Keep Growing Winter 2014/2015

Keep Growing WINTER 2014

Member Magazine and Program Guide

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OFFICERS

Robert F. Finke, Chair Timothy A. Dugan, Vice Chair, Science & Education John L. Howard, Vice Chair Thomas E. Lanctot, Vice Chair, Government Affairs Catherine M. Waddell, Vice Chair, Nominating & Governance Nicole S. Williams, Vice Chair, Finance & Investment Susan A. Willetts, Vice Chair & Immediate Past Chair,

We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life.

Dear Members: It’s here! On September 14, the North Branch Trail addition opened at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Under a brilliant blue sky, Arnold Randall of the Cook County Forest Preserves (photo, right) and Bola Delano of the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) (left) were among those who helped me dedicate the trail while a festive crowd, many with their bikes, cheered. The mile-long trail addition was built in partnership with the Forest Preserves and with major funding from IDOT’s Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program and the Litowitz Family Foundation.

and Chair, Audit

Peter M. Ellis, Secretary Sophia Shaw, President and Chief Executive Officer

DIRECTORS

Brayton Alley, ex officio Courtney Berlin Sharon Brady Neville F. Bryan John H. Buehler Kimberly Burt, ex officio Michael J. Busch Susan Keller Canmann David R. Casper Robin Colburn John C. Connery II Peter R. Crane John V. Crowe Jill M. Delaney James W. DeYoung Anthony L. Farino Peter B. Foreman John D. Fornengo Steve Fradkin Thomas C. Freyman Dorothy H. Gardner Steven J. Gavin Nancy Gidwitz Ellis M. Goodman John K. Greene Charles V. Greener Joseph P. Gromacki William J. Hagenah Caryn L. Harris Robert D. Hevey, Jr. Thomas B. Hunter III Jane Irwin Gregory K. Jones Todd Kaplan M. James Leider Benjamin F. Lenhardt, Jr. Laura M. Linger Daniel I. H. Linzer Alec Litowitz Anne Loucks Josephine P. Louis Molly C. McKenna Michael J. McMurray Barbara J. Metzler, ex officio William E. Moeller Homi B. Patel George A. Peinado Janet Meakin Poor Anne Pramaggiore Toni Preckwinkle, ex officio Bob Probst Arnold Randall, ex officio Susan L. Regenstein John Rugel Ryan S. Ruskin Robert E. Shaw Tom Skilling Maria Smithburg Harrison I. Steans Pam F. Szokol Collette Taylor Richard L. Thomas

LIFE DIRECTORS

Marilynn B. Alsdorf J. Melfort Campbell Barbara Whitney Carr Gary P. Coughlan Suzanne S. Dixon Thomas A. Donahoe Ralph F. Fujimoto James J. Glasser Florence S. Hart Pamela K. Hull Posy L. Krehbiel Bill Kurtis Donna La Pietra Mary Ann S. MacLean Robert H. Malott Mary L. McCormack Mary Mix McDonald Jeanine McNally Peter H. Merlin Jane S. O’Neil William A. Osborn John E. Preschlack Anne O. Scott David Byron Smith Susan Stone Howard J. Trienens Ernest P. Waud III Arthur M. Wood, Jr.

The winter sun may seem to rise reluctantly and then sink too soon below the frozen horizon, but inside at the Garden there is an abundance of warmth, light, and excitement. Wonderland Express (page 6) brings holiday enchantment to young and old alike again this season, and the Orchid Show (page 8) returns in mid-February for a second dazzling dose of color, scent, and beauty. Throughout winter, within the Visitor Center, Regenstein Center, and Grainger Gallery of the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center, the Garden offers an array of welcoming interior spaces.

Of course, we can’t hibernate indoors all winter. We who live in Chicago year after year must grow as hardy as the perennials we cultivate to survive winter with our souls intact. We bundle up and walk through the Garden on the coldest days, boots crunching, breath condensing in the frigid air. To those who venture forth, the Garden offers a special beauty when it rests under a blanket of snow, its lakes a landscape of ice.

Our staff and volunteers are among those who remain undaunted by winter’s blasts. Those hard at work in McDonald Woods are clearly visible though the branches of the surrounding trees; this winter, the Garden conducts a final burn of buckthorn, a highly invasive shrub, in one key area of the woods (page 36). In fact, trees are a theme in this issue: we discuss the move of our tree nursery (page 20), explain how a Garden tree study is influencing recommended species for the Chicago area (page 31), and introduce readers to our new bonsai curator, Chris Baker (page 38).

As president and CEO of the Chicago Botanic Garden I spend time both gathering and imparting information, always with the goal of advocating for the Garden. At various times I have discussed botanic gardens’ role in social change with my global colleagues in Dunedin, New Zealand; visited Garden scientists in southern New Mexico as they conducted field research; met with federal officials in Washington, D.C., to review our Conservation Land Management post-graduate internship program; and strategized with my colleagues among living museums (zoos, gardens, arboreta, and aquaria) in the Chicago area about enhancing public participation in plant and animal conservation.

Wherever I go, I am gratified at the recognition the Garden receives for its accomplishments and committed to expanding that recognition through continued progress. The member magazine you hold in your hands—or page through on your computer—is an important way we “keep growing” our message. Thank you for being a key part of the Garden through your membership. I hope to see you here frequently, inside and outdoors, in every season!

Best regards,

Sophia Shaw President and CEO

Winter 2014 Features 2 Letter from the President and CEO Inside and out at the Chicago Botanic Garden 6 Wonderland Express Popular holiday tradition continues 8 The Orchid Show A dazzling antidote for winter blahs 10 Winter Events Camp CBG registration, Seed Swap, and more 16 Garden News NAJGA conference and members-only trip 18 Volunteer Awards Five inspiring volunteers honored 20 More Garden News Trees take trip and Plant Information settles in 22 Windy City Harvest Success Story Fernando Orozco follows a new path 24 Garden Scientist Researches “Native Winners” Improving restoration outcomes on public lands 28 College First Marks 20 Years of Mentoring Two graduates exemplify program’s success 31 Forecasting the Future of Urban Trees Tree research applied to urban planning 34 Ask the Experts Mulling mulching, watering jade plants, and more 36 Bye-bye, Buckthorn!

Invasive species gone from part of McDonald Woods 38 Meet Chris Baker, New Bonsai Curator From vet tech to “dream job” 80 This Season in the Garden From holiday blooms indoors to the “show” outside

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Keep Growing

Winter 2014

The Chicago Botanic Garden is one of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is smoke-free.

Calendar

Keep Growing is a registered trademark of the Chicago Botanic Garden and is a copyright of the Chicago Botanic Garden.

No portion of this magazine can be used without written permission.

12 Calendar – Mid-November through March

Programs

Director, Design and Production: Senior Designer: Senior Writer and Editor: Designers: Editors: Contributing Writers:

40 Adult Education 62 Youth and Family

Contributing Photographers:

72 Teacher and Student

Keep Growing (USPS 130) is published four times per year by the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022-1168.

Volume 5, Issue 4, November 2014.

Periodical Postage Paid at Glencoe, IL, and at an additional entry office in Pontiac, IL. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Keep Growing, Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022.

Carol Abbate Wendy Griffiths Amy Spungen Will Haffner and Kathe Stoepel Fran Sherman and Renee Tawa Julianne Beck, Nina Koziol, Jeff Link, Tracy Marks, Helen K. Marshall, and Rochelle Rubinoff Bill Bishoff and Robin Carlson

Visit us: In Person Garden Website Garden Blog

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Exhibits. Page 18

Visit keepgrowing.com for more information.

ON THE COVER

During last year’s Orchid Show, the Greenhouses beckoned visitors with dramatic displays.

INSIDE COVER SPREAD

A winter sunrise illuminates Evening Island and the Serpentine Bridge leading to it across the Great Basin.

We would like to hear from you!

Please direct comments or questions to editor@chicagobotanic.org.

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The Holiday Tradition Continues

Wonderland Express Make your plans now for this year’s holiday extravaganza, Wonderland Express, open from November 28, 2014, through January 4, 2015, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

The short winter days and long winter nights are perfect for the Garden’s spectacularly illuminated Wonderland Express. Special events welcome visitors of all ages and interests, and new design elements enhance the visits of seasoned guests. Holiday concerts enliven the season, too!

Family Drop-in Activities will be held in Burnstein Hall.

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Christmas Concert

Repeat visitors are in for a special treat this year. The Joutras Gallery will be transformed into a whimsical holiday tree display. Children and adults alike will be delighted by the trees and shrubs trained into unusual, ornamental shapes. Look up to see the surprising hanging structures, and revel in the magic of our horticulturists’ work!

All Aboard!

The gala dinner presented by the Woman’s Board of the Chicago Horticultural Society is on Thursday, December 4, in the Regenstein Center. The theme of this year’s dinner is “Aurora Borealis.” Call (847) 835-6833 for ticket and table package information.

Music makes the holiday come alive!

Celebrate with Christmas music and entertainment by the Chicago Brass Band on Saturday, December 20, at 2 or 4 p.m. Tickets are $17 in advance and $20 on the day of the concert; members receive $2 off each ticket price.

Hanukkah Concert You can picture the latkes sizzling as the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band performs the Garden’s Hanukkah Concert on Sunday, December 21, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in Alsdorf Auditorium. Tickets are $17 in advance and $20 on the concert day; Garden members receive $2 off each ticket, and children 2 and under are free.

Hot Chocolate with Mrs. Claus

Holiday Cheers!

Toast the holiday season with tastings of beer, wine, and spirits on Wednesday, December 10, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Light fare and beverages by the glass will also be available for purchase. Tickets are $30 in advance and $33 at the door; members receive $5 off each ticket.

Christmas Breakfast with Santa A bountiful buffet in Burnstein Hall welcomes visitors who can then share greetings with Santa Claus in Alsdorf Auditorium! Tickets for the buffet are $35 for each adult and $27 for each child (ages 3 to 12) in advance; members receive $5 off the ticket price. Seatings are on December 13 and 14 at 8:30, 9:30, and 10:30 a.m.

Warm up with a hot chocolate and a chance to meet Mrs. Claus on Monday, December 22, at 11 a.m. or 1 p.m.

Mrs. Claus will read a story after everyone has enjoyed cookies and cocoa. Tickets are $17 in advance and $20 on that day; members receive $2 off each ticket.

Members-Only Night A privilege of Garden membership is private access to Wonderland Express on Wednesday, December 17, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Carolers, cookies, hot chocolate, and special activities for children await. Regular ticket fees apply.

Hours and General Admission Wonderland Express is open from November 28 through January 4. It closes at 3 p.m. on December 4 and 24 (with the last tickets sold at 2 p.m.). It closes on December 12 at 1 p.m., and is closed all day on December 25. On all of these days, the Garden grounds are still open until 6 p.m. Purchase tickets online with no ticketing fee at chicagobotanic.org/wonderland, or in person at the Visitor Center. Nonmember prices are $12 for adults and $10 for children ages 3 to 12 and seniors ages 62 and up. Members receive $2 off each ticket. Thanks to the support of Grainger, timed tickets are half-price on Tuesdays.

Special event tickets include admission to Wonderland Express. Christmas Breakfast with Santa includes parking. Children ages 2 and under enter the exhibition, concerts, Hot Chocolate with Mrs. Claus, Members-Only Night, and Christmas Breakfast with Santa for free. Wonderland Express visitors enjoy two-for-one entry when the primary ticket is purchased at the Garden using a Discover card (half-price Tuesdays excluded). Maximum two free tickets per purchase.

chicagobotanic.org/wonderland 7

Wonderland Express

New This Year!

Orchid Show

Back for a second year, the Orchid Show again will be a place to escape the cold, gray winter from Saturday, February 14, through Sunday, March 15.

This year, inside the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Regenstein Center and Greenhouses, we’ve redesigned our orchid displays, developed new interpretive panels, and added a gallery of high-resolution portrait-like photographs (for sale) of breathtaking orchids from last year’s show. Just like last year, you’ll enter a space that is warm and vibrant with jewel tones, tropical scents, and the exquisite beauty of more than 10,000 budding and blooming orchids from around the world—cascading from archways, climbing up columns, hanging sideways and upside down.

“Visitors told us that they loved our first Orchid Show— and we can’t wait to build on that success,” said Harriet Resnick, vice president of visitor experience and business development. “People really responded to the idea of an escape from winter into the lovely world of orchids. We were so pleased to see people just relax and unwind, whether through our preview event, where guests were greeted with fragrant leis and hula dancers, or at our weekend family class on how to make ice cream from a vanilla orchid.”

The Orchid Show is the only one of its kind in the Chicago area, a celebration of more than just the beauty of orchids. The exhibition also highlights the place of orchids in culture and history. According to Maori legend, for instance, orchids are remnants of a shattered rainbow, and in Japan, samurai warriors once were the only ones allowed to own and raise a native orchid, Neofinetia falcata. These days, orchids are beloved for features such as their scent (possibilities include jasmine, coconut, chocolate or rose) and their eye-catching petals. (The prominent petal on an Oncidium can be ruffled, spotted, hairy, pouched, or fringed.)

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Special Events Several special events are planned during the show. Start your experience at the Preview Party on Friday, February 13, from 5:30 to 7:30, enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres amid the splendor of the orchids just before the exhibitions opens. The Preview Party is hosted by the Woman’s Board of the Chicago Horticultural Society. On Wednesday, February 25, members receive private access to the show from 5 to 7:30 p.m.; this Members’ Evening includes music, light refreshments, and a cash bar (regular fee applies). On Thursday, March 12, it’s an Evening with Orchids, open to members and nonmembers alike and featuring wine and specialty cocktail tastings. Orchid Show visitors can also enjoy Tuesday and Thursday Morning Music programs during the show. Visit chicagobotanic.org/orchid for more information on all of these events, including ticket fees.

The Orchid Show is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily from February 14 through March 15; regular parking fees apply. Buy tickets online and at the Membership and Information Desks in the Visitor Center. Fees are $10 for adults, and $8 for children ages 3 to 12 and seniors ages 62 and up. Members receive $2 off each ticket, and children 2 and under are free. Each weekend, experts of the Illinois Orchid Society host a marketplace. On March 14 and 15, the Illinois Orchid Society holds its spring show and sale.

There will be limited access to the Greenhouses and Greenhouse Gallery from January 26 to February 8, while the exhibition is assembled. The Greenhouses and Gallery will be closed entirely from February 9 to 13; from February 14 to March 15, access will be permitted only with the purchase of a ticket to the Orchid Show.

Note your favorite orchids in the exhibition and snap them up at the popular post-Orchid Show sale. The membersonly sale is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 19; the public sale is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., beginning Friday, March 20, and ending Saturday, March 21, or until supplies last. Please watch for sale updates on our website.

The Orchid Show is supported by a generous grant from the Helen V. Froehlich Foundation, and sponsored by Bank of America.

Orchid Show Returns after Dazzling Debut “A perfect way to chase away the winter blues.”

— ABC7 Chicago

“The Chicago Botanic Garden takes orchid love to a whole new level.”

— HGTV Gardens Photo by Anne Belmont chicagobotanic.org 9

Winter Events

Winter Events Camp CBG Registration for President’s Circle and Guild Early registration for Camp CBG is available from November 17 to December 7 via telephone only at (847) 835-6801. General online registration begins December 8 at 9 a.m.

Children ages 2 to 15 have fun during camp at the Chicago Botanic Garden, where settings include the Grunsfeld Children’s Growing Garden and the Kleinman Family Cove. Camp CBG runs from June 15 through August 14. Select from weeklong camps, two-week sessions, morning-only camp, afternoon-only camp, or full-day options. Before- and after-camp care is also available. Please visit chicagobotanic.org/camp for more information.

Windy City Harvest Youth Farm Facilitator Training Join staff from the Garden’s Windy City Harvest Youth Farm on Saturday, January 31, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a day focused on youth development in an urban agriculture or a school garden setting. Learn what makes a program successful. A $50 per-person fee includes all programming, lunch, and parking. The program takes place in the Garden’s Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center, and preregistration is required. For more information and to register, please contact Eliza Fournier at efournier@chicagobotanic.org.

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Seed Swap Share and swap your saved or extra vegetable, flower, and herb seed packets with other gardeners at this popular annual event held in Burnstein Hall on Sunday, February 22, from 3 to 5 p.m. Come with or without seeds to participate. New and seasoned gardeners will enjoy demonstrations on how to start seeds indoors, test germination, and save seeds. Learn which seed varieties are preferred by Garden staff and volunteers.

Take part in a free lecture at 2 p.m. titled “Forgotten Tastes: Our Apple Heritage,” by Dan Bussey. Preregistration is required at chicagobotanic.org/calendar/event/seedswap.

Holiday Gifts from the Garden Make your holiday gifts truly unique this year by giving items available only at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Shop on-site in the Garden Shop or online at chicagobotanic. org/visit/shop and receive 10 percent off if you are a Garden member. Don’t forget the gift of membership!

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Winter Calendar

November

December

Ongoing

Ongoing

Rare Book Exhibition: Succulents: Featuring Redouté Masterpieces Friday, November 14, through Sunday, February 8; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday to Friday; until 6:30 p.m. Tuesday; noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Rare Book Exhibition: Succulents: Featuring Redouté Masterpieces Friday, November 14, through Sunday, February 8; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday to Friday; until 6:30 p.m. Tuesday; noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Friday & Saturday, November 14 & 15 Members-Only Tour of the Plant Production Greenhouses 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; $5 fee. Visit chicagobotanic.org/membership for more information and to register. Limited space is available.

Tuesdays, December 2 – 16 Wonderland Express Family Drop-in Activities open to ticketed Wonderland Express visitors; see chicagobotanic.org/wonderland for hours.

Saturday, November 16 Weekend Family Class: Play with Plants 9:30 to 11 a.m. or 1 to 2:30 p.m.; preregistration required; fee applies.

Saturdays & Sundays, December 6 – 14 Wonderland Express Family Drop-in Activities open to ticketed Wonderland Express visitors; see chicagobotanic.org/wonderland for hours.

Sunday, December 7 Free Library Talk: “Featuring Redouté Masterpieces” 2 p.m.

Weekend Family Class: Joyful Gingerbread 9:30 to 11 a.m. or 1 to 2:30 p.m.; preregistration required; fee applies.

Holiday Farmers’ Market 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Burnstein Hall.

Saturday, December 20 Weekend Family Class: Joyful Gingerbread 9:30 to 11 a.m. or 1 to 2:30 p.m.; preregistration required; fee applies.

Monday, December 22 Winter Break Camp 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; preregistration required; fee applies.

Tuesday, December 23 Winter Break Camp 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; preregistration required; fee applies.

Friday, December 26 Winter Break Camp 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; preregistration required; fee applies.

Monday, December 29 Winter Break Camp 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; preregistration required; fee applies.

Monday, December 30 Winter Break Camp 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; preregistration required; fee applies.

Wonderland Express Friday, November 28 – Sunday, January 4 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; fee applies; closes at 3 p.m. on December 4 and 24; closes at 1 p.m. on December 12; closed December 25.

Wonderland Express Family Drop-In Activities daily, November 28 to 30 and

December 20 to January 4; open to ticketed Wonderland Express visitors. See other dates above; visit chicagobotanic.org/wonderland for hours.

All Aboard! Gala Thursday, December 4, 6:30 to 10 p.m.; call (847) 835-6833 to purchase tickets.

Holiday Cheers! Wednesday, December 10, 6 to 8 p.m.; ticket required; fee applies.

Christmas Breakfast with Santa Saturday and Sunday, December 13 and 14, seatings at 8:30, 9:30, and 10:30 a.m.; ticket required; fee applies.

Members-Only Evening at Wonderland Express Wednesday, December 17, 5 to 7:30

p.m.; fee applies.

Christmas Concert Saturday, December 20, 2 and 4 p.m.; ticket required; fee applies.

Hanukkah Concert Sunday, December 21,

11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; ticket required; fee applies.

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Hot Chocolate with Mrs. Claus Monday, December 22, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; ticket required; fee applies.

Calendar &&Garden Antiques FairFair Antiques Garden

January

February

Ongoing

Ongoing

Rare Book Exhibition: Succulents: Featuring Redouté Masterpieces through Sunday, February 8; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday; until 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday; noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Rare Book Exhibition: Succulents: Featuring Redouté Masterpieces through Sunday, February 8; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday; until 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday; noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Friday, January 2 Winter Break Camp 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; preregistration required; fee applies.

Sunday, February 8 Weekend Family Class: Papermaking with Plants 9:30 to 11 a.m. or 1 to 2:30 p.m.; preregistration required; fee applies.

Saturday, January 10 Weekend Family Class: Hot Chocolate 9:30 to 11 a.m. or 1 to 2:30 p.m.; preregistration required; fee applies.

Thursday – Saturday, January 15 – 17 Little Diggers Series Begins 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; preregistration required; fee applies. Visit chicagobotanic.org/littlediggers for more information.

Sunday, January 18 Weekend Family Class: Hot Chocolate 9:30 to 11 a.m. or 1 to 2:30 p.m.; preregistration required; fee applies.

Monday, January 19 School Day-Off Camp 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; preregistration required; fee applies.

Saturday, January 31 Weekend Family Class: Winter Explorers 9:30 to 11 a.m. or 1 to 2:30 p.m.; preregistration required; fee applies.

