for immediate release

News Contact:
Julie McCaffrey
(847) 835-8213, direct
jmccaffrey@chicagobotanic.org

Fall Calendar of Events

Illinois Mycological Association Show & Sale – Sunday, Sept. 6
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 will provide information and answer questions regarding mushrooms and fungi. A children's education area will be 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. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Northeastern Illinois Rose Society Show & Sale – Sunday, Sept. 6
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. Hours are from noon to 4:30 p.m.

Garden Hours – Tuesday, Sept. 8 through Saturday, Oct. 31
The Chicago Botanic Garden grounds are open from 8 a.m. to sunset. The Garden Café is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends. The Garden Shop is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends. Plant Information is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, closed on holidays. The Lenhardt Library is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and by appointment; closed on holidays. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/visit/hours for more information.

Exhibition: Peggy Macnamara: The Natural Art of Nests – Through Monday, Sept. 28
Original artwork by Peggy Macnamara will be displayed in the Joutras Gallery in the Regenstein Center. Artwork is from her recently published book, Architecture by Birds & Insects.

Discovery Programs: Buehler Enabling, Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable, Elizabeth Hubert Malott Japanese and English Walled Gardens – Wednesdays through Sundays, through Oct. 4
Volunteers stationed at discovery carts and throughout the gardens offer information and hands-on experiences on a variety of topics through Discovery Programs. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. In the Fruit & Vegetable Garden, topics might include: bees, tools, herbs and composting. Volunteers at the dry garden and Shoin House in the Malott Japanese Garden provide cross-cultural insights and an introduction to Eastern garden design. In the Enabling Garden, volunteers demonstrate the advantages of a universal design garden while performing maintenance tasks. The Tool Shed, a resource center staffed by volunteers who answer questions and demonstrate tools that make gardening easier for people of all abilities, is also open. Volunteers in the English Walled Garden share seasonal highlights with visitors and identify the variety of plants growing in the garden. For information on volunteer opportunities in the Discovery Programs, call (847) 835-8392.

Plant Giveaways – Wednesdays through Sundays through Oct. 4
In the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden, volunteers share information about the featured plant, which changes monthly, and encourage visitors to plant the seeds or the seedlings to take home to their own gardens. A flyer with care information and a recipe is available. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Garden Chef Series – Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 4
More than 40 of the Chicago area’s best chefs — including several new to the series — demonstrate creative ways to use garden-fresh produce. Visitors are educated about and inspired to grow, cook with and eat a variety of seasonal, fresh vegetables, herbs and fruits. Demonstrations are at 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/chef for more information. The Garden Chef Series is sponsored by Barilla.

Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden Family Drop-in Activities – Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 4
Get close to nature and discover where food comes from with fun, free activities each weekend from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn about plant parts, the life of a bee, different types of seeds, how to plant a rainbow garden, worm composting and more. Activities vary from week to week. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/forfamilies for more information.

Malott Japanese Garden Family Sundays – First and Third Sundays through Oct. 4
Drop by the Elizabeth Hubert Malott Japanese Garden for free hands-on activities related to Japanese gardens and culture. Each Sunday features a different take-home project as well as hands-on activities, including raking miniature dry gardens, trying chopsticks and practicing calligraphy. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays, Sept. 20 and Oct 4. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/forfamilies for more information.

Farmers’ Market – First and Third Sundays through Oct. 18
Local and organic farmers will sell fruits, vegetables, cut flowers and herbs to the public outside the Visitor Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first and third Sundays of every month through October. Vendors include the Green Youth Farm and Windy City Harvest, two Garden programs that focus on sustainable urban agriculture. Visitors can purchase a special reusable market bag to carry their purchases from the market. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/calendar/farmers_market for more information.

Model Railroad Garden: Landmarks of America – Through Sunday, Oct. 25
A family favorite returning for its 10th season, the Model Railroad Garden delights visitors of all ages with the sights and sounds of seventeen garden-scale trains traversing bridges and trestles, miniature scenes of America’s best-loved landmarks and beautiful gardens planted to scale. The Garden’s 2009 exhibition features new Philadelphia landmarks including Independence Hall and a train on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad line chugging around the White House. Also, lots of new details such as the "W" sign atop Wrigley Field and the sound of Harry Caray singing "Take me out to the ball game" is back. The 7,500-square-foot exhibition is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (weather permitting). Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 3-12. Members receive $1 off these rates. Garden Plus members enter free on Wednesdays. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/railroad for more information. For information on volunteer opportunities in the Model Railroad Garden, call (847) 835-8392.

