Alwerdt's Gardens: I-70, South of Altamont Exit,
Altamont, IL 62411
(618)483-5798.
- A commercial nursery with 4 acres of display gardens exhibiting
over 1000 varieties.
Anderson
Gardens: 318 Spring Creek Road,
Rockford, IL 61107 (815)229-9390.
- This
formal 5-acre Japanese Garden, featuring 4 waterfalls (one 50 feet), spring-fed
ponds, paths and quiet areas for contemplation, is enhanced by lanterns,
bridges, a granite pagoda, water basins, gates and a formal tea house, a gazebo,
and a magnificent 50-foot waterfall.
Anna Bethel
Fisher Rock Garden: Nelson Park, Nelson Park Boulevard and Lake Shore
Drive,
Decatur, IL (217)422-4911.
- Overlooking Lake Decatur, this recently
re-opened garden provides secluded paths, rocky terraces, evergreens and,
seasonally, annuals.
Austin Gardens: Forest Avenue at Ontario Street,
Oak Park, IL
(708)383-0002.
- A city park is home to a
Shakespeare Festival and a bust of
Frank Lloyd Wright, who designed some of the nearby houses.
Baha'i House of Worship: 600
Sheridan Road,
Wilmette, IL 60091 (847)853-2300.
- The oldest Baha'i House of
Worship still standing has nine gardens radiating outward from the ornate domed
building's nine sides.
Barkley Farms
Nurseries: 11200 E. 1300th Road,
Paris, IL 61944 (217)463-7003.
- This
commercial nursery features display gardens for pleasure and inspiration.
Brookfield Zoo: 3300 Golf Road,
Brookfield, IL 60513 (708)485-0263.
- More than 400 species inhabit 216 acres
divided into 20 naturalistic exhibits from the savannahs of Habitat Africa to
the simulated rain forest of Tropic World to the Living Coast. within the zoo's
216 acres.
Butterworth Center:
1105 8th Street,
Moline, IL (309)765-7971.
- Extensive gardens, designed in 1910,
still grace this historic home on the Mississippi River.
Cantigny: One South 151 Winfield Road,
Wheaton, IL 60187-6097 (630)260-8162.
- The 500-acre estate of a former editor and
publisher of the Chicago Tribune includes, among other attractions, 10 acres of
magnificent formal gardens, built in 1967. Featured areas include the North
Scalloped Garden, the Fountain Garden, the Rock Garden, the Green Garden, the
Douglas Fir Garden, Linden and Euonymus Collections, the Bur Oak Garden (annuals
and perennials), the Golden and Silver Ponds, the Rose Garden, the Idea Garden
(including the Vegetable Garden, the Container Garden, the Children's Garden,
and the Herb Garden), the Dryland Garden, the Flowering and Silver Shrubs
Collection, the Alder-Birch Collection, the Columnar Tree Collection, and the
Ash-Dogwood Collection.
Chicago
Botanic Garden: 1000 Lake Cook Road,
Glencoe, IL 60022-0400 (847)835-5440.
- This wonderful garden offers 385 acres with 100 acres of woods, 75 acres of
lagoons and 23 spectacular gardens. In alphabetical order, the gardens are the
Aquatic Garden, Bulb Garden, Children's Garden, Circle Garden, Dwarf Conifer
Garden, Educational Greenhouses, Enabling Garden, Endangered Species Garden,
English Walled Garden, English Oak Meadow, Fruit and Vegetable Garden, Heritage
Garden, Home Landscape Demonstration Garden, Japanese Garden, Mc Donald Woods,
Naturalistic Garden, Plant Evaluation Gardens, Prarie, Bruce Krasberg Rose
Garden (an All-America Rose Selections Garden), Sensory Garden, Skokie River,
and Waterfall Garden.
Cuneo Museum and
Gardens: 1350 N. Milwaukee Avenue,
Vernon Hills, IL 60061 (847)362-3042.
- This splendid mansion is surrounded by 75 serene acres featuring lakes,
fountains, formal gardens, antique classical statuary, a private 9-hole golf
course and a conservatory housing exotic plants.
Deere-Wiman House:
817 11th Avenue,
Moline, IL 61265 (309)765-7971.
