Four decades ago, earth-moving machines arrived at a large swath of marshland in Glencoe and began to transform the landscape into the Chicago Botanic Garden. As it celebrates its 40th anniversary, the 385-acre Botanic Garden, owned by the Cook County Forest Preserve, has in the years since been refashioned into 24 splendid display gardens, four natural areas and nine lakes — and there are plans for more growth.
“We consider ourselves a living museum because plants are living, and every day and every season the experience is a little different,” says Harriet Resnick, vice president of visitor programs. “Our visitors are multigenerational and also multiethnic because in other parts of the world gardens are so revered. There is something here for everyone and every mood.”
Come early in the morning for a peaceful stroll to the sounds of songbirds. On weekends, sit elbow to elbow with food lovers in the Fruit and Vegetable Garden to watch demonstrations by local chefs and sample dishes they prepare. If you want to rid yourself of your demons, walk across the serene Japanese Garden’s zigzag bridge designed to prevent evil spirits from following you because it is believed they can only travel in straight lines.
If you’re looking for flowers, stop at the entrance to find out which ones are in bloom. In the Rose Garden you’ll find a profusion of blossoms ranging from pale pink to ruby red with one named after the sultry silver screen star Ingrid Bergman and others with evocative names such as Sun Sprinkles and Pink Iceberg. If you’re a shutterbug, go on one of the monthly photo walks to get tips from a staff photographer.
Last year the garden had a record-breaking attendance of 953,000 visitors, but secluded spots are available to enjoy some peace and quiet. Cross a boardwalk to Spider Island. The island is in memory of Sally Grunsfeld, who was nicknamed Spider because she would never harm anything in nature, not even a spider. Stroll the island’s winding path, and sit on “benches” made out of Wisconsin boulders.
During the celebration of World Environment Day on June 2, find out about living a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Kids can explore the new, permanent Grunsfeld Children’s Growing Garden, which will have its grand opening that day. Jim Boudreau, vice president of marketing and development, says the space was created because youngsters today don’t get a chance to play in the dirt, and some don’t know very much about fresh fruits and vegetables and good nutrition. Eileen Prendergast, manager of family programs, says that during a changing array of activities (June 2-Sept. 30) at the new space kids might peel the seed coat off a lima bean to see the root and sprout inside or discover the different parts of plants they eat: the leaves of lettuce, the unopened flower buds of broccoli and the roots of the carrot.
“Pulling a carrot out of the ground right in front of children’s eyes can be an amazing experience,” says Boudreau.
The Butterflies & Blooms garden (June 2-Sept. 3) will give kids and grown-ups a chance to learn about the role of these small winged creatures. Some 500 butterflies from around the world will flit around inside a mesh tent where they will gather nectar from flowers and carry pollen from one blossom to another.
Enjoy live music ranging from swing to salsa to Spanish guitar Tuesday and Thursday evenings and tunes for youngsters Wednesday evenings (June 5-Aug. 30). Discover African-American folk gardens in an exhibition of photographs, “Places for the Spirit: Traditional African-American Gardens” (July 14-Sept. 30). And take the time to enjoy a leisurely meal on the Garden Cafe’s wooden deck overlooking the water.
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“When you come to the garden, you can leave everything behind,” says Resnick. “We encourage people to come here to escape from it all.”
At the Chicago Botanic Garden
When: Open 7 a.m.-9 p.m. daily from June 2 to Sept. 3; now open 8 a.m. to dusk
Where: 1000 Lake Cook Road., Glencoe
Admission: $20 per car for parking; annual membership is $80 and includes free parking, discounts on special events and classes and other benefits. More information at 847-835-5440; chicagobotanic.org
Grand Tour: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, to 5 p.m. after June 2
Free Walking Tours: 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. weekdays, beginning June 4
Bright Encounters Tours: 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily; 10:15 a.m.-4:15 p.m. daily after June 2
Garden Trolley: Shuttle from Glencoe Metra station to Chicago Botanic Garden operates Sundays (and June 2) 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Butterflies and Blooms: Opens June 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m daily; $5 adults, $3 children ages 3-12
Model Railroad Garden: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; open to 8 p.m. Wednesdays from June 6
Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden: Open daily until 6 p.m.