Tram Tours – Through Sunday, Oct. 25
Visitors can climb aboard a tram to explore the wonders of the Chicago Botanic Garden on a narrated 35-minute tram tour. The Grand Tour winds its way around the 2.6 mile perimeter of the Garden, providing a breathtaking overview of the Garden’s 385 acres. The Grand Tour has three drop-off sites, encouraging visitors to stroll through the Dixon Prairie and Evaluation Gardens. Stop to discover the new Plant Science Center opening Sept. 23. The Bright Encounters Tour provides an intimate view of the gardens of the main island. Trams run daily through Sunday, October 25. Tickets are available at the Tram Tour Ticket booth in front of the Visitor Center. Cost is $5 for adults; $4 seniors; $3 children. Members receive $1 discount on each ticket. Trams are wheelchair accessible.

Library Exhibition: Kew: 250 Years of Science at the Royal Botanic Gardens – through Sunday, Nov. 15
Publications (both books and journals) issued by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew have made a significant impact on science over the last 250 years. Many of these works are in the Lenhardt Library and will be on view during this exhibition. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/library for more information.

Little Diggers – Select Weekday Mornings, Sept. 2009 through Dec. 2009 and Jan. 2010 through April 2010
Discover the wonder of plants and nature with fun hands-on activities especially designed for children ages 2-3 or 3-4 in these two four-class programs. Classes meet once a month from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Adults must accompany children. Registration is required in advance. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/littlediggers or call (847) 835-8363 for more information.

Roadside Flower Sale – Friday, Sept. 11 to Sunday, Sept. 13
Chicago Botanic Garden volunteers host the 29th anniversary of the Roadside Flower Sale. This one-of-a-kind sale of natural plant and dried floral arrangements 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. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Free flower-arranging workshops are offered at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. from Tuesday, Sept. 1 through Friday, Sept. 4. All arrangements created at these workshops become the property of the Chicago Botanic Garden and are sold at the Roadside Flower Sale; proceeds benefit the Garden. Register for workshops in advance by calling (847) 835-8392. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/plantshows for more information.

Illinois Gourd Society Show & Sale – Saturday, Sept. 12 and Sunday, Sept. 13
See gourds of all shapes and sizes at this show and sale open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Vendors will sell crafted gourds, and workshops will be given.

Nature Nights – Saturday, Sept. 12 and Oct. 10
Spend an evening exploring the Garden along with family and friends, while actively taking part in a variety of engaging discovery-based activities during Nature Nights. Activities include a short tram ride, planting a plant to take home and making S'mores over an open fire at the Children's Garden. Pre-registration is required at least one week in advance online, fax or mail only. Nature Nights is designed for children ages 4-10; adults must accompany children; limit three children per adult. Hours are from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 12 and Oct. 10. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/naturenights to register or for more information.

Library Talk: "Tales from Plant Explorers: The Published Record of Kew's Expeditions Around the World" – Saturday, Sept. 12
Ed Valauskas, curator of rare books at the Lenhardt Library, will discuss selections from the rare book collection, which tell the story of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in England. The Garden has a complete set of Curtis' Magazine dating back to 1780s. This year is the 250th anniversary of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. This event begins at 2 p.m. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/library for more information.

Meet the Artist...Peggy Macnamara – Sunday, Sept. 13
Watch and learn as artist Peggy Macnamara paints in different locations in the Garden from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13. Signage will lead visitors to her location. Materials will be available for children who want to join in and draw a picture. Macnamara's exhibition, The Natural Art of Nests, from her recently published book Architecture by Birds & Insects, will be on display in the Joutras Gallery in the Regenstein Center through Sept. 28.

Lakeshore African Violet Society Show & Sale – Saturday, Sept. 19 and Sunday, Sept. 20
Among the daintiest and most vivid petite flowering houseplants, African violets are treasured for their ease of growing and continuous blooms. The event features more than 100 judged exhibits. African violets and supplies will be sold, and tips and advice on culture and propagation will be offered throughout the show. Hours are from noon to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. The Lakeshore African Violet Society holds its meetings, which are open to the public, on the third Tuesday of the month. Meeting dates are subject to change. For more information on plant society meetings, call (847) 835-6826. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/plantshows for more information.

