Most Up To Date Information

Since 2022 we have not been posting new information to the Batavia Plain Dirt Gardener’s Blog Spot.  

Many of you moved with us to the new email or our Facebook account.  Do not be concerned as you may get this notice as your email was once part of our Blog Spot site.  If you are currently getting other emails from us in 2023, you need do nothing more.  This notice is going out to anyone who was on our old site as the link on that site for signing up for our emails has been removed.

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Batavia Plain Dirt Gardeners Meeting

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Location: Batavia Public Library

Time: 6:45 p.m. Socializing

7:00 p.m. Business Meeting and Presentation

Topic: “Oh my aching back!”

Speaker: Eric Sanderson, DPT

Raking, weeding, planting, transplanting, harvesting; Oh, my aching back and shoulders. As gardeners we all know too well what that is all about.

Please join the Batavia Plain Dirt Gardeners in welcoming Physical Therapist, Eric Sanderson, DPT who will introduce us to stretches and proper body mechanics to help the young, middle aged, and those of us north of middle aged, navigate safely and comfortably through the fall harvesting cleanup season.

Eric, a graduate of Midwestern University, has worked in the Physical Therapy department at Fox Valley Orthopedics for the past 10 years. He has treated everything from minor sprains to total joint replacements. Eric, his wife, and 3 young children live in Batavia and are all avid backyard gardeners. He knows the rewards and physical challenges of gardening.

Be ready to work it out and stretch, stretch, stretch!

For questions or information contact the Batavia Plain Dirt Gardeners at BataviaPlainDirtGardeners@gmail.com

Batavia Plain Dirt Gardeners presents:

Take a Walk in Our Gardens 2022 Garden Walk

Saturday, July 16, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Purchase Tickets online through Eventbrite at: https://bit.ly/3P0ahty or, you can drop in at the Batavia Park District Office, the Mobil station downtown Batavia on Hwy 31 near Wilson Street corner, and the following locations: Heinz Brothers Nursery (St. Charles), The Growing Place (both locations, Naperville and Montgomery) or call us at (630) 388-8493 for more information about tickets.

Hello Gardeners,

Our next work day will be on Friday, May 6th starting at 8:00. I know a lot of you will be helping set up for the Plain Dirt Gardeners Plant Sale that day, but if you are not, come help deadhead and put up beaver cages in the little prairie by the Riverain parking lot. Please bring clippers, gardening gloves, weed diggers, drinking water, eye protection, and something to haul clippings or weeds.

The set up for the Plain Dirt Gardeners Plant Sale is in the gym at Bethany Lutheran Church, volunteering there starts at noon and will run until it is done. The Plant Sale is from 9 a.m. to Noon on Saturday, May 7. Volunteer AND find some special plants for your yard!

Also, you might be interested in a free oak tree. While supplies last, burr, red, swamp white oak saplings are being handed out by Red Oak Nature Center, 2343 S. River Street (Route 25), Batavia. They are in a bin in front of the main entrance, so you can pick one up even if the nature center is closed.

Happy Spring!

Sarah

Batavia Plain Dirt Gardeners – Plant Sale 2022

May 7, 2022

At the Bethany Lutheran Church Gymnasium

8 S Lincoln Street

Batavia

Hours: 9 a.m. to noon

Spring will be in full swing for the Batavia Plain Dirt Gardener Plant Sale! We’re back at the Bethany Lutheran Church Gym, and we’ll be ready for the laughter, suspense (“what will I find?”) and smiling faces.

Plants are sourced locally, from the gardens of our members. You’ll find many sun and shade native plants, perennials, iris, hosta, ferns, shrubs, small trees, grasses, sedges, bulbs, groundcovers, and often annuals and house plants to choose from. Do you want native flowing sun loving plants? We’ll have them. Something that grows tall? We’ll have them. Something that stays small? We’ll have them! Come see what selections this year will bring.

