Dear President’s Circle Member,

Read Sophia's letter on why the Chicago Botanic Garden is proud to be one of the treasures of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, which has owned the land on which the Garden is built for more than 50 years. The spring issue of Keep Growing, arriving in homes soon, explores the connections the Garden and District share.

You're invited!

President’s Update with Sophia Siskel

Thursday, April 28, 2011
8 to 9:30 a.m.
Complimentary

Join Sophia Siskel for an informal review of the Garden’s past accomplishments and goals for the future. Breakfast refreshments will be available between 8 and 8:30 a.m. Talk begins promptly at 8:30 a.m., followed by a question and answer session.

This is an exclusive event for members of the President’s Circle and Garden Heritage Society.

Please RSVP if you plan to attend.

President’s Circle 2011 Lecture Series

The Chicago Botanic Garden is proud to present four distinct lectures and receptions.

President’s Circle members are invited to enjoy and engage on topics including landscape architecture, horticultural history, and urban landscape design. Presenters include, Peter Wirtz, Andrea Wulf, Piet Oudolf, and Michael Van Valkenburgh.

Look for more information in the mail soon!


PHOTO ALBUM

Bonsai Silhouette Show Preview Party

On January 27, President’s Circle members enjoyed traditional Japanese music, festive refreshments, and a slide presentation at the Three Friends of Winter Bonsai Silhouette Show Preview Party. A special thank you to Ivan Watters, bonsai curator, and to Dr Richard A. Pegg, curator of Asian art for the MacLean Collection.

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


save the date

For a full listing of 2011 President’s Circle and special Garden events, click here!

Antiques & Garden Fair
Preview Evening

Thursday, April 14, 2011
6 to 10 p.m.

The Antiques & Garden Fair Preview Evening offers guests the opportunity to enjoy priority shopping, sumptuous buffets, and refreshments. Preview Evening ticket prices begin at $200 and include special pricing for tickets to the Friday lecture by legendary Belgian landscape architect Peter Wirtz. Tickets at the $5,000 Garden-ian Angel level also include behind-the-scenes shopping privileges beginning at 1 p.m. Call (847) 835-6944 to purchase tickets.

Antiques & Garden Fair

Friday through Sunday
April 15 – 17, 2011
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Celebrating 11 years in 2011, the Antiques & Garden Fair again offers the best in classical and contemporary garden furnishings, botanical art, and home and garden design from more than 100 exhibitors from the United States and Europe. Advance ticket sales begin March 1 at the Visitor Center and on the Garden’s website.

Upcoming Garden Events

Chicago Flower and Garden Show

March 5 – 13, 2011

Members of the Chicago Botanic Garden receive a $2 discount on admission tickets to Chicago’s annual Flower & Garden Show with valid proof of membership. Plus, individuals, as well as garden clubs and business, are invited to compete in this year’s Horticultural Competition. Click here for rules and application information.

Garden Volunteer Fair

March 6, 2011

The Garden is a wonderful place for volunteers to make a contribution to their community, form new friendships, learn new skills, and have fun. There are volunteer opportunities to suit all interests, talents and abilities. Consider stopping by the Garden Volunteer Fair to learn more.





Please click on each of the photos above for information on these fun ways to enjoy the Garden.



Please join me in congratulating Lauren Umek, a Ph.D. student in the joint plant biology and conservation program offered by the Chicago Botanic Garden and Northwestern University. Umek is a lead scientist on the Whippoorwill Farm Project, which was recently recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Chicago Wilderness for its outstanding research on novel methods for reclaiming land from invasive buckthorn.

This award is one of many prestigious awards our graduate students have earned this past year. These awards acknowledge the success of our program as well as the impact the Garden is having on science-based conservation practices throughout the country.

Congratulations, Lauren!

Sophia Siskel
President & CEO
Chicago Botanic Garden