“SWEET GNOME CHICAGO” & “WHAT’S IN A NAME” COMBINE WHIM AND WONDER ON CHICAGO’S LAKEFRONT AND WEST SIDE
CHICAGO— The showrooms of the Chicago Park District’s beloved conservatories will open for visitors to marvel at two unique shows from Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2024, through Mother’s Day, May 12, 2024. The Lincoln Park Conservatory, located at 2391 N. Stockton Dr., will host “Sweet Gnome Chicago.” Meanwhile, the Garfield Park Conservatory, located at 300 N. Central Park Ave., will host “What’s in a Name?”
The flowers planted will bloom throughout the show; patrons are encouraged to visit multiple times to witness as the foliage blooms from an immature green to a vibrant array of colors as the season progresses.
“When the weather is daunting, there are no better venues to comfortably interact with nature than the Lincoln and Garfield Park Conservatories,” said Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareño. “Visitors will forget all about a gloomy spring day once they step into these historic edifices. Our staff’s creative taste and expertise in botany and horticulture will surely pique the interests of Chicagoans of any age.”
Pre-registration is required for both shows. For more information, visit chicagoparkdistrict.com/conservatory-flower-shows.
“Sweet Gnome Chicago” at the Lincoln Park Conservatory:
You will want to go to “Sweet Gnome Chicago!” The Spring Flower Show combines flowers and fun to celebrate all that is Spring! Nearly 300 gnomes of many sizes and materials will hang out in all the display houses, with a particular focus on the Show House. There, vignettes of whimsical creatures are set amongst vibrant and gorgeous spring flowering shrubs, perennials, annuals, and bulbs. Visitors can enjoy Foxy Foxtrot Tulips, Garden Party Lilies, Blueberry Thrill Violas, and hundreds of other blooming beauties.
The Lincoln Park Conservatory is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pre-registration is required. Visit this link to book a time for the whole family to admire “Sweet Gnome Chicago.” The show runs from Valentine’s Day, February 14 to Mother’s Day, May 12. The Gnomes featured in this Spring’s flower show were made through the Park District’s ceramic program. Then, each gnome was painted by adult and child groups. At the conclusion of “Sweet Gnome Chicago,” the gnomes will be sold through the Lincoln Park Conservancy to raise money for the Conservatory.
“What’s in a Name” at the Garfield Park Conservatory:
This year’s Spring Flower Show, "What’s in a Name?", explains the history and science of botanical nomenclature alongside a beautiful flower show full of blooms. Plant names are an important way of communicating history, culture, and identity. In addition, because there are many plants with the same common name, or many common names for the same plant, knowing the botanical name helps people know exactly which plant is which. Learn about how to identify plants amongst stunning spring blooms like Tulipa ‘Rococo’, Lilium ‘Josephine’, Viola ‘Matrix Yellow’ and Anemone ‘Giant Blue Poppy’.
The Garfield Park Conservatory is open Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Thursdays through Sundays 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pre-reserve your visit at here. The show runs from Valentine’s Day, February 14 to Mother’s Day, May 12.