- The
historic home formerly belonging to descendants of John Deere offers extensive
gardens with elements typical of the Victorian era and a wide variety of trees
and plants.
Don Opel Arboretum:
Highland Community College, 2998 West Pearl City Road,
Freeport, IL
61032-9341 (815)233-5475.
- The College is home to a regional arboretum on 140
acres surrounded by natural prairie, woodland and athletic fields.
Ellwood House Museum: 509 North
First Street,
DeKalb, IL 60115-3232 (815)756-4609.
- An opulent Victorian mansion
built by the barbed wire baron Isaac Ellwood, is located in a lovely park in the
heart of DeKalb. The House and gardens give a glimpse into life in the late 19th
century.
Fabyan Forest Preserve and Estate: Routes 25 and 31 and Fabyan Parkway,
Geneva, IL 60134-3309 630-232-2631.
- This 245 acre wooded tract on both banks of
the Fox River with Villa, formerly the estate of Col. and Mrs. George Fabyan,
features their 68-foot windmill and restored Japanese gardens with a pool and
bridge.
Fell Arboretum at
Illinois State University: Campus Box 9100,
Normal, IL 61790-9100
(309)438-2035.
- Named after a "lover and planter of trees" who planted 13,000
trees in the town of Normal, the Arboretum is a curated collection of trees,
shrubs, and plants integrated with art and architecture on the Illinois State
campus. Fell's motto: "He who plants a tree and cares for it does something for
posterity."
Fragrant Fields: 102
South Garden Street,
Dongola, IL 62926 (800)635-0282.
- A large commercial herb
nursery located in a historic barn and greenhouses.
Garden Path: 3838 E. Lost Bridge Road,
Decatur, IL 62521 (217)423-7284.
-
This retail garden center showcases 30 theme gardens on 2-1/2 acres. Dedicated to illustrating landscape design, the
gardens vary from teaching principles and ideas, to familiar sun, shade and perennial favorites gardens, to hydrangeas,
hostas, bird, butterfly, healing and patio gardens. An enabling garden at the entrance contains raised beds
and plants that appeal to each of the 5 senses.
Garfield Park Conservatory:
300 N. Central Park Avenue,
Chicago, IL 60624 (312)746-5100.
- Jens Jensen, the
West Side Park Commission's landscape architect, conceived the Conservatory as a
series of naturalistic landscapes under glass The Conservatory building,
covering 4.5 acres and housing 4,800 different types of plants, was patterned
after the haystacks of the midwest. The separate rooms are named the Palm House,
Fern Room, Economic House, Desert House, Aroid House, Sensory Garden, Warm
House, Show House and Horticultural. The greenhouses serve as the source of the
multitude of plants displayed in Garfield, Lincoln, and Grant Parks. The
photograph on the Conservatory Alliance web page says it all -- sheer beauty.
Haines Farmhouse and Museum: Bowen Park, 1917 North Sheridan Road,
Waukegan, IL
(847)336-1859 or (847) 360-4770.
- The Waukegan Historical Society is restoring
this 1870s home occupied by a former Chicago Mayor and now the Society's
headquarters. Outside is the Bowen formal garden.
Hauberg Civic
Center: 1320 24th Street,
Rock Island, IL 61201 (309)732-2132.
- A mansion
originally owned by descendants of the founders of the Weyerhauser and Denkmann
lumber empire houses the Rock Island Park Offices and displays gardens featuring
shade-tolerant plants, rhododendrons, and wildflowers.
Hornbaker Gardens: 22937 1140
North Avenue,
Princeton, IL 61356 (815)659-3282.
- This nursery offers sun, shade
and water display gardens featuring hostas, daylilies, iris and grasses.
Jackson Park Perennial
Garden and Osaka Japanese Gardens: 59th Street and Stony Island Avenue,
Chicago, IL (312)747-6187.
- This elegant park, designed by Frederick Law
Olmstead, offers acres of parkland, reflecting pools, a perennial garden, and
the Osaka Japanese Garden featuring a replica of the Phoenix Temple near Kyoto,
Japan.
Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Gardens:
2715 S. Main Street,
Rockford, IL 61102 (815)965-8146.
