Chicago Botanic Garden

PHOTO: Spring Shows

spring shows

Illinois Orchid Society Spring Show & Sale
March 20, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
March 21, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Special photographer's hour at 9 a.m.

The Illinois Orchid Society presents this show, in which individual orchids in 128 classes will vie for ribbons. Forty displays of orchids will be arranged, and repotting services will be available. Vendors will sell orchid plants and orchid-related products. Visitors can attend free lectures in the Alsdorf Auditorium.

Don't forget to see The Orchid Album, an exhibition extending from February 5 through May 9 in the Lendardt Library. The exhibition features the book by the same title, which set the standard for orchid description and illustration in the nineteenth century.

Midwest Fruit Explorers Grafting Workshop
March 21, 2 – 4 p.m.

The Midwest Fruit Explorers presents this hands-on workshop with step-by-step instructions on how to graft and care for fruit trees. The best varieties for the Midwest will be available, including apple, pear, and Asian pear trees. Members will guide visitors to select the right tree for the right location. After purchasing root stock (approximately $4), visitors can follow the demonstration and leave with one or more trees ready to plant in the ground.

Ikenobo Ikebana Society Show
March 27 & 28, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Dr. Ikka Nakashima features her students and the art of this ancient discipline on Japanese floral design. Each design tells a story. More than 50 friends will be featured.

Midwest Daffodil Society Show
April 24, noon – 5 p.m. & April 25, 10 a.m. –5 p.m.

The American Daffodil Society's national show features more than a thousand daffodils on display that will be judged by the society. The show includes cut blooms, floral design, and photography competitions. The show will include floral designs inspired by the display gardens at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Daffodil growers of all skill levels are invited to participate.

Wisconsin-Illinois Lily Society Lily Lecture
April 25, 2 p.m.

The Wisconsin-Illlinois Lily Society presents a lecture, "How Lilies Are Used in English Gardens." Carolyn Ulrich, editor-in-chief of Chicagoland Gardening magazine, has led many summer tours to England, and she will show how lilies have been used over the centuries in some of the most famous English gardens. Those attending will learn how lilies have been used for hundreds of years to provide accent and beauty to gardens.

Glenview/Northshore African Violet Society Show & Sale
May 1 & 2, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

This educational display explains the world of African violets and demonstrates the diversity within this plant family. Experts will be on hand to answer questions, and many varieties of African violets will be for sale.

Central States Dahlia Society Sale
May 1 & 2, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The Central States Dahlia Society holds its annual dahlia sale, which features dahlia tubers and plants in a wide array of sizes, shapes, and colors. Society members are available to answer questions about the culture of dahlias.

American Rhododendron Society Show & Sale
May 8 & 9, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The midwest chapter of the American Rhododendron Society presents a display and sale of more than 150 rhododendron and azalea varieties grown by members. They will be available to answer questions, and plants will be available for purchase.

Midwest Bonsai Society Spring Show & Sale
May 15 & 16, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Midwest Bonsai Society holds its spring show featuring spring-blooming trees, bonsai on rocks, and Suiseki (the Japanese art of stones). Vendors, demonstrations, and workshops for all skill levels will be offered. Registration is required for workshops; information about them may be found at www.midwestbonsai.org/.

Ikebana International Show
May 22 & 23, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The Ikebana International Society presents this show, which features many educational opportunities to learn about the mechanics and techniques of Ikebana.

Northshore Iris & Daylily Society Show & Sale
May 29 & 30, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Sponsored by the Northshore Iris & Daylily Society, the show features more than ten artistic arrangements and 75 irises in bloom. Irises and daylilies will also be available for purchase.

Northern Illinois Hosta Society Show & Sale
June 5 & 6, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The Northern Illinois Hosta society presents this show in Burnstein Hall in the Regenstein Center.

Sogetsu School of Illinois Sogetsu Ikebana Exhibit
June 12, noon – 4:30 p.m. & June 13, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

This show features Yaeko Baily and members of the Sogetsu School of Illinois demonstrating the Sogetsu School of Ikebana's flower-arranging techniques and answering questions.