Windy City Harvest Youth Farm Facilitator Training 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; see page 10 for more information.

Monday – Friday, February 9 – 13 Garden Greenhouses and Greenhouse Gallery are closed in preparation for the Orchid Show.

Friday, February 13 The Orchid Show Preview Party ticket required; fee applies.

Saturday, February 14 Rare Book Exhibition Opens: Orchidelirium: Illustrated Orchidaceae through April 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday; until 6:30 p.m. Tuesday; noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Scout Seasonal Workshop: Valentine’s Day 12:45 to 3 p.m.; preregistration required; fee applies.

Saturday, February 14 – Sunday, March 15 The Orchid Show 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; ticket required; fee applies.

Tuesday, February 17 Tuesday Morning Music 10 a.m.

Thursday, February 19 Thursday Morning Music 10 a.m.

Saturday, February 21 Weekend Family Class: Homemade Ice Cream 9:30 to 11 a.m. or 1 to 2:30 p.m.; preregistration required; fee applies.

Sunday, February 22 Seed Swap 3 to 5 p.m.; lecture, 2 p.m.—free but registration is required.

Tuesday, February 24 Tuesday Morning Music 10 a.m.

Free Library Talk: “Orchidelirium: Illustrated Orchidaceae” 2 p.m.

Wednesday, February 25 Members-Only Evening at the Orchid Show 5 to 7:30 p.m.; fee applies.

Thursday, February 26 Thursday Morning Music 10 a.m.

StoryTime

in the Lenhardt Library

Mondays, January 12 through May 18 (except April 20) 10 to 11 a.m.

Stories and activities are for children ages 2 to 5, accompanied by a caregiver.

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Calendar

Educator Classes Saturday, November 8 Teacher Workshop: ENTICE: The Nature of Fall for Early Childhood Students 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; preregistration required, fee applies.

Saturday, November 22 Teacher workshop: Wreath Making for Educators 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; preregistration required; fee applies.

March Ongoing Rare Book Exhibition: Orchidelirium: Illustrated Orchidaceae through April 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday to Friday; until 6:30 p.m. Tuesday; noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Sunday, March 1 Free Library Talk: “Orchidelirium: Illustrated Orchidaceae” 2 p.m.

Weekend Family Class: Homemade Ice Cream 9:30 to 11 a.m. or 1 to 2:30 p.m.; preregistration required; fee applies.

Tuesday, March 3 Tuesday Morning Music 10 a.m.

Thursday, March 5 Thursday Morning Music 10 a.m.

Thursday, March 19 Members-Only Post-Orchid-Show Sale 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday & Saturday, March 20 & 21 Post-Orchid-Show Sale 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. while supplies last; open to the public.

Saturday, March 21 Exhibition Opens: Nature in View through April 6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Garden Photographic Society’s annual photography exhibition is in the Joutras Gallery.

Weekend Family Class: Gumballs and Superballs 9:30 to 11 a.m. or 1 to 2 p.m.; preregistration required; fee applies.

Tuesday, March 10 Tuesday Morning Music 10 a.m.

Saturday, December 6, at the Chicago Botanic Garden and Sunday, December 7, at Brookfield Zoo Teacher Workshop: Science Stories 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; preregistration required; fee applies.

Saturday, January 17 and 24 Teacher Workshop: Even More Edible Science 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; preregistration required; fee applies.

Saturday, February 14 Teacher Workshop: Outrageous Orchids 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; preregistration required; fee applies.

Saturday, February 21 Teacher Workshop: Terrarium Making for Educators 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; preregistration required; fee applies.

Saturday, March 21 and 28 Teacher Workshop: Bringing Up Bookworms 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; preregistration required; fee applies.

Saturday & Sunday, March 21 & 22 Japanese Garden Spring Weekend 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Thursday, March 12 Thursday Morning Music 10 a.m.

Evening with Orchids 6 to 8 p.m.; fee applies.

Saturday & Sunday, March 14 & 15 Illinois Orchid Society Spring Show & Sale 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, March 14 – Sunday, March 22 Chicago Flower & Garden Show See Chicago Flower and Garden Show website for information and hours at Navy Pier; fee applies. Garden members enjoy discounted admission at the box office with proof of membership.

Friday & Saturday, March 27 & 28 Members Behind-the-Scenes Production Greenhouse Tour 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; $5.

Monday – Friday, March 30 – April 3 Spring Break Camp 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; preregistration required; fee applies.

Looking Ahead to 2015 Coming soon! Watch for details about these events in the next issue of Keep Growing and at chicagobotanic.org.

American Flower Show Series

Garden, Antiques & Design Show

Model Railroad Garden: Landmarks of America

Garden Chef Series Seasonal Opening

Select weekends, TBD The American Flower Show Series is endowed in honor of Louise Durham Mead and Walter Longworthy Mead.

Preview Evening: April 16 Show: April 17 to 19

Seasonal Opening: May 9

Seasonal Opening: May 23

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AntiquesNews & Garden Fair Garden

At the Forest Preserves

Keep Moving (On Skis) This Winter Colder temperatures signal to many Chicago-area animals that it’s time to find a warm place and expend as little energy as possible, or (if you’re a migratory bird) get out of town.

While neither concepts are foreign to area humans, at least we have other options!

Every winter, the Forest Preserves of Cook County is your host to a variety of outdoor activities, including ice skating, sledding, ice fishing, and some of the best cross-country skiing in Illinois.

Forest preserve visitors may crosscountry ski in most areas, with few exceptions, from 8 a.m. to sunset.

Some popular spots near the Chicago Botanic Garden include Harms Woods near Glenview and the trails around River Trail Nature Center in Northbrook. Those interested in making a day of it can take advantage of the Nordic Ski Program at Sagawau Environmental Learning Center in Lemont. Ski rentals and lessons set beginners up for success on the groomed and tracked trails, and experienced skiers will find the Ridge Run

Garden Hosts North American Japanese Garden Association Conference More than 200 Japanese garden specialists and devotees from across North America and the world gathered at the Chicago Botanic Garden from October 16 to 18 to explore the theme “New Pathways: The Role of the Japanese Garden for Society and Self.” The three-day conference was the second such event hosted by the North American Japanese Garden Association (NAJGA).

The Association is dedicated to the advancement and sustainability of the more than 275 Japanese gardens located throughout the United States and Canada. The Chicago Botanic Garden, home of the internationally 16 chicagobotanic.org

acclaimed Elizabeth Hubert Malott Japanese Garden, is a founding member of NAJGA. As NAJGA president Kendall Brown, Ph.D., observed, “The 2014 NAJGA conference was a watershed event in transforming our perspective about Japanese gardens. From thinking about what a Japanese garden is, we shifted to asking why they should be part of progressive societies outside of Japan.” Topics focused on how Japanese gardens can better serve today’s audiences through nurturing mental health and physical wellness, and contribute toward a more beautiful and humane society.

trail a formidable challenge. Skiers of all abilities will appreciate the heated lodge.

Whether on skis, skates, or sleds, discover that there’s more to winter in the Preserves than waiting for spring.

Visit fpdcc.com/winter for details and locations. (Note: Although the Chicago Botanic Garden welcomes visitors every day of the year, we are unable to offer skiing, skating, sledding, or snowshoeing.)

Still time to join the Garden’s members-only entourage to Italy Arrivederci, Chicago!

Ciao, Italia!

Don’t miss out on the Chicago Botanic Garden’s next travel opportunity for members, a trip to Florence and Rome, Italy, from September 15 to 25, 2015. Call (847) 835-6937 or visit chicagobotanic.org/trip for details.

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Awards and Honors

Three Cheers for Volunteers!

“Whether they greet guests, answer plant questions, pull weeds, teach children, or save seeds, our volunteers are extraordinary,” says Judy Cashen, the Chicago Botanic Garden’s director of volunteer administration and engagement. “They are such dedicated and talented people, and we simply could not manage without them.” At the Volunteer Awards Reception held in June, five volunteers were recognized for exemplary service in 2013.

Volunteer of the Year: Rodger McDowall Rodger McDowall was the unanimous 2013 choice of the Volunteer of the Year committee. Renowned for his congeniality and leadership, he exemplifies the energy, diligence, and enthusiasm that are Garden volunteer hallmarks. McDowall’s love of gardening and lifelong learning led him to become a volunteer in 2008 and a certified University of Illinois Extension master gardener in 2009. He has contributed nearly 2,800 hours of service, primarily in Plant Information Service, Plant Production, on the Grounds Cover newsletter committee, and at the Chicago Flower & Garden and Orchid Shows. “My time volunteering has provided never-ending new knowledge and special friendships,” said McDowall.

Barbara Whitney Carr Excellence in Leadership Award: Rosemary Hart This award lauds volunteers demonstrating innovation and notable leadership.

According to colleagues, Rosemary Hart “is dependable, enthusiastic, and professional, and has a wonderful attitude.”

Since 2000, she has given more than 4,200 hours in Living Plant Documentation, at the Lenhardt Library, and on special event teams. As a volunteer team leader, Hart gracefully coordinates the work of more than two dozen volunteers who have “adopted” a garden, providing training and orientation, and managing schedules.

Five-Star Customer Service Award: Rhoda Muchmore Initiated in 2012, this award honors volunteers who consistently go above and beyond. Rhoda Muchmore began volunteering at the Garden 20 years ago as a weekend program volunteer. She has dedicated 4,000 hours, assisting with Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden programming and at the Visitor Center

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Membership Desk, Adult Continuing Education Department, and with myriad special events. Muchmore “is flexible, amenable, and willing to volunteer…all with a smile,” said Cashen. Whether it be with last-minute programming, large events or small, “her presence makes every event a success!”

Super Senior Award: Susie Mahon In 1999, Susie Mahon began volunteering in the Greenhouses. Since then, during 3,500 hours of service, she has shared her enthusiasm teaching children with the school programs team and Camp CBG, and welcoming guests.

Currently, Mahon helps preserve important seed collections for the Dixon National Tallgrass Prairie Seed Bank.

Colleagues agree, saying, “We know we can rely on Susie. She has an infectious positive attitude, a great sense of humor, and an admirable work ethic.” According to Mahon, “Just one day at the Garden and you will hear yourself murmur…‘a fun day, a visibly productive day’…and, gift of all gifts, it comes with a specific to-do list for a return visit—because at the Garden, you know you are needed.”

40-Year Service Award: Marilyn Alaimo This year, the Garden honored a volunteer who has dedicated four decades of service. When Marilyn Alaimo began volunteering in 1974, the Garden had only 13 full-time employees, and its offices were still in Chicago. Alaimo began volunteering with the school programs team and later became a walking-tour guide and Information Desk assistant. She served on the volunteer committee for the Garden’s recent capital campaign, and for the past 11 years she has written reviews of new books acquired by the Lenhardt Library. In recognition of her 40 years of service, Alaimo received a special book from the Library: Maps: Finding Our Place in the World.

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Garden News

Trees Take a Short Trip Most of the Chicago Botanic Garden’s trees spend three to ten years in an in-ground nursery before being selected by horticulturists to replace or add to the collections in the gardens. As part of a plan to update and expand the Garden’s existing, aged plant production facilities, grounds crews have moved more than 400 trees to a new in-ground nursery. The new nursery encompasses slightly less than one acre on the south end of the Garden, just off Dundee Road.

In spring 2014, crews began digging up the trees from the old nursery, including oaks, maples, pines, firs, birches, and apple trees; the size of the root ball containers ranged from 3 gallons up to about 15 gallons. Crews kept the tree

roots moist while the new site was being graded and developed with 2 feet of new soil. The move was completed in July.

Trees in the nursery start out as seeds, cuttings, or small plants from other institutions around the world. The Garden has received trees from as far away as Russia and as close as the Morton Arboretum in Lisle. One of the Garden’s goals is to increase the number of trees in its collection; another is to expand species diversity within it.

Carolyn Kuechler originally reported on the nursery move in the spring 2014 issue of Grounds Cover, the volunteers’ newsletter of the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Horticultural Hub: New Home for Plant Information Each year, the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Information Service and Lenhardt Library teams answer tens of thousands of plantrelated questions and recommend resources to address everything from the seemingly silly to the confoundedly complex. Queries arrive by phone, e-mail, and in person. Since last February, all of the Garden’s expert resources have been located in one centralized place, making it easier and more efficient to gather advice and receive diagnoses.

The response has been positive since Plant Information officially opened a new window in the Regenstein Center, conveniently located adjacent to the Lenhardt Library. Formerly housed in the Visitor Center, Plant Information 20 chicagobotanic.org

relies on the expertise of University of Illinois Extension master gardeners and staff members. “The new ‘one-stop-shopping’ location makes it possible for us to provide seamless, integrated resources for our visitors and callers,” said Leora Siegel, director of both the Lenhardt Library and Plant Information Service.

Thanks to the relocation, after Plant Information clients receive their answers they can easily visit the Library. There, they can conduct more in-depth research on their topic, view the latest beautiful rare book exhibition, nestle in a comfy chair and admire the “living wallpaper” outside the windows…or simply relax and use free WiFi. If you haven’t visited yet, stop by!

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A new life takes root through Windy City Harvest

Fernando Orozco, Urban Agriculture Professional The Kraft Corporate Campus Garden where Fernando Orozco is a grower and crew leader is a world away from the plot where he first learned to care for plants. He was 19, an inmate in the Cook County Sheriff’s alternative sentencing facility. Windy City Harvest, the Chicago Botanic Garden’s urban agriculture education and jobs-training initiative, ran the jail garden.

That was just two years ago.

“I never thought I’d have a job like this where I have my own site and, not only that, the responsibility of caring for a crew of other guys,” Orozco said, taking a break from work in the 8,000-square-foot fruit and vegetable garden on the Northfield, Illinois, campus of Kraft Foods. Designed, installed, and maintained by the Garden’s Windy City Harvest program since 2011, the flourishing threeseason garden is the result of an innovative partnership between a botanic garden and a major corporation.

Orozco’s story is a fulfillment of the Garden’s mission to cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life. In Orozco’s case, the life is his and those of the “guys” for whom he now is a role model—young men ages 17 to 21 in the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice system.

Urban Agriculture

Fernando Orozco and his Windy City Harvest crew keep the Kraft Foods Garden flourishing.

A crew of three began work at the Kraft site in July as part of a 13-week stint in Windy City Harvest Corps, the same educational and transitional jobs program that once provided work to Orozco. The team planned to grow enough tomatoes, peppers, lettuces, and other produce to fill 55 boxes a week for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Women,, Infants, and Children (WIC) supplemental nutrition program. Other crops included cherries, pears, raspberries, radishes, beets, swiss chard, and watermelon, made pretty with plantings of scarlet runner beans and firecracker flower, all grown in full view of Kraft employees as they work out in the company gym.

and Ben Jaffe, his supervisor on a Windy City Harvest work-study crew, found some baby rabbits inside a hoophouse (similar to a greenhouse). Orozco put them in a box with food and water. “Essentially it was to keep them alive, even though this was not the best thing in terms of raising full-grown rabbits that would come back and eat our greens,” Jaffe recalled. “That said a lot to me about how Fernando generally looks at the world.”

Orozco is among the Windy City Harvest Apprenticeship graduates professionalizing the urban agriculture movement and defining what a job in it looks like. Originally from Cicero, he lives in Chicago with his mother and sister Veronica, who witnessed her brother’s comeback. “We take a lot of pride in what he does,” she said. “We talk about it constantly.”

“You hear a lot about programs and how they change people’s lives,” said Angela Mason, director of Windy City Harvest.

“But it’s more about the person “We take a lot of pride in what he does. We Orozco readily admits to a past who wants to make those changes.” talk about it constantly.”­—Veronica Orozco that he now is eager to put behind Orozco, emphatically, did; he was him as a working professional. eager to take a new path in his life.

“Just because they’re checking that “I was around guys who had been going to jail their whole box that says ‘felony offense’ doesn’t necessarily mean that lives,” he remembered. Not all Corps recruits decide the they’re bad people. They just need someone to give them a hard work of farming is for them, or have the discipline to chance and support them through those changes,” Mason succeed. Orozco worked hard, found he liked it, and ultisaid. Orozco now does that for the former juvenile offendmately discovered “a passion.” ers working with him. “I’m not the smartest person in the world,” Orozco said he tells them, “but I saw an opportuHe went on to complete the nine-month Windy City Harnity and I took it, and the same opportunity is happening vest Apprenticeship program, earned a certificate in safe to you guys. Are you going to take advantage?” and sustainable urban agriculture, and interned at locations that included the Chicago home garden of restauraOrozco hopes to run his own farm some day. “But, for teur Rick Bayless. “[Fernando] was thrilled and delighted now, I’d be happy if I were here, doing the same thing, just to learn that one could identify nutrient deficiencies in a perfecting the craft, growing food and helping people, plant by studying its leaves and growth pattern,” Bayless’s growing people,” he said. “I can’t ask for a better job.” head gardener Bill Shores recalled. “It is this curiosity and openness to new information that makes a skilled grower.”

A keen and attentive observer, Orozco also is noted for his compassionate nature. There was the winter day that he

For a listing of donors who make Windy City Harvest possible, see page 79. chicagobotanic.org/urbanagriculture 23

Antiques & Garden Fair

Identifying native plants that can win the battle against invasive species

Putting the “Wild�

Back in the West

The Colorado Plateau is one of the most hauntingly beautiful regions in the United States. Often called the Four Corners, it spans more than 80 million acres across Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona, and is home to myriad plants, insects, animals, and reptiles. It also boasts the largest concentration of national parks in the country. And its ecosystems are in danger.

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Invasive plants threaten ecosystems by displacing native species, altering the structure of plant communities, and changing moisture regimens and nutrient cycles. As cheatgrass gains a greater foothold among native plants, its dry, fine leaves provide fuel that can produce large wildfires that are more intense, more severe—and more frequent.

“Historically, there were sagebrush, bunch grasses, and wildflowers that stayed green all year, with bare soil between them,” said Andrea Kramer, Ph.D., a conservation scientist in ecological genetics at the Chicago Botanic Garden. “Cheatgrass fills in the bare patches and becomes dry earlier in the year, creating great conditions for wildfire.” In the past, the plateau’s fire-adapted ecosystems might burn once every 40 to 100 years. Ecosystems invaded by cheatgrass now burn every three to five years.

The problems don’t end when the fires are out. They can lead to extensive erosion that affects water quality and clarity well beyond the area that burned. “Dust from burned areas also settles on snow-covered mountaintops, which causes the snow to melt much faster in the spring.

Cities that rely on snowmelt for much of their water supply are finding that they have to switch to other water sources or draw down their reservoirs much earlier in the season because of this,” said Dr. Kramer, who is working on the Colorado Plateau Project, one of the Garden’s Conservation and Restoration in Changing Environments (CARICE) projects. “Our overarching goal is to do

research to help improve restoration outcomes out west on public lands. A successful restoration supports wildlife and water conservation.”

The Colorado Plateau Project is exploring native plant populations that may have the genetic ability to successfully compete with invasive plants. It’s a partnership among the Garden, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Geological Survey, and other government and academic partners as part of the Colorado Plateau Native Plant Program. The research, which began in 2002, examines seed viability and germination studies in the Garden’s laboratories. Scientists also collect seeds of target species in the Colorado Plateau and establish study plots to compare the differences among the native species.

chicagobotanic.org 25

Plant Conservation Science

Much of the high desert throughout the plateau receives only 6 to 16 inches of rainfall annually. The plants there have evolved over tens of thousands of years to adapt to the extremely harsh, arid conditions. But invasive species, such as cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and Russian knapweed (Acroptilon repens), along with frequent wildfires, increasing development, and a changing climate, are disturbing the plateau’s unique ecosystems on a significant scale.

Plant Conservation Science

“Russian knapweed is allelopathic (prevents other plants from growing nearby), and it has roots that can go 20 to 30 feet deep seeking the water table, and cheatgrass has a crazy root mass,” Kramer said, “but some native species can evolve and adapt to compete with them.”

Maggie Eshleman, Alicia Foxx, and Nora Talkington are graduate students at Northwestern University who are working with Kramer. “Maggie is working on six wildflower species. We think they will be very useful in wildflower seed mixes for restoration, and we’re calling them native winners,” Kramer said. Foxx is researching root systems and their ability to compete. “Roots aren’t considered too often in restoration practices,” she noted, “but there appears to be a relationship between higher survival rates and a more complex root structure.“ Foxx studied 12 populations of one grass and found a huge variation in their root systems; ultimately, she hopes to apply this knowledge to restoration practices.

Nora Talkington is doing research at the University of Utah’s Rio Mesa Center along the Dolores River in southwestern Utah. She drove 800 plants that were grown at the Garden to the study site. “What I like best about the research I’m doing on the Colorado Plateau is working on questions that are directly applicable to restoring plant communities,” Talkington said. “It’s pretty clear from the research that Andrea Kramer and others are doing that seed source matters when trying to establish native plants at degraded sites on the Colorado Plateau, especially at sites where invasive species have altered the soil.”

In 2013, Kramer and her team gathered seeds and used Seeds of Success collections to establish research trials in the Garden’s research greenhouses and growth chambers, and in study plots in Utah and Colorado. There are many challenges. Some species are hard to grow, while others that are capable of competing don’t produce enough seed. In the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center, researchers conducted an experiment to reveal specific seed germination requirements while others used incubators to create spring- and summer-like conditions that indicate when and why seeds of certain species are able to germinate and grow. There are many moving parts.

