We’re taking you behind the scenes to see what it takes to put together the 10,000-square-foot Wonderland Express exhibition. Crews were cleaning up and repairing the Chicago landmark buildings before they’re placed in the exhibition. Watch to see this year’s new features and learn about their natural building materials.

View the video on youtube here.

We stopped by to see the installation of a 40-foot tree on the Esplanade and talked to Cindy Baker about how staff create the stunning outdoor light display for Wonderland Express. Learn how to wrap conifers and deciduous trees with lights to highlight the different branching structure.

View the video on youtube here.

Kay Havens talks about how being a gardener at age 9 grew her desire to become a Botanist and Plant Conservationist. This video is part of our video series highlighting the scientists working at the Garden. View more of our scientists working — and on video — at the new Rice Plant Conservation Science Center.

View the hi-resolution video on youtube here.

This week, our new solar-electric tram debuts at the Garden. The tram, designed by The Solar Electric Vehicle Company, runs between the Visitor Center and the Plant Conservation Science Center, and will be in operation through the end of October.

Check out the tram!

Bob Kirschner tells us how the Rainwater Glen that surrounds the Plant Science Center functions to preserve water quality at the Garden.

Watch the video!

We went to a virgin prairie remnant in south suburban Chicago and talked with Susanne Masi about the Plants of Concern project. Susanne and her research associates work with a team of dedicated volunteers to monitor the Chicago Wilderness region’s rarest plants, assess trends in their populations, and provide important data used to conserve our rapidly declining floral heritage.

Plants of Concern is coordinated by the Chicago Botanic Garden, having strong partnerships with local, state, federal and non-profit agencies. Currently, this project is funded through a grant program supported by the USDA Forest Service Northeastern Area, State and Private Forestry, and the US Fish & Wildlife Service, in support of Chicago Wilderness. USFWS and USFS grants of federal monies are administered by the Illinois Conservation Foundation & Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie – USDA Forest Service.

Watch the video!

Conservation scientist Jeremie Fant tells us about his attempt to restore Pitcher’s thistle to its native habitat. He and his team are studying the plant and its DNA to learn more about rare plant restoration and how to make it more successful.

Watch the video!

Crews have started planting the Green Roof Garden! Emily Shelton, the garden’s horticulturist, shows us around the two 8,000-square-foot gardens and tells us about some of the plants they will be evaluating.

Watch the video!

Join us for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Plant Science Center with Bill Brown, the Garden’s vice president of facilities and planning. The building was designed using materials and systems to earn a gold LEED rating for sustainable design from the U.S. Green Building Council. Bill will tell us what that means for the Garden and how he and his team made it happen.

View the tour of sustainable features with Bill Brown.