Attendees learning to design containers. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Flower & Garden Show.
Whether you’re into gardening or not, the Chicago Flower & Garden Show is a wonderful experience for people of all ages. Taking place since 1847, it’s a historical happening that offers a fun transition from winter to spring. Featuring 20+ inspirational gardens — some grander than others with pond and waterfall enhancements — each showing off fresh ways to garden with the latest garden styles/plants.
There are also experts giving out gardening tips and solutions, and interesting classes in things like cooking with garden plants, growing in small spaces and potting. Free informational seminars, as well as non-gardening-related activities like cooking demonstrations and photography competitions round out the experience.
If you’re attending with kids, there’s a playground and children’s garden with activities like potting parties, bug exhibits and the chance to see and learn about live raptors.
For a bit of retail therapy, vendors sell everything from plants to handmade jewelry to sculptures — you can even do some wine tasting!
This year will be the first time in over a decade when the show will feature a rose garden; actually, two rose gardens. Organizers hope to help people understand that roses don’t need to be hard to grow, as there are many disease-resistant varieties. Also, don’t miss the beautiful garden of sweet-smelling hyacinths, as these flowers offer a wide variety of color and beauty.
If you’re interested in a sneak peak of the show, a Preview Benefit is held the night before to benefit the Chicago Botanic Garden and Chicago Gateway Green. Tickets are $135 an include appetizers, cocktails and live entertainment.
This year’s Chicago Flower & Garden Show will be held at Navy Pier from March 14 through Sunday, March 22, 2015, giving you plenty of time to experience the fun. Tickets can be purchased at the Navy Pier Box Office, and cost $5 for children 4-12 years old, $17 on weekdays and $19 on weekends. Keep in mind parking is $14, so it’s worth it to search the internet for discount coupons.
After the show, it’s worth it to explore the attractions around Navy Pier. For some fun, amusement park-style rides, an IMAX theater, the Crystal Gardens (a 6-story atrium with 80+ palm trees and more), the Chicago Shakespeare Theater and the Chicago Children’s Museum are just a few options. There are also plenty of shops to keep you occupied. When you need some energy, grab a drink at the Landshark Beer Garden, have an al fresco meal on the water at City Porch or savor a sweet treat at the Häagen-Dazs® ice cream shop.
The Chicago Flower & Garden Show isn’t the only outdoor spring experience in The Windy City. Another recommendation is a Chicago river cruise. Choose from a number of themes, like a sunset dinner cruise, architecture river cruise or brunch cruise. Like the Chicago Flower & Garden Show, this is an ambient way to greet spring after a chilly winter.
Another suggestion is a Tastes of Chicago Bike Tour, where you’ll savor deep dish pizza, hot dogs and cupcakes — washing it down with craft beer and learning about the history of these foods. Seeing attractions like Wrigleyville, the Gold Coast and Lincoln Park is also part of the fun. Best of all, you won’t need to worry about calories as you’ll be burning off what you eat.
And while the Chicago Flower & Garden Show introduces you to the city’s natural side, a Chicago Modern Architecture Walking Tour helps you explore the outdoors through its man-made side. Some highlights of the excursion include the Inland Steel Building, the Harold Washington Library and the Art Institute’s Modern Wing, as you travel through time through Chicago’s architecture and design.