Questions? Visit our Batavia Plain Dirt Gardeners Facebook page, or contact us at BataviaPlainDirtGardeners@gmail.com

PLEASE NOTE! WE HAVE MIGRATED TO USING GMAIL AND FACEBOOK TO COMMUNICATE WITH OUR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS! PLEASE VISIT THE "BATAVIA PLAIN DIRT GARDENERS" PAGE ON FACEBOOK, AND SEND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO: BataviaPlainDirtGardeners@gmail.com TO STAY IN TOUCH!

February 15 - Batavia Plain Dirt Gardeners Meeting Program

February 15, 2022​

Topic:​“Gone but Not Forgotten: Remembering the Passenger Pigeon”

Speaker: ​Pam Otto

Location: ​ZOOM

Time:​​6:30 p.m. NOTE – earlier than usual!

Contact:​bataviaplaindirtgardeners@gmail.com

Extinction is forever. Through the example of the Passenger Pigeon, Pam Otto will discuss extinction, its implications, and what we can do to preserve animals, plants, and insects that are currently endangered.

 

Pam Otto is the Outreach Ambassador for the St. Charles Park District. Her curiosity of the natural world began at an early age, always looking at bugs, catching frogs or flipping over rocks to see what was underneath. She has a master’s degree in outdoor education, has a fun column in theKane County Chronicle, and a Tuesday evening show (“Good Natured” 8 p.m. through the St. Charles Park Dist.) on ZOOM about

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86311229989?pwd=RUpkTEJuWFNjekl3eGxuYXhzVTkzUT09

Meeting ID: 863 1122 9989
Passcode: 893332

One tap mobile
+13126266799,,86311229989#,,,,*893332# US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 863 1122 9989
Passcode: 893332

REMINDER!

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 16 2021

BATAVIA PLAIN DIRT GARDENERS MEETING VIA ZOOM

SHOW AND TELL!

Winter is here – almost. It’s the time of year to think back over the past year’s gardens and what we’ve learned. Then we can start dreaming and planning next year’s gardens!

Is there a favorite tool, gadget, or tip you found this past year? A tool or gadget you now know you could never do without? A long dormant rose bush that you coaxed into glorious bloom using a new technique? A tip for clearing an area for a new garden? November is SHOW AND TELL!

We want to hear from everyone who has a tip to tell – so we can all have an even better garden next year! Join us via ZOOM – link below

Topic: Plain Dirt Gardeners Time: Nov 16, 2021 06:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85976532277?pwd=ejZWSllyZlREbXlTUEJ0YWV4Y1lpdz09

Meeting ID: 859 7653 2277 Passcode: Plaindirt One tap mobile +13126266799,,85976532277#,,,,*436492386# US (Chicago) +19294362866,,85976532277#,,,,*436492386# US (New York)

Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 929 436 2866 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) Meeting ID: 859 7653 2277 Passcode: 436492386 Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kiREZe9Yd

Can’t wait to hear about all sorts of new tools and gardening tips!

If you have questions, e-mail us at BataviaPlainDirtGardeners@gmail.com

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 16 2021

BATAVIA PLAIN DIRT GARDENERS MEETING VIA ZOOM

SHOW AND TELL!

Winter is here – almost. It’s the time of year to think back over the past year’s gardens and what we’ve learned. Then we can start dreaming and planning next year’s gardens!

Is there a favorite tool, gadget, or tip you found this past year? A tool or gadget you now know you could never do without? A long dormant rose bush that you coaxed into glorious bloom using a new technique? A tip for clearing an area for a new garden? November is SHOW AND TELL!

