Frisbie Senior Center, 52 E. Northwest Highway, Des Plaines. Pick up some annuals, perennials, vegetables, a hanging basket or maybe a houseplant. Master Gardeners will be there to answer your questions and help you select your plants. You may find garden tools or pots donated by one of our members. We will also have a selection of home-baked desserts for sale. Rain date is Saturday, May 25. Cash sales only. For information, desplainesilgardenclub.com.
Crestview Garden Club of Elmhurst Plant Sale: 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at The Depot, 511 S. York Road, Elmhurst. Shop early for the best selection of more than 1,000 plants and many unique varieties at great prices. Plant offerings include sun and shade perennials, herbs, ground cover, houseplants, natives plus plants to attract birds, bees and butterflies. Sale takes place rain or shine. Experienced gardeners on site to help with plant selection. For information, crestviewgardenclub.com.
Garden Club of Lake Zurich Spring Plant Sale: 8:30 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 18, at Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. The club offers hundreds of member-grown perennials, seed grown annuals, natives, woodland plants, saplings, vegetable seedlings, ground covers, houseplants, herbs, garden décor and plant grow lights. Get expert advice from Master Gardeners and other members of the club. Sale held rain or shine. Cash/check/credit cards accepted. Come early as plants go quickly. For information, gardencluboflakezurich.org.
Dundee Backyard Garden Club Plant Sale: 9 to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, May 18, in Grafelman Park, Fifth and Main streets, West Dundee. The sale will be held rain or shine and features a wide variety of perennials, grasses, native plants, vegetables, herbs and more from the gardens of club members. Garden “Junque” and gently used garden items will also be available for sale. Proceeds fund an annual scholarship. The Backyard Garden Club is accepting new members. Members enjoy casual monthly meetings with a variety of educational programs, garden walks and field trips. New and experienced gardeners welcome. More information available at the plant sale.
Garden Club of Mount Prospect Plant Sale: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at Mount Prospect Historical Society Campus, 101 S. Maple St., Mount Prospect. Come early to find member-grown perennials, some annuals, vegetables, tubers, seeds and house plants. Get expert advice from Master Gardeners and other garden club members on plant selection and care. Rain date is Sunday, May 19. For information, gcmp.weebly.com.
Lincolnshire Garden Club Plant Sale: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at 28 Fox Trail, Lincolnshire. More than 300 perennials and annuals will be available in flats, pints, gallons and hanging baskets. Cash, check or credit card accepted. Rain or shine. For information, lincolnshiregardenclub.com.
Long Grove-Kildeer Garden Club Plant Sale: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 18, and 10-11:30 a.m. Sunday, May 19, at Reed-Turner Woodland Nature Center, 3849 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Perennial plants for sale grown in members' gardens and include grasses, hostas, flowers and more. Look for popular heirloom tomato plants and milkweed plants. The Reed-Turner Botanic Artists will be selling their botanical artwork. Garden decor and gardening books will be offered at very affordable prices. For information, (847) 641-5590 or facebook.com/longgrovekildeergarden.
Tri-Village Garden Club Plant Sale: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 18, at the Bartlett Log Cabin, 102 N. Eastern Ave., Bartlett. The club’s sale will feature a wide assortment of perennial and annual plants in addition to large begonias, hanging baskets and vegetable plants. Members of club will be on hand to answer questions, share gardening expertise and make recommendations for sun- or shade-loving plants. Plants are ideally suited for suburban gardens in the USDA plant hardiness zone 5B. Proceeds support scholarships, growing vegetables for local food pantries and educational programs. Cash and checks only; rain or shine. For information, facebook.com/TriVillageGardenClub.
