Experience the First Signs of Spring at the Garfield Park Conservatory
Release Date: 01/16/08
The first signs of spring sprout during the “Age of Azaleas” Spring Flower Show at the Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave., February 2 – May 11. This year’s flower shows is made even more special as the Conservatory celebrates its 100thbirthday with year-long events, themed “CHICAGOASIS: The Greenest Show on Earth.”
"The Garfield Park Conservatory offers visitors of all ages a chance to get a sneak peek at spring when Chicago’s winter weather may overstay its welcome," said Timothy J. Mitchell, general superintendent of the Chicago Park District. “This year is especially exciting for visitors to experience the Conservatory with all the great programs and events planned in honor of the 100th year birthday celebration.”
The “Age of Azaleas” Spring Flower Show will highlight a changing selection of spring blooming plants. The first half of the show will feature azaleas, some of which are descendents of those used in the Columbian Exposition of 1893, and the later half will introduce hydrangeas. In addition to the flowering shrubs, the display will feature more than 5,000 bulbs, including tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths.
As a tribute to the Conservatory’s historic role as Museumof Botany , a section of the Show House will become a botanical museum. This living time capsule will not only display important plants of past decades, but will also address botanical concepts that bring to the forefront the role a conservatory plays in the enduring connection between people and plants.
The Garfield Park Conservatory celebrates 100 years of innovation and botanical contributions to the city and its visitors with year-long events, activities, shows and programs in 2008, all themed “CHICAGOASIS: The Greenest Show on Earth.” Grab your party hats, and get ready to help us celebrate the Conservatory’s birthday Sunday, April 13 during our Grand Centennial Opening. The celebration includes the unwrapping of a permanent new exhibit called “Sugar from the Sun,” on Saturday, March 1 in the historic Sweet House, funded in part by a major grant from the National Science Foundation.
The Garfield Park Conservatory is open every day of the year from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Thursdays until 8 p.m. Admission to the Conservatory and parking are free.
http://www.garfield-conservatory.org/shows.htm
- Contact Phone: 312 742 7529