June 7 –
September 21
From polka dots to stripes—nature’s got style
This summer, celebrate our universal attraction to patterns through playfully planted gardens and nature-inspired art that’ll stretch your imagination.
Discover installations and garden beds featuring dynamic patterns, transformational art, and upcycled fashion.
Nature,
repeating herself
Our gardens steal the spotlight in this summer’s exhibition, where flowers and foliage transform each space into eye-catching patterns—think paisley created from succulents, agave, and spirals, or tartan created from different hues of daisies.
Pattern play through artists’ eyes
Discover how carefully curated patterns connect art, design, and horticulture. Art installations include:
Future by Raquel Rodrigo, who is also known as Arquicostura, imagines a future in harmony with the natural world—bringing embroidery to large-scale public art featuring the native Echinacea flower.
Noticing, by Kristin Field, invites us to pause and discover nature’s subtle wonders through naturally dyed textiles, created using time-intensive practices like growing dye plants and weaving on a floor loom.
Ebb and Flow and Radiate, by Rachel B. Hayes, uses vibrant fabrics that respond to the changing light and winds of the day, creating an environment to explore and meander.
A Better Pattern, a collaboration with Columbia College Chicago’s School of Fashion, celebrates emerging designers who incorporated Garden-sourced materials and textiles into couture-inspired fashion creations.
Summer fun!
Featured Highlights:
Beats in the Garden
with Planet Chambo and Solidarity Studios
June 7, July 5, August 2 & September 6, from noon to 4 p.m.
Make hip-hop beats inspired by nature at a mobile outdoor music studio.
Poems While You Wait
June 8, July 19 & August 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Get a personalized poem inspired by patterns, typed on a manual typewriter.
Garden Game Nights and Puzzle Hunt
June 26, July 17, July 31, August 14 & August 28, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Enjoy life-sized lawn games on the Esplanade, and savor refreshing cocktails and mocktails from pop-up cash bars. Search for clues in the Garden and solve a puzzle hunt designed by The Mystery League.
Upcoming special events and classes:
Beats in the Garden
with Planet Chambo and Solidarity Studios
Saturday, June 7
noon to 4 p.m.
Esplanade
Patterned by Nature Walking Tours
Monday – Friday
June 9 – September 19
11 a.m., noon, 1 and 2 p.m.
Enhance Nature's Patterns in Watercolor
Botanical Arts Certificate
4 Tuesdays:
June 10 – July 8
9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
No class July 1
is generously supported by