We want to hear from everyone who has a tip to tell – so we can all have an even better garden next year! Join us via ZOOM – link below

Topic: Plain Dirt Gardeners

Time: Nov 16, 2021 06:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting by clicking on the link below, or copy and paste to your computer

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85976532277?pwd=ejZWSllyZlREbXlTUEJ0YWV4Y1lpdz09

Meeting ID: 859 7653 2277 Passcode: Plaindirt One tap mobile +13126266799,,85976532277#,,,,*436492386# US (Chicago) +19294362866,,85976532277#,,,,*436492386# US (New York)

Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 929 436 2866 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) Meeting ID: 859 7653 2277

Passcode: 436492386

Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kiREZe9Yd

Can’t wait to hear about all sorts of new tools and gardening tips!

If you have questions, e-mail us at BataviaPlainDirtGardeners@gmail.com

REMINDER! October 19 Batavia Plain Dirt Gardeners IN PERSON meeting!

Fall is here, and the pumpkins will soon be covered with frost! Before that happens, please join the Batavia Plain Dirt Gardeners on Tuesday evening, October 19 for comradery, refreshments, and a creative activity.

We will be making a Pumpkin Planter to be used as an indoor or outdoor centerpiece. We will provide the pumpkin, soil, sedum, and embellishments. If you have sedum or embellishments that you would like to share with others, please bring them! Also please bring your own pumpkin cutting utensil. Either a sharp knife, or a pumpkin cutting tool for jack-o-lanterns. We are looking forward to seeing everyone!

Per the current State of Illinois requirements, we ask that you please wear a mask while inside.

Date: Tuesday, October 19

Time: 6:45 p.m. refreshments

7 pm short business meeting followed by activity

PLEASE NOTE LOCATION!

We will meet at

The Lodge at Laurelwood Park

800 N. River Street, Batavia

(You may remember it as the Batavia Boathouse) It is now part of the Park District, and should be a great gathering place! If you have any questions, please e-mail us at BataviaPlainDirtGardeners@gmail.com

October 19 Batavia Plain Dirt Gardeners IN PERSON meeting!

Fall is here, and the pumpkins will soon be covered with frost! Before that happens, please join the Batavia Plain Dirt Gardeners on Tuesday evening, October 19 for comradery, refreshments, and a creative activity.

We will be making a Pumpkin Planter to be used as an indoor or outdoor centerpiece. We will provide the pumpkin, soil, sedum, and embellishments. If you have sedum or embellishments that you would like to share with others, please bring them! Also please bring your own pumpkin cutting utensil. Either a sharp knife, or a pumpkin cutting tool for jack-o-lanterns. We are looking forward to seeing everyone!

Per the current State of Illinois requirements, we ask that you please wear a mask while inside.

Date: Tuesday, October 19

Time: 6:45 p.m. refreshments

7 pm short business meeting followed by activity

PLEASE NOTE LOCATION!

We will meet at

The Lodge at Laurelwood Park

800 N. River Street, Batavia

(You may remember it as the Batavia Boathouse) It is now part of the Park District, and should be a great gathering place!

If you have any questions, please e-mail us at BataviaPlainDirtGardeners@gmail.com

REMINDER! BPDG Meeting Tuesday 9/21/2021 at 6:15 at Peck Farm Park!

Welcome back! A Batavia Plain Dirt Gardeners in person meeting will be held at Peck Farm Park on Tuesday September 21 at 6:15 pm. (Please note the time, which is earlier than our normal meeting time)

We will be touring the Butterfly House, following which we will have an important and informative business meeting in the 3-sided barn. We will be outside all evening, with shelter from wind and weather.

The Butterfly House has beautiful native and exotic non-native butterflies in its exhibit. Christina Shiel, Peck Farm Manager, has graciously offered to let us to tour that evening, after the normal closing of the house! We must wear masks while in the exhibit. Susan Jensen and Lorayne Hjersa will conduct the tour and talk about the operation of the exhibit.

Please meet outside the Butterfly House at 6:15 p.m.. It is located just off the southeast corner of the parking lot. Peck Farm Park is located at 4038 Kaneville Road, Geneva. Enter at the south parking lot, where the Museum and Butterfly House are located.

