for immediate release

Chicago Botanic Garden Summer Event Calendar

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

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. 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: Fruitful Abundance: Pomologies from the Rare Book Collection – Through Sunday, Aug. 9
Pomology is derived from the Latin word pomum or fruit. This exhibition includes abundant examples of hand-colored engravings from the Rare Book Collection. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/library 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.

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" will be back. The 7,500-square-foot exhibition is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (weather permitting); open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily from June 6 through Sept. 7. 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.

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.

A Special Event Edible Wild Mushrooms of Illinois – Saturday, May 23
Join us as we celebrate the release of the much-anticipated book Edible Wild Mushrooms of Illinois and Surrounding States with coauthors Gregory M. Mueller and Joe McFarland. Topics of discussion take you from the field to the kitchen and will leave ample time for questions and answers. Everyone registered for this event receives a copy of the book and is invited to attend a fun overview of mushrooms in Illinois, followed by a book signing and reception. Hours are from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Cost is $37. Chicago Botanic Garden members pay $29. Preregistration is required for all classes. For a course catalog describing programs and classes in more detail, or to register, call the Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden at (847) 835-8261, or visit www.chicagobotanic.org/school.

Dancin' Sprouts – Wednesdays, June 3, 17, July 1, 15 and Aug. 5, 19
The Garden's youngest visitors will enjoy these free musical entertainment evenings with performances at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of June, July and August. These evenings reflect the Garden’s role in the Chicago Wilderness Consortium to “Leave No Child Inside.” Picnicking will be allowed during this event on the Esplanade only. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/forfamilies/dancinsprouts for more information.

Urban Agriculture Symposium: Feeding the Movement – Friday, June 5
The Chicago Botanic Garden marks its second annual World Environment Day celebration with a symposium designed to improve the health and welfare of Chicago's underserved communities. This symposium will focus on the nexus between urban agriculture and food security. Featured will be Rose Hayden-Smith, Ph.D., a nationally recognized Kellogg Foundation Food and Society Fellow, and Kate Maehr, executive director for the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on June 5. Cost is $74; Chicago Botanic Garden members pay $59. To register, or to request a brochure, visit www.chicagobotanic.org/symposia or call (847) 835-8261.

Urban Agriculture: A Post-Conference Bus Tour – Saturday, June 6
This day-long bus tour takes participants to several sites in Chicago that are advancing the urban agriculture movement, including the Garden's own Green Youth Farm and Windy City Harvest. Cost includes transportation and lunch from a sustainable restaurant. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 6. Cost is $124; Chicago Botanic Garden members pay $99. To register, or to request a brochure, visit www.chicagobotanic.org/symposia or call (847) 835-8261.

Summer Evenings – Saturday, June 6 through Monday, Sept. 7
Beginning June 6 and continuing through Sept. 7, the Chicago Botanic Garden will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily so visitors can “stay just a little bit longer.” Enjoy evening concerts such as the Carillon Concert Series on Mondays, Music on the Esplanade on Tuesdays, Dancin' Sprouts and Grapes & Hops on select Wednesdays and Hot Summer Nights on Thursdays throughout the season. Browse the Garden Shop, enjoy dinner at the Garden Grille or stroll through the Garden in the evening, one of the most beautiful and peaceful times at the Garden. Evenings are sponsored by National City, now part of PNC. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/evenings for more information.

Garden Hours – Saturday, June 6 through Monday, Sept. 7
The Chicago Botanic Garden grounds are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden is closed at 6 p.m. On Friday, June 26, the Garden is closed at 3 p.m. The Garden Café is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The Rose Terrace Café is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, weather permitting. The Garden Grille is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, weather permitting. The Garden Shop is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The Wheelbarrow is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. 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/hours for more information.

Chicago Botanic Garden Trolley – Saturday, June 6 through Monday, Sept. 7
On weekends ride the Metra to the Glencoe station, then enjoy a ride on the Chicago Botanic Garden Trolley, providing direct service to the Garden. Roundtrip tickets are $2; Garden members and children 5 and under ride free.

Sogetsu School of Illinois Ikebana Exhibition – Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7
New for 2009, this show features members of the Sogetsu School of Illinois demonstrating the Sogetsu School of Ikebana's flower-arranging techniques and answering questions. 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.

