As Sarah, my daughter, Christopher, my son and I were walking into the Galena Farmer’s Market last Sunday, Christopher noticed two men in their 20s, sitting on a bench intently studying something on their smart phone screen. While Sarah was looking at the beautiful white flowers on the hydrangeas and I was thinking how much I love Farmer’s Markets, Christopher quickly began summing up the back story of the two people sitting on the bench. He, rightly or wrongly, assumed they were international tourists. “Why would anyone come to Illinois for a visit?” he stated. “Christopher, look around, Galena is gorgeous.” I said while twirling around to look at the lush, hilly landscape. “Why would they come to Illinois when they could have gone to California! I don’t understand. Illinois is so boring.” He lamented. As much as he truly didn’t understand why they chose to visit Illinois, I truly didn’t understand why they would want to be anywhere else. Each summer day in Northern Illinois is a blessing.
One way to enjoy those summer days is by taking a drive. There are several beautiful public gardens in and around the Chicago area.
The Chicago Botanic Gardens, located in Glencoe, has been open to the public since 1972. It includes 26 gardens spread over 80 acres. Their core beliefs include; “Beautiful gardens and natural environments are fundamentally important to the mental and physical well-being of all people.” And “People live better, healthier lives when they can create, care for, and enjoy gardens.” While admission is free, parking is $25 per car. They are located at 1000 Lake Cook Road Glencoe, IL 60022 For more information call (847) 835-5440 or visit their website at www.chicagobotanic.org
Joy Morton founded The Morton Arboretum in 1922. He was inspired by his father J. Sterling Morton, the founder of the original Arbor Day. Their family motto was to “Plant Trees”. The mission of The Morton Arboretum is: “To collect and study trees, shrubs, and other plants from around the world. The Arboretum maintains living collections on display across naturally beautiful landscapes for people to study and enjoy, and to learn how to grow them in ways that enhance the environment.” The arboretum is open 365 days a year. It opens at 7am and closes at sunset. Admission prices range from $9-12 and parking is free. Wednesdays offer discount admission. The address is 4100 Illinois Route 53 in Lisle, IL 60532. For more information you may contact them at 630-968-0074 or visit the website at www.mortonarb.org.
The First Division Museum is housed at Cantigny Park. The museum was built “as a tribute to all those who have served and continue to serve to protect America’s freedom.” It has exhibits and displays that reflect the The U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division through World War I, World War II and Vietnam. Cantigny Park itself is composed of 29 acres of peace and tranquility. The Gardens are open daily from 7am to sunset. (Check their website for museum hours). Admission to the Gardens is $5 per car. Cantigny Park is located at 1S151 Winfield Road in Wheaton. Their phone number is 630-668-5161 and their website is www.cantigny.org.
Millennium Park is home to the Lurie Garden. It personifies the City of Chicago’s motto ‘Urbs in Horto’ or City in a Garden. The Lurie Garden is living art – a palette of texture and color blending Chicago’s unique culture, ecology, history and people. Seasonal tours are available Thursdays and Fridays from 11am – 1:30pm and on Sundays from 10am – 1:30 pm. Please check the website for more information. www.luriegarden.org The hours are from 6am-11pm. The Lurie Garden is located at the southeastern end of Millennium Park
Kathleen Carr is the owner of The Growing Scene, Inc., a garden center and landscaping company. She can be reached by calling 815-923-7322 or tgsinc12@msn.com. Have a gardening question? Please contact her. She may address it in an upcoming column.
