July 1:  Wheaton.  A demonstration will be presented of simple, yet attractive, floral designs to give a bit of a patriotic touch to your July 4th festivities.  11 am & 1 pm, free, parking fee applies, Cantigny Gardens, 1 S 151 Winfield Rd, 630-260-8162, www.cantigny.org

July 1:  Wheaton.  Bob Waterman, Director of Gardens at Cantigny, will present a light-hearted presentation on Garden Myth Busters.  2 pm, free, parking fee applies, Cantigny Gardens, 1 S 151 Winfield Rd, 630-260-8162, www.cantigny.org

July 5:  St Charles.  Learn which plants to use in Rain Gardens, and those that are well-behaved in your perennial garden, along with the advantages of using native plants in your yard.  Free, 10-11 am, The Natural Garden, 38 W 443 Hwy 64, 630-584-0150, www.thenaturalgardeninc.com

July 8 - 10 & 22 - 24:  Monticello.  Explore the beauty of nature and art through various art media.  This Junior Artists Camp is for students entering grades 1-3.  9 am-3 pm, $92, pre-register, Allerton Park and Retreat Center, 515 Old Timber Rd, 217-333-3287, www.allerton.uiuc.edu

July 9, 16 & 23 or 12, 19 & 26:  Lisle.  Gardeners will be introduced to a wide palette of ornamental landscape plants for the Midwest area, with much of the class time spent outdoors exploring the Arboretum's collection.  1-3:30 pm on Wednesdays, 9:30 am-noon on Saturdays, $99, 630-968-0074, Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte 53, www.mortonarb.org

July 9:  Wheaton.  Bob Waterman, Director of Gardens at Cantigny, will present a historical snapshot of Cantigny and its lush gardens as you enjoy wine and refreshments while strolling the gardens.  6:30 pm, $25, Cantigny Gardens, 1 S 151 Winfield Rd, 630-260-8162, www.cantigny.org

July 10 & 12:  Glencoe.  Explore the bonsai display and discover what it takes for a tree to become a bonsai.  Following the tour with Ivan Watters, he will demonstrate how to start a bonsai tree.  6:30-8:30 pm on 7/10, 1-3 pm on 7/12, $37, 847-835-5440, Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd, www.chicagobotanic.org

July 10, 17, 24, 31, August 7 & 14:  Lisle.  With this "Garden Basics" course, you will learn about plant structure and growth, and how plants grow together creating living plant communities.  6:30-9 pm, $189, 630-968-0074, Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte 53, www.mortonarb.org

July 11:  Naperville.  Spring Bluff Nursery, 41 W 130 Norris Rd, Sugar Grove, will have a guided tour of a private garden in Naperville.  $12/includes box lunch, 630-466-4278 for more info or www.springbluffnursery.com

July 11:  Wheaton.  See how fruits and vegetables are grown with this walk through the Idea Garden, followed by enjoying some delicious fresh berries.  11:30 am-12:30 pm, free, parking fee applies, Cantigny Gardens, 1 S 151 Winfield Rd, 630-260-8162, www.cantigny.org

July 12:  Bowmanville.  The Bowmanville Community Organization presents its 10th annual garden walk, which highlights 21 gardens in the neighborhood.  Two Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions.  Free, 11 am-4:30 pm, 866-837-1006, www.bcochicago.org

July 12 - 13:  Bucktown.  "Art in the Garden" titles the Bucktown Garden Walk, featuring artists painting in some of the 100 gardens.  11 am-5 pm, $5/includes guidebook and trolley, 312-409-4003, www.bucktown.org

July 12:  Chicago Heights.  The Union Street Gallery presents "A Little Garden Art," featuring six gardens where artists will create works of art in the gardens.  $20/advance, $25/event day, box lunches can be ordered, 10 am-3 pm, 708-754-2601, www.unionstreetgallery.org