“We’re taking research that’s been done on a small scale and trying to apply it to the real world,” Kramer said. “At the Chicago Botanic Garden, we can build longer-term partnerships and not just publish research. The application of the research is important.”

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In the Winner’s Circle Some native winners, and comments about them by Garden scientist Andrea Kramer, Ph.D.: Bee plant (Cleome lutea) “I really like the bee plant.

It’s an annual, a pollinator resource. It’s good at growing in disturbed areas and is a good forage plant for bees.”

Smallflower globe mallow (Sphaeralcea parvifolia) “This one is really gorgeous.”

Tansy aster (Machaeranthera canescens) “This one is good for pollinators and really good at growing in burned sites. It may be more broadly useful in reclaiming disturbed areas.”

Woolly plantain (Plantago patagonica) “This little annual plant is often the only thing we find flowering and producing seeds during extreme drought years.”

“We’re taking research that’s been done on a small scale and trying to apply it to the real world.”­—Andrea Kramer

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College First

Celebrating 20 years of successful mentoring

College First for a Future in Science College First celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, bringing together generations of staff, students, and scientists who have built the program from the ground up.

When it began, the Chicago Botanic Garden initiative aimed to prepare participants for careers in the green industry. As it matured, College First became a formal college preparatory program, helping students find their way to college and professional science careers.

“I always thought it should expand and be more than the green industry,” said Kathy Johnson, teacher and student programs director. Johnson helped launch the program in 1994, and now leads the formal education component.

College First brings talented Chicago Public Schools students who are African American or Latino—both underrepresented demographics in the professional science field—to the Garden in summer months for a range of learning opportunities that introduce them to professional and academic options for their future. While many are familiar with the esteemed career paths of doctor or lawyer, they are not always aware of plant science career options, which may be a better fit for certain personalities, explained Johnson. In the end, “part of the goal is that we as a society will be better off if the scientific community is more diverse,” she added.

The Garden strives to make College First a realistic option for those with limited resources. “Our program is really unique in that we try to address all barriers to participation,” explained Amaris Alanis-Ribeiro, the Garden’s manager of secondary education programs. Participants are paid and receive bus transportation to the Garden, as well as lunch.

The experience builds on itself, with students in the program engaging more deeply each year as they build a learning community with one another. Graduates of the program like Shayla Hobbs and Robert Harris III exemplify the program’s success.

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Hobbs had not seriously considered attending college before she enrolled in College First as a junior camp counselor for Camp CBG in 2008, at the urging of her biology teacher at Gage Park High School. She returned in 2009, engaging in the hands-on research aspect of the program and working closely with Garden scientists. That experience, and the field trips she and her peers took to nearby colleges, opened her eyes to new possibilities. “It wasn’t really until the second year of College First that I got more interested in science and college,” said Hobbs, who is the first in her family to attend college.

She enrolled at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she is now completing a degree in molecular cellular biology. Her connections to the Garden remain strong. She participated in a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) internship the summer before her sophomore year of college. “It was because I did College First that I was able to apply to the REU program,” she noted. Her support network includes fellow College First graduates, whom she now counts among her lifelong friends.

Antiques & Garden Fair

“It has been very impactful. [College First] is what has persuaded me to go into science.”

—Robert Harris III In the summer before his freshman year at Carleton College, he participated in an REU internship in an unofficial capacity, because he was too young for the program.

“The summer was very beneficial because it was ten weeks of full research,” he said. Now, he is hard at work as a fulltime college student, seeking new and expanded experiences in science and research.

Hobbs plans to attend graduate school next, perhaps focusing on plant biotechnology or returning to the Garden for the master’s degree in plant biology and conservation offered in partnership with Northwestern University. The graduate program, along with College First and the REU internship, are part of the Garden’s innovative Science Career Continuum, which helps guide students from high school through college and graduate studies, and into plant-related science and conservation internships.

Harris is already making a name for himself, as one of two students to represent the Illinois Science Olympiad this past spring in a special trip to the White House.

Harris and Hobbs are among those invited to attend the 20-year reunion of College First this December, which takes place at the Garden and will reunite many classmates and mentors.

Eventually, Hobbs aims to give back as a leader in education programs similar to College First, in inner city locations.

“The Garden has helped me a lot with networking and preparing me for college, and giving me career ideas,” she said.

Robert Harris III came to College First in 2012 with encouragement from his Advanced Placement environmental science teacher at Lane Tech High School. Although a career in plant science was not on his radar at the time, he enjoyed the class, and was interested in learning more.

Harris enrolled the summer before his senior year of high school. Hands-on research experience with Garden scientists and field trips to places such as the Argonne National Laboratory were informative for him. “It has been very impactful,” he reflected. “It is what has persuaded me to go into science.”

Previous page: Shayla Hobbs attends the University of Illinois.

Top: Robert Harris III (left) attends Carleton College. Above: College First students in the Grunsfeld Children’s Growing Garden.

Below: The 2014 College First class gathers for final presentations.

For a listing of donors who make College First possible, see page 79.

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Forecasting the Future of Cultivated Urban Trees

The honey locust in the playground, the white oak beside the bus stop, and the American linden along the train tracks each contributes unique qualities to the urban forest of Cook County and its residents. However, these trees, and many like them, may struggle to survive in coming years, according to a recent study by Andrew Bell, Ph.D., the Chicago Botanic Garden’s curator of woody plants.

Dr. Bell; research assistant Emily Russell; Shannon Still, Ph.D.; and doctoral student Paul Hartzog identified the current “cultivated climate envelope” for 50 species of trees now thriving at the Garden and throughout Chicago.

The “envelope” is the place where environmental or climatic conditions are suitable for plants (in this case, cultivated trees). The species were selected from the city of Chicago’s list of 150 tree species recommended for planting; in the future, Bell hopes to model the remaining 100 trees.

The study was launched in January 2013 as a part of Bell’s work with the city’s Urban Forest Agenda task force and with a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Using a computer modeling system called a species distribution model, he compared existing temperature and precipitation levels in places where the species are currently being cultivated to those expected in the years 2020, 2050, and 2080. The projected climate conditions were created by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change based on anticipated emissions levels.

Grim Future for Many Trees The results revealed a dismal future for ten of the species on the list, finding that American basswood (Tilia americana) and nine others were unlikely to survive altered conditions by the year 2050 (Fig. 1, next page). Further projections saw another 29 species on the list vanish from the area by 2080 (Fig. 2).

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Horticulture

Antiques & Garden Fair

Garden Tree Research Applied to Urban Planning

Horticulture

However, some species are expected to persist in Cook County and its neighboring six counties by adapting to warmer temperature averages than exist today, to the increasingly sporadic and intense rainfall or drought that accompanies a changing climate, and to the occasional deep freeze or subzero temperature drop.

“There are significant consequences to climate change,” noted Bell. “It is going to affect the plants we grow, and some of the plants people know and love may no longer be suitable for the region.” He suggests planting a diversity of trees from the list of winners to safeguard against such potential future issues as species invasions by insects or disease (as occurred with the emerald ash borer and Dutch elm disease) or unanticipated reactions to the effects of climate change.

His findings are now influencing a regional list of recommended trees for planting that is being developed by the Regional Tree Initiative, a group led by the Morton Arboretum and partners, including the Garden. The initiative is aimed at improving the vitality and sustainability of the region’s trees, and it takes into account the expected life cycle of a cultivated urban tree—an average of 37 to 60 years.

Practical Applications for the Findings In October, Bell gave the keynote address at a Gardenbased symposium for industry experts, sponsored by Bartlett Trees Experts. He explained to a receptive audience how his research findings can be applied to achieve positive

Fig. 1: Tilia americana projections made with MaxEnt Species Distribution Modeling under A2 High Emissions Climate Scenario.

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outcomes, in tandem with complementary studies and climate-change research going forward.

The research has already made an impact on the industry.

Bell is working with the U.S. Forest Service on guidelines for urban forest management and planning for the Chicago Wilderness region, which surrounds the southern tip of Lake Michigan from Wisconsin to Illinois and Indiana north to Michigan. “We’re working with the Forest Service on developing a comprehensive protocol of how municipalities and cities of the Midwest can assess the vulnerability of their urban forest,” he explained. Bell’s findings for trees in a cultivated setting will inform the work, in addition to related studies for natural settings.

Bell, a taxonomist and horticulturist by training, was invited earlier this year to write a chapter on climate-adapted plants in the 2017 National Climate Assessment report issued by the federal government, thanks in part to his participation in workshops on the 2014 report.

The scientist, accustomed to the long shelf life of many research projects, is thrilled with the quick results of his work. “It’s making an immediate impact, which is exciting,” he said.

Visit chicagobotanic.org/plantinfo/tree_alternatives to see which trees will continue to thrive in a warming climate, and http://nca2014.globalchange.gov to read the National Climate Assessment.

Fig. 2: Projected habitat suitability for 53 taxa across the seven-county Chicago, IL, region.

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Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts Do you have a question for our horticulture experts in Plant Information Service?

If so, contact them at plantinfo@chicagobotanic.org or call (847) 835-0972.

Visit chicagobotanic.org/plantinfoservice for more Q & As, gardening tips, and conservation topics.

Q. Is it too late to apply winter mulch on my garden plants?

A. No, it’s not. In fact, it can be a problem if you apply mulch too early in the season. The purpose of applying a winter mulch is to keep soil at an even temperature and prevent a cycle of freezing and thawing, which is often the kiss of death for perennials “heaved” out of the soil. By applying mulch after a hard freeze, when the ground is consistently cold, you help to keep it cold and evenly moist throughout. If you apply mulch when the soil is warm, the area around the plants retains that heat while the rest of the ground freezes.

Q. How often should I water my jade plant?

A. Jade plants (Crassula), as well as many similar types of succulents, have fleshy leaves that store water. They should be treated as ordinary houseplants while they are actively growing from spring to fall, and watered regularly when the soil begins to dry out. However, during the winter months, when plants are in their resting period, watering should be reduced and applied only every one to two months.

Check the plants regularly and increase watering if the foliage begins to wither. Plants that are overwatered, especially in winter, can wilt and discolor quickly.

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Q. I love decorating my home with colorful poinsettias for the holidays, but they never last very long. What’s the secret to helping them last longer?

A. Since poinsettia plants (Euphorbia pulcherrima) were first introduced to the United States from Mexico, they quickly became the most popular holiday indoor plant.

The colored parts of the plants that are thought to be flowers are really bracts, which are modified leaves. The actual flowers, in the center of the colorful bracts, are very small.

When selecting a poinsettia for long-lasting bloom, choose plants on which the flower buds haven’t yet opened. To keep plants throughout the holiday season and beyond, place them in a cool room above 55 degrees Fahrenheit, where they will never be exposed to freezing temperatures, even for a few short minutes. They need to be planted in a well-drained potting medium and should only be watered when the soil is dry to the touch; the quickest way to kill a poinsettia is to overwater it. Plants should be placed in a location that receives bright light but is out of direct sunlight. Follow these care tips and your poinsettia will last a long time!

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Plant Conservation

Bye-Bye, Buckthorn!

Last of the Invasive Species Removed from Section of McDonald Woods

This story begins with its ending: birds, bees, flowers, trees, butterflies, and wildlife, all living and thriving together in one healthy ecosystem, in a beautiful, cleared, woodland area. However, this positive conclusion has only come about after a quarter-century of rigorous and intensive planning and labor. The actual beginning looked much different.

Senior ecologist Jim Steffen has been with the Chicago Botanic Garden for 25 years and has been managing the 100-acre McDonald Woods for that entire time. When he first launched its restoration, recalled Steffen, “the buckthorn was so dense in places, you had to crawl on your hands and knees across the bare and sterile ground to make any progress.” His goal has been to remove buckthorn and other invasive species in order to restore an environment that allows a healthy ecosystem to flourish.

This winter will mark a milestone, when the last of the buckthorn will be removed from approximately 30 acres of badly degraded oak woodland. However, Steffen is quick to point out that the job of keeping the invasive species under control is never really over. “If left unattended, the land would easily and quickly fill up with new invasive species,” he said. “In order for restoration to be successful, ongoing management is mandatory.”

Originally from Europe, buckthorn was brought to this region in the late 1800s, primarily for use as landscape hedges. The problem is that after the seeds are dispersed by birds, the plant grows so rapidly and densely that it takes over the area and robs native plants of important nutrients and sunlight, degrading the natural habitat. The overpowering nature of buckthorn has been shown to harm native plants and wildlife and to change physical and chemical properties of the soil where it grows.

The removal of the mature buckthorn is extremely demand36 chicagobotanic.org/explore/woods

ing work. “Wintertime is the best time to do it, because you’re not trampling native vegetation and damaging the soil,” said Steffen. He and his team must spend months, often in subfreezing weather, cutting down the buckthorn and other invasive shrubs, treating the stumps with herbicide, then forming them into piles and eventually burning them.

None of this could be done without the commitment of a very dedicated, hard-working and passionate team of volunteers, one of whom is Cindy Grau. She agrees with Steffen that the restoration work is very physical, but notes that it is emotionally gratifying. “It is a nice thing when you can look and see what you have done,” Grau said. “It is a major change. What has been cleared is beautiful. You couldn’t walk in it before because it was filled with buckthorn, but now things grow, and there are birds and animals. You can see flowers and plants in the understory.”

The restoration work in McDonald Woods by Steffen and his team made construction of the new North Branch Trail addition much easier. People riding bikes or walking on the multiuse path through McDonald Woods are able to enjoy a more interesting and attractive woody landscape; they can also pause to read interpretive signs describing the moraine, wetland, and woodland regions that are part of the Garden’s landscape.

It is a fitting way to appreciate all of the hard work that preceded it. For more on the Garden’s buckthorn eradication effort, visit chicagobotanic.org/buckthorn.

37

Horticulture

Introducing the New Curator of Bonsai, Christopher Baker Christopher Baker’s passion for bonsai “This is a dream job, and I’ve swer was always, ‘The one I’m working began with a gift, a miniature juniper he on.’ It was less of a joke and more of a purchased for a friend when he was liv- worked hard to get here, but mindset. The most important tree is the ing in Gainesville, Florida, and working the work has just begun. It’s one you’re working on—that’s where as a veterinary technician. Pleased with going to be a labor of love.” you need attention to detail.” his friend’s enthusiastic response, he This present-focused mindset will serve bought a bonsai for himself and joined a —Christopher Baker Baker well when caring for the Garden’s prominent bonsai club in the area. By Bonsai Collection, which, over the past 2006, he was assisting with demonstrations at the annual 40 years, has become one of the finest and most visible in Bonsai Societies of Florida convention and eager to imNorth America. The collection features close to 200 bonmerse himself more fully in the living art form. “The more I sai, one of which is a century old. From roughly April to learned and the more I saw, the more I wanted to keep goNovember, depending on the weather, 32 are displayed in ing,” recalled Baker recently. “I kept asking, ‘What’s next?’” the two courtyards of the Regenstein Center—the In April 2014, Baker was hired as the Chicago Botanic Runnells and Searle Courtyards. The trees are displayed at Garden’s new curator of bonsai. He brings to the Garden the height of their seasonal beauty and reflect distinctive more than 12 years of experience studying and creating styles and species, from windswept pines to juniper forests. bonsai, as well as the keen eye of a self-taught painter. He Baker’s goals for the first year are to continue evaluating has apprenticed with bonsai master Tohru Suzuki at the how the bonsai are faring after last winter’s extreme cold, Daijuen Bonsai Nursery in Okazaki, Japan, and has worked getting to know his team of 14 highly skilled volunteers at prestigious events and organizations, including the and horticulturist Joe Olzen, and working with curators of Kokufu Bonsai Exhibition and the National Bonsai and other collections. Over time, he hopes to create an even Penjing Museum in Washington, D.C. more comprehensive collection of styles, species, and sizes, Baker credits his apprenticeship in Japan with refining his an endeavor that will include acquiring penjing varieties understanding of the cultivation techniques of pruning, (penjing is the Chinese precursor to bonsai) and additional potting, and wiring fundamental to bonsai, while deepenevergreens. ing his appreciation for Japanese culture. “Daijuen was “This is a dream job, and I’ve worked hard to get here,” said pretty ‘old school’ in its approach,” he said. “When I asked Baker, “but the work has just begun. It’s going to be a labor my senpai (mentor), ‘What is your favorite tree?’ the anof love.”

38 chicagobotanic.org/bonsai

39

Adult Education: Regenstein School

Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School Adult Education An extensive schedule provides a wealth of choices; instruction by Garden staff and experts in their field ensures every class, workshop, or symposium is an exceptional learning experience.

Inspiration in Yoga When she’s not working in horticulture or creating fairy gardens, orchid arrangements, or other imaginative floral designs, Becky Porter finds inspiration in yoga. “In addition to improving my flexibility and strength, yoga helps me be more creative. I am able to tap into the source of wisdom and joy!” She signed up for a class at the Garden with her mother 15 years ago, and continues practicing today.

Winter can be a difficult time of year for many people—daylight dwindles and it’s easy to become frazzled in the hustle of the holidays. Porter finds it’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a yoga class and experience the tranquility of the season. “The Garden is so lovely in the

40 To register, visit chicagobotanic.org/school or call (847) 835-8261.

winter,” she said. “Surrounded by nature’s beauty, it is easier to find that inner peace and stillness.”

All Garden yoga classes are taught with kindness and compassion. Individuals are welcome regardless of ability, experience, or physical condition, and classes and poses are always modified to accommodate the needs of each student.

Winter classes are held indoors in the Linnaeus Room, and begin the week of January 12.

Beginning Beekeeping Workshop Saturday, February 7 See page 44.

New! Mosaic Address Plaque

Great Gardens Series Tour great gardens through the lens of garden photographer Linda Oyama Bryan See page 51.

Tuesday, December 2 or Thursday December 4 See page 53.

New! Formulating Perfumes with Natural Essences

New! Natural Home and Beauty Products Workshop Thursday, December 11 See page 59.

New! Welcome to Your Midwest Garden Saturday, January 24 See page 43.

New! Native Bees—What’s the Buzz?

Wednesday, January 21 See page 49.

Saturday, March 14 See page 54.

New! Pop-Up Paper Bugs Workshops Sunday, March 29, and Sunday, April 12 See page 55.

Willow Furniture Workshop Sunday, March 29 See page 54.

Visit chicagobotanic.org/school/registration_policies for information on registration procedure and policy. 41

Adult Education: Highlights

Highlights

Adult Education: Professional Programs and Bonsai Workshops

Professional Development Programs Professional development opportunities and inspiration are yours here at the Garden. Landscape design, horticulture, and conservation professionals and others are welcome to attend these outstanding programs.

Podando para Professionales Pruning for Spanish-Speaking Professionals Este repaso de prácticas de podar para jardineros profesionales incluirá técnicas, tiempo, y cómo escoger las mejores herramientas. Debido a que parte de la clase estará afuera se requiere que traigan tijeras y serrucho para practicar. Una discusión de cómo tartar con sus clientes y qué información debe compartir con ellos antes de empezar un trabajo también será incluido. This review of pruning practices will be taught in Spanish. An English description is listed below.

New! Drawing & Visualization Skills for Designers ART, GDC elective In this hands-on workshop, you will receive instruction and coaching as you work with an architectural illustrator with more than 20 years of experience.

Topics include perspective, entourage, landscape illustration, master copies, analytical drawing, light and shadow, quick sketch techniques, and rendering skills. This class is ideal for certificate program students, landscape architects and designers, architects, planners, botanical illustrators, and landscape drawing and painting enthusiasts.

ALSA CEUs available.

Bruce Bondy, principal, Bondy Studio $179 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 2 Sundays, February 8 & 15, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Design Studio

Bonsai Workshops Bonsai: Beginner – Basics and Fundamentals

Manny Sanchez, grounds foreman, Chicago Botanic Garden $49 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Wednesday, November 19, 9 a.m. – noon Annex 2

During this six-week course, discover principles and techniques to appreciate and participate in the art of bonsai. Each session includes a detailed lecture and assistance with design, styling, and wiring.

Pruning for Professionals

Chris Baker, curator of bonsai, Chicago Botanic Garden $229 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 6 Tuesdays, January 13 – February 17, 6 – 9 p.m.

Production Headhouse

This course is designed as a comprehensive review of basic pruning practices for landscape professionals.

The afternoon session consists of demonstrations in the field that illustrate the techniques discussed during the morning session. There will also be a review of pruning tools and equipment care. Please dress for the weather, as the afternoon will be spent outdoors.

Lunch is on your own.

Tom Tiddens, plant health care supervisor and certified arborist; Thomas Fritz, plant health care specialist; and Mike Annes, plant health care specialist, Chicago Botanic Garden $87 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Thursday, November 20, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Annex 2

SketchUp Fundamentals Professionals in the landscape architecture, construction, and related industries choose SketchUp because it’s the most intuitive, most cost-effective tool of its kind. This course will help participants with SketchUp commands and with developing their own 3D models. Personal laptop required; software is available to download from the web at no cost. Try our intensive workshop to get the basics and fundamentals.

ALSA CEUs available.

