Learning Garden 2025 Update: North Shore Native Flowers

Starting in 2025, the Learning Garden at the Lake Bluff Public Library will shift its focus from a vegetable garden to a beautiful collection of North Shore native flowers. This change is part of our effort to adapt to the evolving needs of our community and support our staff as we undergo other exciting changes at the Library.

The new native flower garden will feature plants that are not only beautiful and resilient but also contribute to local biodiversity by attracting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds. The garden will provide our patrons with opportunities to learn about the ecological benefits of native plants, sustainable gardening practices, and the unique flora of our North Shore region.

Stay tuned for more updates and information about our 2025 Learning Garden programming. We look forward to sharing this journey with our community as we bring new beauty, learning, and environmental awareness to Lake Bluff.

History

The Lake Bluff Library Learning Garden was established in 2022 for the purpose of providing the community with hands-on, educational opportunities to engage with the process of growing food and caring for a garden. Located on the Library’s west lawn on Oak Avenue, the Learning Garden is the site of various hands-on learning and environmental Library programs. 

Lake Bluff Public Library is pleased to thank Davey Tree Expert Company for their sponsorship of the Learning Garden!

Raised Beds

The Learning Garden raised beds were built by River Valley Gardens, Inc. The wood for the raised beds was harvested locally and treated using a Japanese technique called Shou Sugi Ban. This process consists of charring the wood with fire, which makes the wood resistant to insects, rot, and warping. It is eco-friendly and a sustainable way to preserve our garden beds.