Lecture: "In Defense of Food: The Omnivore's Solution" by Michael Pollan – Monday, Sept. 21
Michael Pollan, author of The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals and In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto, will give a lecture exploring what the industrialization of food and agriculture has meant for our health and happiness as eaters, and looks at the growing national movement to renovate the food system. Lecture is from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. A book signing will follow the lecture. Cost is $40. Preregistration is required. You may register by phone, fax or by mail. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/school/symposia/pollan or call (847) 835-8261 for more information.

Great Perennial Divide Collection – Thursday, Sept. 24
The Great Perennial Divide is held annually to add new life and sustain more than 250 community gardens across Chicago. Donations are collected at the Chicago Botanic Garden on Thursday, Sept. 24. Field-dug plants, labeled and potted in plastic pots (preferred) or bagged, and garden tools are accepted at the Garden’s Parking Lot three between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Materials are distributed throughout Chicago on Saturday, Sept. 26. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org or call (847) 835-8352 for more information.

Public Opening of Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center – Saturday, Sept. 26 and Sunday, Sept. 27
The Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center will open its doors to the public with activities and interpretation on Sept. 26 and 27. This 38,000-square-foot laboratory facility is designed to serve as an international center for plant conservation research and home to the nation’s only doctorate program in plant biology and conservation. The Plant Science Center features a viewing gallery designed to provide the Garden’s nearly 800,000 visitors with an opportunity to see Garden plant scientists at work. It will also feature two 8,000-square-foot living green roofs, open to the public to demonstrate the best plants for green roofs in the Midwest. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/research/building for more information.

Harvest Ball – Saturday, Sept. 26
The Guild of the Chicago Botanic Garden presents its annual Harvest Ball on the beautiful, late summer grounds of the Chicago Botanic Garden. The black-tie affair begins with a cocktail reception and silent auction at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and a live auction that features domestic and international vacation packages. The event is co-chaired by Shawna Owen, Lindsey Axel and Laura Anderson. Table packages are available. For more information, call (847) 835-6944.

Central States Dahlia Society Show – Saturday, Sept. 26 and Sunday, Sept. 27
The Central States Dahlia Society’s 78th annual show features a judged exhibit of nearly 1,000 dahlia blooms ranging in size from a silver dollar to a dinner plate. Dahlias are known for their bright, vibrant colors and perfect petal arrangement. Society members are on hand to provide written information and to answer questions regarding the culture of dahlias. Blooms are for sale at the close of the show on Sunday. Hours are from noon to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/plantshows for more information.

Janet Meakin Poor Research Symposium – Friday, Oct. 2
The Joseph Regenstein Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden presents this symposium, which has a rich tradition of presenting current research in the conservation field. This symposium is also presented in celebration of the opening of the Rice Science Center. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/symposia or call (847) 835-8261 to register.

The Bulb Bazaar – Friday, Oct. 2 through Sunday, Oct. 4
The Woman’s Board of the Chicago Horticultural Society presents its annual Bulb Bazaar featuring more than 200 varieties of daffodils, tulips, alliums and other specialty bulbs. Bulbs are shipped directly from Holland, just in time for fall planting. Garden horticulturists and staff offer practical tips and demonstrations on bulb selection and planting. The sale is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday in the Regenstein Center. Special Garden member preview hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/bulb beginning in September to download the catalog, which gives detailed information on bulbs available at the sale.

Exhibition: Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden Student Botanical Art Show – Friday, Oct. 2 through Sunday, Oct. 18

Symposium: Farm to Fork: An Agricultural Primer for Foodies – Saturday, Oct. 3
The Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden and The American Institute of Wine & Food present this daylong symposium with engaging speakers from across the country who are renowned experts in nutrition, the environment, legislation, economics and rural development. They will explore the factors influencing out food systems, the history that brought us to the choices we face today and where we go tomorrow. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/symposia or call (847) 835-8261 to register.

Harvest Festival – Saturday, Oct. 3 and Sunday, Oct. 4
The Harvest Festival features a marketplace in the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden. Local and regional vendors will be on hand selling a wide variety of items. Family activities such as a straw bale maze and leaf rubbings will be available. Learn how to preserve the harvest and more. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Chef demonstrations are at 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/calendar/harvest-fest for more information.