New! Choosing the Right Container for Your Tree Join us for an in-depth look at different bonsai pot styles, shapes, glazes, and colors, and learn how to select the right pot for your tree. You will see some of the beautiful pots that the Garden has in its collection.

Students are encouraged to bring trees they would like to repot and see how different containers look with their trees. $49 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Friday, February 27, 9 a.m. – noon

Bonsai Specialty Series

New! Soil Science and Fertilizing

In this series we will be covering topics and skills that will lead you from the beauty of displaying trees in winter right up to repotting and refining trees for display in the spring. These hands-on workshops will be interactive, fun, and of course, educational.

Your trees’ health starts below the pot line. This class takes an in-depth look at a multitude of soil components, organic vs. chemical fertilizers, mycorrhiza, and root health. Maximizing growth and maintaining tree health is key to creating quality bonsai. March is a great time to repot, so bring a tree in for repotting; soil will be made and provided for the class.

Register for all four sessions at once and save 10%.

All classes taught by Chris Baker, curator of bonsai, Chicago Botanic Garden Horticulture Conference Room, Rice Plant Resource Center

New! Bonsai Display 101

$49 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Friday, March 27, 9 a.m. – noon

New! Refinement Workshop

This class will discuss the basics of proper twoand three-point bonsai displays including the right container, accent plant, stand, scroll, stone, and others. Students and instructor will create and critique several displays, both formal and informal.

There are many different techniques used in bonsai.

Each stage of a tree’s development allows for more refinement. This class will cover the subtle refinement techniques used in show preparation and refined trees.

Bring your tree in for refinement work just in time for the Midwest Bonsai Club’s spring show in May.

$49 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Friday, January 30, 9 a.m. – noon

$49 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Friday, April 24, 9 a.m. – noon

Gary Lehman, RLA, G Studio $99 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Friday, January 23, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Lakeside Room, Visitor Center

42 To register, visit chicagobotanic.org/school or call (847) 835-8261.

Fruit Trees for the Beginner

Are you a new homeowner baffled by your landscape? Are you a beginning gardener who wants to learn basic horticultural skills? This series answers gardening questions and introduces techniques for gardening success. Each course investigates a different topic related to your own lawn and garden.

Tree fruits present a great opportunity to both enhance your landscape and add to your eating pleasure! The discussion will cover selecting varieties, site selection and preparation, and proper planting. Pruning techniques, ongoing maintenance, and pest management will also be discussed. Dress for the weather, as part of the class will be outside.

Basic Pruning for Homeowners The best time to prune most trees and shrubs is quickly approaching. Learn the basic techniques for dormant winter pruning to maintain plant health and desired form. A portion of the class will consist of outdoor demonstrations, so please dress for the weather.

Tom Tiddens, plant health care supervisor and certified arborist, Chicago Botanic Garden $45 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, December 6, 1 – 3:30 p.m.

Annex 2

New! Welcome to Your Midwest Garden If you are new to gardening or new to the Midwest, join us for a discussion on how our climate and the change of seasons can affect your garden. We’ll examine how each season presents gardeners with ongoing challenges (temperature and moisture extremes, soil problems, and wind). Then we’ll consider some ways to meet those challenges and have a successful garden.

Sharon Yiesla, horticulturist, owner, Sharon Yiesla Horticultural Services $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, January 24, 10 a.m. – noon Linnaeus Room

Soils: Where Are Your Roots?

One of the secrets to gardening success is an understanding of soils. Join Glenn Grosch for a detailed discussion of soils, including structure, fertilizers, understanding and managing pH, soil amendments, and water management. This course will also highlight proper horticultural techniques for a healthy soil ecosystem.

Glenn Grosch, horticulturist and agronomist $45 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, February 7, 9:30 a.m. – noon Lakeside Room, Visitor Center

Starting From Seed Starting plants from seed is both interesting and relatively easy! This course covers all elements of starting both annuals (flowers and vegetables) and perennials from seed. The discussion includes plant selection, containers, planting mixes, watering, heating, lighting, and disease control. This is a must for beginners and a good review for the experienced gardener.

Glenn Grosch, horticulturist and agronomist $45 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, February 14, 9:30 a.m. – noon Lakeside Room, Visitor Center

Adult Education: Weekend Gardener

Weekend Gardener Series

Glenn Grosch, horticulturist and agronomist $45 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, February 21, 9:30 a.m. – noon Lakeside Room, Visitor Center

Brambles and Berries for the Beginner Would you love to be able to harvest fresh berries from your own backyard? If so, this class will convince you how easy it is to successfully grow berry fruits. You will learn how to choose the best varieties, select and prepare a site, and use proper planting and pruning techniques, as well as understand other maintenance requirements. Dress for the weather, as part of the class will be outside.

Glenn Grosch, horticulturist and agronomist $45 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, February 28, 9:30 a.m. – noon Lakeside Room, Visitor Center

Success with Trees and Shrubs Learn all you need to know about growing trees and shrubs and how to be consistently successful in growing all types of woody plants (both deciduous and evergreen). Specific discussion includes matching plants to the site, planting practices, first-year maintenance, and long-term care. This session is of value to all skill levels.

Glenn Grosch, horticulturist and agronomist $45 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, March 7, 9:30 a.m. – noon Lakeside Room, Visitor Center

Orchids for Beginners In this beginner’s course, you will learn how to select easy-to-grow orchids suitable for your home. Basic orchid physiology and general cultural information such as light, temperature, humidity, repotting, and media requirements will be discussed. Popular orchid species and cultivars will be reviewed, and local sources for orchids and supplies will be provided.

A tour of the Orchid Show is included.

Anne Nies, horticulture educator $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, March 7, 1 – 3 p.m.

Plant Science Lab, Regenstein Center

Learn about potting mixes for different growing conditions.

New! The Orchid and the Pot Join us for a discussion of orchid cultural requirements, focusing on the orchid root system and the importance of proper potting. Discover what makes a good potting mix, how to pot for different growing conditions and how to troubleshoot poor growth, a lack of flowers, and dying leaves. It’s all in the roots! A tour of the Orchid Show is included.

Anne Nies, horticulture educator $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, March 14, 1 – 3 p.m.

Plant Science Lab, Regenstein Center

Pruning Principles Learning the correct technique for pruning is key to maintaining healthy plants. Tim Johnson will introduce you to the principles of pruning, including proper tool use, techniques for pruning trees and shrubs, and the best time to prune both evergreen and deciduous plants. He will also display a variety of good tools for pruning.

Tim Johnson, director of horticulture, Chicago Botanic Garden $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Sunday, March 22, 1 – 3 p.m.

Annex 2

Spring Lawn Care for Homeowners Here’s your chance to learn the basics of lawn care.

Using the Garden’s holistic turf management program as a model, Tom Fritz explains how to cultivate a thriving lawn while lessening pesticide use. He’ll cover turf culture, mowing, aerating, watering, fertilizing and weeding, and insect and disease control. Please dress for the weather.

Tom Fritz, plant health care specialist, Chicago Botanic Garden $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, March 28, 9 – 11 a.m.

Seminar Room, Plant Science Center

Visit chicagobotanic.org/school/registration_policies for information on registration procedure and policy. 43

Adult Education: Horticulture

Horticulture Horticulture courses help students acquire the information and techniques needed to grow ornamental plants and maintain a healthy garden or lawn.

Bulbs for Winter Indoor Color To add a breath of spring to your home this winter, join William Moss as he demonstrates the proper techniques for forcing bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and minor bulbs. Learn how to choose varieties that are good performers as well as how to combine them in one pot for a mini-garden effect.

You will then pot up some bulbs to take home.

The fee includes all materials.

William Moss, horticultural educator $62 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Monday, November 24, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Annex 2

Winter Containers at the Garden Explore the winter containers at the Garden and learn ways to extend your own containers into the winter season. Then prepare a container with fresh-cut evergreen boughs and berried or brightly colored branches. Please bring gloves and pruners.

Nancy Clifton, program specialist, Chicago Botanic Garden $87 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Wednesday, December 3, 10 a.m. – noon or 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Annex 1

Grow Orchids on Your Windowsill Learn how easy it is to grow orchids right on your windowsill. A few of the topics to be discussed include the easiest orchids to grow that are best suited to your conditions; avoiding some of the mistakes encountered by new growers; keeping plants healthy; and basic orchid-growing techniques. In addition, participants are encouraged to bring a few plants to class for questions and discussion. This is a class for beginners and those interested in improving their orchid-growing skills. A tour of the Orchid Show is included.

Jerry L. Garner, Ph.D., horticulturist, consultant, and retired professor of horticulture $45 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, February 14, 1 – 3:30 p.m.

Linnaeus Room

Exciting Annuals: Getting Ready for Spring With the recent arrival of seed catalogs in your mailbox, it’s time to get excited about spring! Tim Pollak will show you the hot new plants and what to look for at the garden centers this spring. He will highlight the major gardens trends of 2015. In addition, we will talk about using annuals in containers, window boxes, and hanging baskets; and what plants do best in shade or full sun. We will also talk about using vegetables with annuals and how they can add color and ornamental value to your garden.

Tim Pollak, outdoor floriculturist, Chicago Botanic Garden $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Monday, February 23, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Annex 2

Glass Jar Terrarium Workshop

The Story of Vanilla

Terrariums are back! Learn how to create a glass jar terrarium from start to finish. A glass jar, an assortment of small indoor plants for a variety of light conditions, and all other materials will be provided for you to create your own miniature oasis to enjoy this winter and all year long! Please bring gloves, an apron if desired, and pruning shears.

As the most popular flavor in the world, truly fine vanilla is at once rich, sweet, and sophisticated, possessing a euphoric flavor and fragrance that sends pure joy to the pleasure centers of the brain. Vanilla is warm and complex, and has a bit of spice or flowery notes. It is the fruit of two orchid species know as Vanilla planifolia ’Andrews’ or Vanilla tahitensis ’Moore’. To the Nielsen family, third-generation owners of Nielsen – Massey Vanillas based in Waukegan, Illinois, crafting fine vanillas and flavors since 1907 is their ultimate passion. The Nielsen family will talk about the origin of vanilla; growing, harvesting, and curing vanilla beans; varieties around the world; flavor profiles; extraction; and applications. Their presentation will include photos, sample beans, and a smell test of various origins, and will conclude with a tasting.

Tim Pollak, outdoor floriculturist, Chicago Botanic Garden $75 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Wednesday, January 28, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Annex 2

Beginning Beekeeping Workshop Join us for this full-day program and learn about the history of beekeeping in North America, the anatomy and physiology of the bees including the caste system, and duties of the honeybees. We will also discuss the impending disaster of the honeybee—Colony Collapse Disorder—and what we can do about it. Lunch is on your own.

Beth Nielsen, chief culinary officer, Nielsen – Massey Vanillas $19 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Thursday, March 5, 1 – 2 p.m.

Linnaeus Room

Charles and Karen Lorence, owners, Lorence’s Honey Bee Haven $75 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, February 7, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Seminar Room, Plant Science Center

44 To register, visit chicagobotanic.org/school or call (847) 835-8261.

Try a horticulture class and watch your garden grow.

Growing Salads Indoors Learn to grow organic salad greens at home, whether you have garden space or not! Professional gardener Bill Shores, who has grown specialty greens for more than a decade and currently manages chef Rick Bayless’s market garden, will treat participants to a visual feast of microgreens. Then he will demonstrate how to plant the seeds in growing trays, and discuss maintenance and harvesting techniques.

Bill Shores, professional grower and garden consultant $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, March 7, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Linnaeus Room

Small Space Food Gardens Bill Shores will offer an overview of techniques to produce food organically in small urban/suburban spaces. Through photos and garden planting graphics, you will gain an understanding of the process of designing a successful food garden. Topics include efficient use of in-ground space, intensive and succession planting techniques, raised bed gardens, season extension, indoor gardens, and building and maintaining healthy soils.

Bill Shores, professional grower and garden consultant $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, March 7, 1 – 3 p.m.

Linnaeus Room

Chronicle of a Vegetable Garden Experience a full season of a Chicago vegetable garden with the focus on what to do, why, and when.

During the session, you will follow a successful home vegetable gardener from plant selection all the way through harvest (and everything in between). Join us for a great opportunity to sharpen existing gardening skills and, perhaps, learn some new ones.

Glenn Grosch, horticulturist $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, March 21, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Annex 2

Growing a Cook’s Garden

Join urban chicken consultant Jennifer Murtoff and learn how to successfully raise and enjoy chickens in your backyard!

If you have a spot in your garden, balcony, or deck that receives more than six hours of direct sunlight, you can grow fresh herbs and vegetables. We’ll cover how to grow the best essential ingredients for your kitchen: tomatoes, onions, peppers, squash, garlic, and leafy greens. In this class, you’ll learn the basics of soil preparation, planting in pots, plant selection, protecting your harvest from pests, extending the crops from spring through fall, and ideas for food preparation.

All sessions taught by Jennifer Murtoff, Home to Roost Urban Chicken Consulting Register for two sessions at once and receive a 10 percent discount.

Raising Backyard Chickens This class is designed for curious people who are considering raising backyard chickens, as well as for those who already have their own birds and who want to learn more! Come learn about local laws, how to raise chicks, care for adult birds, and keep your neighbors happy! $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. – noon Annex 2

Chicken Coop Basics If you’re getting chicks this spring, you will need to know how to build a safe and comfortable home for them! In this class, you’ll learn about the basic needs of backyard birds (they’re not fussy, really, but there are some things you need to know!). Discover the essential components of a coop, learn what to avoid when choosing construction materials, get important construction tips, and see examples of different coop styles. $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, March 28, 1 – 3 p.m.

Annex 2

New! Keeping Your Chickens Healthy You’ve made the decision to raise chickens and you understand what they need in a home, now learn what is most important in keeping them healthy. Join us for a detailed discussion of common health issues and how you can treat them. This class addresses chicken physiology, disease transmission and prevention, as well as chicken first aid. Bring your questions! $49 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, April 25, 1 – 4 p.m.

Annex 2

Adult Education: Horticulture

POULTRY PALOOZA!

Nina Koziol, garden writer $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, April 11, 1 – 3 p.m.

Linnaeus Room

Four Seasons of Beauty 2015: The Chicago Botanic Garden Container Series This series of workshops and Garden walks features the diversity and creativity of four seasons of Chicago Botanic Garden container gardens. Each season you will explore the Garden grounds with Heather Sherwood and discover an array of striking plants, interesting color and texture combinations, and unique container arrangements. She will then help you create a seasonal container for your sun or partial shade patio or porch.

All workshops are taught by Heather Sherwood, senior horticulturist, at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Register for all four sessions at once and save 10 percent.

Spring Containers at the Garden

Autumn Containers at the Garden

Tour the Garden’s spring containers and collect ideas for your own. Then create a container with plants that can tolerate the varying spring temperatures and a full-sun to partial-shade location. Pansies, forced bulbs, and other spring treasures may be used.

A spray of branches gives them a finishing touch.

Please bring gloves.

Take a Garden walk to view the Garden’s fall containers. Then create a cool-season mixed container with a variety of plants suitable for a full-sun or partial-shade location. Your container may include annuals, perennials, herbs, decorative foliage, cool-season vegetables, ornamental grasses, a decorative vine, and gourds. Please bring gloves.

$87 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Tuesday, April 21, 10 a.m. – noon or 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Annex 2

$87 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Tuesday, September 8, 10 a.m. – noon or 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Annex 2

Summer Containers at the Garden Enjoy a tour featuring the summer containers at the Garden. Then prepare a warm-season mixed container suitable for a sun or partial shade location. Your container may include annuals, perennials, herbs, and decorative foliage. Please bring gloves. $87 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Tuesday, June 16, 10 a.m. – noon or 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Annex 2

Winter Containers at the Garden Explore the winter containers at the Garden and learn ways to extend your own containers into the winter season. Then prepare a container with fresh-cut evergreen boughs and berried or brightly colored branches. Please bring gloves and pruners. $87 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Tuesday, December 1, 10 a.m. – noon or 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Annex 2

Visit chicagobotanic.org/school/registration_policies for information on registration procedure and policy. 45

Adult Education: Horticulture

Horticulture Certificate of Merit Programs Pruning for Professionals

Plant Health 1, Winter Session

OPC elective

MGC, PGL 1, PGL 2, and GDC requirement

Thursday, November 20, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

See details on page 42.

Learn to identify, diagnose, treat, and prevent some of the most common diseases, insects, animal pests, and environmental problems encountered by our region’s landscape industry. Topics include Integrated Pest Management (IPM), cultural care, basic entomology and pathology, pesticides and alternatives, and animal management.

Nativars in the Landscape OPC elective Native plants have become staples of hardy, low-maintenance, and drought-tolerant flora. We all want a little zing—through foliage color, stem color, or overall size, and true native plants do not always provide that, but nativars do! We will define what a nativar is and how to utilize them in your garden to create a more resource-low garden. Then we will look at examples and discuss how to use both effectively to reduce our impact on the earth’s natural resources.

The School’s CEUs=0.3 John Eskandari, horticulture educator, Urbanplantsman LLC $74 nonmembers; members receive 20% discount Saturday, December 6, 1 – 4 p.m.

Seminar Room, Plant Science Center

Tom Tiddens, plant health care supervisor and certified arborist, Chicago Botanic Garden; and Kathie Hayden, manager, plant information service, Chicago Botanic Garden $337 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 6 Tuesdays and 6 Thursdays; January 13 – February 19, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. (snow date February 24 ) Plant Science Lab, Regenstein Center

Business of Gardening OPC and GDC elective As with plants, some businesses take root and remain part of the landscape for many years, while others wither all too quickly. This course will be an overview of the big-picture concepts and the practical considerations of start-ups in horticulture. Topics covered are financials, marketing, contracts, human resources, and financing. Everything begins with a dream and a plan! Enrollment is limited for this course. The School’s CEUs= 1.2

Plant Propagation MGC requirement, OPC elective Become familiar with common propagation techniques through lecture and lab exercises. Learn to propagate plants by seeds, cuttings, layering, division, and other methods. Discover equipment and structures to propagate plants successfully.

The School’s CEUs=1.8 Cathy Thomas, propagator, Chicago Botanic Garden $337 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 6 Wednesdays, February 11 – March 18, 6:30 – 9 p.m.

Annex 2 and 6 Saturdays, February 14 – March 21, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Production Headhouse

Visit chicagobotanic.org/ school/faculty for faculty biographies.

Chicago Botanic Garden members receive a 20 percent discount on classes.

Anne Roberts, president, Anne Roberts Gardens, Inc. $287 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 6 Saturdays, January 17 – February 21, 1 – 3 p.m.

Green Roof Conference Room, Plant Science Center

Horticulture Learn to grow and maintain a healthy garden.

46 To register, visit chicagobotanic.org/school or call (847) 835-8261.

Gardening Techniques: Session B

OPC elective

PGL 1, PGL 2, and GDC requirement

Ever feel overwhelmed by all the information on sustainability? Get familiar with the mindset, background, science, and terminology as it relates to horticulture and beyond. This series includes discussion and information on sustainable features and concepts from rain gardens, composting, and materials reuse, to ways to minimize installation or maintenance impact (right plant/right place) and incorporating sustainable elements into your garden and landscape.

Students will be introduced to professional gardening through a combination of lecture and hands-on activities. They will focus on acquiring solid gardening skills, learning about a variety of techniques, and developing the ability to determine best practices.

Topics range from general grounds maintenance, winterization, plantings, and other horticultural practices. This is a preprofessional class designed for students entering the green industry.

John Eskandari, horticulture educator, Urbanplantsman LLC Save and register for all six sessions at once! $312 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 6 Saturdays, January 17 – February 21, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Introduction to Sustainability OPC elective Learn how environmental, economic, and social sustainability affect the green industry. Discussions on the concepts of sustainability and the role horticulture can play in enhancing the sustainable movement. The School’s CEUs=0.3 $74 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, January 17, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Linnaeus Room, Regenstein Center

Water OPC elective

Positive Economic Impacts for Our Landscape OPC elective Learn how sustainable practices can help your wallet with a reduced water bill and less equipment to own.

Green roofs extend the life of roofing materials and reduce heating/cooling costs with plants, and the reuse of plants and materials on-site reduces unnecessary expenses. The School’s CEUs=0.3 $74 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, February 14, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Annex 2

Social Impacts of Sustainability

Explore water’s role in sustainable horticulture. Topics include drought-tolerant plants, drip irrigation/ xeriscaping, rain gardens, rain barrels, reduced lawn areas, and native plants. The School’s CEUs=0.3 $74 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, January 24, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Seminar Room, Plant Conservation Science Center

OPC elective Simple ideas can have big impact. Topics will include the reduced crime in tree-lined areas; cleaner air and reduced storm water runoff; planted areas filtering waste that enters the soil, reducing groundwater pollution; and community movements for green spaces and habitat development. The School’s CEUs=0.3 $74 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, February 21, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Linnaeus Room, Regenstein Center

Soil OPC elective Soil is a building block of sustainable gardening.