Looking forward to seeing everyone again!

For questions, please e-mail us at BataviaPlainDirtGardeners@gmail.com

Photo: Blue Morpho Butterfly (SCAP)

Hi Gardeners,

Thank you so much to Kay, Dida, Terri, Mary, Carol and Melissa for your help cleaning up weeds, big branches and clipped plants! Things are looking pretty tidy at the Wildflower Sanctuary, so our upcoming work days will not be until October 8 and 23.

The plant of the week is Bottle Gentian (Gentiana andrewsii). See if you can find them blooming near the dam.

FYI: There is one more plant sale this fall if any of you are interested in buying trees or shrubs. The Conservation Foundation’s Native Tree and Shrub Sale is open for online ordering Monday, September 20th to Friday, October 15th. Order pick-up is on Saturday, October 23rd from 8:30-11:00 am at the McDonald Farm in Naperville, IL.

Look out for the order link at www.theconservationfoundation.org

Have a good weekend!

Sarah

Welcome back! A Batavia Plain Dirt Gardeners in person meeting will be held at Peck Farm Park on Tuesday September 21 at 6:15 pm. (Please note the time, which is earlier than our normal meeting time)

We will be touring the Butterfly House, following which we will have an important and informative business meeting in the 3-sided barn. We will be outside all evening, with shelter from wind and weather.

The Butterfly House has beautiful native and exotic non-native butterflies in its exhibit. Christina Shiel, Peck Farm Manager, has graciously offered to let us to tour that evening, after the normal closing of the house! We must wear masks while in the exhibit. Susan Jensen and Lorayne Hjersa will conduct the tour and talk about the operation of the exhibit.

Please meet outside the Butterfly House at 6:15 p.m.. It is located just off the southeast corner of the parking lot. Peck Farm Park is located at 4038 Kaneville Road, Geneva. Enter at the south parking lot, where the Museum and Butterfly House are located.

Looking forward to seeing everyone again!

For questions, please e-mail us at BataviaPlainDirtGardeners@gmail.com

Photo: Blue Morpho Butterfly (SCAP)

Come Visit My Garden - Sunday Sept 19

 Linda Sonner invites you to visit her garden on Sunday, September 19, from 2 to 4 pm weather permitting (not in the rain).  Though she tells us her garden is still a work in progress, she says that sharing one’s garden with fellow gardeners is always delightful. Linda’s garden is at 1168 Pine in Batavia.

Hello Gardeners!

A big thank you goes out to Carol and Terri for their help at the last work day! They even kept working after I had to leave.

Yes! We will be having a work day starting at 8:00 on Saturday, September 11. We will have a few Liatris plants to plant in the little prairie, and then we will be moving over to the east (wooded) side to do some clean up. We need to move some big branches and clip off some perennials. The good news is that the Park District got all of the weeds in the cracks of the sidewalk, so we do not have to worry about them for a while. Please bring drinking water, gloves, eye protection, clippers, loppers, trowels and something to haul clippings if you have them.

Please save the dates of Friday, October 8 and Saturday, October 23. We will take a little break before then, and then do some fall clean-up on those dates starting at 9:00. (We will start a little later than during the summer since the sun will be sleeping in.)

Hope to see you Saturday!

Sarah

Full disclosure: I took this photo at the Arboretum, not the WFS

What fun! Gardeners, we’re all invited!

Farm Stroll 2021 Offers Tours of 12 Small Family-Owned Farms

Woodstock, Ill. – Come out for a day in the country! On Sunday, Sept. 26, McHenry County will host its annual Farm Stroll, a self-guided tour of the county’s diversified family farms. A total of 12 farms will be part of this educational agriculture-centric tour. Fruit and vegetable growers, dairy cows, beef cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, turkeys, horses, honey bees, perennial plants and more will be featured within these 12 farms.