- The Arboretum, on the 155
acre site of a former nursery, displays native and exotic species as well as an
extensive evergreen collection. The Botanic Gardens features gardens devoted to
Hosta, Everlastings, Iris, Gourds, Herbs, Vegetables and Annuals, Peonies,
Grasses as well the Fountain Garden, the Square Food Garden, a Butterfly Garden,
a Children's Garden (with evergreen maze, sundial, story tree, and a native
american garden), and a Prehistoric Garden.
Ladd Memorial Arboretum and Ecology
Center: 2024 McCormick Blvd.,
Evanston, IL 60201 (847) 864-5181.
- A 23 acre
strip-like park along the edge of the North Shore Canal, the Arboretum's trees
and shrubs are arranged by plant family (Birch, Legume, Maple, Oak and Pine).
Lovely gardens include the Meadow Garden, Prairie Restoration Area, Cherry Tree
Walk, Nut Tree, Rotary International Friendship Garden (with All-America
Selections roses), Women's Terrace, Gazebo and Bird Sanctuary. Visitors will
also find an Ecology Center, with a passive solar greenhouse, and a windmill
demonstrating alternative energy sources.
Lilacia Park: Park
and Maple Avenue,
Lombard, IL 60148 (630) 627-1281.
- Lilacia Park, an 8-1/2 acre
spring wonderland of 200 varieties of lilacs and 50 varieties of tulips, hosts
many of Lombard's annual (since the 1920s) "Lilac Time" activities.
Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center:
2301 E. Lake Drive,
Springfield, IL 62707 (217)529-1111.
- Featuring wooden
benches inscribed with quotes from Abraham Lincoln, this 77 acre woodland park
designed by Jens Jenson offers five miles of trails on the shores of Lake
Springfield and trees and flowers native to Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky.
Trails include High Meadow, Walgreen Bridge, Witch Hazel Trail, Hawthorne Trail,
Shady Lane, Shadbush Lane, Hickory Lane, Maple Lane, Buckeye Trail, Linden Lane,
Silver Bell Trail, Walnut and Oak Grove, Lake Trail, Red Bud Lane, Beech Trace,
Arrow Wood Trail, Sheep Barry Lane, Lincoln Council Ring, Oak Trail, Wild Flower
Trail, Bird Cherry Trail, Cypress Grove, Fringe Tree Trail, Crab Apple Lane,
Prairie Path, and Dogwood Lane. Don't miss the turtle collection.
Lincoln Park Conservatory, Grandmother's Garden, Main Garden and Rock Garden;
Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool
:
A Friends Website. 2391 N. Stockton
Drive,
Chicago, IL 60614 (312)742-7737.
- The Conservatory offers four glass houses and two
outdoor gardens. The Greenhouses include the 50-foot high Palm House,
the Fernery and the Show House, home to the Chrysanthemum Show, Winter
Show, Azalea Show, Spring Show, and Summer Tropical Show. Outside are
found the Standing Lincoln Monument (formal gardens), the Grandmother's
Garden (perennials and shrubs with a statue of Shakespeare), the Annual
Garden (by the Zoo), the Peace Garden (a sunken garden by the Waveland
Gold Course) and the Contemplation Point Garden (with prairie plants at
the north end of the park). The Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, newly
restored, is a quiet sanctuary for people as well as migratory birds.
Longview
Park Conservatory and Gardens: Intersection of 17th Street and 18th Avenue,
Rock Island, IL (309) 732-7261.
- This forty-acre park offers, in addition to a
multitude of facilities, extensive gardens, a conservatory, and a greenhouse.
Lurie Garden: Millennium Park,201 E. Randolph St.,
Chicago, IL
60602 (312) 228-1004
- This 5 acre garden pays homage to the City's motto, "Urbs in Horto" (City in a Garden),
which refers to Chicago's transformation from its flat and marshy origins to a bold and powerful city.
With a palate of texture and color, the garden transforms each season through featured plantings amid strong
and symbolic hardscape. Mass plantings of native Midwestern plants are arrayed in a spectacular setting with streams and impressive
arborvitae hedges to create a surreal private space in the middle of the city.
(George L.) Luthy
Memorial Botanical Garden: Glen Oak Park, 2218 N. Prospect Road,
Peoria, IL
61603 (309)686-3362.