Topics include composting, recycling garden waste, earthworms, beneficial microbes, bioremediation, organic/local compost and soil amendments, and container gardening. The School’s CEUs=0.3 $74 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, January 31, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Linnaeus Room, Regenstein Center

Materials and Energy Usage in a Sustainable Landscape OPC elective Learn how to incorporate manual equipment for good health and less environmental impact. Ideas include using fewer 2-cycle engines (mowers, blowers, power shears) to enhance air quality. Discussions will focus on certified sustainably harvested wood, composite materials, recycled materials, solar and wind technology in the garden, supplemental energy sources, and more. The School’s CEUs=0.3

Lynette Rodriguez, owner and horticulturist, A Finer Touch $312 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 6 Saturdays, January 31 – March 7, 7:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Annex 2

Botany 1, Spring Session OPC, MGC, PGL 1, PGL 2, and GDC requirement Why, botanically speaking, is a tomato a fruit? What is the difference between a fern and a moss? Come join us in Botany 1 to learn the answers to these questions and more! In this course we will explore subjects such as the importance of plants to our lives; plant taxonomy and classification; and the life cycles, distinguishing features, diversity, and identification of major groups of plants.

Ellen Phillips, horticulture educator $337 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 6 Mondays and 6 Wednesdays, March 2 – April 15, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. (no class March 30 and April 1) Plant Science Lab, Regenstein Center

Deciduous Flowering Shrubs OPC, PGL 1, PGL 2, and GDC requirement Study more than 60 different deciduous flowering shrubs (and their cultivars and related species) suitable for commercial landscape and home garden use in the Chicago area. During weekly slide lectures and garden walks, the identification, cultural information, aesthetic qualities, and landscape uses of both common and more unusual shrubs will be emphasized. Upon completing this course, you will be able to select the most appropriate shrubs for your garden space and gardening style. The School’s CEUs=2.5 Mark Zampardo, Ph.D., horticulture educator $287 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 7 Tuesdays, March 10 – April 28, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. (no class April 14) Alsdorf Auditorium Garden Walks (select one) 6 Thursdays, March 12 – April 23, 9 – 11 a.m. (no class April 16) or 6 Saturdays, March 14 – April 25, 9 – 11 a.m. (no class April 18) Optional Study CD $20

$74 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, February 7, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Annex 2

Visit chicagobotanic.org/school/registration_policies for information on registration procedure and policy. 47

Adult Education: Horticulture

Sustainable Gardener Series

Adult Education: Horticulture

Gardening Techniques: Session C

Soil Basics, Spring Session

Annuals and Biennials

PGL 1, PGL 2, and GDC requirement

MGC, PGL 1, PGL 2, and GDC requirement

PGL 1, PGL 2, GDC, and OPC requirement

Students will be introduced to professional gardening through a combination of lecture and hands-on activities. Focus is on acquiring solid gardening skills, learning about a variety of techniques, and developing the ability to determine best practices. Topics range from plant selection to the identification and control of weeds and other horticultural practices. Prerequisite: Botany 1.

Soil is an irreplaceable natural resource that affects plant selection and growth. Learn to maintain healthy soil; use compost, fertilizers, soilless and potting mixes and other amendments. Discover how water cycles through a garden and affects soils and plants.

Course fee includes a professionally analyzed test of your garden soil. Prerequisite: Botany 1.

Annuals and biennials have a rich tradition and exciting future. During this course, focus on the most popular cool- and warm-season species along with a selection of the new cultivars and unusual plants, all of which are well suited to container and in-ground gardening in the Midwest. During the lectures and Garden walks, learn plant identification and cultural information and see examples of refined plant combinations and intriguing planting styles.

The School’s CEUs=2.5

John Eskandari, horticulture educator, Urbanplantsman, LLC $312 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 6 Saturdays, March 28 – May 2, 7:30 – 10:30 a.m.

(April 18 off-site) Annex 2

Ellen Phillips, horticulture educator $337 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 6 Thursdays, April 9 – May 21, 6:30 – 9 p.m. (no class April 16) and Saturday, April 25, 1 – 4 p.m.

Annex 2

Clematis Up Close

Best New Annuals for 2015

OPC elective

OPC elective

A profusion of showy blossoms makes clematis the undisputed queen of the climbers and an essential vine for every garden. Most gardeners are aware of a handful of the large-flowered clematis, but recent breeding work has greatly increased the number of useful, appealing cultivars. In addition, there are many distinctive, less-commonly known small-flowered species and hybrids that extend the flowering season into autumn. Richard Hawke will discuss the identification, culture, and maintenance requirements of many large- and small-flowered clematis, sharing his more than 16 years of experience growing and evaluating this genus. The School’s CEUs=0.3

It’s going to be a banner year for annuals! This course presents many new cultivars, along with several wonderful yet underutilized species for both container and in-ground plantings in sun and shade. Focus on what makes each unique and ideal, including morphological characteristics and garden performance. Other topics include cultural requirements, design and combinations, and sources.

The School’s CEUs=0.3

Richard Hawke, manager, plant evaluation, Chicago Botanic Garden $74 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, March 28, 9 a.m. – noon Plant Science Lab, Regenstein Center

Greg Trabka, new product development manager, Ball Horticultural Company $74 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, April 25, 1 – 4 p.m.

Linnaeus Room

Queen of the climbers, clematis is an essential vine for every garden.

48

Mark Zampardo, Ph.D., horticulture educator $287 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 7 Tuesdays, May 12 – June 23, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Alsdorf Auditorium Garden Walks (select one) 6 Thursdays, May 14 – June 18, 9 – 11 a.m. or 6 Saturdays, May 16 – June 20, 9 – 11 a.m.

Optional Study CD $20

Growing Vegetables and Herbs MGC requirement Whether you have a large garden plot or a cozy city lot, you will discover new vegetable and herb varieties and creative ways to integrate them into your landscape.

Learn appropriate growing conditions, average planting times, effective harvesting procedures, as well as common diseases and pests. Please dress for the weather.

Lisa Hilgenberg, horticulturist, Fruit & Vegetable Garden, Chicago Botanic Garden $224 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 6 Tuesdays, June 16 – July 28, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. (no class June 30) Fruit & Vegetable Classroom and Saturday, July 12, 9 a.m. – noon Off-site farm visit

Discover the joy of birding

New! Winter Bird Walk Join bird expert Alan Anderson to explore the Garden in its winter glory. Discover our winter bird residents and the early migrants of spring. Each walk is approximately one to two hours long. Dress for the weather, and bring binoculars and a field guide, if you have one.

Alan Anderson, research committee chairman, Chicago Audubon Society $19 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, February 28, 7:30 – 9 a.m.

Meet at Visitor Center

New! Creating Habitat for Birds and Butterflies

Nature Studies The Chicago area contains a wide range of plants and animals living in different types of natural communities, from woodlands to wetlands, from prairies to savannas.

New! The Winter Birds of Chicagoland If you are wondering where you might go to see one of the tougher-to-find winter birds like a northern shrike or snow bunting, wonder where the best grassland might be to see a wintering short-eared owl or just want to go somewhere to see a nice mix of some of the many birds that you know (or didn’t know) spend the winter in the Chicago area, this is the program to come see and find out. You’ll even be told how to go about looking for some of the species you’ve never been able to find. A short hike before and after the program will show you a few of our regular winter residents, and also explain some of the easy things to help you find more birds on a cold winter day, when the birds are making themselves hard to find. Dress for the weather and wear your hiking boots for this interesting and informative hike and program.

New! Native Bees – What’s the Buzz?

You may be familiar with bumblebees and honeybees, but Illinois boasts 500 species of native bees— metallic green and blue bees that look nothing like the fuzzy yellow and black icon. To evaluate the best habitats for native bees, Rebecca Tonietto has investigated bee communities of green roofs and city parks in urban environments, and is currently evaluating the effects of prairie restoration on our native bee communities. Dr. Tonietto will share the natural history of some of our native bee species. She will discuss foraging and nesting requirements of native bees and give details on how to encourage these native pollinators to visit and live in your yard.

One of the great joys of gardening is taking time to observe all the winged wonders that visit your plants.

In this class, you’ll discover some of the most common birds and butterflies to visit local gardens and learn what you should plant to attract them.

Nina Koziol, garden writer $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, March 7, 1 – 3 p.m.

Annex 2

Spring Bird Walk Join bird expert Alan Anderson to explore the best spots in the Garden for locating late-winter bird residents and the early migrants of spring. Each walk is approximately one to two hours long. Dress for the weather, and bring binoculars and a field guide, if you have one.

Rebecca Tonietto, Ph.D. candidate, Northwestern Plant Biology and Conservation Program $27 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Wednesday, January 21, 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Annex 2

Alan Anderson, research committee chairman, Chicago Audubon Society $19 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, March 21, 7:30 – 9 a.m.

Meet at the Visitor Center

Owl Prowl at Ryerson Woods

New! Barbara Brown Nature Reserve Bird Walk

Steve Bailey, ornithologist, Illinois Natural History Survey $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Sunday, November 23, 9 – 11 a.m.

Brushwood House, Ryerson Woods, Deerfield, IL

Join Steve Bailey for a captivating night exploring the mystery of owls at the Ryerson Woods Conservation Area. He will discuss owl behavior and identification, as well as the places these fascinating birds are most likely to be seen. He may even demonstrate his world-famous barred owl call. After the discussion, Bailey will lead a walk in the woods to look and listen for these enigmatic birds. Please dress warmly, and bring along a flashlight and binoculars. A map will be sent.

Visit chicagobotanic.org/ school/faculty for faculty biographies.

Steve Bailey, ornithologist, Illinois Natural History Survey $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Friday, February 13, 7 – 9 p.m.

Brushwood House, Ryerson Woods, Deerfield, IL

Join bird expert Alan Anderson and discover the Garden’s 6-acre Barbara Brown Nature Reserve. The Reserve will provide you ample opportunities to view waterfowl, wading birds, and upland songbirds from the comfort of a pedestrian path. The walk is approximately one to two hours long. Dress for the weather, and bring binoculars and a field guide, if you have one. A map will be sent.

Alan Anderson, research committee chairman, Chicago Audubon Society $19 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, April 25, 7:30 – 9 a.m.

Meet at the Barbara Brown Reserve, Chicago Botanic Garden

Chicago Botanic Garden members receive a 20 percent discount on classes.

Visit chicagobotanic.org/school/registration_policies for information on registration procedure and policy. 49

Adult Education: Nature Studies

Nature Studies

Adult Education: Garden Design

Garden Design With a variety of courses ranging from site analysis and construction to garden art and history, students learn the principles of garden design and how design relates to the environment.

Painting Your Garden with Plants: Sun and Shade Register for both sessions at once and save 10 percent.

Designing the Sunny Border The well-designed border wears a combination of perennials, annuals, and shrubs that provide three seasons of color and winter interest. This class will discuss how to artfully combine plants with an emphasis on the use of color, texture, and form.

Whether you are a new gardener or have an established border that could use updating, this class is for you.

Nina Koziol, garden writer $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, February 28, 10 a.m. – noon Linnaeus Room

Designing the Shade Garden A garden shaded by trees or buildings is often a challenge for the gardener who is faced with low light levels, tree roots, and soil that is often dry. This class provides solutions and ideas for artful plantings that can help you create effective combinations that consider color, texture, and form.

Nina Koziol, garden writer $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, February 28, 1 – 3 p.m.

Linnaeus Room

New! The Victorian Garden What do carpet beds, moon gardens, cottage gardens, specimen trees, snowball bushes, and fragrant peonies have in common? They’re all part of the tapestry that made up the American Victorian-era garden. In this class, we’ll look at key design elements and plants that were admired by gardeners from the 1870s to the turn of the century.

Nina Koziol, garden writer $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, March 21, 1 – 3 p.m.

Linnaeus Room

Garden Design A well-designed garden creates beauty.

New Series! Elements of the Garden Join Timothy Lally, ASLA, for this series of classes that explore the different landscape elements of a garden—walks and pathways, decks, patios, fences, latticework, lighting, water features, and art in the garden. Basic design considerations of each element will be covered in the classes.

New! Garden Landscape Lighting

New! Patios

Outdoor lighting extends the use and enjoyment of your garden into the evening hours. During this class, we will discuss the various types of lighting such as uplighting, downlighting, spotlighting, path lighting, and lighting for safety and security. We will spend the final part of the class walking in the Garden observing examples of outdoor lighting.

The patio is a place to enjoy meals, to entertain, to relax, and to spend time with family and friends. It is, in effect, your outdoor living room. Style, size, shape, and material are design elements that need to be considered when designing a patio. In addition to these elements, we will explore various paving materials such as brick, bluestone, concrete pavers, and lannonstone, that complement the architectural style of your home and reflect the spirit of your garden.

Tim Lally, ASLA, PLA, principal, Timothy Lally Design $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Monday, November 17, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Lakeside Room, Visitor Center

New! Decks As an extension of the house, the deck should have the same level of design detail as your home. In this course, we will explore the design elements of a deck—style, shape, size, scale, and material. We will also look at design options for stairs, rails, benches, and skirts.

Although this is not a class on how to build a deck, we will look at the basic construction details and see how design is influenced by how a deck is constructed.

Tim Lally, ASLA, PLA, principal, Timothy Lally Design $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Monday, March 9, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Lakeside Room, Visitor Center

Tim Lally, ASLA, PLA, principal, Timothy Lally Design $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Monday, April 6, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Lakeside Room, Visitor Center

Visit chicagobotanic.org/ school/faculty for faculty biographies.

Chicago Botanic Garden members receive a 20 percent discount on classes.

50 To register, visit chicagobotanic.org/school or call (847) 835-8261.

Front Yard Design

Great Gardens Series

If you have always wanted to improve the design of your home landscape, or if you are a new homeowner wondering where to start, this series is a great way to introduce yourself to the basic principles of landscape design. This lecture series, created for novice designers, will take you from basic design theories to site-planning techniques and finally to techniques for implementing a design plan.

This course will teach you the basics of front yard landscape design. A lecture and slides will demonstrate how proper planting design can change the way you use and view your property. Your front yard design should respond to your home’s architecture as well as be aesthetically pleasing. Topics will include proper plant types and spacing, focusing and screening views, and creating curb appeal.

Tour great gardens of England, Scotland, Spain, and the Netherlands through the lens of garden photographer Linda Oyama Bryan. A narrative that reflects the photographer’s enthusiasm for the history of garden design will accompany the stunning images.

Register for all five sessions at once and save 10%.

Jeffrey True, vice president of operations, Hursthouse, Inc. $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Tuesday, February 10, 7 – 9 p.m.

Lakeside Room, Visitor Center

Introduction to Design Principles This workshop introduces and reviews the landscape design process of site analysis, conceptual design, and evaluations, based on such landscape-design principles as balance, symmetry, proportion, scale, and unity. Looking at plant combinations and landscape features, you will learn about color, texture, line, form, and methods of creating garden spaces.

Valerie Gerdes Lemme, landscape architect, ASLA $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Tuesday, January 27, 7 – 9 p.m.

Lakeside Room, Visitor Center

Foundation Planting Design Do you live in an older home with an outdated foundation planting of overgrown evergreens? Or in a newer home that needs help creating an identity and style? Whether old or new, many homes have foundation plantings that need revamping. Learn the principles of good foundation design and view examples of plants that may work well, reduce maintenance, and provide multi-season interest. Good design will improve the curb appeal of your home, increasing its value.

Valerie Gerdes Lemme, landscape architect, ASLA $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Tuesday, February 3, 7 – 9 p.m.

Lakeside Room, Visitor Center

Backyard Design Learn how to create an enjoyable backyard space that is both functional and exciting. This course will focus on the design and development of functional and attractive spaces, including dining and entertaining areas (such as decks and patios), children’s play spaces, and outdoor storage and utility areas. Learn how to screen and focus views and create a sense of enclosure for areas where you desire a private space for comfort and security.

Jeffrey True, vice president of operations, Hursthouse, Inc. $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Tuesday, February 17, 7 – 9 p.m.

Lakeside Room, Visitor Center

From the Drawing Board to the Border How do you take your plans from the drawing board to creating the garden without being overwhelmed by the amount of work and money? Learn how to develop a shopping list and timeline to phase the work over several seasons. You’ll also receive some useful tips on budgeting, purchasing plants, and working with landscape professionals.

Valerie Gerdes Lemme, landscape architect, ASLA $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Tuesday, February 24, 7 – 9 p.m.

Lakeside Room, Visitor Center

Adult Education: Garden Design

Weekend Designer Series

Register for the entire series receive a 10% discount.

Great Gardens of England and Scotland Tour the major gardens that exemplify the rich tradition of British gardening styles from the sixteenth century to the present. Linda Oyama Bryan’s photographic eye captures not only the design highlights of the great garden designers, but also reflects the distinctive spirit of each garden.

Highlights include Sudeley Castle, Blenheim, Stowe, Hestercombe, Hidcote, Barnsley House, and the wonderful Cornish and Scottish gardens of Trebah, Heligan, and Inverewe, plus many others. $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Wednesday, February 18, 7 – 9 p.m.

Alsdorf Auditorium

Great Gardens of Holland The Great Gardens of Europe lecture series continues as photographer Linda Oyama Bryan brings the spring bulbs and fields of Holland to warm our cold spring months. Featured will be the world-famous spring displays of Keukenhof, the gardens of Het Loo, the tulip fields of the Netherlands, and naturalistic, historical, and contemporary gardens by Dutch designers. An in-depth tour of the Aalsmeer Flower Auction will enlighten viewers about how flowers get distributed worldwide. $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Wednesday, February 25, 7 – 9 p.m.

Alsdorf Auditorium

Great Gardens of Spain: Granada and Barcelona Tour the famous El Alhambra palace and gardens in Granada through photographer Linda Oyama Bryan’s eye. The Chicago Botanic Garden’s book and exhibition, In Search of Paradise, demonstrated the importance of this fabulous Moorish garden on international garden design through the centuries. The brilliant colors, unique architecture, and varied gardens of Barcelona also emphasize the Spanish union of nature and art. $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Wednesday, March 4, 7 – 9 p.m.

Alsdorf Auditorium

Enjoy a glimpse of spring and learn about the Great Gardens of Holland, with Linda Oyama Bryan.

51

Adult Education: Botanical Arts and Humanities

Garden Design Certificate of Merit Programs

New! Drawing & Visualization Skills for Designers

Garden Design Implementation

GDC elective

GDC requirement

2 Sundays, February 8 & 15, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

You have the design; you have the client; you have the funding—now what? Lectures will focus on the steps necessary to carry a project from a finished design through to a built landscape. Course projects will include the preparation of construction details and documents, technical specifications, and cost estimates. Prerequisites: Graphics, Introduction to Professional Practice, Hardscape Basics, Introduction to Grading and Draining, Principles of Garden Design, and Planting Design

See details on page 42.

Jodi Mariano, RLA, senior associate, Teska Associates, Inc. $337 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 9 Wednesdays, January 14 – March 11, 6:30 – 9 p.m.

(March 18 snow date) and Saturday, March 7, 1 – 4 p.m.

Lakeside Room, Visitor Center

Graphics, Winter Session PGL 2 and GDC requirement Come learn the basic principles of landscape design illustration. This balanced and rewarding class provides an exciting introduction to the three basic areas of drawing communication: plans, elevations, and perspectives. Discover how to express your ideas using effective and enriched presentation techniques.

Professional time-saving shortcuts, the importance of lettering, and the excitement of color are all also included. Recommended to take concurrently with Introduction to Professional Practice.

Timothy Lally, ASLA, RLA, principal, Timothy Lally Design $337 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 10 Thursdays, January 15 – March 19, 6:30 – 9 p.m.

(March 26 snow date) and 2 Saturdays, January 17 & 24, 1 – 3 p.m.

Design Studio

Introduction to Professional Practice PGL 2 and GDC requirement

Principles of Garden Design, Spring Session PGL 2 and GDC requirement Apply knowledge and skills developed in previous design courses toward an in-depth understanding about spatial properties of landscape materials and their application to design principles. Weekly discussions and projects will emphasize the components of three-dimensional spaces and their application to the development of refined concept design plans and construction level drawings.

Prerequisites: Graphics, Introduction to Professional Practice.

Tony Wasemann, ASLA, senior landscape designer, Scott Byron & Co. $337 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 8 Wednesdays, April 22 – June 10, 6:30 – 9 p.m. and 2 Saturdays, April 25 & May 2, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Design Studio

Gardens That Heal: A Prescription for Wellness Healthcare Garden Design Certificate Seminar In a healthcare environment, gardens provide a sense of order, safety, and privacy for those coping with illness. During this seminar, industry leaders will present the latest research demonstrating the benefits of healthcare gardens, while providing an introduction to the tools needed to effectively design, manage, and evaluate such gardens. Fee includes morning coffee and lunch. This program is registered with the American Society of Landscape Architects for continuing education credit. Registrations made after Wednesday, May 6, are not eligible for the lunch option. $149 nonmember or $129 before April 8; members receive 20% discount Wednesday, May 13, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Alsdorf Auditorium

Apply skills learned in Graphics toward a working understanding of the initial phases of a landscape design project. Lectures will focus on the preliminary steps necessary to begin a landscape design project and carry the project through the conceptual design phase, including site measurements, base maps, site analysis, programming, functional use diagrams, conceptual design plans, and preliminary cost estimates. Prerequisite: Graphics (courses can be taken concurrently).

Paul Laiblin, project manager and senior estimator, Scott Byron and Co. $337 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 11 Wednesdays, January 21 – April 1, 6:30 – 9 p.m.

