Read Sophia's letter on her resolution for the new year.




Camp CBG Priority Registration

President’s Circle members are invited to register early for Camp CBG!
For a registration form, please e-mail or call (847) 835-6925.



Bonsai Silhouette Show President’s Circle Preview Party

Thursday, January 28, 6 to 8 p.m.
$35 per person

Don’t miss this magical evening, exclusively for President’s Circle members. Join bonsai curator, Ivan Watters, on an informal tour of this one-of-a-kind exhibition, which features deciduous trees from the Garden’s Bonsai Collection, while enjoying traditional Japanese music, festive refreshments, and hors d’oeuvres.

 register online  or call the President’s Circle hotline,
(847) 835-6925.




President's Circle Tour to Napa
September 29 – October 3, 2010
Exclusive travel opportunity to the Napa Valley! More information coming soon…




Tree Lighting Ceremony and Wonderland Express Family Evening

On November 24, President’s Circle and Guild members gathered at the Garden with their family and friends to kick off the holiday season. Thank you to everyone who attended this wonderfully festive evening.

View photographs from past President’s Circle events (the password is “circle”).




Spirit: Garden Inspiration
A Half-Day Symposium with Dan Pearson

Saturday, January 23, 1 to 4 p.m.
$59 members/$74 nonmembers

Dan Pearson, of Dan Pearson Studio from London, England, is one of the most important and influential landscape designers working today. In this half-day symposium, Dan will demonstrate his design process, in which he extrapolates on the spirit of place as it emerges through geography, history, architecture, and native flora.

Participants in the half-day symposium will be treated to a special opening celebration of the Garden’s new exhibition, Losing Paradise? Endangered Plants Here and Around the World. The reception will begin at 4 p.m.





Please click on each of the photos above for information on fun holiday-season events at the Garden.

Tip for Year-end Giving

President’s Circle members over age 70½ may want to consider making their annual gift through their IRA. An act of Congress makes this possible, but only through December 31, 2009. To take advantage of this special opportunity, consult your professional advisor for details, and request your charitable distribution in time for your gift to arrive at the Garden by December 31.



Every day, it is an honor and privilege to serve the Chicago Botanic Garden and I am so grateful for your support. You help us bring joy to people’s lives and help to save the planet by saving plants. Please know I would love to hear from you any time.

With warm holiday greetings to you and your family,

Sophia Siskel
President & CEO
Chicago Botanic Garden