University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners’ Plant Sale: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at the University of Illinois Extension grounds, 100 S. Highway 45, Grayslake. University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners will hold its annual plant sale featuring a beautiful selection of nursery-grown varieties not readily available at traditional garden centers — natives, new cultivars of perennials, grasses and pollinator-friendly plants. Many varieties of homegrown tomatoes, along with other vegetables and herbs, will be available. In addition, shop the “Garden Treasures” for new and gently used items to enhance your landscape. Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer your gardening questions, help with plant selection and offer gardening advice. All proceeds support projects and programming for volunteers, youth and adults in Lake County. For information, call (847) 223-8627 or visit extension.illinois.edu/events/2024-05-18-lake-county-2024-plant-sale.
West Chicago Garden Club Plant Sale: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at Bloomingfest, downtown at Main and Galena streets, West Chicago. More than 2,000 perennials, annuals, and a large selection of peppers and tomatoes for sale at very reasonable prices. Because the club’s purpose is to encourage gardening in the Western suburbs, they hold four “potting parties” in April and May where they divide and pot up plants from their own gardens. The plants are watered and nurtured until the sale so they are ready to go into neighborhood gardens. Club members will be available to answer questions and offer advice. For information, WestChicagoGardenClub.org or facebook.com/westchicagogardenclub.
Wild Ones of Greater Kane County Native Plant Sale: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at Gray Willow Farm, 5N949 Corron Road, Campton Hills. Wild Ones of Greater Kane County is holding its 12th annual Native Plant Sale featuring native plants, shrubs and trees. Check, cash and charge are accepted. (630) 200-5665 or greaterkanecounty.wildones.org.
Cantigny Spring Fest: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, May 18, at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Greenhouse tours, bulb sale, McCormick House Marketplace, and Terrarium Bar by Leelee’s Garden. For families: Fun walk, gnome scavenger hunt, plant crafts and live animals from The Grove. Plus, grand opening of Cantigny beer garden with music by Gleeson Irish Trio. Admission $12, free for ages 15 and under. Parking $5. Some activities are fee-based. Full details and ticket sales at cantigny.org.
Water Street Naperville Plant Sale Fundraiser: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at Foyo Plaza, on West Gartner Road in downtown Naperville. Water Street in Downtown Naperville will host a Spring Plant Sale featuring flowering plants, hanging baskets mixed pots, porch planters, herb collections and garden art from We Grow Dreams in West Chicago. We Grow Dreams is a professional nonprofit nursery and greenhouse providing training and employment to young adults who have graduated from high school transition programs. For information, waterstreetnaperville.com.
Wheaton Garden Club Plant Sale: 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at 504 Hamilton Drive, Wheaton. The Wheaton Garden Club is hosting a flower and plant sale featuring professionally grown annuals, many of which are Proven Winners. Summer favorites available for purchase include a variety of begonias, coleus and petunias, as well as some hard-to-find specialty plants. Proceeds support area community organizations and scholarships for College of DuPage horticulture, environmental studies or botany and biology students. Cash or checks. For information, wheatongardenclub.org.
May 25
Prospect Heights Garden Club Plant Sale: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 25, in the shopping center at Rand Road and Thomas Street, Arlington Heights. Plants from members’ homes will be available. For information, call Ann Johnson at (847) 253-1223.
June 1
Arlington Heights Garden Club Plant Sale: 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, June 1, at Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont, Arlington Heights. Plants dug from members' gardens will include perennials and native plants. Annuals, perennials, vegetables and herbs started from seeds and cuttings by members also will be available. Also garden art, books and garden equipment. For information, ahgardenclub.com.
North Aurora Garden Club Plant Sale: 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 1, at Oak and Walnut streets, North Aurora. A variety of plants from garden club members; sale held rain or shine. Cash or check only. Supports garden club activities. For information, contact Gail at (630) 618-6467.
St. Charles Park District's Native Plant Sale: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 1, at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, 3795 Campton Hills Road, St. Charles. Plants will be available for purchase onsite and while supplies last. Choose from a wide selection of plants that are native to the region. Naturalists will be on hand to provide assistance with your plant selections. View this year’s catalog via www.stcnature.org/native-plant-sale/.