July 12 - 13 & 19 - 20:  Chicagoland.  The Midwest Pond and Koi Society presents its 18th annual tour, which showcases approximately 40 ponds and gardens in the Chicagoland area.  Each pond will be open one day:  July 12 - South area; July 13 - North/Northwest area; July 19 - Central area; July 20 - Southwest/West area; 9 am-5 pm, select sites open for evening viewing, $15 for guidebook, 312-409-2081, www.mpks.org

July 12:  Crystal Lake, Woodstock.  McHenry County College and the McHenry County Master Gardeners with the University of Illinois Extension will hold their annual Master Gardeners' Garden Walk.  Included are six gardens, with the tour starting at McHenry County College, 8900 US Rte 14, Crystal Lake.  9 am-4 pm, $10/through 6/30, $15/after, purchase tickets through McHenry County College, 815-455-8697, www.mchenry.edu

July 12:  DeKalb.  The University of Illinois Extension, DeKalb County Master Gardeners, will host the DeKalb County Garden Walk and Plant Sale, showcasing six gardens.  9 am-4 pm, $10/advance, $12/event day, 815-758-8194, http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/dekalb/gardenwalk/ 

July 12:  Elgin.  The American Association of University Women will present the Fox Valley Garden Walk, showcasing six gardens.  9 am-3 pm, $10/advance, $12/event day, 847-931-0351.

July 12:  Glencoe.  Come and discover the edible ornamentals you can take from the flower border to the dinner table.  9 am-noon, $74, 847-835-5440, Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd, www.chicagobotanic.org

July 12 - 13:  Glencoe.  The 49th Annual Wisconsin Illinois Lily Society Show takes place at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd, and features floral arrangements in four artistic categories along with a beautiful judged display of more than 100 lily blooms in different varieties.  Visitors can also get tips from experts on how to grow and propagate lilies.  Noon-4:30 pm on Saturday, 10 am-4:30 pm on Sunday, free, parking $15, call 847-733-0072 for additional information.

July 12:  Hinckley.  The Friends of Hinckley Public Library will host a "Garden Walk in the Country," which features six country gardens.  9 am-2 pm, $10 before 7/10, $15 after, 815-286-3220, www.hinckley.lib.il.us

July 12:  Sugar Grove.  Jim Feurborn, a local beekeeper, will be speaking at 10 am.  Free, 630-466-4278, Spring Bluff Nursery, 41 W 130 Norris Rd, www.springbluffnursery.com

July 12 - 20:  Winfield.  Our Perennial Festival - Capturing the Emotion of color - will include tours, classes, demonstrations, and activities for children.  Planter's Palette, 630-293-1040, 28W571 Roosevelt Rd, get more details at www.planterspalette.com

July 13:  Arlington Heights.  The Arlington Heights Garden Walk presents a tour of residential gardens and a Unique Boutique.  10 am-5 pm/Unique Boutique, Noon-5 pm/garden walk, $10, 847-962-9909, www.gardencentral.org/illinois/arlingtonheights 

July 13:  Chicago.  Listen to Symphony Sounds String Quartet and tour Wicker Park's award winning gardens.  Music performance 11 am & 1 pm, $5/at door; garden tour 10 am & 1 pm, $5/at door; call 773-278-9075 for reservations and info, Wicker Park Garden Club, Wicker Park Field House, 1425 N Damen, www.wpgarden.org

July 13:  Elmhurst.  The Elmhurst Garden Club presents its 13th annual garden walk "An Afternoon in the Garden," which showcases eight private gardens and features tea and a garden boutique under a tent in Wilder Park.  10 am-3 pm, $10 before 7/1, $15 after, 630-530-7884, www.gardencentral.org/illinois/elmhurstgardenclub/

July 13:  Mt Greenwood:  The Mt Greenwood Garden Club will present its annual garden walk from 10 am-4 pm.  Call 773-779-8439 for more information.

July 13:  North Shore.  Gardens of six club members will be featured by the Gardeners of the North Shore.  Noon-5 pm, free, 847-945-2837.