Design Studio and 2 Saturdays, February 7 & 14, 1 – 4 p.m.

Linnaeus Room

52 To register, visit chicagobotanic.org/school or call (847) 835-8261.

Botanical Arts and Humanities Throughout history, plants and images of plants have been woven into the arts—painting, literature, and photography. The beauty of botanical arts courses is that they encompass a wide variety of topics, from photography to calligraphy, botanical illustration to papermaking. In introductory and higher-level courses, students have the opportunity to express their creative flair while sharing time with others in an enjoyable setting.

Holiday Fiber Arts Workshops Come learn how to felt while hearing stories of a knitter, shepherd, and small business owner! Natasha Lehrer, of Esther’s Place Fiber Arts Studio in Big Rock, Illinois, will share her love of fiber arts and inspire you to create!

Register for both sessions at once and receive a 10 percent discount.

New! Twiggy Reindeer Ring in the holidays with this woodland reindeer. From his twiggy legs to his bittersweet berry antlers, red nose and perky tail, he’s so cute and so simple to create. Learn how to take wool and shape and sculpt it into felt as we walk you through the steps. Perfect for the novice crafter, needle felting is an easy to learn technique that is both creative and relaxing. It uses a special needle to tangle the wool fibers into felt that and can be shaped and sculpted into a multitude of ideas! Come join us to try this new and novel craft! $49 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Tuesday, November 18, 10 a.m. – noon Lakeside Room, Visitor Center

New! Holiday Cardinal Everyone loves the cheer that a cardinal brings to the winter landscape! How about making them as ornaments for the holidays? Learn to shape each part with wool, then connect it all together and sculpt it to life. We’ll use hand-dyed wool and needle felting techniques, working step by step so even novice crafters will walk away with something fantastic!

You’ll be inspired to make a whole family of birds with the skills learned in this class. $49 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Tuesday, November 18, 1 – 3 p.m.

Lakeside Room, Visitor Center

Personalized Natural Perfume Workshop

Watercolor: Painting the Natural World

This class helps students create decorative elements from nature with scents that suggest the holidays.

Students will create an orange pomander ball, lavender and rose tree ornament, and a spiced herb garland, great for hanging over doorways or on a Christmas tree. Don’t miss this opportunity to indulge in the complex scents of the season—cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, red rose, blue lavender, balsam fir, bay, juniper berry, orange, and lime—that you will bring home with you. Ideal for gift giving!

Create a personalized natural aroma at this beginner-level workshop while learning about plant origins and distillation. Sample fragrant oils will be provided from around the world, including American clary sage, Egyptian jasmine, French lavender, Italian bergamot, and more. Choose a unique combination of oils for the instructor to blend into your own signature scent. Fee includes .25 ounce bottle of custom natural perfume to take home.

This course addresses ways to express the beauty of nature in watercolor. Each week will focus on a specific technique, such as ways to mix greens or show natural textures, with a goal of a more satisfying painting experience. The last two weeks will focus on landscape techniques: how to use composition, color, and focus to create the impression of a beautiful natural place.

A supply list will be sent.

Stephanie Rose Bird, B.F.A., M.F.A., author, herbalist, and aromatherapist $124 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, November 22, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Annex 2

Holiday Calligraphy Workshop Adorn the holidays with the beautiful, personal touch of calligraphy! Create beautiful holiday cards, gift tags, place cards, and thank you notes. Learn to embellish your notes with such simple holiday motifs as holly and wreaths. A supply list will be sent.

Judith Joseph, artist and educator $149 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 4 Tuesdays, November 25 – December 16, 12:30 – 3 p.m.

Design Studio

New! Holiday Evergreen Wreath Make an evergreen wreath to grace your home this holiday season! You will learn how to cut the greens and assemble them to create your own mixed evergreen wreath. Balsam, white pine, arborvitae, and boxwood will be the base greens, with a special evergreen accent. Please bring garden gloves, pruners, and a box to transport your finished project. All other materials are included in the fee.

Jessica Hannah, natural perfumer and interdisciplinary artist, J. Hannah Co. $74 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, December 6, 10 a.m. – noon or 1 – 3 p.m. or Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m. – noon Linnaeus Room

New! The Magic of Botanical Soapmaking When properly prepared, herbs, flowers, roots, bark, and leaves yield subtle, earthy colors, pleasing fragrances, wonderful textures, and most importantly, healing medicines. You will learn how to extract saponins and colors from plants, and some of the basic medicinal qualities of herbs for natural skincare, as well as how this applies to soap making. In this workshop, you will have fun while learning to make naturally scented soaps and herbal washes, with shapes and colors inspired by Mother Nature. Bring a small basket and plastic bottle to carry your ready-to-use soaps home. Your basket will be filled with a dozen handmade soaps, ideal for gift giving.

Stephanie Rose Bird, B.F.A., M.F.A., author, herbalist, and aromatherapist $124 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Sunday, December 7, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Annex 2

Holiday Centerpiece

Becky Porter, designer, Victor Hlavacek Florist and Greenhouses, Winnetka, Illinois $79 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Monday, December 1, 10 a.m. – noon or 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Annex 2

Join us at the Garden and create a lovely, long-lasting holiday centerpiece, using fresh-cut evergreens and seasonal flowers. Bring gloves, pruners, and a box for your finished arrangement. The fee includes all other materials.

New! Mosaic Address Plaque

Liz Rex, horticulturist, Chicago Botanic Garden $74 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Thursday, December 18, 9:30 a.m. – noon Annex 2

Great gift idea!

Create a personalized address plaque for your home with artist Janet Austin. In this full-day workshop, learn the fundamentals of mosaic design, tile cutting, proper substrate, adhesion, and grouting for outdoor use. During the morning, we will design, cut, and set tiles. There will be a 1½-hour break to allow time for the mortar to set, and then in the afternoon, we will grout the projects. The piece is then ready to take home and hang. The final piece will be approximately 8 x 14 inches. All materials are included, with choices of glass and stone mosaics, and special handmade tiles by the artist.

Janet Austin, artist $149 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Tuesday, December 2, 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m or Thursday, December 4, 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Annex 2

Frame Loom Weaving In this class we examine the many possibilities of creating woven forms using a simple frame loom.

Students will experiment with the techniques of tapestry and plain-weave, then explore ways of creating surface, image, and text within a woven form to create independent projects. Students will be exposed to both contemporary and historical artworks and will participate in skill-building demonstrations to broaden their technical skills. Open to students who have taken Beginning Frame Loom Weaving or consent of the instructor.

Judith Joseph, artist and educator $289 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 8 Thursdays, January 8 – February 26, 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Design Studio

Beginning Natural Dyes Students will learn how to create eco-friendly color on a variety of materials through research, experimentation, and the collaborative process. We will start by learning the foundations of natural dyeing—experimenting with raw dyes, extracts, and the indigo process. Continuing in the collaborative process, students will create a book of dye samples. Discussion topics such as dye history, gardens, and techniques will be supplemented with a detailed handout. All dyes and some fabrics are provided. A list of other supplies will be mailed to students before the first day of class.

Open to all levels.

Pamela Feldman, artist and educator $399 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 4 Mondays, January 12 – February 2, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Plant Science Lab, Regenstein Center

Mosaic Workshop Make great gifts!

Discover the joy and beauty of mosaic art in the pique assiette tradition. Pique assiette, or “broken plates,” incorporates a wonderful blending of color, form, and texture. This mosaic folk art can be found in many cultures and is popular today as a way to recycle a favorite piece of china or broken heirloom. Work under the guidance of Bonnie Arkin to complete a unique mosaic from shards of china, ceramic, or glass. A supply list is given at the first class, but you can start collecting dishes now!

Bonnie Arkin, artist and designer $149 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 6 Thursdays, January 15 – February 19, 7 – 9 p.m. or 6 Thursdays, February 26 – April 2, 7 – 9 p.m.

Annex 1

Pamela Feldman, artist and educator $749 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 15 Wednesdays, January 7 – April 15, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Design Studio

Visit chicagobotanic.org/school/registration_policies for information on registration procedure and policy. 53

Adult Education: Botanical Arts and Humanities

New! Herbal Winter Ornaments

Adult Education: Botanical Arts and Humanities

Botanical Art: “Learn How” series This series of classes is for anyone who has an interest in learning how to draw and paint, but feels intimidated merely at the thought. Heeyoung Kim’s step-by-step instruction and guidance will allow you to learn and have fun doing it! Plan to spend the day and register for both sessions at once and receive a 10 percent discount.

Learn How to Draw – Level 1 & 2 This class is designed for those who have a desire to draw and are convinced they can’t. Learn the fundamental principles of putting pencil to paper by developing a basic pencil-line technique. Understand how to establish shape, form, depth, and dimension, as well as proportions and perspective! This class is also recommended for beginning horticultural students.

Heeyoung Kim, botanical artist $312 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 6 Fridays, January 16 – February 27, 9 a.m. – noon (no class February 6) Design Studio Please note: This class accommodates students who have already completed Learn How to Draw with the study of more advanced drawing techniques and learning the fundamentals of working in color.

Learn How to Paint in Watercolor –Level 1 & 2 This class is designed as an introduction to the botanical art of painting in watercolor. If you are intimidated by the sight of a sheet of white paper, this class is for you!

Develop an understanding of a basic color palette, mixing color, and sound color selection through a basic step-by-step approach. Students will progress to working with botanical specimens as they develop a sense of color accuracy. Learn the basics of watercolor—surprise and delight yourself and amaze your friends!

Heeyoung Kim, botanical artist $312 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 6 Fridays, January 16 – February 27, 1 – 4 p.m. (no class February 6) Design Studio Please note: These classes accommodate students who have already completed Learn How to Paint in Watercolor with the study of more advanced techniques and are taking the next steps in watercolor painting fundamentals.

Rejuvenated Jewelry Inspired by the little treasures you save and love, we will cleverly combine old and new elements to create spectacular jewelry. Bring your special and sentimental keepsakes, single earrings, buttons, charms, chains, family photos, and found objects. We can create wonderful new designs from vintage treasures. You will learn to solder, wire wrap, and string. Arkin has many examples to share and resources for treasure hunting.

A supply list will be sent.

Bonnie Arkin, artist and designer $149 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 6 Tuesdays, January 20 – February 24, 7 – 9 p.m. or 6 Tuesdays, March 3 – April 7, 7 – 9 p.m.

Annex 1

Wrapped in Red: Silk Scarf-Dyeing With Natural Dyes In this one-day class, students will learn about two different natural red dyes: cochineal, a blue-red dye from the Americas, and madder, an orange-red dye from Asia Minor. We will combine these two dyes to produce a unique red color on a silk scarf. Each student will dye a large silk scarf to take home.

Scarf and dyes are included in the class fee. A short supply list will be sent to each student.

Pamela Feldman, artist and educator $119 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Monday, February 9, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Annex 2

New! Orchid Designs in Decorative Containers Looking for a creative way to display the orchid you just purchased at the sale? Learn interesting ways to showcase your new plant in a variety of styles of containers and how to finish the design with decorative sticks and moss. You will also learn care tips to maximize longevity of your orchids during this demonstration style lecture. A tour of the Orchid Show is included.

Becky Porter, Designer, Victor Hlavacek Florist and Greenhouses $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Monday, February 23, 1 – 3 p.m.

Plant Science Lab, Regenstein Center

Watercolor 2 For students who have completed Beginning Watercolor, we will continue to learn various techniques and color theory while exploring different ways to combine light, composition, color, and textures in watercolor painting. A supply list will be sent.

Patsy Welch, artist and educator $237 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 6 Tuesdays, February 24 – March 31, 1 – 3:30 p.m.

Design Studio

Meditations in Ink: Orchid Asian Brush Painting Workshop with Bruce Iverson This workshop will be a relaxing, meditative exploration of the nature and techniques of Asian brush painting and calligraphy. Through instructor demonstrations and hands-on projects, students will learn the ancient and elegant art of painting the grass orchid in the traditional hsieh-i (spontaneous) style. Join this award-winning artist and learn how to paint this traditional flower in ink and color with elegant and beautiful results. Your success is guaranteed!

Participants will leave the workshop with two completed projects. Previous art experience is not necessary. All class materials are provided (bamboo brushes, ink, inkstone, and rice paper) as well as admission to the Orchid Show with the class.

Bruce Iverson, artist $187 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Friday, February 27, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Plant Science Lab, Regenstein Center

54 To register, visit chicagobotanic.org/school or call (847) 835-8261.

New! Meditations in Ink: Plum Blossom Asian Brush Painting Workshop with Bruce Iverson This class is a relaxing, meditative exploration into the nature and techniques of painting the plum blossom in the hsieh-i (spontaneous) and outline styles. Through instructor demonstrations and hands-on painting, learn how to paint this traditional flower in ink and color with elegant and beautiful results. Participants will leave the workshop with two completed projects. Previous art experience is not necessary. All class materials are provided (bamboo brushes, ink, inkstone, and rice paper).

Bruce Iverson, artist $187 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Friday, March 6, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Design Studio

New! Formulating Perfumes with Natural Essences Dive deeper into the world of scents in this workshop where you will learn perfume structures, plant origins, and their historical context. You will blend two unique perfumes during our time together, improving your skills and olfactory recognition as we analyze each blend. Fee includes two .25 ounce vials of custom natural perfume to take home. No preliminary perfuming experience is necessary. Class size is limited to 8.

Jessica Hannah, natural perfumer and interdisciplinary artist, J. Hannah Co. $165 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, March 14, 1 – 5 p.m.

Linnaeus Room

Willow Furniture Workshop Natural willow furniture is the perfect rustic accent, whether you need a seat for that perfect spot in your garden or a place to repot your houseplants. Join Bim Willow and learn the basic techniques of making bent willow furniture. You will select one project to complete during the workshop when you register; class fee varies depending on project chosen. Projects are large, so bring a vehicle that can accommodate them. Bring a hammer, hand pruners, and work gloves; all other supplies provided. No experience necessary. Please bring a bag lunch, if you wish.

Limited space; register early.

Bim Willow, furniture maker and author Sunday, March 29, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Burnstein Hall, Regenstein Center Select one of these bent willow projects: Bent Willow Chair: $245 One-shelf potting bench/baker’s rack: $220 Garden bench: $115 Members receive 20% discount

Celebrate the 2014 Orchid Show by making gorgeous pop-up orchids! After creating a simple pop-up card with white card stock, you will visit the Orchid Show and take photos or make quick sketches of a specific orchid you would like to re-create in pop-up. With photo or sketch in hand, you will return to the workshop. Using card stock in a wide range of colors, you will build a second card, customizing the shapes and using color to make the bloom your own. No experience necessary; just bring a camera or sketchbook, any dry media (colored pencil, pastel, etc.) you might like to use, and your love of orchids! All tools are supplied for this workshop, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer working with them.

Shawn Sheehy, pop-up engineer and author $62 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, February 28, 1 – 4 p.m.

Plant Science Lab, Regenstein Center

New! Pop-Up Paper Bugs: Workshop 1 Let’s celebrate our garden heroes! Create a whimsical collection of pop-up and movable bug cards, featuring a honeybee, a firefly, and a cricket, and learn about the fundamentals and materials of pop-up engineering. No experience is necessary, but binding and/or sewing skills will speed your progress. All tools are supplied for this workshop, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer working with them.

Shawn Sheehy, pop-up engineer and author $62 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Sunday, March 29, 1 – 4 p.m.

Lakeside Room, Visitor Center

New! Pop-Up Paper Bugs: Workshop 2 Let’s celebrate our garden heroes! Create a whimsical collection of pop-up and movable bug cards, featuring a moth, a ladybug, and a dragonfly, and learn about the fundamentals and materials of pop-up engineering. No experience is necessary, but binding and/or sewing skills will speed your progress. All tools are supplied for this workshop, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer working with them.

Shawn Sheehy, pop-up engineer and author $62 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Sunday, April 12, 1 – 4 p.m.

Lakeside Room, Visitor Center

Botanical Arts Certificate of Merit Program

Color Mixing

Botanical Drawing 1

Learn to mix accurate, exciting color including the vivid, specific hues of flowers, the bright and subdued greens of leaves, and the deep, subtle colors in shadows. We’ll make charts for permanent reference and then apply this knowledge to paint flowers and leaves from live specimens. We will work in watercolor, but exercises apply to all media.

ART requirement Strong drawing is the cornerstone of botanical art.

In this class, we will work in pencil, covering the fundamentals of proportions, line, tone, dimensionality, and expression. We will work from live specimens, flowers, seeds, and fruit.

Marlene Hill Donnelly, scientific illustrator, Chicago Botanic Garden and The Field Museum $349 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 8 Saturdays, January 10 – February 28, 9 a.m. – noon Design Studio

Introduction to Oil Painting ART requirement option, expressive track Open to all levels, this class will immerse you in the painting process from day one. Students will learn how to select, compose, and paint based on strong design, values, and colors. This wonderful medium allows for extended manipulation and nuances of interpretation.

Thomas Trausch, artist, TWSA master status $287 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 6 Saturdays, January 10 – February 14, 1 – 4 p.m.

Lakeside Room, Visitor Center

Botanical Drawing 3 ART requirement We will explore different approaches to capture beautiful and accurate botanical detail, frequently using the microscope. We will work primarily in pencil and will experiment with different tools to achieve particular textures and effects. Prerequisite: Botanical Drawing 1 and 2 or equivalent Marlene Hill Donnelly, scientific illustrator, Chicago Botanic Garden and The Field Museum $287 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 6 Tuesdays, January 13 – February 17, 6 – 9 p.m.

Design Studio

ART requirement

Marlene Hill Donnelly, scientific illustrator, Chicago Botanic Garden and The Field Museum $287 nonmember, members receive 20% discount 6 Tuesdays, March 3 – April 7, 6 – 9 p.m.

Design Studio

Botanical Drawing 2 ART requirement Continue to build your drawing skills with advanced graphite techniques, light and dark media on toned paper, and carbon dust. Prerequisite: Botanical Drawing 1.

Marlene Hill Donnelly, scientific illustrator, Chicago Botanic Garden and The Field Museum $287 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 6 Saturdays, March 7 – April 11, 9 a.m. – noon Design Studio

Expressive Watercolor ART requirement, expressive track Explore the fluid beauty of the watercolor medium.

Each session will progress to a more controlled “found” finish. There will be a strong emphasis on values and design. Prerequisite: Watercolor 1 or equivalent.

Thomas Trausch, artist, TWSA master status $287 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 6 Saturdays, March 7 – April 11, 1 – 4 p.m.

Design Studio

Colored Pencil Drawing Course ART elective

Drawing in Carbon Dust ART elective Carbon dust is a beautiful, versatile, and little-known medium that lends itself to both broad, painterly expression and to extreme fine detail. It is appropriate to all botanical subjects as well as to landscapes and still lifes. Working on various paper with a variety of black pigments (applied with both brushes and pencils), we will focus on botanicals to explore many rich possibilities. The School’s CEUs= 0.9 Marlene Hill Donnelly, scientific illustrator, Chicago Botanic Garden and The Field Museum $159, nonmember, members receive 20% discount Sunday, January 18, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Sunday, January 25, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Plant Science Lab, Regenstein Center

Start with the fundamentals, then delve into working with dry and wet media of colored pencil. Develop your drawing skills through extensive color exploration of value, intensity, and temperature. Learn dry applications, layering, washes, and color-mixing techniques. Work from real life and nature, not from photographs. Demonstration and explanations are presented at the beginning of each class. Individual guidance and instruction is given to each student.

The School’s CEUs=1.8 Priscilla Humay, freelance artist, CPSA $287 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 6 Mondays, May 4 – June 15, 6 – 9 p.m. (no class May 25) Design Studio

Visit chicagobotanic.org/school/registration_policies for information on registration procedure and policy. 55

Adult Education: Botanical Arts and Humanities

Pop-Up Paper Orchid Workshop

Adult Education: Photography

Photography Discover the joy of nature and garden photography with the Garden as your studio! Advance your artistic and technical skills in classes and workshops for students of all levels led by outstanding photography professionals.

Capturing the Holiday Lights Evening photography workshop December nights are perfect for making the Garden’s outdoor holiday lights come alive. Learn how to use your camera to capture these magical displays in this exciting new workshop. We will begin with a review of camera settings and image-framing concepts, then proceed outside to photograph all the festive color in the Heritage Garden, the Esplanade, and the great tree.

Back in the studio, we will review and discuss those newly captured images. Learn how to transform your perfect photo into holiday greeting cards. Class limited to digital cameras only. A tripod is very strongly recommended and shutter release will be most helpful.

Jack Carlson, certified professional photographer $59 nonmember; members receive 20% discount For students who are beginners with digital cameras: Monday, December 1, 6:30 – 9 p.m.

For intermediate students: Monday, December 8, 6:30 – 9 p.m.

Lakeside Room, Visitor Center

New! Travel Photography for Garden Lovers In this day and age, if you have a smartphone, you are never without a camera. If you are a photo enthusiast, you also might carry a digital SLR, as well, for exotic travel destinations. If you are a garden lover, you will find gardens and flowers to photograph anywhere you go. Photographer Linda Oyama Bryan will first teach you to “see” great shots, then help you to learn how to adapt the shots to whatever camera you are using.

