The Lombard Garden Club has announced that Bob Zeni will make a presentation on “Tips for Growing Robust, Healthy and Delicious Tomatoes” on Friday, May 15. Zeni believes that “nothing tastes better than a freshly picked, homegrown, heirloom tomato.
He will share hands-in-the-ground tips and techniques for making your plants healthier and more productive. Plus, he will dispel the many misguided myths about growing tomatoes.
Zeni is a certified master gardener who loves gardening and hates those little red water balloons at supermarkets. What started out as a quest for a tasty tomato has evolved into a year-round obsession. No one knows this better than Zeni, of suburban LaGrange Park, whose annual tomato plant sale has earned him the moniker of “Chicago Tomato Man” for 12 years. In 2025, Zeni sold about 13,000 plants and donated 1,600 to 32 nonprofits, churches and community gardens.
Mark your calendars for Friday, May 15 at 12:30 p.m. at the Lombard Community Building, 433 E. St. Charles Road in Lombard. There is no charge and the public is welcome to attend.
The Lombard Garden Club, celebrating 100 years in 2026, promotes an interest in gardening and the beautification of the landscape in our community. The Club was established on May 28, 1926, and programs featuring its history and place in the community will occur during the year. The club welcomes fellow gardeners who enjoy learning opportunities and the company of others. Please check the club’s website for details — www.lombardgardenclub.org.