July 13:  River Forest.  Learn how everything works together as a balanced system in a healthy garden.  1 pm, pre-register at 708-366-6530, Trailside Museum of Nature History, 738 Thatcher Ave.

July 13:  Roscoe Village.  The 8th Annual Roscoe Village Garden Walk will showcase 40 - 50 gardens in a self-guided walking tour.  Free, Noon-6 pm, 773-329-5036, www.roscoevillage.org

July 13:  West Edgewater Glen.  A variety of urban gardens will be featured in the Edgewater Glen Association Garden Walk.  Noon-5 pm, $4, 773-761-3668.

July 14:  Glencoe.  Richard Hawke will talk about his top picks for perennials, both old and new.  6:30-8:30 pm, $37, 847-835-5440, Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd, www.chicagobotanic.org

July 14:  Long Grove-Kildeer.  The Long Grove-Kildeer Garden Club Garden Walk highlights four gardens designed by their club members.  The tour begins at 9:30 am, ending with a box lunch, $25, 847-847-7207.

July 15 - 17:  Monticello.  Explore the beauty of nature and art through various art media.  This Artists Camp is for students entering grades 4-8.  9 am-3 pm, $92, pre-register, Allerton Park and Retreat Center, 515 Old Timber Rd, 217-333-3287, www.allerton.uiuc.edu

July 16:  Glencoe.  Learn methods of maintaining colorful containers from season to season.  8:30-11:30 am, $62, 847-835-5440, Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd, www.chicagobotanic.org

July 16:  Glencoe.  Learn flower arranging with store-bought bouquets.  Please bring pruners and a small box for your finished arrangement.  All other materials are included in the fee.  6:30-8:30 pm, $49, 847-835-5440, Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd, www.chicagobotanic.org

July 17 - 18:  Wilmette.  The Chief horticulturist at Beaver Creek Nursery, Dave Wanninger, will introduce you to some new and better shrubs for your home garden.  6:30-8 pm on Thursday, 10-11:30 am on Friday, pre-register at 847-256-0561 X225 or jenniferb@chaletnursery.com, Chalet Nursery Education Center, 3132 Lake Ave.

July 18 - 19:  Antioch.  The Antioch Garden Club will hold its Garden Walk from 9:30 am-1:30 pm on 7/18 and 10 am-2 pm on 7/19.  $25/walk and luncheon, call 847-395-7936 for more information.

July 18 - 19:  Frankfort, Homer Glen, Mokena, New Lenox.  The Will County Master Gardeners will present "Where There is a Will, There is a Garden," a garden walk with an educational focus.  Five of the 10 gardens will offer presentations on such topics as waterwise gardening and hand-tied European bouquets.  9 am-7 pm on 7/18, 9 am-4 pm on 7/19, $12/advance, $15/event day, call 815-727-9296 or visit http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/will for more information.

July 19:  Aurora.  Your water gardening questions will be answered:  10 am, mechanics of a pondless waterfall; 11 am, benefits of a bio-falls filer; noon, pond particulars.  Call Carol, 630-355-4000, to pre-register, The Growing Place, Montgomery Rd, 2 blocks north of Ogden, www.thegrowingplace.com

July 19:  Dixon, Rock River.  Eight gardens will be on the garden walk tour hosted by the Rock River Garden Club and the Dixon Area Garden Club.  9 am-6 pm, $10/advance, $12/at door, 815-288-8090.

July 19 - 20:  Glencoe.  The North Shore Iris and Daylily Society Daylily Show and Sale takes place at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd.  Bloom displays on Sunday only; irises and daylilies on sale Saturday & Sunday, 10 am-4:30 pm, free, parking $15, call 847-835-5440 for additional information, www.chicagobotanic.org

July 19 - 20:  North Side.  The Sheffield Neighborhood Association will showcase more than 100 North Side resident gardens and a Garden Center with workshops, entertainment and children's activities.  $6/before 5 pm, $10/after 5 pm, hours are noon-9:30 pm (noon-5 pm for gardens and Kid's Corner), 773-929-9255, www.sheffieldfestivals.org