Attention to lighting and basics of composition are necessary no matter what camera you use. Bring whatever camera you use the most when you travel. Tripods optional.

Linda Oyama Bryan, garden photographer $119 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 2 Tuesdays, February 24 & March 3, 9 a.m. – noon Design Studio

iPhone Photography There are hundreds of photography apps available for iPhones, and many of them have similar features.

This class will explore some of the better-known apps along with instruction on how to use them for nature photography. We will go over the basics of iPhone photography along with fieldwork for a portion of the class. We will examine the photos taken during class and how they can be enhanced, manipulated, or altered to create a personal statement. iPhones are mandatory.

Focus on Photography Certificate of Merit Program

New! Winter Sunrise Scenes

New! The Digital Workflow Process

While sunrise offers a dramatic photo opportunity, winter sunrise combined with snow and early morning light presents particular photographic challenges. Learn how to compose and meter for these unique light levels. The Schools CEUs=6 hours

FPC elective Develop and practice the workflow process necessary to take images from the camera to the computer and finally to the web or print form. Learn how to set your camera for correct image quality and size. Download files to a computer, reformat your camera’s memory card, and use an external drive for backup. You will practice naming your files, adding copyright, and setting up an organized file system. Practice saving images to the cloud. Lastly, we will look at Internet sources for displaying and sharing your photos. This class is designed for beginning students. Both Lightroom and Photoshop will be included in the discussion. The School’s CEUs=8 hours Dianne Kittle, fine art photographer $149 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 2 Mondays, December 1 & 8, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Lakeside Room, Visitor Center

New! Photography Tools & Techniques: Selecting and Using the Proper Lens FPC elective During this seminar, students will learn the differences among focal lengths of lenses and how to select the appropriate lens for each particular subject.

Other topics include matching the lens to the light level, depth of field, and how to obtain maximum image sharpness, as well as using the hyperfocal length setting with manual focus.

The Schools CEUs= 3 hours Jack Carlson, certified professional photographer $59 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, December 6, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Lakeside Room, Visitor Center

Beginning Digital Photography FPC requirement This course will help beginners and enthusiasts grasp the techniques and principles of photography.

Participants will explore the basics of photography, including image composition rules, how the camera works, proper exposure, and the functions of lens aperture and shutter speed. Some minimal photo processing will also be covered. Course requires a digital SLR camera. No previous experience is required.

Jack Carlson, certified professional photographer $225 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 4 Saturdays, January 10 – February 7, 9 a.m. – noon (no class January 24) Plant Science Lab, Regenstein Center

Tobin Fraley, photographer $119 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 3 Thursdays, March 19 – April 2, 10 a.m. – noon Design Studio or 3 Saturdays, March 21 – April 4, 10 a.m. – noon Lakeside Room, Visitor Center

56 To register, visit chicagobotanic.org/school or call (847) 835-8261.

FPC elective

Jack Carlson, certified professional photographer $59 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 2 Sundays, January 11 & 18, 6 – 9 a.m.

Design Studio

Photoshop I FPC requirement option The Chicago Botanic Garden is a spectacular place to take photographs. Make your photographs even better with Adobe Photoshop Elements—a user-friendly photo editor that uses the same concepts as the full version of Photoshop. Learn how to make your images better through the use of selection tools, layers, and smart brushes. Play with some artistic options that can inspire abstractions. Requirements for the course are a laptop computer with Adobe Photoshop Elements or Adobe Photoshop CS5 installed and a digital camera.

Iris Allen, freelance photographer and instructor $187 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 4 Mondays, January 12 – February 9, 1 – 3:30 p.m. (no class January 19) Design Studio

Abstracts in Nature—Winter FPC elective In this advanced class, students will focus on winter abstracts, including water changes, to create fine art photographs. We will capture the Garden as the freeze of winter encroaches on the landscape. Students will learn the program Blurb to design a photography book for presentation of their winter portfolio. Class will include lecture, critique, water photography demonstrations, and practice time in the Garden.

The School’s CEUs=12 hours Dianne Kittle, fine art photographer $212 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 6 Tuesdays, January 13 – February 17, 10 a.m. – noon Design Studio

New! Creative Video Photography FPC fundamental course, fine art track This intermediate-level class will be spent applying photographic techniques to create a portfolio of short video clips using your digital SLR or smartphone. You will use Adobe Lightroom to create videos that capture your memories. Class will include lecture, critique, and practice time in the Garden. Digital SLR camera and tripod required. Proficiency with aperture and shutter speed is required. The School’s CEUs=12 hours Dianne Kittle, fine art photographer $212 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 6 Tuesdays, January 13 – February 17, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Design Studio

Adult Education: Photography

Lighting Techniques FPC elective This introduction to artificial lighting includes both manipulating light from continuous sources (hot lights) and working with flash and strobe. Through technical exercises and demonstrations, this class will explore a variety of lighting strategies for still life, botanical arrangements, and portraits. The class will cover on-camera flash techniques, capturing motion with flash, off-camera syncing, light painting, and more. The School’s CEUs=15 hours Robin Carlson, staff photographer, Chicago Botanic Garden $260 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 6 Tuesdays, January 20 – February 24, 6:30 – 9 p.m.

Annex 2

Photography The Garden is your studio

Intermediate Digital Photography

New! Photography Tools & Techniques: Composition

FPC elective

FPC elective

Having learned the basics of digital photography in the introductory course, students are ready to move on to more artistic endeavors. Seeing, thinking, and acting are the next steps in learning to identify, then capture, an impressive image. Students will use lead lines, selective manual focus, and appropriate aperture settings to enhance their photos. Prerequisite: Beginning Digital Photography or the consent of the instructor. The Schools CEUs=12 hours

During this seminar, students will learn image placement and how lead lines enter into the composition of an image. Learn how these techniques can be used singly or in combination to create a balanced photograph. The Schools CEUs=3 hours

Jack Carlson, certified professional photographer $225 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 4 Saturdays, February 14 – March 7, 9 a.m. – noon Plant Science Lab, Regenstein Center

Winter Photography FPC elective Winter is one of the best times to photograph gardens and nature. Learning to see the “bones” of a garden will improve your photographic skills in any season.

Learn about exposure, lighting, and adjustments for color, as well as composition. A tripod is recommended. Dress for the weather. The School’s CEUs=12 hours Jack Carlson, certified professional photographer $225 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 4 Wednesdays, February 18 – March 11, 9 a.m. – noon Design Studio

Photographing Orchids FPC elective In conjunction with the Orchid Show, photographer Linda Oyama Bryan offers a close-up flower photography class. Learn techniques for macro photography, including tips on focus, lighting, background, and composition. Class includes hands-on shooting sessions at the show before hours, after which we will critique each other’s images, a tripod is highly recommended. If you use a DSLR, bring a flash if you have one. The School’s CEUs=10.5 hours Linda Oyama Bryan, garden photographer $199 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 3 Thursdays, February 19 – March 5, 8 – 11:30 a.m.

Design Studio

Jack Carlson, certified professional photographer $59 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, February 21, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Plant Science Lab, Regenstein Center

Photoshop 2

Photoshop 3 FPC elective Take your Photoshop skills to the next level and learn some more exciting editing techniques. This class is project-oriented, learning black and white with color accents, HDR, panorama, and people extraction. There will also be more digital photography tips. Requirements for the course are a laptop computer with Adobe Photoshop Elements or Adobe Photoshop CS5 installed and a digital camera. Prerequisite: Photoshop 1& 2, or approval of instructor. The School’s CEUs=10 hours Iris Allen, freelance photographer and instructor $187 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 4 Mondays, March 23 – April 13, 1 – 3:30 p.m.

Design Studio

FPC elective Take the next step and learn even more about Abobe Photoshop. This more advanced class will further your knowledge of selections and layers, allowing you to do some serious photo enhancement and manipulation.

We will tackle some interesting projects such as black and white with color accents, old photo restoration, and abstract art creation. Requirements for the course are a laptop computer with Adobe Photoshop Elements or Adobe Photoshop CS5 installed and a digital camera. Prerequisite: Photoshop 1, or approval of instructor. The School’s CEUs=10 hours Iris Allen, freelance photographer and instructor $187 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 4 Mondays, February 23 – March 16, 1– 3:30 p.m.

Design Studio

Intermediate Photography Portfolio Workshop FPC requirement, fine art track The Garden will serve as a natural laboratory as we explore a variety of photographic techniques to take you from an ordinary snapshot to botanic art. Heavy emphasis will be put on finding your own artistic style while advancing your photographic skill set and beginning to create your own botanic art portfolio. This course is designed for intermediate photographers.

You will walk away with your own set of professionally produced images. Digital SLR cameras are mandatory.

Dianne Kittle, fine art photographer $374 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 8 Mondays, March 2 – April 20, 6:30 – 9 p.m.

Design Studio

58 To register, visit chicagobotanic.org/school or call (847) 835-8261.

Macro Photography in the Greenhouse FPC elective Get away from the winter blues and come explore the Greenhouse. This class will introduce you to a world of detail often not noticed. The succulents, tropical blooms, and Greenhouse color will serve as our natural laboratory. Each class will consist of learning new macro techniques followed by trips into the Greenhouses to practice new skills and artistic elements. Designed for intermediate photographers comfortable with basic photography techniques.

Digital SLR, macro lens, and tripod required. The School’s CEUs=12.5 hours Tobin Fraley, photographer $225 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 5 Tuesdays, March 24 – April 28, 9:30 a.m. – noon (no class April 14) Design Studio

Discover the many possibilities offered at the Chicago Botanic Garden for nurturing and healing the body, mind, and spirit.

New! Natural Home and Beauty Products Workshop Are you concerned about the ingredients in your home and beauty products? Making your own products can be simple and fun! In this class, you will learn about the benefits of using quality essential oils in your everyday life. Together we will make five products, such as bath salts, hand sanitizer spray, body scrub, breath spray, after-shave, vapor rub, etc. You will be able to take your homemade products home as well as take home some small sample materials to make more! These will make perfect holiday gifts as well!

Tamara Mannelly, M.Ed., H.H.C., certified healing foods specialist and holistic health coach $59 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Thursday, December 11, 10 a.m. – noon Plant Science Lab, Regenstein Center

Transitioning to a Real Food Lifestyle Are you trying to transition your family from the standard American diet, which is heavily processed and full of refined sugars, flours, trans-fats, artificial colors, flavors, and other chemicals to more natural and real foods? Learn how to read ingredient labels on packaged foods and identify additives, chemicals, preservatives, and fillers. We will talk about how to add more quality, nutrient-dense whole foods to your diet like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, and how to source quality animal products. You will take home session notes and a list of tips and recipes.

Tamara Mannelly, M.Ed., H.H.C., certified healing foods specialist and holistic health coach $29 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Tuesday, January 13, 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Plant Science Lab, Regenstein Center

Fast Ferments Fermentation is an ancient form of food preservation full of enzymes and probiotics, which can help your digestion and health. Examples of common fermented foods are yogurts, kombucha tea, sauerkraut, kimchi, and real pickles. Learn the health benefits of adding fermented foods to your diet with these simple, tasty treats. Recipes demonstrated include fermented versions of delicious foods such as mixed berries, lemonade, orange juice, pineapple salsa, carrots and sour cream. Class will include session notes, recipes, and tips and tricks to get your family on board with eating fermented foods. Optional take-home fermentation beginner’s kit includes two wide-mouth, pint-size jars, one food funnel, two packets of starter, and three glass weights.

Tamara Mannelly, M.Ed., H.H.C., certified healing foods specialist and holistic health coach $49 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Thursday, January 15, 10 a.m. – noon Plant Science Lab, Regenstein Center *Optional Fermentation Beginner’s Kit $20

New! Traditional Healing Bone Broth

Meditation on the Orchid

Ever hear the phrase “chicken soup cures all”? Well, that didn’t arise from store-bought chicken soup! It came from chicken soup made with a chicken and the bones. All traditional cultures made use of bones, usually in a nutritious bone broth. Sadly, the use of homemade meat broths to produce nourishing and flavorful soups and sauces has almost completely disappeared from the American culinary tradition. This class will teach you the many benefits of bone broth and how you can easily make it in your own home. The benefits include cost savings, digestibility, promotion of healing, and the many minerals and collagen. It also tastes great! Don’t be thrown off by the term bone broth. This is just making soup using real ingredients.

Each participant will take home a pint of frozen broth.

To experience the true beauty of nature and the power of meditation, join us at the Orchid Show for an exclusive exploration and contemplative experience before the show opens to the public for the day.

The orchid is beautiful and complex, a wonderful expression of nature’s creative force. Its shape, its color, and its aroma reflect aspects of our own experience of life. As we contemplate the life cycle of the orchid, we see how our own lives evolve. As we observe the beauty of the orchid, we are inspired to see the abundant beauty in our lives. Join us as we connect to the orchid through gentle movement, breathing exercises, and meditative contemplation.

All are welcome. Please bring a yoga mat.

Tamara Mannelly, M.Ed., H.H.C., certified healing foods specialist and holistic health coach $19 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Thursday, January 15, 1 – 2 p.m.

Plant Science Lab, Regenstein Center

Winter Meditation Walk In winter, the Garden is dormant and quiet. If there is snow, it can be beautiful and hushed. Walk and clear your mind in the cold, crisp air. We will meditate while we walk, striving to stay in the present moment in order to practice going with the flow of life, with its ups and downs. This meditation will begin at the Visitor Center and be led by Mary Ann Spina. Men and women are welcome.

Mary Ann Spina, teacher, writer, and counselor $25 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, January 24, 8 – 10 a.m.

Meet at the Visitor Center

New! Healing Blends, Balms, Potions, and Butters: An African Healer’s Medicine Kit When enslaved Africans were brought to the Americas and Caribbean, they transported a rich stockpile of plant wisdom with them. As people of African descent continue to settle in the United States, our understanding and use of herbs from Africa, and their unique healing techniques, continue to expand. In this workshop, you will make beauty balms and butters for the hair, skin, and nails; teas that are systemic body strengtheners and immunity builders; potions, baths, and brews to lift your spirits; an enchanting incense blend to soothe your mind and spirit, and an alluring island aphrodisiac. Be prepared to use some elbow grease and roll up your sleeves.

Stephanie Rose Bird, B.F.A., M.F.A., author, herbalist, and aromatherapist $124 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, February 7, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Linnaeus Room

Steve Nakon, director, Whole Journey Northwest Yoga $19 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Wednesday, February 18, 8 – 9 a.m.

Nichols Hall, Regenstein Center

New! Allergy 101: Peanut Free, Gluten Free, Dairy Free—Oh My! How to navigate more easily through the world of food allergies.

Food allergies are becoming more and more prevalent.

Almost daily it seems we hear of another friend, coworker, or classmate who can’t eat something.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with a food sensitivity or life-threatening food allergy, it can be very overwhelming to figure out how to start. This workshop will help you understand the various allergies, offer healthy alternatives for common foods, and figure out safe foods for social occasions like birthday parties, team snacks, and classroom treats.

This class is taught by a certified holistic health coach who lives in a household full of food allergies!

Kristyn Moore, holistic health coach $19 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Tuesday, March 10, 10 – 11 a.m.

Lakeside Room, Visitor Center

New! Allergy 102: Taking Food Allergies on the Road!

How to travel with ease and send your children to camp with confidence!

If the question “will I be able to eat anything while I am away from home?” sounds familiar, this is the class for you! “How can I eat out at restaurants with confidence?” “Will my children be able to enjoy their camp experience safely?” “Where/how can I find foods on the road that I am used to?” All of these questions and more will be answered in this informative class about food allergies on the go! You will learn practical steps to take and implement to ensure an enjoyable trip. This class is taught by a certified holistic health coach who lives in a household full of food allergies!

Don’t let the food allergies hold you back...bon voyage!!

Kristyn Moore, holistic health coach $19 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Tuesday, March 10, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Lakeside Room, Visitor Center

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Adult Education:Wellness and Fitness

Wellness

Adult Education: Wellness and Fitness

New! Curious About Detoxing?

Tai Chi Classes

Tai Chi: Advanced Yang-Style

This course will teach you how to detox in a holistic way for improved health, clarity, and strength.

Elyse Wagner, a holistic nutritionist and positive psychology professional, will provide an action plan for detoxing on a daily basis. Wagner will provide resources and actionable tools to create a delicious relationship with your food, body, and attitude. Class registration includes a detox smoothie sample as well as a signed copy of Elyse’s book, Smoothie Secrets Revealed: A Guide to Enhance Your Health.

Tai chi’s fluid movements make the Chicago Botanic Garden an ideal location for classes. People of all ages and physical conditions can learn these movements. Tai chi is best practiced in loose clothing and stocking feet or comfortable flat shoes.

On occasion, when weather permits, class will occur outdoors in one of the beautiful areas of the Garden.

One-time class trial fee: $20.

This course continues with in-depth study of the Yang-style for students who have completed the intermediate class level and feel comfortable advancing. Some qigong exercises, such as the Eight Pieces of Brocade, will also be practiced. In session we will emphasize the ABCs—alignment, breathing, and concentration.

Elyse Wagner, M.S., kitchen shrink: nutrition and positive psychology coach $65 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Wednesday, March 18, 7 – 8:30 p.m.

Plant Science Lab, Regenstein Center

This course will introduce students to Sun-style tai chi chuan with a few Yang-style concepts as well.

Sun-style is the most modern form of tai chi and the movements are very gentle in nature. We will focus on basic principles to improve your balance and relaxation, and also increase your range of motion and reduce stress. This class of gentle movements is recommended for beginners and provides you with a solid foundation for choosing future studies. No previous tai chi experience is required, and all are welcome.

Meditation Walk: The Cycles of Life What better way to enjoy the seasonal weather and nourish your spirit at the same time than an early morning meditation walk at the Chicago Botanic Garden! Come prepared to relax and renew as we slowly walk around the Great Basin, making four stops for guided meditation. The four life-cycle images we will focus on are creation/birth, growth, pain and loss, and new life. Each image will be linked to our own life experiences, and you will have private time to contemplate, journal, wander, and breathe. This event will take place rain or shine as we can utilize covered spaces if needed.

Mary Ann Spina, teacher, writer, and counselor $25 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, May 3, 8 – 10 a.m.

Meet at Visitor Center

Fitness Walks Maximize the benefits of walking for exercise by learning about proper posture, muscle strengthening, and stretching. The Chicago Botanic Garden’s outdoor environment is a unique alternative to a health club, offering fresh air and a place where beautiful scenery changes weekly. All fitness levels are accommodated.

Dress for the weather; wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. The incremental multisession pass allows the walker to choose which sessions to attend during the season.

Tai Chi For Beginners: Sun-Style

Gordon Lock, instructor $187 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Spring Semester: 10 Tuesdays, March 10 – May 19, 8 – 9 a.m. (no class April 14) Burnstein Hall

Tai Chi For Beginners: Yang-Style This course will introduce students to Yang-style tai chi chuan with a few Sun-style concepts as well. Tai chi from the Yang family is a beautiful, slow-moving meditation in motion. We will focus on basic principles to improve your balance and relaxation, and also increase your range of motion and reduce stress.

This class of gentle movements is recommended for beginners and provides you with a solid foundation for choosing future studies. No previous tai chi experience is required, and all are welcome.

Gordon Lock, instructor Winter Mini-Semester: $94 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 5 Wednesdays, January 21 – February 18, 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. or Spring Semester: $187 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 10 Wednesdays, March 11 – May 20, 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. (no class April 15) Burnstein Hall

Tai Chi: Advanced Sun-Style This course continues with in-depth study of the Sun-style for students who have completed the intermediate class level and feel comfortable advancing. Some qigong exercises, such as the Eight Pieces of Brocade, will also be practiced. In session we will emphasize the ABCs—alignment, breathing, and concentration.

Gordon Lock, instructor Winter Mini-Semester: $94 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 5 Thursdays, January 22 – February 19, 8 – 9 a.m. or Spring Semester: $187 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 10 Thursdays, March 12 – May 21, 8 – 9 a.m. (no class April 16) Burnstein Hall

Tai Chi: Intermediate Yang-Style

Gordon Lock, instructor $187 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Spring Semester: 10 Tuesdays, March 10 – May 19, 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. (no class April 14) Burnstein Hall

Further your study of the Yang form of tai chi.

Consistent practice of tai chi helps us to relax from the fast pace of multitasking and recognize the moment at hand. The movements help to reconnect us to mind-body awareness and restore harmony and balance into our daily routines. Tai Chi for Beginners or some tai chi experience is recommended.

Esther Gutiérrez-Sloan, certified personal trainer and president, SALSArobics, Inc. # of Sessions Nonmember Fee (members

receive 20% discount) 4 Sessions $63 nonmember 8 Sessions $119 nonmember 12 Sessions $166 nonmember Drop-in Rate $15

Tai Chi: Intermediate Sun-Style

Saturdays, April 11 – November 14, 8 – 9 a.m.

Meet at Visitor Center

Gordon Lock, instructor Winter Mini-Semester: $94 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 5 Wednesdays, January 21 – February 18, 8 – 9 a.m. or Spring Semester: $187 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 10 Wednesdays, March 11 – May 20, 8 – 9 a.m. (no class April 15) Burnstein Hall

Gordon Lock, instructor Winter Mini-Semester: $94 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 5 Thursdays, January 22 – February 19, 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. or Spring Semester: $187 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 10 Thursdays, March 12 – May 21, 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. (no class April 16) Burnstein Hall

Further your study of the Sun form of tai chi.

