Chicago Botanic Garden

PHOTO: Summer Shows

summer shows

Illinois African Violet Society Show & Sale
June 26 & 27

Wisconsin-Illinois Lily Society Show
July 10 & 11

The Wisconsin-Illinois Lily Society's annual show features floral arrangements in four artistic categories and a beautiful judged display of more than 100 lily blooms in different varieties. This show features true lilies, belonging to the genus Lilium. There are about 80 different species of lilies and thousands of hybrids. Visitors can get tips from experts on how to grow and propagate lilies.

PHOTO: Lily Northshore Iris and Daylily Society Show & Sale
July 17 & 18

Sponsored by the Northshore Iris and Daylily Society, this show features more than ten artistic arrangements and more than 50 daylily varieties in bloom. The sale features iris and daylily plants, which range in price from $3 to $10. The show is on Sunday only. Irises and daylilies are available for purchase on both Saturday and Sunday.

Bromeliad Society of Greater Chicago Show & Sale
July 24 & 25

The Bromeliad Society of Greater Chicago show and sale features plants such as pineapples and Spanish moss, which are generally easy to grow, require little care, and reward the grower with brilliant, long-lasting blooms and ornamental foliage.

Cactus & Succulent Society of Greater Chicago Show & Sale
July 31 & August 1

The Cactus and Succulent Society of Greater Chicago presents a show and sale of cactuses and succulents. A free children's educational program will be provided by Multidisciplinary Education for the Environment (ME4E).

Garden Clubs of Illinois State Show
August 7 & 8

The Garden Clubs of Illinois present this advanced standard flower show, which includes a judged exhibit of flower arrangements and exhibits as well as a cut horticulture competition. Garden Clubs of Illinois is composed of nearly ten thousand members and is divided into nine districts. Visit www.gardenglories.org for more information.

PHOTO: Succulent Show

Gardeners of the North Shore Show
August 14 & 15

The Gardeners of the North Shore host this annual show, which includes a judged exhibition with more than 500 entries of anything a home gardener can grow, including flowers, vegetables, herbs, and houseplants.

Midwest Bonsai Society Show & Sale
August 20 – 22

Roadside Flower Sale Workshops
August 31 – September 3

Learn how to make beautiful dried plant arrangements through these free flower-arranging workshops. All arrangements created at these workshops become the property of the Chicago Botanic Garden and are sold at the Roadside Flower Sale. Register for workshops in advance by calling (847) 835-8392.

Illinois Mycological Association Show & Sale
September 5

The Illinois Mycological Association celebrates the richness of fall mushrooms in Illinois with an exhibit of 50 to 100 varieties of mushroom foraged from area forests. Members provide information and answer questions regarding mushrooms and fungi. A children's education area is available, and mushrooms, books, and t-shirts will be for sale. Mycology is the study of fungi and their use to humans as a source for medicine and food, as well as their dangers, such as poisoning or infection, and their benefits to natural ecosystems.

Northeastern Illinois Rose Society Show & Sale
September 5

Explore the beauty and wonder of one of the world's most beloved blooms. Hundreds of roses will be displayed in this judged show. Rose experts will be on hand to answer questions, and rose blooms will be available for purchase.

Roadside Flower Sale
September 10 – 12

The Chicago Botanic Garden volunteers host the thirtieth anniversary of the Roadside Flower Sale. This one-of-a-kind sale of natural plant and dried floral arrangments in the Regenstein Center showcases gifts from the Garden's specially collected dried flowers, pods, and grasses. More than 300 flower arrangements and wreaths are available for purchase.

Lakeshore African Violet Society Show & Sale
September 11 & 12

Among the daintiest and most vivid petite flowering houseplants, African violets are treasured for their ease of growing and continuous blooms. This event features more than a hundred judged exhibits. African violets and supplies will be sold, and tips and advice on culture and propagation will be offered throughout the show.

Illinois Gourd Society Show & Sale
September 18 & 19

See gourds of all shapes and sizes at this show and sale. Vendors will sell crafted gourds, and workshops will be given.