Sukkot Family Activities – Sunday, Oct. 4
In honor of the Jewish harvest holiday Sukkot, the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), Chicago North Shore Section, builds a sukkah in the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden each year. The branch-covered booth is decorated with fall fruits and vegetables, including dried corn, squash and gourds. Families are invited to take part in arts and crafts activities to help decorate the sukkah from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4. The sukkah will be on display Saturday, Oct. 3 through Thursday, Oct. 8. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/calendar/sukkah for more information.

Special Event with Dr. Stephen Hopper – Thursday, Oct. 8
Dr. Stephen Hopper, director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is visiting the Chicago Botanic Garden during the 250th anniversary of Kew Gardens. He will speak about the important work and conservation efforts being done at Kew from 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8. If you are a President's Circle member, please call (847) 835-6925 to register. Graduate and undergraduate students with a student ID may register free by calling the Regenstein School at (947) 835-8261. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/school/symposia for more information and to register.

Illinois Orchid Society Fall Show & Sale – Saturday, Oct. 10 and Sunday, Oct. 11
The Illinois Orchid Society presents this show, in which individual orchids in 128 classes will vie for red, white and blue ribbons. Twenty-five entries will receive "best of class" green ribbons, and the best appointed plant in the show will receive the Chicago Horticultural Society Award from American Orchid Society judges. Tabletop displays, from the rarest of species to cultivated hybrids, will be artistically arranged. The Society will provide an orchid sales area and repotting services for $5. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Lectures will also be scheduled in the Alsdorf Auditorium. The Illinois Orchid Society holds its meetings, which are open to the public, on the second Sunday of the month. Meeting dates are subject to change. For more information on plant society meetings, call (847) 835-8284. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/plantshows for more information.

World Association of Flower Arrangers Conference – Monday, Oct. 12
This show features an international floral design competition judged by 80 delegates from 29 countries from the World Association of Flower Arrangers. More than 50 designs will be on display. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/plantshows for more information.

Midwest Daffodil Society Bulb Sale – Saturday, Oct. 17 and Sunday, Oct. 18
The Midwest Daffodil Society’s bulb sale features many varieties of unique and easy-to-grow daffodils for the gardener who wants some early color next spring. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Regenstein Center. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/plantshows for more information.

Wisconsin-Illinois Lily Society Lily Bulb Sale – Saturday, Oct. 17 and Sunday, Oct. 18
A wide variety of lily bulbs are for sale at the Wisconsin-Illinois Lily Society’s annual sale in Burnstein Hall of the Regenstein Center. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/plantshows for more information.

Midwest Fruit Explorers Show & Sale – Saturday, Oct. 17 and Sunday, Oct. 18
Freshly harvested fruit grown in the area by the Midwest Fruit Explorers is on display and for sale in Burnstein Hall of the Regenstein Center. Featured are apples, pears, paw paws, grapes, kiwis and more. See apples turned into cider during apple press demonstrations. Visitors can enjoy tastings and information on growing fruit. Apples, apple cider and more will be on sale. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/plantshows for more information.

Trains, Tricks & Treats – Saturday, Oct. 24 and Sunday, Oct. 25
Celebrate Halloween and the end of the season for the Model Railroad Garden, which closes on Oct. 25. The Model Railroad Garden is decorated with spider webs, spiders, ghosts, goblins and pumpkins, as well as seasonal plant materials. Visitors are encouraged to come in costume. An array of treats can be found throughout the Model Railroad Garden. Kids can take part in a planting activity. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 3-12. Members save $1 off each ticket. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/railroad/trickstrainstreats for more information.

Spooky Pooch Parade – Saturday, Oct. 31
The Chicago Botanic Garden is making a fun event even better! The ever-popular Reindog Parade, typically held in December, is being moved to October as a fall parade of dogs in Halloween costumes. For two very special hours only, dogs are allowed in the Garden. Cleverly costumed canines march the parade route to celebrate the season. Activities include the costume contest, judging and an awards ceremony. Hours are from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Registration forms, complete with the dog-gone rules, will be available at the Information Desk at the Visitor Center, or on the Web at www.chicagobotanic.org/dog. Parade spectators pay for parking only; parking free for Garden members.

