The motto of the City of Chicago is “Urbs in Horto” which means “City in a Garden” and as a result Chicagoans and visitors to Chicago are privileged with some of the best gardens and conservatories in the country. Chicago is dedicated to creating and updating current parks and gardens within and around the city that its residents can enjoy and learn from.
In addition to the parks and gardens that dot the neighborhoods of Chicago, there are several conservatories that have been designed by world famous architects within the city. The conservatories of Chicago serve to house exotic plant species, provide lush green havens in the middle of winter and educate visitors of every age on a variety of botanical topics.
With so many options there is no need to wait for summer to get out and enjoy the beauty nature has to offer. Chicago is blooming year round. Here is a guide to the best gardens and conservatories in Chicago.
Chicago Botanic Gardens
The Chicago Botanic Gardens cover 385 acres with twenty three display gardens and three native habitats all situated on nine islands that are surrounded by lakes and lagoons. Make sure you visit the three island Japanese Garden, the Enabling Garden and keep a watch out for the large fish that breed near the bridges.
With so many garden displays there is something for every visitor to see, the tram that takes visitors on a tour of the entire site is always a favorite with children. The Chicago Botanic Gardens is located just outside Chicago at 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe.
Oak Park Conservatory
The Oak Park Park District is home to a year round botanic garden housed in an eight thousand square foot conservatory. The Oak Park Conservatory was originally built to house exotic plants that world traveling residents brought back home with them.
The conservatory is now the third largest in the country and in addition to maintaining a three thousand plant collection the village’s plants are all grown and maintained here from seeds and cuttings. Garden walks, field trips, flower shows, plant sales and exchanges all round out the year long events held at the conservatory. 615 Garfield Street, Oak Park
Lurie Garden
The Lurie Garden is a recent addition to the city of Chicago and part of it’s most expensive and impressive parks, Millenium Park. The design behind Lurie Garden is to showcase the idea of Chicago being a garden in a city with the garden representing Chicago’s untamed beginnings into the big city it is now.
On what is just two and a half acres, the Lurie Garden flourishes between skyscrapers on what used to be an old rail yard. The gardens are allowed to grow free with as little management as possible and are bordered in by protective hedges, boardwalks and walkways. The Lurie Garden is in Millenium Park on Michigan Avenue.
Lincoln Park Conservatory
The Lincoln Park Conservatory is made up of four halls of gardens that each house a specific family of plants. The conservatory is free all year round and located among a wealth of free venues available for Chicagoans and visitors.
Once you have finished exploring the Palm House, Tropical House, and Fern House you can leave the conservatory to enjoy the manicured French gardens and fountains. 2391 North Stockton Drive, Chicago
Osaka Japanese Garden
The Osaka Japanese Garden was created in 1893 as part of the World Colombian Exposition to show the city’s appreciation to the country of Japan for the gift of the building that now houses the Museum of Science and Industry.
The Osaka Japanese Garden is a walled sanctuary within the larger Jackson Park and was designed in the traditional Japanese style. The waterfall fed pools now overlook what has become a popular location to observe local and migratory birds because of its proximity to Lake Michigan.
Garfield Park Conservatory
This two acre conservatory is one of the largest conservatories in the world with one of the biggest collections of plant species and the best part, admission is free. Garfield Park Conservatory is popular with families and children because of its interactive children’s garden and the large amount of family and children programs it holds weekly.
After enjoying the lush fern garden and sweet house full of pineapple, fig, coconut and mango trees be sure to take advantage of the free plant help clinic. 300 North Central Park Avenue
