More than a Garden

© Becky Linhardt 2010

 The Chicago Botanic Garden is so much more than beautiful floral gardens. Educational programs and events introduce visitors to international cuisines, fine art, music, and conservation practices – something for everyone.

As a vibrant living plant museum, the 385-acre site north of downtown Chicago features 24 distinct display gardens, multiple lakes and water features, 3 native habitat areas such as prairie and woodlands and hosts numerous events.

The summer growing season brings forth plenty of flowers and the best in fruits, herbs, and vegetables.  Scheduled culinary events feature more than 40 Chicago chefs committed to seasonal cooking with fresh ingredients.  Each weekend from May into October, select chefs perform their magic in the open-air kitchen of the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden.  The free cooking demonstrations focus on recipes featuring Midwest garden-fresh ingredients.

Serious “foodies” will not want to miss the Barilla Italian Cooking Weekend in July.  Expanded programs that weekend include plant and recipe giveaways.  There will be more chef demonstrations scheduled and additional activities to bring families and food together in true Italian style.  During this special event, Academia Barilla’s gourmet olive oils and balsamic vinegars will be stocked and sold in the Garden Shop – a taste of Italy to take home.

For quiet and reflection, the Malott Japanese Garden has always been my favorite.  An oriental arched bridge connects the first island to the main gardens and a second zigzag bridge to a second island.  The third island is to be viewed only.  Green on green, texture contrasting with texture, the subtle design reveals itself slowly. 

The romantic in me loves the English Walled garden, the Water Garden, and the gorgeous Rose Garden. 

The Model Railroad Garden with its 7,500 square foot G-scale outdoor layout appeals to the child in almost everyone.  Its 5,000 tiny trees, shrubs and flowering plants were selected to recreate the topographical landscape of America.

Information: 847-835-5440 or www.chicagobotanic.org