President's Message

President's Message from the Current Newsletter - June 2025

Expressions from Ella!

May and June are on a cycle of Plant, Water, Weed and Repeat in my garden. I am working hard on editing some of these weedy plants like celandine poppy that can overwhelm a medium to small hosta. I am also weed whacking the seed heads of weeds in my more natural areas to keep down reseeding. Spreading new mulch along my bed edges really accentuates my beds. I just started to collect the seed from my hellebores--so much to do to make my garden tidy for the garden walk. 

I love garden visits and always come home inspired by new plants, combinations, hardscapes, and garden techniques. I am sorry we had to cancel the May meeting at Roger Becker’s. With unpredictable weather we want to stay safe. I am looking forward to our club’s Garden Walk on June 14th. These gardens, either large or small, are gems to be appreciated. A special thank you goes to all club members opening your gardens to our club for our garden walk fundraiser. Invite your friends to a lovely day of inspiration. Don’t miss our June meeting or an opportunity to shop the vendors and participate in the leaf and design show at the convention June 20-21 at the Paradice in East Peoria. The bus trip to Rockford at the end of the month will not disappoint. Sign up with Karen Hofstetter. June is full of wonderful hosta activities so hope to see you all there. 

Ella Maxwell. CIHS President