Chicago Botanic Garden Wine Festival – Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7
Enjoy a two-day wine festival, featuring more than 250 domestic and international wines from more than 40 exhibitors. The event includes cooking demonstrations, wine seminars and live music. This festival is ideal for the novice wine consumer as well as the experienced oenophile, looking for new and exciting brands. Food from local restaurants and wine and beer by the glass will be available for purchase. Festival hours are from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $25 in advance; $28 at the door for Garden members; $30 at the door for nonmembers. Tickets include a souvenir wine glass, 10 tasting tickets, wine tasters' program guide and access to all demonstrations, seminars and musical entertainment. Designated drivers are admitted for $10, including two non-alcoholic drink tickets, program guide and access to all demonstrations, seminars and musical entertainment. Visitors under 21 are admitted free, when accompanied by an adult. Additional tasting tickets (10) can be purchased onsite. Parking is $20 per car; free for Garden members. The Chicago Botanic Garden Trolley will operate between the Garden and the Glencoe Metra station during event hours. Roundtrip tickets are $2; Garden members and children 5 and under ride free. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/winefestival to purchase tickets and for more information.

Farmers’ Market – First and Third Sundays, June 7 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 from June 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.

Malott Japanese Garden Family Sundays – First and third Sundays, June 7 through Oct. 4 (except Aug. 16)
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, June 7 and 21, July 5 and 19, Aug 2, Sept. 6 and 20, and Oct 4. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/forfamilies for more information.

Carillon Concert Series – Mondays, June 8 through Sept. 7
The majestic beauty of carillon bells on a warm summer evening is one of the loveliest sounds in the Chicago Botanic Garden. The Theodore C. Butz Memorial Carillon, located on Evening Island, is a beloved icon. Visitors can purchase dinner and a bottle of wine from the Garden Grille or bring a picnic dinner and enjoy it on the lawn by McGinley Pavilion, while taking in panoramic vistas. Picnicking is permitted on the lawn by McGinley Pavilion, on Evening Island and near the Buehler Enabling Garden only on concert evenings. Complimentary carillon tours start at 5:30 p.m. Concerts are at 7 p.m. every Monday through Sept. 7. Concerts feature carillonneurs from all over the world, in addition to the Garden’s resident carillonneur Wylie Crawford, who serves as president of the World Carillon Federation. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/carillon for more information.

Music on the Esplanade – Tuesdays, June 9 through Sept. 1
Enjoy sunsets and free live music on the Esplanade on Tuesday evenings through Sept. 1. Spanish guitar, jazz, and big band artists will perform. Light fare and a glass of wine or premium beer, available in a variety of prices, tops off the evening. Picnicking is allowed on the Esplanade only on concert evenings. Hours are from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/evenings for more information.

Grapes & Hops – Wednesdays, June 10, 24, July 8, 22, August 12 and 26
During Grapes & Hops, taste fine wines or brews on Wednesdays, June 10, 24, July 8, 22, August 12 and 26. During this celebration of grapes and hops, guests can stroll through an arbor covered with red and white grape vines, and sample various beers and wines. Complimentary light fare (cheese, crackers, vegetable crudités and dips) will be provided. Ticket-holders receive at 10% discount at the Garden Grille on the night of the event. Event hours are from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is $10. Chicago Botanic Garden members pay $8. Visitors must be 21 or older to attend. Free admission to designated drivers. Ticket packages are available. Parking is $20; free for Garden members. The Chicago Botanic Garden Trolley will operate between the Garden and the Glencoe Metra station during event hours. Roundtrip tickets are $2; Garden members and children 5 and under ride free. Grapes & Hops is sponsored by Terlato Wines International, Goose Island Beer Company and Whole Foods. For more information, visit www.chicagobotanic.org/grapeshops.

Hot Summer Nights – Thursdays, June 11 through Sept. 3
Enjoy sunsets and free live music on the Esplanade on Thursday evenings through Sept. 3. Professional dance instructors will be on hand to provide visitors with easy-to-understand mini lessons that will correspond to the musical genre of the evening, such as tango, Celtic, samba and Cajun Zydeco. Top off the evening with light fare and a glass of wine or premium beer, available in a variety of price ranges. Hours are from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Picnicking is allowed on the Esplanade only on concert evenings. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/evenings for more information.