- This gracious park features a Wildlife Garden, a Woodland
Garden, an Herb Garden, a Viburnum Collection, a new Children's Garden, an All
America Rose Selections Garden and a 2500 square foot conservatory Yearly events
include a Chrysanthemum Show and a Poinsettia Show.
Lynn J. Arthur Rose Garden: Cook Memorial Park, 211 W. Rockland Road,
Libertyville, IL 60048 (847)918-7275.
- This 1.7 acre village park surrounding
the historic Cook Mansion features an All-America Rose Selections accredited
garden.
Mabery Gelvin Botanical Gardens: Lake of the Woods County Park, 506 N.
Lombard,
Mahomet, IL 61853 (217)586-4630 or (217)586-4389.
- This lovely garden
with a diverse floral display includes an All America Selections Display Garden
and an Enabling Garden that is under construction.
Mandala Gardens: 1704 N. State Street,
Marion, IL 62959 (618)889-9228
-
This 7 acre holistic sanctuary features herb, flower and vegetable gardens in the shape of mandalas (sacred circles), including a
70 foot diameter labyrinth, stone sculptures, a pond, pathways and herbs for sale when in season.
Marquette Park Rose and Trial Gardens: 3540 W. 71st Street,
Chicago, IL
60629 (312)747-6469.
- This 322 acre park designed by Frederick Law Olmstead's
sons, features a two acre rose garden.
Mari-Mann Herb Farm: #1 Mari Mann Lane (North end of St. Louis Bridge
Road),
Decatur, IL 62521 (217)429-1404 or (217)429-1555.
- One of the largest and
oldest retail herb nurseries in the midwest, this farm on the bluffs overlooking
the Sangamon River displays six acres of herbs.
Merrick Rose Garden: Lake Avenue and Oak Street,
Evanston, IL 60201
(847)866-2911.
- This gem of a city park features over 100 varieties of roses
during the summer, as well as the historic Centennial Fountain. The well-tended
garden is a recipient of the All-America Rose Selections Award for Outstanding
Maintenance.
Midway Village Museum Heritage Gardens: 6799 Guilford Road,
Rockford, IL 61107 (815)397-9112.
-
Recreating a Victorian Village with 26 historical buildings, this unique and charming museum includes historic gardens using 19th century garden designs,
structures, ornamentation and heirloom plants. Eight heirloom gardens along with ten acres of restored natural
areas reflect various aspects of turn-of-the-century living and provide the visitor with a unique glimpse of
plant varieties seldom seen today. Interpreters in authentic period clothing also use these plants for historic
cooking demonstrations, craft projects and decorating. In addition to the cultivated garden areas, Midway Village Museum is actively engaged in prairie restoration.
Morton Arboretum: 4100
Illinois Rte. 53,
Lisle, IL 60532-1293 (630)719-2465 or (Recording)
(630)719-2400.
- Established by (Mr.) Joy Morton of Morton Salt fame as a
retirement project, this fascinating 1,700 acre Arboretum can be seen from 11
miles of paved roads, 12 miles of foot trails, or from a tram. The collection
displays more than 30,000 plants, representing 3,600 different types of native
and exotic plants. Gardens include a Hedge Garden, Dwarf Woody Plants, a Ground
Cover Garden, a Four Seasons Garden, a Fragrance Garden, Joy Path Gardens, a
Wild Garden, and the May T. Watts Reading Garden. Geographical collections
include woody plants of China, Northern Illinois, Central and West Asia, Eastern
United States Wetlands, the Appalachians, Japan, the Ozarks, the Southwest U.S.,
Central and Western North America, Northeast Asia, Europe, Korea and the
Balkans. Taxonomic collections include elms, roses, pines, ginseng, beeches,
birches, cashews, cypress, dogwood, honeysuckle, lindens, magnolias, maples,
mulberry, olives, peas, rues, saxifrage, walnuts, willows and yews.
Nan
Elliott Memorial Rose Garden: Gordon F. Moore Community Park, 4550 College
Avenue,
Alton, IL 62002 (618)463-3580.
- This stunning 1 acre rose garden, a
doctor's memorial to his wife, contains more than 1,800 bushes and is an All
America Rose Selections accredited garden. There is also an Oriental Garden at the Park.
