In this first edition of the Keep Growing digital magazine, we want you to get to know the Chicago Botanic Garden like never before, through videos (don’t miss Executive Vice President Fred Spicer’s intimate tour of the Japanese Garden), special photo galleries, and more. We’ll also let you know all about members-only events and benefits, and what’s happening behind the scenes at the Garden. Thanks for dropping by!
The Secrets of the Japanese Garden
Sit back and take in the beauty and meaning of the Elizabeth Hubert Malott Japanese Garden in this guided tour with Garden Director and Executive Vice President Fred Spicer.
Your Phone Can Help Monarchs
Thanks to a new app, it’s even easier to be a community scientist with the Garden’s Budburst program and help milkweeds, monarchs, and more.
Joining Forces for Native Plants
Restoration is a team effort. Learn how the Garden is partnering with the Forest Preserves of Cook County to restore habitats and protect native plants.
Painting the Prairie
Artist Philip Juras wants visitors to the new exhibition of his work to feel like they’ve stepped into a prairie. Learn how he captured that simple beauty in an interview for the Center for Human Nature in its Minding Nature Winter 2020 issue.
Plus: Hear the artist talk about his inspiration in this video.
A Practical Approach
Scientists in the Garden’s Negaunee Institute are working collaboratively with land managers to find solutions to complex, real-world problems for plants and restoration as part of a new research center.
Garden Updates
A message from the Garden president and CEO
Jean M. Franczyk shares a message just for Garden members.
A garden in progress
Wonder what is happening at the south end of the Garden? Here’s a glimpse of the Mitsuzo and Kyoko Shida Evaluation Garden, which will open in fall 2021.
Prairie views
Enjoy a slideshow of the tall grasses, wildflowers, and summer highlights of the Garden’s Dixon Prairie.
Gardening Help
Hort hacks: Tips from the gardens of our horticulturists
Take a 5-second poll: Which pepper do you want to see planted in the Fruit and Vegetable Garden?
For gardening or plant questions, visit the Plant Information Service.
Blooms: Get inspired by What’s in Bloom.
discover: Use the GardenGuide app to find plants you’re curious about.
Checklists: Find seasonal tips on what you need to do each month.
3 Ways You Can Help
Want to do more? Even small contributions can help plants and the planet.
Join Budburst: Become a community scientist and do your part for plants. Your observations of the plants you love help support conservation science. Learn more.
Give pollinators a boost: Choose plants like coneflowers, lantana, and parsley to make your garden spaces a haven for pollinators. Get the list.
Avoid invasives: Find out which plants and trees can eventually crowd out other species. Learn more.
Looking Ahead
Lightscape is back: Members get first access to tickets for the outdoor, illuminated trail through June 16. Don’t delay; this popular holiday event sells out every year.
More wicked cool fun: Dates, and ticket details, for our Halloween event, Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns will be released in August.
Find more with our calendar: Tailor your Garden experience: Search by date, date range, and/or events, programs, and classes.
For Members Only
Rose Garden Twilight Concerts
Limited spots, get your tickets now.
member Gift
Have you picked up your free gift?
member benefits
Find out more about the benefits to being a member.