In the Chicago Winter the greenhouses at the Garden are truly a breath of fresh air. Notice the difference when you take a deep breath surrounded by nature's oxygen makers the plant kingdom. We were also lucky enough to be there for the orchid show. Amazing!
We are members of the Garden, and try to visit several times a year. One of our favorite special events is the Orchid Show, which is beyond words. Rather than displaying these beautiful flowers in pots, thousands of orchids create breath taking displays throughout the indoor greenhouses. It is a display not to be missed - especially because it occurs in February-March, when nothing outside is green or blooming. Good for the soul.
The Garden is spectacular at many times of the year, but off peak has its unique charms. Any time of year, come very early and you will join other walkers for multiple "loop" options around the varied and interesting grounds. Or come in the winder and you can do the same! Refreshing! If you come with kids at any time pick up the free scavenger hunt at the info desk.And the cafe has lovely views.
When people think of our great and beautiful Windy City, few think about gardens. Sure, most people know about our great waterfront parks on Lake Michigan but up on the North Shore in the tony suburb of Glencoe is one of Chicago's greatest attractions. The Chicago Botanic Gardens. I have been to botanic gardens around the world...from Capetown to Sydney to Shanghai to Rome and can honestly tell you that our garden on the prairie is one of the best. Not only does it cover a gamut of ornamental styles...its true prairie gardens are unique and unbelievable beautiful. The facilities are top-notch and one can spend a whole day soaking in the beauty of the Midwest/plains landscapes. I often just take a book and spend hours reading in the tranquil Japanese garden. And listening to the carillon is otherworldly. If you are from out of town...I highly recommend that you take the time to visit. The METRA train will take you up there. And, if you live in the area and have not visited...shame on you!
Oh my! Oh my! Would Dorothy ever click her heals with this exhibition. CBG has outdone itself with the 2015 orchid show. No looking behind a curtain to find a wizard. The staff at CBE were wizards that put it all out front, We didn't need to search for Oz as we walked into the great hall with floor to ceiling orchid "trees" of every variety and color. Then down another hall with more bamboo trees sprouting even more flowers and odors to delight the senses. Finally, we got into the back room, the great greenhouses where orchids and more orchids were dug into the ground, hanging from trees and all but dancing. Worth the price of admission for a great two hour walkthrough. Click your red shoes and enjoy. Go early on a weekend or on a weekday cause it gets mobbed!
We visited the beautiful Botanic Garden this last December. We went with our son, wife and 2 grandsons. The Wonderland Express (model trains) was on exhibit and we enjoyed it so much. Models of different Chicago buildings were in the exhibit. We walked outside too and the grounds were wonderful. We also went to a room where the kids could make paper snowflakes and wire and raisin bird feeders. We ate in the cafeteria and thought the sandwiches were very good. We have heard that the Botanic Garden is fun to see in the warmer months and they have an outdoor area where adults can order drinks. This was lots of fun!
We visited the annual orchid exhibition. Beautiful and informative. My sister said was like a trip to the tropics without the airfare and hotel. A thorough, creative layout that left a visitor wanting to learn more about the genus and species. Really amazing stuff. And I'll never look at vanilla or a venus fly trap the same way.The rest of the garden at various points of the year is the best though my most recent trip just covered the special exhibity.
I go there often, with family or alone and it is always great. Very well maintained, good for both adults and kids. You can spend hours. The cafes are great too. Love the food there!
Beautiful place, great membership programs but between entry and parking, it is expensive if you are not a member.Especially good seasonal programs around holidays
Love to tour and learn how to improve on my garden efforts. Looking forward to the current orchid show which was fabulous last year. Have been a member for many years.