Chicago Botanic Garden

In my last post, I provided information on some of the great indoor things to do during Chicago’s winter months. While I’d generally advise tourists and Illinois residents alike to avoid outdoor activities in freezing temperatures, there is one spot that should be enjoyed outside, year-round.

The Chicago Botanic Gardenin Glencoe is a 385-acre living plant museum featuring 24 distinct display gardens surrounded by lakes, as well as a prairie and woodlands. It’s my favorite place to visit when I need to get out of the city and enjoy a natural and peaceful environment. (I often go with my mom for long walks or with girlfriends on bike rides.) And while one might think the only suitable time to visit the Garden is in spring, summer, or fall, I strongly suggest a visit during winter months as well.

“Even though the branches are bare and there is snow on the ground, the Garden is a beautiful place in winter,” says Jodi Zombolo, Director of Visitor Events & Programs. “From the warmth of the tropical greenhouse to the exhilarating rush of snowshoeing on fresh fallen snow to the introspective exploration of an art exhibition, the Garden is a destination worth visiting.”

Throughout the year, the Chicago Botanic Garden holds events, programs, and activities for all ages. Whether you’re interested in plant science, gardening, cooking, exercise, or art, there is definitely something for you.

Learning about bonsai trees

This weekend the Garden presents “Three Friends of Winter,” a silhouette bonsai show from Friday, Jan. 29 through Sunday, Jan. 31. Deciduous bonsai trees lose their leaves in winter, revealing the intricate structure of their branches and trunks. Visitors can see the trees on display, attend a lecture on bonsai, browse the Lunar New Year Market for a blooming plant to take home, and participate in family activities. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on all three days.

From now through April 4, Garden visitors can also visit the “Losing Paradise?” exhibit in the Regenstein Center which showcases 44 botanical illustrations of endangered plants from North America and around the world. Curated by the American Society of Botanical Artists (ASBA) and developed in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, “Losing Paradise?” seeks to draw attention to plants that are in danger of disappearing from the planet.

The Garden is open every day of the year. Admission is free, but parking will set you back $20 per car. I’d advise to “go green” and bike, take public transportation, or carpool with friends.

Spend 20 to 30 minutes, or as long as you can stand the temperature that day, and enjoy a walk through the Garden – especially the Malott Japanese Garden and the English Walled Garden – my two favorites. For a quick tropical experience, take time to warm up by visiting theGreenhouses, and then grab some tea or hot chocolate in the Garden Café. A winter visit provides a different and fresh perspective of the Chicago Botanic Garden that might just surprise you. Dress warmly, and enjoy Illinois!

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