The Daniels House at Naper Settlement is filled with a dazzling array of silk and dried floral arrangements. Peak into each nook and cranny and you'll see designs that resemble works of art. The best part is, everything that you see is for sale. This historic former physician's home receives its décor courtesy of a dedicated group of Naperville Heritage Society volunteers known as the Weed Ladies. Since 1969, they have been adding a touch of creative glamour to Naper Settlement with their arrangements using both silk and dried flowers.

History of the Weed Ladies
Once upon a time, this group of talented women didn't have a name. They simply gathered together to create floral arrangements out of roadside weeds and cattails because they enjoyed each other's company and the joy of creating beautiful natural displays. The arrangements they sold benefitted the newly-formed Heritage Society, an all-volunteer group with ambitious plans to create a museum village near downtown Naperville. Because they focused on the flora that others considered weeds, the group soon became known as the 'Weed Ladies.'

The Weed Ladies originally sold their arrangements at the Heritage Society's annual Antiques Show. Their charming Country Store was always the hit of the show and people thronged to purchase one-of-a-kind arrangements nestled in unique antique and collectible containers. Eventually, the Weed Ladies found a permanent home in the Daniels House at Naper Settlement, which now houses their workshop and showroom. Adjacent to the Daniels House is their garden, where they grow flowers and accent greens that are then dried and used in their floral displays. The Weed Ladies also design with silks in more contemporary containers.

The Weed Ladies Floral Design Sales are typically held in April, October and November. The Daniels House is also open during special events such as Naper Days, the Naperville Woman's Club Art Fair and Christmas Memories. Custom arrangements are available upon request.

Purchasing a floral arrangement from the Weed Ladies, either at their sales or having one custom-made, benefits Naper Settlement's education and preservation programs. This dedicated team is always looking for new volunteers. Whether you like to be a creative designer, search for unique or antique containers, or enjoy growing and drying beautiful flowers, this organization is a devoted group of people who have developed camaraderie over the years - and have fun, too! Call (630) 305-5289 to lend your talents and make new friends.

For the Weed Ladies, creating floral arrangements is not just a hobby, but a passion.

Sale Dates: (Held in the Daniels House on the Naper Settlement grounds.)

Fall Floral Sale
October 9-12, 2008
Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sunday 1-4 p.m.

Winter Floral Sale
November 7& 8, 2008
Friday & Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.


Admission to the sale is free.

A sampling of the Weed Ladies work - from small to grand in size!