Support Us

Events for President's Circle Members

A Rare Affair

Friday, June 7
Regenstein Center, 6 p.m.
$250 per person • President’s Circle Members

The Woman’s Board of the Chicago Horticultural Society hosts cocktails, dinner, and a live and silent auction of plants not readily available—gleaned from
foreign collecting expeditions and private collections, new introductions, and including plants of novel size or form.

Generously sponsored by BNY Wealth Management
Co-chairs: Dora Aalbregtse and Nancy Dorr (vice chair)

Summer Dinner Dance

Friday, June 21
Rose Garden, 7 p.m.
Black Tie
$750 per person • President’s Circle Members

The most beautiful summer party of the year, the Summer Dinner Dance celebrates the start of the summer season. The black-tie soirée begins with cocktails in the Rose Garden, followed by dinner and dancing.

Generously underwritten by Northern Trust
Co-chairs: Colette and Tom Smithburg, Maria and Bill Smithburg, and Cate and Rick Waddell

Gardens of Distinction

Tuesday, July 16
Tour with Scott Byron, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
$125 per person • President’s Circle Members

Click here to register

This year’s Gardens of Distinction tour offers a unique opportunity to tour exceptional local private gardens designed and created by Scott Byron. The expedition will be lead by Byron, who will share the inspiration behind his work.

Generously supported by The PrivateBank
Co-chairs to be announced

Harvest Ball

Saturday, September 21
The Esplanade, 5:30 p.m.
Black Tie
$550 per person • President’s Circle Members

The Guild of the Chicago Botanic Garden hosts this fun and elegant party on the beautiful early fall grounds of the Garden with a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by dinner and a live auction featuring domestic and international vacation packages.

Co-chairs: Emily DeGroot, Megan Hoffmann, and Julie Selakovich

Home & Garden Tour of Santa Barbara and Montecito, California

Wednesday – Sunday, September 25 – 29
The Esplanade, 5:30 p.m.
$2,900 per person • President’s Circle Members

Travel to Santa Barbara and Montecito, California, for a visit to renowned public and private gardens and historic homes, all set in the unique, Mediterranean-like climate between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. This travel opportunity is for President’s Circle members exclusively.

Hosts: Dorothy and John Gardner

Science at the Garden

Tuesday, October 22
Plant Science Center Presentation, 2 p.m.
Behind-the-Scenes Tours, 3 p.m.
Complimentary • Director’s Circle Members Welcome

During the past four years, Garden visitors have discovered the physical “where” of science at the Garden—the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center. Here is an opportunity to learn the “who, what, why, and how” of science at the Garden. Refreshments are included.

Wonderland Express Family Holiday Celebration

Date to be determined
Regenstein Center, 5 – 8:30 p.m.
$75 per adult; $25 per child ages 3 and older • President’s Circle Members

Share the magic of the holidays at one of the Garden’s most charming exhibitions. Fun, food, and festivities for the entire family. Follow the paths of ten miniature trains as they wind through a village of 80 handcrafted Chicago landmarks.

Co-chairs to be announced

All Aboard! Gala Dinner

Thursday, December 5
Regenstein Center, 6:30 p.m.
Cocktail Attire
$400 per person • President’s Circle Members

The Woman’s Board of the Chicago Horticultural Society presents the eighth annual All Aboard! gala dinner amid the festive setting of Wonderland Express, the Garden’s indoor holiday exhibition.

Co-chairs: Marianne Bestler and Carole Sandner