Guide to the Best Gardens and Conservatories in Chicago
April 03, 2007 by
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
Guide to the Best Gardens and Conservatories in Chicago
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
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