Chalet Presents Celebration of Spring in April

Chalet, in Wilmette, Ill., transforms its garden center into a colorful Garden Faire  April 25-27 for the opening of the spring season.

Guests of all ages can participate in fun and learning activities, including "how-to" gardening lectures and demonstrations, a peek at the season's hottest new plants, "idea" garden vignettes, complimentary refreshments and discounts on specific items. In celebration of Arbor Day, Chalet will raffle landscape prizes, including a tree with installation. For the kids, there's a take-home gardening activity, face painting, balloon artists and storytelling in the Children's Garden, created by Glenbrook South horticultural students. Admission is free. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Roy Diblik, co-owner of Northwind Perennial Farm, Burlington, Wis., and grower of plants for Chicago's Lurie Garden, will introduce his new "Know Maintenance" perennial gardening program – a way to design, install and maintain beautiful and sustainable landscapes with minimal resources and time – at 1 p.m. on Saturday. Also, learn about a Diblik-designed pre- planned garden that uses sustainable plants available at Chalet.

Additional Garden Faire lectures will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday and Sunday.
Dave's Specialty Gardens will host cooking demonstrations and tastings, while Chalet experts and guest speakers will show how to set up, maintain and run a fountain, or use organic products on the lawn. Have your soil samples tested or bring in dull garden tools for sharpening. At the "Build-a-Pot" tent, pick up ideas for lovely spring containers and for instant gratification, pot up a 10-inch container with spring annuals and a lily to take home (fee applies).
Or purchase a kit for a trendy mini-succulent garden.

For information, call 847-256-0561.