National Shrine of Our Lady of the
Snows: 442 S. De Mazenod Drive,
Belleville, IL 62223-1094 (618)397-6700.
- 200-acre expanse of unique architecture, imaginative landscaping, and devotional
areas. Owned by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Special areas include
the Main Shrine, the Lourdes Grotto (a replica) the Annunciation Garden, the
Mothers Prayer Walk, the Fathers Memorial Wall, the Agony Garden, the Way of the
Cross, and the Resurrection Garden.
Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens: 1354 N. 2nd Street,
Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 987-8858
-
Situated along the banks of the Rock River, this 11,000-square-foot plant exhibition area complete with water features,
seating areas, and sculptures, brings the tropics to the Midwest. The beauty continues outdoors with the newly restored
Eclipse Lagoon, complete with two fountains and a waterfall, pedestrian bridge, patio areas, and walkway connecting the
Conservatory to the Sinnissippi Rose Garden.
Oak Park Conservatory:
615 Garfield Street,
Oak Park, IL 60304 (708)386-4700.
- The Conservatory has
three rooms: The Desert House (cacti and succulents), The Tropical House
(including palms, bamboo, orchids, economic plant, a fishpond and waterfall) and
the Fern House (a variety of plants including ferns, hibiscus, orchids,
begonias, and carnivorous plants). Outside is a native prairie patch.
Ornamental Horticultural Land Laboratory:
Illinois Central College,
East Peoria, IL 61611 (309)694-5011.
- A five-acre
teaching garden includes trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants in landscape
settings. The garden, displaying an extensive Hosta collection, is also a
display garden for the All-America selections.
Quad City Botanical Center: 2525 4th
Avenue,
Rock Island, IL 61201-9008 (309)794-0991.
- This brand new garden features
a 6,400 square foot tropical conservatory that is being filled with over 100
different tropical trees, shrubs and flowers, a planted wet wall and a 14 foot
waterfall. Outside visitors will find a conifer garden, a reflection pool and a
fountain.
Riverside
Park and Conservatory: Corner of Fifth Avenue and 34 Street,
Moline, IL
(309)736-5717.
- Riverside is a multi-facility public park with a Conservatory and
gardens.
Robert Allerton
Park and Conference Center: Allerton Road or County Road 5.75E,
Monticello,
IL 61856 (217)244-1035 or (217)762-2721.
- Formerly the estate of Robert Allerton,
the 1,500 acre park's formal gardens contains objects collected by him on his
travels, including a collection of Fu Dogs and statuary. Gardens include the
Brick Garden, the Annual Garden, the Lost Garden The park also offers over
twenty miles of trails meandering through the upland forest (400 acres) and
lowland and southern forests (100 acres) along the Sangamon River.
Rockome Gardens Family Theme Park: 125 N.
CR 425 E,
Arcola, IL 61910-9802 (217)268-4216 or (800)549-7625.
- 15 acres of
rock and floral gardens showcase specialty shops and family attractions.
Scovill Park and
Oriental Gardens: 71 South Country Club Road,
Decatur, IL 61107
(217)421-7435.
- This 62 acre former estate overlooking Lake Decatur features, in
addition to other city park attractions, a Japanese Garden whose entrance is
guarded by a Chinese fu dog. The garden achieves it elegance through the use of
greenery, rocks, sand and water, ornamented by Oriental sculpture, a unique sod
bridge and a gazebo surrounded by a flower garden.
Shakespeare
Garden: Northwestern University, 2121 Sheridan Road (next to Howes Memorial
Chapel),
Evanston, IL 60201-2924 (847)864-8384.
- Designed by Jens Jensen and
planted in 1916 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Shakespeare's death, the
garden features flowers, shrubs, trees and herbs mentioned in Shakespeare's
plays as well as a bas-relief of the Bard.
Sinnissippi
Gardens, Greenhouse and Lagoon: 1300 N. 2nd Street,
Rockford, IL
(815)987-8858.
- The first Rockford Park, purchased hurriedly to save it from
speculators, showcases a tropical greenhouse with changing floral displays,
waterfalls, fish and birds. Next door is the site of the
Nicholas Conservatory and Garden, opening in 2011.
