February 2, 2015
Falling snow brings its own serene beauty as it turns vistas into picture-postcard scenes. Evergreens, ornamental grasses, berries and bark can provide interest even on dull, cloudy days. Red-twig dogwood, the green-stemmed Japanese kerria and yellow willow branches really stand out at this time of year. If we get an extended thaw later in the month, snowdrops may make an appearance. Take a walk along the east road or around the Great Basin for ever-changing views of the ice-covered lakes and picturesque bridges. When you need to warm up, take a quick trip to the tropics in the Greenhouses. Children and adults alike will be delighted by finding the cocoa tree, bananas, succulents both beautiful and bizarre, prickly cactus, and beautiful orchids. In the arid greenhouses look for aloes, jade plant, acacias, and jojoba in flower.
Enjoy a brisk winter walk and see the ever-changing beauty of the landscapes at the Chicago Botanic Garden.