A Rare Affair™ – Friday, June 12
Unusual, hard-to-find and rare plants from around the world, as well as fine collectibles and exciting domestic and international trips, will be auctioned at A Rare Affair™: A Collectors’ Auction of Rather Unique Plants. Hosted by the Woman’s Board of the Chicago Horticultural Society, the biennial event begins at 6 p.m. with cocktails and a silent auction leading to an exciting live auction and elegant dinner in the McGinley Pavilion, overlooking the Gardens of the Great Basin. Co-chairs of the event are Susan Green and Susan Spears. Call (847) 835-6944 for tickets and information.

Nature Nights – Saturday, June 13, July 11, Aug. 8, 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 June 13, July 11, Aug. 8, Sept. 12 and Oct. 10. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/naturenights to register or for more information.

Ikebana International Show – Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14
The Ikebana International Society, celebrating its 50th Anniversary, presents this show that features many educational opportunities to learn about the mechanics and techniques of Ikebana. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/plantshows for more information.

Meet the Artist... Peggy Macnamara – Saturday, June 13, July 25, Aug. 8 and Sept. 12
Watch and learn as artist Peggy Macnamara paints in different locations in the Garden from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturdays, June 13, July 25, Aug. 8 and Sept. 12. 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.

The Summer Dinner Dance – Friday, June 26
The Chicago Botanic Garden’s Esplanade – a 2.8-acre entry garden with dramatic annual gardens and elm allées, showy fountains and lakeside views – is the backdrop for the annual Summer Dinner Dance. The black-tie soirée – one of the most talked about events in Chicagoland and on the North Shore – begins at 7 p.m. with special cocktails and hors d’oeuvres on the Esplanade, followed by an intimate dinner dance in an elegant pavilion in the Rose Garden. The event is co-chaired by Suzette and Allan Bulley, Sandy and Bert Getz and Holly and John Madigan. The evening benefits the Chicago Botanic Garden’s conservation, education and research programs. The Garden closes at 3 p.m. on this day. Tickets begin at $600. Call (847) 835-6944 for tickets and information.

School Garden Conference – Saturday, June 27

Science First Presentations – Friday, July 10 and Thursday, Aug. 6
Each summer, 40 Chicago Public School students in the seventh, eighth, and ninth grades travel to the Garden by bus to attend the four-week Science First program for hands-on science and nature experiences. On Friday, July 10 and Thursday, Aug. 6, participants present their research projects. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/ctl/sciencefirst for more information or call (847) 835-6871.

Library Talk: "The Ripest Fruit First Falls" — Shakespeare – Saturday, July 11
Ed Valauskas, curator of rare books at the Lenhardt Library, will discuss selections from the rare book collection that feature botanical illustrations of fruit. This event begins at 2 p.m. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/library for more information.

Wisconsin-Illinois Lily Society Lily Show – Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12
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. 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.

Barilla Italian Cooking Weekend – Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19
Barilla and local chefs will give cooking demonstrations using fresh Italian ingredients such as those found in the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden during the Barilla Italian Cooking Weekend on Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19. Presented by Barilla, this event features plant and recipe giveaways, family activities, gourmet olive oil, balsamic vinegar and tastings of delicious Barilla pasta recipes, and more. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Northshore Iris & Daylily Society Daylily Show & Sale – Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19Sponsored by the Northshore Iris & Daylily Society, this show features more than 10 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 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday only. Irises and daylilies are available for sale from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/plantshows for more information.

Cactus & Succulent Society of Greater Chicago Show & Sale – Saturday, July 25 and Sunday,
July 26
The Cactus and Succulent Society of Greater Chicago presents a show and sale of cactus and succulents from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Burnstein Hall of the Regenstein Center. A free children's educational program will be provided by ME4E (Multidisciplinary Education for the Environment). Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/plantshows for more information.

Bromeliad Society of Greater Chicago Show & Sale – Saturday, Aug. 1 and Sunday, Aug. 2
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. The Bromeliad Society of Greater Chicago 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, email flowershows@chicagobotanic.org. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/plantshows for more information.

College First Presentations – Friday, Aug. 7
In this program, Chicago high school sophomores and juniors work as paid interns to study field ecology and conservation science. On Friday, Aug. 7, participants present their research projects. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/ctl/collegefirst or call (847) 835-6871.

Kite Festival – Saturday, Aug. 8 and Sunday, Aug. 9
This weekend features soaring stunt kite-flying performances set to music by the Chicago Fire Kite Team and members of the Kite Society of Wisconsin & Illinois. Catch the complimentary tram out to the event site. There is even time to fly your own kite at the festival site. Lunch items, beverages and ice cream will be available for purchase. All ages can learn to make their own paper kites. Event hours are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Gardeners of the North Shore Show – Saturday, Aug. 8 and Sunday, Aug. 9
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. The event is open to all amateur gardeners, and some plants will be for sale. Hours are from noon to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. The Gardeners of the North Shore holds its meetings, which are open to the public, on the first Tuesday of the month. Meeting dates are subject to change. For more information on plant society meetings, email flowershows@chicagobotanic.org.

Library Exhibition: Kew: 250 Years of Science at the Royal Botanic Gardens – Friday, Aug. 14 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.

Mid-America Bonsai Show & Sale – Friday, Aug. 14 through Sunday, Aug. 16
Presented by the Midwest Bonsai Society, this 32nd annual show and sale is the best in the Midwest and one of the top three in the country, drawing enthusiasts from all over the United States. On display are more than 200 bonsai trees reflecting all types of bonsai styles. Selections from the Garden’s own outstanding bonsai collection will also be included in the display. More than a dozen vendors will be selling bonsai trees, raw nursery stock, pots, tools and supplies. Free demonstrations and lectures will also be held. Workshops are presented for all levels of enthusiasts; additional fee and registration is required. Sale hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on all three days. Show hours are from noon to 5 p.m. on Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Visit www.midwestbonsai.org for more information about workshops. The Midwest Bonsai Society holds its meetings, which are open to the public, on the first Monday of the month. Meeting dates are subject to change. For more information on plant society meetings, email flowershows@chicagobotanic.org. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/plantshows for more information.

Malott Japanese Garden Summer Festival – Saturday, Aug. 15 and Sunday, Aug. 16
Learn about the summer festivals (matsura) celebrated in Japan during this special weekend of activities. Listen to musical performances, enjoy storytelling and watch a tea ceremony. Kids of all ages can make projects to celebrate summer – create a paper fan, make a kite and more at family-friendly hands-on stations. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/forfamilies for more information.

Garden Clubs of Illinois District Nine Show – Saturday, Aug. 22 and Sunday, Aug. 23
The Garden Clubs of Illinois present this advanced standard flower show, which includes a judged exhibit of flower arrangements and exhibits as well as cut horticulture competition. Garden Clubs of Illinois is comprised of nearly 10,000 members and is divided into nine districts. 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.gardenglories.org for more information.

All About Peppers Weekend – Saturday, Aug. 22 and Sunday, Aug. 23
Visitors can learn all about growing and using peppers – both hot and sweet – from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden. Pepper tours, shopping for pepper products from select vendors and special chili pepper décor are all part of the fun. See the many varieties of peppers growing in the garden, learn pepper facts and tips from signs posted throughout the Garden and visit “Pepper Discovery Carts” to explore the history of peppers, how to cook with peppers and the many types that can be grown in a home garden. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/chef/pepper for more information.

Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden Open House – Saturday, Aug. 29
The Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden offers plant-related classes in many areas from culinary classes to roses to Certificate and Professional programs. This open house is a chance to ask questions, meet with school staff, participate in a raffle for a $50 course gift certificate and view a variety of class demonstrations. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/school for more information or call (847) 835-8261.

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.

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 provide information and answer questions regarding mushrooms and fungi. A children's education area is also available. Mushrooms, books and t-shirts are 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. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/plantshows for more information.

Wild Mushrooms: A Fall Foray in the Forest – Sunday, September 6
Feast your eyes on the rich diversity of fungi that appear as if by magic in Illinois woodlands and meadows in the fall. Join us for a fun and educational mushroom hunt through the McDonald Woods. After the hunt we’ll head over to the Illinois Mycological Association show and sale at the Chicago Botanic Garden to check out many additional varieties of mushrooms, books, and other mushroom items. Please remember to dress for the weather and the woods. For this event only, adults are welcome to bring registered, well-supervised children who are interested in hunting for mushrooms and learning about nature. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Cost is $15. Chicago Botanic Garden members pay $12. Pre-registration is required for all classes. For a course catalog describing programs and classes in more detail, or to register, call the Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden at (847) 835-8261, or visit www.chicagobotanic.org/school.

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 are displayed in this judged show. Rose experts are on hand to answer questions. Hours are from noon to 4:30 p.m. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/plantshows for more information.

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.