Because this is a family-friendly, free, self-guided tour, there is no beginning or end of the tour—just choose the farms that interest you and visit during the designated time.

The Farm Stroll is organized by the McHenry County Farm Bureau and University of Illinois Extension McHenry County Master Gardeners. Extension Master Gardener and 4-H volunteers will be onsite to assist farm families in accommodating guests and conducting demonstrations and tours.

There is no charge for the Farm Stroll, but most farms will be selling food, produce or other farm-related products. Bring cash to purchase items directly from the farmers.

Remember, these are working farms: dress appropriately and supervise children at all times. No pets, please. A few farms will have toilet facilities, but several do not.

Visit McHenry County Farm Bureau for more info at mchenrycfb.org or at facebook.com/McHenryCountyFarmBureau or call 815-338-1520. Also visit University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners at web.extension.illinois.edu/lm or facebook.com/McHenryCoMasterGardener.

Thank you so much to Lorayne! Today we gave the Cress Creek Garden Club a tour of the WFS. It was hot, but the gardeners from Naperville seemed to enjoy their visit. It definitely helped to divide the group in half so that everyone could see and hear, and Lorayne made that possible.

Yes, we will have a work day on Saturday starting at 8:00. We will start in the Little Prairie for just a short time getting some invasives that have popped up. Then we will head to the shade, and work on clearing paths on the east side. Please bring gardening gloves, eye protection, clippers, loppers, weed diggers and drinking water. Windmill City Fest doesn't really get going until noon, so hopefully parking will not be an issue.

Please save the date: Our next work day will be Saturday, September 11th. By then we will have some plants from the Wild Ones Sale that need to be planted.

Hope to see you then!

Sarah

This guy (or gal) entertained the Cress Creek Garden Club this am

Can you find the Cardinal Flowers at the WFS? The hummingbirds have.

The weather has been beautiful lately, so it is a great time to take a stroll through the Batavia Wildflower Sanctuary. See if you can find the cardinal flowers (Lobelia cardinalis), great blue lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica, photo #1) and obedient plants (Physostega virginiana, photo #2).

Thank you so much to Terri for your help on Friday! A lot of weeds met their match.

Fall is a great time to plant, and the Wild Ones of Greater Kane County is having one more native plant sale. Their trees, shrubs and perennials need to be preordered by August 18. See https://startinyouryard.com/ for details and to order. You can split an order with a friend if you don't want 8 plants of all the same kind.

Our next work day at the Wildflower Sanctuary will be on Saturday, August 28 starting at 8:00 am. Stay tuned for details when it gets closer, but if you would like to get extra credit and do some work on your own, we could really use some help pulling weeds between the cracks of the brick pavers and cutting back plants that are hanging over the sidewalk.

Thanks for your help!

Sarah

Hello Gardeners,

This is just a friendly reminder that we will be having a work day on Friday starting at 8:00. Please bring gardening gloves, eye protection, drinking water, clippers, loppers, weed diggers, and a bucket or tarp for toting the clippings and weeds.

The yellow flowers in the picture below are called golden glow or cutleaf coneflower or Rudbeckia laciniata. They are pretty, but need to be trimmed back so that people can get by on the Riverwalk. We also have some weeds to pull near the dam, and I am counting on the soil being nice and soft after this week's rain.

The second picture is of cardinal flowers (Lobelia cardinalis) that happily have started blooming along the west part of the boardwalk.

Hope to see you on Friday the 13th!

Sarah

Thank you, Nancy H., for finding and sharing this excellent info on Hosta Viruses – especially on Hosta Virus X. Gardeners, be aware that this virus can decimate your hostas, it needs to be addressed - agressively - as soon as you see it. Care must be taken so that it isn’t spread to other hostas.

https://www.delvalhosta.org/hvx?fbclid=IwAR1vhraIEf4M4mSXTEsGz7lxOxCPPPZkl8yK6xd7x_6VQ3onFUreQ7ezaW0