Student Research in Plant Biology and Conservation Symposium – Saturday, Oct. 31
The Joseph Regenstein Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden presents this symposium, which provides students with an early opportunity to present their research to colleagues, learn about the research of others and make contacts in a collegial and low-stress environment. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/school or call (847) 835-8261 to register.

Garden Photographic Society Exhibition – Saturday, Oct. 31 and Sunday, Nov. 1
Members of the Garden Photographic Society will exhibit their work in this exhibit of nature-inspired photography exhibit will be open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Coming This Winter:

Garden Hours – Sunday, Nov. 1 through Thursday, Nov. 26
The Chicago Botanic Garden grounds are open from 8 a.m. to sunset. The Garden Café is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekends. The Garden Shop is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekends. Plant Information is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays and closed on holidays. The Lenhardt Library is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and by appointment; closed on holidays. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/hours for more information.

Winter Farmers' Market – Sundays, Nov. 1, 2009, Dec. 6, 2009 and Jan. 3, 2010
Local and organic farmers will sell to the public in the Garden View Room from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first Sunday of every month from Nov. 2009 through Jan. 2010. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/calendar/farmers_market for more information.

Fine Art of Fiber – Friday, Nov. 6 to Sunday, Nov. 8
Three prominent fiber artistry guilds return to the Chicago Botanic Garden for the area’s oldest, largest and most unique fiber art show, the Fine Art of Fiber. Known for its distinctive fiber art, from original quilts to wall hangings, clothing, dolls, fabrics and beadwork, the event is hosted by Illinois Quilters, Inc., North Suburban NeedleArts Guild and Weavers Guild of the North Shore. The show and sale features an exhibition of more than 150 pieces, including quilts, various types of needle arts, knitting, wearable art, dolls and jewelry. Visitors can choose from a wide variety of items for sale, such as woven and knitted items, wearable art pieces, traditional and contemporary quilts, handmade holiday and gift items and much more. The show, sales and demonstrations are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day in the Regenstein Center. Great Wear Fashion Shows are presented at 11 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. The Opening Night is Thursday, Nov. 5 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visit www.fineartoffiber.org for more information.

Weekend Family Classes – Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009 through Saturday, April 10, 2010
Explore cool things about nature and plants with your family on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. or from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Classes include a variety of hands-on activities and projects for children ages 4-10, accompanied by an adult. Each class is $20 per child. Chicago Botanic Garden members pay $17. Accompanying adults are free. Registration is required at least one week in advance. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/familyprograms or call (847) 835-8363 for more information.

Library Exhibition: Children's Books Around the World – Friday, Nov. 20 through Tuesday,
Feb. 2, 2010
This exhibition features uncommon children's books on nature and the plant world from Western and Eastern Europe. Stacy Stoldt will give a free library talk at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 13. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/library for more information.

Wonderland Express – Friday, Nov. 27, 2009 through Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 (Closed at 3 p.m. on Dec. 3 and 24 and all day Dec. 25)
The Chicago Botanic Garden is transformed into a winter wonderland featuring twinkling lights and beautiful holiday horticultural displays. Outdoors, more than 750,000 LED lights will beckon families to a dramatically lit Esplanade and the Regenstein Center. Inside, visitors will enjoy lush displays of topiaries, poinsettias and orchids in the Greenhouses, and trees and wreaths decorated by local designers and retailers. In a 10,000-square-foot magical horticultural exhibition, garden-scale trains will wind their way over bridges, under trestles, past waterfalls and through over 80 miniature versions of Chicago’s favorite landmarks. Buildings, tunnels and bridges are intricately handcrafted with natural materials, including twigs, bark, leaves, acorns and pebbles. Parking is $20; free for Garden members. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/wonderland for more information, ticket pricing and to order tickets.

Wonderland Express Garden Trolley – Friday, Nov. 27, 2009 through Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 (Closed at 3 p.m. on Dec. 3 and 24 and all day Dec. 25)
The Chicago Botanic Garden will operate between the Glencoe Metra Station and Wonderland Express during exhibition hours. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/wonderland or call (847) 835-6895 for more information.

Garden Hours – Friday, Nov. 27, 2009 through Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010
The Chicago Botanic Garden grounds are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Garden is closed on Dec. 25. The Garden Café is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. The Garden Shop is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Plant Information is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays and closed on holidays. The Lenhardt Library is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and by appointment; closed on holidays. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/hours for more information.

All Aboard – Thursday, Dec. 3
The Woman’s Board of the Chicago Horticultural Society kicks off the season with their annual Wonderland Express holiday party. Set in and amongst the Garden’s 10,000 square-foot indoor winter exhibition of garden-scale trains, winter flora and over 80 iconic Chicago landmarks, this evening begins the celebration of the season. Cocktails begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 8 p.m. Table packages are available. For tickets, call (847) 835-6944.

Christmas Breakfast with Santa – Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20
Christmas Breakfast with Santa is from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 and includes a buffet breakfast, visit with Santa and Wonderland Express exhibition viewing before public hours. Tickets will be available starting Oct. 14 for members; Oct. 28 for the public online and onsite at the Information Desk in the Visitor Center. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/wonderland for more information, ticket pricing and to order tickets.

Library Talk: Children's Books Around the World – Saturday, December 13
Stacy Stoldt will give a free library talk at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 13 on the rare book exhibition, Children's Books Around the World. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/library for more information.

Hanukkah Dinner – Sunday, Dec. 13
The Hanukkah Dinner is Sunday, Dec. 13 at a family-friendly time of 4:30 p.m. and a more adult-friendly time of 7 p.m. and features a buffet dinner, 6 p.m. concert by the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band and Wonderland Express exhibition viewing after public hours. Tickets will be available starting Oct. 14 for members; Oct. 28 for the public online and onsite at the Information Desk in the Visitor Center. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/wonderland for more information, ticket pricing and to order tickets.

Hot Chocolate with Mrs. Claus – Monday, Dec. 21 and Tuesday, Dec. 22
Hot Chocolate with Mrs. Claus is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 21 and 22 and includes hot chocolate and cookies, a visit with Mrs. Claus and admission to view the Wonderland Express exhibition. Tickets will be available starting Oct. 14 for members; Oct. 28 for the public online and onsite at the Information Desk in the Visitor Center. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/wonderland for more information, ticket pricing and to order tickets.

Christmas Supper with Santa – Monday, Dec. 21 and Tuesday, Dec. 22
Christmas Supper with Santa is from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 21 and 22 and includes a buffet dinner, visit with Santa and Wonderland Express exhibition viewing after public hours. Tickets will be available starting Oct. 14 for members; Oct. 28 for the public online and onsite at the Information Desk in the Visitor Center. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/wonderland for more information, ticket pricing and to order tickets.

Admission to the Chicago Botanic Garden is free; select event fees apply. Parking is $20 per car; free for Garden members. For more information about any of the Chicago Botanic Garden’s programs and events, call (847) 835-5440, or visit www.chicagobotanic.org.

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Editors, please note: The Chicago Botanic Garden's newsroom is online at www.chicagobotanic.org/pr. For digital images, contact Julie McCaffrey at (847) 835-8213 or at jmccaffrey@chicagobotanic.org.

The Chicago Botanic Garden, one of the green treasures of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, is a 385-acre living plant museum featuring 23 distinct display gardens surrounded by lakes, as well as a prairie and woodlands. With events, programs and activities for all ages, the Garden is open every day of the year. Admission is free; select event fees apply. Parking is $20 per car; free for Garden members. The Garden is located at 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe, Ill. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org, or call (847) 835-5440 for seasonal hours, images of the Garden and commuter transportation information.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is managed by the Chicago Horticultural Society. It opened to the public in 1972 and is home to the Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden, offering a broad array of adult classes in plant science, landscape design and gardening arts. Through the Division of Plant Science and Conservation, Garden scientists work on plant conservation, research and environmental initiatives that have global impact. The Center for Teaching and Learning brings the wonder of nature and plants to children, teens and teachers. The Garden's Horticultural Therapy and Community Gardening programs provide nationally recognized community outreach and service programs. A program of the Chicago Botanic Garden, Windy City Harvest is an organic vegetable and plant production enterprise that provides instruction in sustainable horticulture and urban agriculture to residents of Chicago’s North Lawndale and West Side neighborhoods.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is a member of the American Public Gardens Association (APGA). The Chicago Botanic Garden is also host to Botanic Gardens Conservation International-U.S., and a member of the Center for Plant Conservation. In 2006, the Chicago Botanic Garden received the Award for Garden Excellence, given yearly by the APGA and Horticulture magazine to a public garden that exemplifies the highest standards of horticultural practices and has shown a commitment to supporting and demonstrating best gardening practices.