July 19:  St Charles.  We will have special plants to give your children to take home and plant so that they can experience nature.  Learn why these and other plants are so vital to our natural world.  Plants that will peak your child's curiosity through the senses as well as historical significance will be demonstrated.  10-11:15 am, $5, ages 5 and above, pre-register by 7/16, The Natural Garden, 38 W 443 Hwy 64, 630-584-0150, www.thenaturalgardeninc.com

July 19:  Sugar Grove.  Tim Norris will speak on attracting and repelling wildlife in your yard.  10 am, free, 630-466-4278, Spring Bluff Nursery, 41 W 130 Norris Rd, www.springbluffnursery.com

July 20:  Bloomingdale, Roselle.  The Villagers of Bloomingdale will showcase 6 themed gardens.  $10, 1-5 pm, 630-924-6861.

July 20:  Chicago.  Listen to the Joe Davidian Trio and tour Wicker Park's award winning gardens.  Music performance 11 am & 1 pm, $5/at door; garden tour 10 am & 1 pm, $5/at door; call 773-278-9075 for reservations and info, Wicker Park Garden Club, Wicker Park Field House, 1425 N Damen, www.wpgarden.org

July 20:  Dearborn.  The North Dearborn Association will sponsor its 50th Annual Dearborn Garden Walk, which showcases more than 20 private rear gardens, ranging from Victorian to contemporary.  $30/advance, $35/event day, noon-5 pm, 312-632-1241, www.dearborngardenwalk.com

July 20:  Lakeview.  The East Lakeview Chamber of Commerce and the Central Lakeview Merchants Association will showcase more than 75 gardens in the Central and East Lakeview neighborhoods with their free 13th annual Lakeview Garden Walk.  Free trolley service, noon-5 pm, 773-935-9685, www.lakeviewgardenwalk.com

July 20:  Villa Park.  The Villa Park Men's Garden Club is sponsoring the free Villa Park Garden Walk.  Noon-5 pm, 630-627-5163, www.homegardening.org

July 20:  Winnebago.  Enjoy seven gardens within the Winnebago Public Library district as they present their 5th annual garden walk.  Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions; booklets available with each ticket.  10 am-5 pm, $5/advance, $6/event day, 815-335-7050, www.winnebagopubliclibrary.org or www.bagogardenclub.com

July 22:  Glencoe.  Through lecture and slides, this course will teach you the basics of front yard landscape design.  7-9 pm, $37, 847-835-5440, Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd, www.chicagobotanic.org

July 23:  Chicago.  Bill Shores, garden manager, will give one-hour tours of the organic, edible Chicago garden of Rick Bayless, chef/owner of Frontera Grill and Topolobampo.  6:30 pm, $20, www.urbanedible.blogspot.com

July 23:  Glencoe.  Tim Pollak will help you learn "Butterfly and Hummingbird Gardening with Color."  6:30-8:30 pm, $37, 847-835-5440, Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd, www.chicagobotanic.org

July 23:  Wheaton.  A variety of wines and soft drinks will be available as well as on-going tours all evening long of the new Prairie and Savannah Garden, the newly renovated Rose Garden and the Idea Garden, with the newly installed Sensory Garden.  6:30 pm, $25, Cantigny Gardens, 1 S 151 Winfield Rd, 630-260-8162, www.cantigny.org

July 24:  Glencoe.  Through slides, you will learn natural alternatives to lawns by planting native wildflowers and grasses.  6:30-9 pm, $45, 847-835-5440, Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd, www.chicagobotanic.org

July 24 - 25:  Wilmette.  Our Chalet expert, Tony Fulmar, will discuss why correct watering is the most critical factor in the survival of plants in our gardens.  6:30-8 pm on Thursday, 10-11:30 am on Friday, pre-register at 847-256-0561 X225 or jenniferb@chaletnursery.com, Chalet Nursery Education Center, 3132 Lake Ave.