Starhill
Forest Arboretum: Route 1, Box 272,
Petersburg, IL 62675-9736 (217)632-3685.
- This 25 acre arboretum exhibits 600 accessioned native and exotic varieties
including 150 different oaks in its research on the adaptability of woody plants
to midwestern climate and soil conditions.
The Farm: 21648 Old Farm Avenue,
Petersburg IL 62675 (217)632-2888
-
Elaborate display gardens on 1 acre includes over 20 themed areas including a Bible Garden, Medicinal Garden,
Grandma's Garden, Lovers' Garden, and more.
University of Chicago: 5801 S. Ellis Avenue,
Chicago, IL 60637
(773)702-8369(tours).
- The 190-acre University of Chicago campus showcases
palatial Gothic towers, quiet reflecting pools and lush lawns and gardens.
University of Illinois
Conservatory and Plant Collection: Plant Sciences Laboratory Greenhouses,
University of Illinois, 1201 S. Dorner Drive,
Urbana, IL 61801 (217)333-3058.
- The 1,500 square foot Conservatory houses over 200 tropical and subtropical
species selected for their botanical interest or economic importance. Separate
greenhouses contain ferns, bromeliads, orchids, carnivorous plants, herb and
spice plants, cacti and euphorbia and other succulents. Outside, sheltered by
the greenhouses, is a butterfly garden.
University of Illinois Arboretum:
205 Swanlund Administration Bldg., 601 E. John Street,
Champaign, IL 61820
(217)333-8846.
- Under development, the completed Arboretum's gardens,
collections, and habitats will transform 160 acres of the university's south
campus farmlands into three major areas. The Core will be a formally organized
group of display gardens, of which the Hartley Selections Garden (dedicated in
the fall 1994) is the focal point. The Collections Area will feature woody
plants in an naturalistic park-like setting with trails. The Habitats Area will
feature plants thriving in woodland, savannah and wet prairie environments.
Vance Park: S. Central Avenue,
Paris, IL, 61944.
- Historic Vance Park
features a lushly landscaped sunken garden with a serpentine wall from a design
by Thomas Jefferson located in Charlottesville, North Carolina, and a Lion's
Head fountain duplicating one found in Paris, France.
Washington Park Botanical
Garden: West Fayette Avenue and Chatham Road, P.O. Box 5052,
Springfield,
IL 62705 (217)753-6228.
- A National Historic Site designed by O. C. Simonds, the
impressive gardens showcase over 1,200 species of native and exotic plants. The
domed Conservatory features tropical flora including orchids, palms and
bromeliads. The exterior gardens include a Rose Garden with over 3,500 plants, a
Shade Garden, a Monocot Garden (iris), a Daylily Garden and a Rock Garden.
Washington Park Formal
Gardens: 55th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue,
Chicago, IL (312)747-6823.
- The park's sheer size may put you on sensory
overload: a vista of fields and streams, with ample space to breathe and
adore the simple beauty of the outdoors. Designer Frederick Law Olmsted
modeled the gorgeous lagoons and footbridges after those at Jackson
Park; same goes for the boardwalk that stretches along the park's
western edge. This promenade, lined with Victorian-era iron lampposts,
provides a glimpse into the park's glory days. It's easy to imagine
hoop-skirted women with parasols strolling arm in arm with their
gentlemen.
Weber House and Garden: 1503 Baker Street,
Streator, IL 61364 (815)672-8327
-
Two acres of lovely English Arts and Crafts gardens surround a storybook Tudor cottage. Tours include colorful stories
told by Ted Weber, a retired Chicago radio and television host. A unique and delightful place.
Wilder Park Conservatory and Formal
Gardens: 225 Prospect,
Elmhurst, IL 60126 (630) 993-8906.
- A greenhouse, a
gift to a wife grieving over her son's death, was the beginning of the gardens,
enlarged by each successive (and, by happy coincidence, horticulturally
inclined) mistress of the house. The Elmhurst Park District added three
greenhouses more after the property came under its care in the 1920s.
Winter
Garden: Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State Street,
Chicago, IL
60605-1203 (312)747-4300.
- The world's largest library, complete with gargoyle
owls, is home to the ninth floor's Winter Garden with olive trees and climbing
ivy and a sky dome. Books and a garden are an inspired combination.