Chicago Botanic Garden adds new exhibits for 40th anniversary
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.
Last year the garden had a record-breaking attendance of 953,000 visitors, but secluded spots are available to enjoy some peace and quiet. Kids can explore the new, permanent Grunsfeld Children's Growing Garden, which will have its grand opening on June 2nd. 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. You can discover African-American folk gardens in an exhibition of photographs, "Places for the Spirit: Traditional African-American Gardens" (July 14-Sept. 30).
