Non-Club Garden Events and Destinations

Watch This Page for Special Events!

Feel like a mini-vacation, a field trip not far from home? Here are some links to destinations and events related to flowers, trees, plants and gardens. It’s a wonderful way to increase your knowledge and have a lot of fun at the same time.

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Autumn at Chicago Botanic Garden
Photo Credit: Judi Lindgren

Click on the Chicago Botanic Garden logo above to be linked to their website.

Photo Credits: Sherri Nichols

Planning a walk at the Chicago Botanic Garden, one of the best in the country and so very close to home? Be aware that requirements for social distancing due to Covid-19 means you must first make a reservation. Member Sherri Nichols visited recently and took some lovely photos. Thank you for sharing these, Sherri!

And when you plan a visit to the CBG, there is an app for that! Click here to learn how to download the Chicago Botanic Garden app for smartphones, then remember to bring your phone (and your mask) when you visit! The technology is very cool and will enhance your visit. There are so many workshops and activities where you can explore your creativity each season: drawing, cooking, photography, designing your garden, and more…all nearby at the Chicago Botanic Garden. How lucky we are to have this gem so close by!


Are You Looking for a New Garden to Visit?
by Marge McClintock

Try heading north to Bookworm Gardens, which is comprised of sixty-five different garden settings, each based on a favorite children’s classic.  These are divided into nine theme areas within the Gardens.  For instance, the Woodlands Gateway area has botanic scenes and activities based on favorites such as Fairy HousesGoldilocks and the Three Bears, Little House in the Big WoodsThe Magic Tree House, and Winnie the Pooh.

Bookworm Gardens is rated by TripAdvisor as #1 of 31 things to do in Sheboygan.  Located at 1415 Campus Dr, Sheboygan, WI 53081-3183, it is one hour north of Milwaukee and one hour south of Green Bay. The Gardens are open daily May 1 – October 31 from 10 AM – 4PM, except for Sunday 12 – 4 PM.

Bookworm Gardens would make a unique destination for a “novel” family road trip!  Click here for more information:   http://www.bookwormgardens.org/home/.


Chicago Botanic Garden—Everything “gardens” right in our own backyard! All events listed by month.
http://www.chicagobotanic.org/calendar/

Adult Education
http://www.chicagobotanic.org/education/adulted

Photo Credit: Judi Lindgren


Friendship Gardens—This site lists events by month and most are in the Chicago metro area.

http://www.friendshipgardens.com/illinois.htm


The Garden ConservancyThis organization sponsors garden events across the country with occasional garden walks close to home. Chicago’s North Shore “Open Days” are scheduled periodically and include beautiful gardens you can tour nearby.

https://www.gardenconservancy.org/events/all-events


The Garfield Park Conservatory–Tour gardens, watch beekeepers in action, learn how to compost and more. Bring yourself, go with your children and take your grandchildren who would enjoy Wild Wednesdays’ hands-on projects year round. Their website details all.

http://www.garfieldconservatory.org/events/events.html


Cantigny Park–Visit the estate of Robert R. McCormick to tour his home, his U.S. Army’s First Infantry Museum, and, of course, the fabulous gardens. Cantigny also hosts concerts, has many garden-related workshops, such as “Garden Photo Tips.”

http://www.cantigny.org/calendar

 


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The Morton Arboretum–Wear your most comfy walking shoes to hike the extensive grounds…far too many acres to cover in a single visit. Just like many other wonderful places to visit in our Chicago metro area, The Morton Arboretum sponsors classes and workshops. They have an active cadre of scientists working to protect the diversity of trees, especially in urban areas. They also have a Plant Clinic where you can visit, call or email to get your questions answered by experts. The Morton Arboretum is open 365 days a year. They also have a library, a store and a place to grab a bite to eat in their beautiful visitors’ center.

http://www.mortonarb.org/visit-explore/plan-visit/events-and-programs 


In addition to links listed, local nurseries/garden centers often sponsor events. Do you know of other sources to add to this list? If so, contact the website coordinator of the Deerpath Garden Club of Lake Forest.