Grunsfeld Children’s Growing Garden
Horticulturists: Chester Jankowski, Brook Nelson

What’s behind the design:
I chose this design as a challenge. Our liaison to interpretive programs and the exhibits horticulturist were struggling to find takers for the more difficult patterns, like herringbone, and asked if we could pull it off. We determined that with the flexibility of the Children’s Growing Garden’s living wall, it allowed us to easily mix and match plants to create any pattern needed. Having a flexible space like the wall allows us to try more difficult patterns—and maybe there are more ways than one to create a successful design.

Plants used:
We normally do flowers on the sunny side of our wall, but felt the pattern would read more with foliage plants. We chose Ipomea 'SolarTower’ Green and Black because of the high contrast and good growing habit. It will be happy to be cut to define the pattern, and grows fast enough to fill in afterwards. These plants can easily be moved around on the wall and will thrive in full sun.

Bio:
Brook Nelson is the assistant horticulturist for the Kleinman Family Cove and Grunsfeld Children’s Growing Garden. Shortly after he graduated from Purdue University in 2022, he joined the Chicago Botanic Garden as an intern. A gardener his entire life, he enjoys the educational aspect of the job by helping teach young children and veterans alike. When he is not toiling in either of his garden areas, you can find him at his favorite spot in the Cove, the contemplation bench overlooking the North Pond and Fruit & Vegetable Garden.