July 25 or 26:  Lisle.  Each student participating in this Introduction to Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging) will create an arrangement to take home.  Fees include cost of all supplies, 1-3 pm, $30, 630-968-0074, Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte 53, www.mortonarb.org

July 26 - 27:  Glencoe.  The 21st Annual Plant Show and Sale of the Cactus & Succulent Society of Greater Chicago takes place at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd.  This is a judged show and sale of cactus and succulents; fun activities for kids too.  10 am-4:30 pm, free, parking $15, www.geocities.com/cssgc

July 26:  Hinsdale.  Enjoy the Northern Illinois Iris Society Annual Sale at the Hinsdale Community House, 415 W 8th St, 10 am-3 pm, 708-354-5629.

July 26:  Norwood Park.  Five to seven gardens will be on the Norwood Park garden walk.  $10, noon-4 pm, 773-631-7587.

July 26:  Wheaton.  Stephen Scannjello, of the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens' Cranford Rose Garden and author, will be the keynote speaker to help celebrate the newly designed Rose Garden.  The Glen Ellyn Quartet will also perform.  6:30 pm, $40, parking fee applies, Cantigny Gardens, 1 S 151 Winfield Rd, 630-260-8162, www.cantigny.org

July 27:  Lake Forest.  Garden Conservancy Tours will be held at Elawa Farm and two private residences.  10 am-4 pm, $5/each admission, www.opendaysprogram.org

July 30:  Glencoe.  Learn when, how and where to divide and conquer your perennials.  6:30-8:30 pm, $62, 847-835-5440, Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd, www.chicagobotanic.org

July 31 - August 1:  Wilmette.  How do you harvest correctly, extend the harvest and enjoy your crops?  Jennifer Brennan will explain.  Taste test some of her favorite recipes for classic bumper crop vegetables.  6:30-8 pm on Thursday, 10-11:30 am on Friday, pre-register at 847-256-0561 X225 or jenniferb@chaletnursery.com, Chalet Nursery Education Center, 3132 Lake Ave.

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Illinois Club Meetings:

Homewood.  The Exotic Plant and Garden Club meets the first Thursday of each month, 7 pm, at the Dolphin Lake Club House, 183rd & Governors Hwy.  Call 708-532-0381 for additional information.

Lynwood.  The South Suburban Cage Bird Association meets the 2nd Sunday of the month in the Calvin Reformed United Church of Christ, 2895 Glenwood-Lansing Rd, Basement Banquet Rm, at 2 pm.  This club is dedicated to the protection and breeding of birds, training and exchanging ideas.  Come and meet people who share your interest in pet birds.  Our Annual Fall Bird Fair will be held on Sunday, October 12, in Highland, IN.  Call 219-864-0420 or 219-836-5079 for more information.

Peoria.  The Central Illinois Herpetological Society holds public meetings on the 1st Thursday of every month at Forest Park Nature Center, 7 pm.  Come share or learn about the fascinating world of amphibians and reptiles.  Contact Robert Pomazal at 309-579-3296 for more information.  5809 Forest Park Dr, 309-686-3360, www.peoriaparks.org/fpnc/fpncmain.html

Peoria.  Peoria Audubon holds public meetings and presentations in the Forest Park Nature Center on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from September through May, 7 pm.  Everyone is welcome.  Call John Mullen at 309-686-3360 for additional information, 5809 Forest Park Dr, www.peoriaparks.org/fpnc/fpncmain.html, www.peoriaaudubon.org

Peoria.  The local chapter of the Sierra Club holds public meetings at the Forest Park Nature Center, 5809 Forest Park Dr, on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from September through May at 7 p.m.  These meetings usually have a guest speaker followed by discussion.  The Sierra Club is America's oldest, largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization.  For further information contact Joseph Laszlo at 309-637-4692, www.peoriaparks.org/fpnc/fpncmain.html

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Other garden and nature related events and activities for children and adults can be found at these places to visit in Illinois: