Chicago Botanic Garden

World Environment Day Programs

 Ask the Horticulturist

PHOTO: Green Roof Garden

PHOTO: Richard HawkeGet a preview of some of the choices behind the plant selection for the Green Roof Garden, and learn to select plants designed to survive the Midwest's climate.

Register for Richard Hawke's Top Pick Perennials, Wednesday, June 1, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Green Roof Garden

Richard Hawke, manager, plant evaluation
Emily Shelton, Green Roof Garden horticulturist
Plant Science Center, Green Roof Garden
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The two distinct areas of the Green Roof Garden serve specific functions: the Ellis Goodman Family Foundation Green Roof Garden South features regional and national native plants; the Josephine P. & John J. Louis Foundation Green Roof Garden North features a mix of plants known as good green roof plants, plus native and exotic plants that have potential for green roof use.

Approximately 40,000 plants representing 200 different species and cultivars are currently under evaluation in the Green Roof Garden. They are grown within three different soil levels (four, six, and eight inches deep), and all of the plants are scientifically evaluated for effectiveness in the roof garden environment.

Richard Hawke, manager of Plant Evaluation, and Emily Shelton, Green Roof Garden horticulturist, give a tour of the Green Roof Garden and talk about its creation and considerations that went into the plant selection process for the garden.


This program is available to Garden members and visitors as part of World Environment Day programming. Standard Garden parking fees apply; Garden Members receive free parking.