Consistent practice of tai chi helps us to relax from the fast pace of multitasking and recognize the moment at hand. The movements help to reconnect us to mind-body awareness and restore harmony and balance into our daily routines. Tai Chi for Beginners or some tai chi experience is recommended.

60 To register, visit chicagobotanic.org/school or call (847) 835-8261.

Tai Chi

Yoga Flow Beginner The Yoga Flow series combines movement linked to the breath, working the body and engaging the mind. This is a moderately challenging course for students with some yoga experience.

Steve Nakon, Whole Journey $187 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Winter session: 10 Tuesdays, January 13 – March 17, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. or 6 – 7 p.m.

Linnaeus Room or Spring session: 10 Tuesdays, April 7 – June 16, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. or 6 – 7 p.m. (no class April 14) Linnaeus Room

Yoga Flow Intermediate The Yoga Flow series combines movement linked to the breath, working the body and engaging the mind. This is a more exhilarating, challenging Flow series for students who have taken Beginner Flow or have comparable experience.

Yoga Classes

Gentle Yoga

Yoga is an ancient practice that unites body, mind, and spirit. For all sessions, wear comfortable clothing (sweats, shorts, or yoga pants) with socks or bare feet. Yoga mats are required. It is also suggested that you bring a towel with you, as well as a sweatshirt for cool-down. All yoga classes last approximately 60 minutes. If your class is scheduled to occur on a holiday date you observe, please speak with the instructor regarding attending a make-up class. One-time class trial fee: $20.

A series of yoga poses and breathing exercises designed and adapted for a tranquil, relaxing yoga experience. In this course, we will take a gentle, restorative approach to the practice. All students are welcome. Come and enjoy a sense of peace and balance.

Yoga Master Class This class is designed for the student who is looking for a deeper understanding of the principles of movement and alignment. Join us for engaging practices in a welcoming, accepting, and encouraging environment. Be ready to explore your whole body through carefully designed sequences, gaining understanding of movement in more depth and detail. Don’t miss the opportunity to emerge from this experience with a new knowledge set, a deeper understanding of your practice, and a stronger relationship with your essential self. Class size is limited so sign up soon.

Steve Nakon, Whole Journey $125 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Winter session: 5 Fridays, February 20 – March 20, 9 – 10:30 a.m.

Linnaeus Room or Spring session: 5 Fridays, May 22 – June 19, 9 – 10:30 a.m.

Linnaeus Room

Steve Nakon and Patricia Nakon, Whole Journey $187 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Winter session: 10 Mondays, January 12 – March 16, 9 – 10 a.m. or 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Linnaeus Room or Spring session: 10 Mondays, April 6 – June 15, 9 – 10 a.m. or 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. (no class April 13) Linnaeus Room

Introductory Yoga This is a course for the newer student focusing on yoga movement and breathing basics. We will investigate how the principles of yoga help support health and well-being. All are welcome. Join us as we explore the yoga basics.

Steve Nakon, Whole Journey $187 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Winter session: 10 Wednesdays, January 14 – March 18, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. or 7 – 8 p.m.

Linnaeus Room or Spring session: 10 Wednesdays, April 8 – June 17, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. or 7 – 8 p.m. (no class April 15) Linnaeus Room

Steve Nakon, Whole Journey $187 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Winter session: 10 Tuesdays, January 13 – March 17, 8 – 9 a.m. or 10 Thursdays, January 15 – March 19, 9 – 10 a.m. or 6 – 7 p.m.

Linnaeus Room or Spring session: 10 Tuesdays, April 7 – June 16, 8 – 9 a.m. (no class April 14) or 10 Thursdays, April 9 – June 18, 9 – 10 a.m. or 6 – 7 p.m. (no class April 16) Linnaeus Room

Gentle Yoga and Meditation All levels of fitness and experience are welcome in this class, which will include meditative movement and contemplative stillness. We will focus on the breath and relieving stress.

Steve Nakon, Whole Journey $187 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Winter session: 10 Wednesdays, January 14 – March 18, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Linnaeus Room or Spring session: 10 Wednesdays, April 8 – June 17, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (no class April 15) Linnaeus Room

Wellness programming is generously supported by NorthShore University HealthSystem.

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Adult Education: Wellness and Fitness

Wellness & fitness at the Garden

Youth & Family Programs

Youth and Family Programs Early positive experiences in nature or other plant-rich environments can foster a lifelong appreciation of the natural world. That is why, with the support of the Guild of the Chicago Botanic Garden, we are deeply committed to engaging families and children of all ages with a year-round schedule of professionally designed, age-appropriate programs held throughout the Garden.

Camp CBG: The Best Days “When asked how she liked her first day of Bug Brigade, my daughter said, ‘It was the best day of my life!’”

– Camp CBG parent It will be summertime again… sooner than you think!

Be sure to make Camp CBG a part of it. Campers explore the natural world through creative and fun-filled activities led by the most caring and qualified instructors around.

There’s something for everyone—campers who are still in strollers, all the way up through middle school: bug lovers, treasure hunters, plant-o-philes, wizards, foodies, adventurers, and more! Flexible options include morning sessions, afternoons, full day, one week, or several weeks.

If you are a returning camp family, you know sessions fill quickly. Registration begins Monday, December 8. Sign up at chicagobotanic.org/camp while space is available for our most popular programs.

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Garden Plus members receive a 20 percent discount!

Visit chicagobotanic.org/membership to become a Garden Plus member today.

Free Programs Discovery Backpacks Enliven your family’s Garden visit using tools to identify and observe plants and animals. Check out one of our free Backpacks, available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Information Desk in the Visitor Center.

Story Time Stop by the Lenhardt Library on Monday mornings for nature-themed stories and hands-on activities.

Geared toward children ages 2 to 5 with a caregiver.

No program April 20.

Mondays, January 12 – May 18 10 – 11 a.m.

Visit chicagobotanic.org/forfamilies for more information.

Fee-based Programs Little Diggers Learn about flowers, discover animals, experience the changing seasons, and more! These four-class series for children ages 2 to 4 and caregivers meet mornings, once a month. Each program includes group activities, time for free play, and a planting project. Select Thursday, Friday, or Saturday mornings, January through April.

Weekend Family Classes Together, adults and children ages 4 – 10 can explore cool things about how plants connect to science, art, history, and culture. Each Saturday or Sunday program includes a variety of hands-on activities and projects, as well as opportunities to bring the Garden home.

9:30 – 11 a.m. or 1 – 2:30 p.m. $22 nonmember per child Garden Plus members receive a 20 percent discount Three Sisters Saturday, October 18 Hear the story of the Three Sisters (corn, bean, and squash), create a delicious dried bean soup jar to enjoy at home, and investigate why popcorn pops.

Then taste the results!

Pizza Gardens Saturday, November 1 Sample some of the different plants used to flavor pizza, learn to mix and knead pizza dough, and plant a special Italian herb garden to make tasty pizza treats at home!

Play with Plants Sunday, November 16 Design toys from all different kinds of plant parts!

Explore seeds and use them to make an ancient board game, and examine leaves from corn and turn them into people or animals.

Joyful Gingerbread Sunday, December 7, or Saturday, December 20 Explore all the different plants and plant parts needed to make gingerbread. Take home a future ginger plant, decorate cookies, and mix up a batch of gingerbread to bake at home.

9:30 – 10:30 a.m. $75 nonmember per child Garden Plus members receive a 20 percent discount Thursdays: 1/15, 2/12, 3/12, 4/9 Fridays: 1/16, 2/13, 3/13, 4/10 Saturdays: 1/17, 2/14, 3/14, 4/11 Visit chicagobotanic.org/littlediggers to register or call (847) 835-6801 for more information.

Birthday Parties Celebrate your child’s birthday with a gardenthemed party! Choose from a variety of topics. All parties include educational, hands-on activities led

by Garden staff. Every child takes home a plant plus additional items they’ve created. Parties can be scheduled year-round on Saturday or Sunday mornings or afternoons for children turning 4 and up. Garden Plus membership required.

Visit chicagobotanic.org/birthdays or call (847) 835-8275 for more information.

Children and adults explore together in Weekend Family Classes.

Hot Chocolate Saturday, January 10, or Sunday, January 18 Uncover the story of chili and chocolate—products that come from South American plants! Examine parts of the cacao tree, learn how bitter beans make delicious desserts, and mix up several different kinds of historic chocolate drinks, even an ancient Aztec version. Take home a chocolate mint and an ornamental pepper to concoct your own creations.

New! Winter Explorers Saturday, January 31 Plants and animals can survive outside, even in the cold winter. Explore how evergreens thrive in the cold, search for animal tracks and make a snow catcher to use at home. Dress for the weather; we will be spending time outside!

Papermaking with Plants Sunday, February 8 Plants help make products we use every day—like paper. Learn the process of turning plants and old paper scraps into paper. Make sheets of textured, scented, and colored handmade paper.

Homemade Ice Cream Saturday, February 21, or Sunday, March 1 Get an up-close look at one of the world’s tiniest seeds from the vanilla orchid, make a batch of ice cream, and pot up a plant that can flavor ice cream.

Limit of two children per adult.

Gumballs & Superballs Saturday, March 21, or Sunday, April 12 Find out how people use parts of rain forest trees to make chewing gum and rubber. Create your own bouncing ball and flavorful gum to take home.

Visit chicagobotanic.org/familyprograms or call (847) 835-6801 for more information.

Youth & Family Programs

Family Programs

Youth & Family Programs

Youth Programs

Camps

Scouts

Winter Break Camp

Scout Badge Programs

Children in grades K–5 can engage in exciting hands-on indoor and outdoor activities while discovering the Garden in winter. They’ll investigate weather, explore seasonal adaptations of plants and animals, enjoy a visit to our Wonderland Express holiday exhibition (December 29), and dabble in art.

Scouts will complete badge requirements with challenging activities. Our wide range of scout programs take children throughout the Garden, and can be scheduled after school on Mondays through Fridays and on Saturdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

90-minute programs (ages 6–8): Deposit of $120 covers 10 Scouts; plus $10 per additional Scout, due on the day of the program.

2-hour programs (ages 9–12): Deposit of $170 covers 10 Scouts; plus $15 per additional Scout, due on the day of the program.

Visit chicagobotanic.org/scout or call (847) 835-8239 for more information about these programs.

Scout Seasonal Workshop: Winter Wonders Scouts can discover the magic of nature in winter through hands-on activities that combine art and science. Participants will take a winter wildlife hike through the Garden, and will make a fragrant evergreen swag and a beeswax candle. Please dress for the weather.

Adults should plan to stay with their Scouts for the duration of the program. If you are a leader registering a group, at least one adult chaperone for every five Scouts is required.

Saturday, December 13 12:45 – 3 p.m. $14 per child Visit chicagobotanic.org/scout/seasonal or call (847) 835-6801 for more information.

Scout Seasonal Workshop: Valentine’s Day Join fellow Scouts to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Scouts will create recycled Valentines, make their own paper, visit the Orchid Show and discover that plants are necessary to make everyone’s favorite sweets.

Adults should plan to stay with their Scouts for the duration of the program. At least one adult chaperone for every five Scouts is required.

Saturday, February 14 12:45 – 3 p.m. $14 per child Visit chicagobotanic.org/scout/seasonal or call (847) 835-6801 for more information.

Children enjoy hands-on fun in programs and camps at the Garden.

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December 22, 23, 26, 29, 30, and January 2 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. $72 nonmember per child per day Garden Plus members receive a 20 percent discount December 22: Winter Weather & Animals December 23: A Visit to Japan December 26: Everything Snow!

December 29: All Aboard the Wonderland Express December 30: All about Art January 2: Plant Packages Visit chicagobotanic.org/winterbreakcamp to register or call (847) 835-6801 for more information.

School Day-off Camps Your child might have a day off of school, but it is a day “on” at the Garden! Children in grades K–3 will participate in high-quality learning activities with experienced teachers who use inquiry-based, hands-on activities. Programming connects nature to a range of themes including art, cuisine, and conservation.

October 13, 2014 January 19, 2015 April 6, 2015 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. $72 nonmember per child per day Garden Plus members receive a 20 percent discount Visit chicagobotanic.org/dayoffcamp to register or call (847) 835-6801 for more information.

Spring Break Camp Children in grades K–5 will participate in high-quality learning activities with experienced teachers who use inquiry-based, hands-on activities. Programming connects nature to a range of themes including art, cuisine, and conservation. This spring, children will dissect and plant seeds, explore fragrant herbs and flowers, search for birds and early spring plants on nature hikes, take a trolley ride around the Garden, create take-home science-themed projects, and much more!

March 30 – April 3, 2015 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. $72 nonmember per child per day Garden Plus members receive a 20 percent discount March 30: Seeds March 31: Signs of Spring April 1: A Visit to the Woods April 2: Greenhouses and Gardens April 3: Bugs and Bubbles Visit chicagobotanic.org/springbreakcamp to register or call (847) 835-6801 for more information.

Youth & Family: Camp CBG

Grades

1-2

Camp CBG Camp CBG provides exciting and enriching learning experiences for your child, with programs for children ages 6 month to 15 years. All camps include nature exploration, inquiry-based activities, games, hands-on projects, and planting. The Garden offers weeklong morning, afternoon, and all-day camps from June to August.

Complete class descriptions, fees, and schedule with dates and times will be available at chicagobotanic.org/camp in early November.

Online registration will be available at chicagobotanic.org/camp on December 8, 2014, at 9 a.m.

2

My First Camp Age 2

Would you like to spend some time learning, exploring, and bonding with your child in an engaging environment? Welcome to My First Camp! Each camp is offered two different weeks each summer. Choose a 9 or 10:30 a.m. camp to attend with your child.

$42 nonmember per child per week Garden Plus members receive a 20 percent discount

Is your tot interested in helping out in the kitchen, setting the kitchen table, or eating new foods?

Discover new foods, prepare a tasty snack, and work on kneading, mixing, grating, and spreading skills.

My First Camp Age 2 information

My First Garden July 7 and 9

Bloomin’ Garden Strollers Ages 6 months – 2 years $25 nonmember per child per week 9:45 – 11:15 a.m. Friday Caregivers are invited to join our new social play program. You’ll enjoy a brisk walk through the Garden, talk with a Garden expert, get behind-the-scenes information, and finish your morning with activities designed for our smallest visitors. Every week we will explore a new Garden theme. Camp meets in the Visitor Center.

Born on or before September 1, 2013

Age

My First Camps

• Camp meets one Tuesday and Thursday from 9 to 10 a.m. or 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

• An adult must accompany each registered child.

• To make camp enjoyable and fair to all, do not bring unregistered children, including siblings, to camp.

Nursing mothers may call (847) 835-8361 to make arrangements.

• Dress for the weather.

• Pack a water bottle and nut-free snack daily.

Art & Music July 21 and 23 Share the joy of creating garden-inspired art with your child. Have fun practicing fine and gross motor skills while developing your child’s appreciation of nature and the arts.

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Fantastic Foods July 14 and 16

Your little gardener will dig, sow, and harvest with our child-sized tools! Grow those gardening skills by digging in the dirt and helping us create a garden.

Small Scientists July 28 and 30 Toddlers will explore the world using magnets, water, sand, and the colors of the Garden. Discover textures and smells in nature, practice observation skills, and use scientific tools.

$64 nonmember per child per week

Most children are 4 or 5

Jk-K

Grades

3

Age

Born on or before September 1, 2012

Green Sprouts

$210 nonmember per child per camp

Garden Plus members receive a 20 percent discount

Garden Plus members receive a 20 percent discount

My First Camp Age 3 information

Green Sprouts information

• Camp meets one Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 to10 a.m. or 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

• An adult must accompany each registered child.

• To make camp enjoyable and fair to all, do not bring unregistered children, including siblings, to camp.

Nursing mothers may call (847) 835-8361 to make arrangements.

• Pack a water bottle and nut-free snack daily.

Art & Music July 20, 22, 24 Preschoolers’ creativity will thrive with nature-inspired art and music activities. Engage in clay work, movement, music, and interactive storytelling with your little one at the Garden.

Fantastic Foods July 13, 15, 17 You and your preschooler will discover the different foods that come from plants. Plant an herb garden, practice slicing, pouring, and chopstick skills, and make a fruit salad!

My First Garden July 6, 8, 10 Your preschooler will create a garden and care for plants, from planting to watering to harvesting. Taste the bounty of the Garden and sell produce at our Farmers’ Market!

Small Scientists July 27, 29, 31 Preschoolers will be introduced to the parts of a flower; learn about ants and their body parts; and explore wind, water, and worms through developmentally appropriate activities.

Camps meet Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to noon or 12:30 to 3 p.m.

• Dress for the weather.

• Pack a water bottle and nut-free snack daily.

Bug Brigade June 22 – 26, 12:30 – 3 p.m. or August 3 – 7, 9:30 a.m. – noon Is your child fascinated by bugs? Children will get up-close and personal with butterflies and bees, learn how their favorite insects see, and make a bug sucker to collect and study insects.

Fun with Physics July 6 – 10, 9:30 a.m. – noon or July 20 – 24, 9:30 a.m. – noon Green Sprouts will perform basic physical science experiments and discover the laws that rule the natural world. They’ll explore why items sink or float, how magnets work, and static electricity.

Habitat Hunters June 22 – 26, 9:30 a.m. – noon or July 13 – 17, 9:30 a.m. – noon or July 27 – 31, 9:30 a.m. – noon

Youth & Family: Camp CBG

My First Camp Age 3

Habitat Hunters will explore the different habitats the Garden has to offer, learn how to track animals, and make a habitat for one of the creatures that live here.

Hidden Treasures June 15 – 19, 9:30 a.m. – noon or July 20 – 24, 12:30 – 3 p.m. or August 10 – 14, 12:30 – 3 p.m.

Campers will use a map to find their way, create a treasure chest, and dig up a treasure to keep. They’ll also bring home a plant with a hidden treasure to share.

Mad Scientists June 15 – 19, 9:30 a.m. – noon or July 20 – 24, 9:30 a.m. – noon or August 10 – 14, 9:30 a.m. – noon For young explorers who have ever wondered how fireflies glow, why leaves change, whether fish sleep, or just why? They’ll find these answers and many more as they become not-so-mad scientists.

Nature Art June 15 – 19, 12:30 – 3 p.m. or July 6 – 10, 9:30 a.m. – noon or August 3 – 7, 12:30 – 3 p.m.

Garden Expedition July 13 – 17, 12:30 – 3 p.m. or August 10 – 14, 9:30 a.m. – noon

Explore all the ways to make art from nature! Green Sprouts will use the sun’s power to make prints and dyes, use clay for sculpture, and become inspired by flowers with watercolor painting.

Young ecologists will investigate trees, leaves, prairie plants, and aquatic creatures, discovering all that the natural world of Illinois has to offer. They’ll learn how to preserve these wonders for future generations.

Salad Science July 6 – 10, 12:30 – 3 p.m. or August 3 – 7, 9:30 a.m. – noon We eat parts of plants every day. Young food scientists will explore the Garden to discover how foods grow.

We’ll discover how plants change the sun’s energy into energy for our bodies, prepare our own snacks, and plant a salad to take home!

Sprouting Wizards June 22 – 26, 9:30 a.m. – noon or July 27 – 31, 12:30 – 3 p.m.

Kids become science wizards as they explore basic chemistry and the properties of solids, liquids, and gases through experimentation. No need to bring magic wands…we’ll make our own!

Super Seedlings July 13 – 17, 9:30 a.m. – noon or July 27 – 31, 9:30 a.m. – noon Campers will dig, plant, water, weed, and sow in the Garden. Working together, they’ll create a garden, practice seed dissection, and become true gardeners!

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$210 nonmember per child per camp Garden Plus members receive a 20 percent discount Green Thumbs information Camps meet Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to noon or 12:30 to 3 p.m.

• Dress for the weather.

• Pack a water bottle and nut-free snack daily.

Art in the Garden June 15 – 19, 9:30 a.m. – noon or August 3 – 7, 9:30 a.m. – noon Green Thumbs discover different natural artistic styles while they explore the Garden. They’ll sculpt with clay, make plant dyes, and create their own paper.

Expert Wizardry June 22 – 26, 12:30 – 3 p.m. or July 27 – 31, 9:30 a.m. – noon Young wizards will discover the magic of science as they create strange potions and perform unbelievable experiments while learning basic chemistry. No book of spells necessary—we’ll make our own.

Explore Your World July 13 – 17, 9:30 a.m. – noon or August 10 – 14, 12:30 – 3 p.m Curious campers will learn about the natural world through guided exploration and discovery by visiting the many habitats at the Garden. They’ll also learn how to help preserve these habitats.

Grossology June 22 – 26, 9:30 a.m. – noon or July 20 – 24, 12:30 – 3 p.m. or August 10 – 14, 9:30 a.m. – noon Campers will uncover the science behind “gross” things around and inside them as they explore slimy and smelly natural phenomena. They’ll use their observation skills along with scientific tools.

Incredible Edibles July 6 – 10, 9:30 a.m. – noon or August 3 – 7, 12:30 – 3 p.m.

Young chefs will explore the Garden with their taste buds and find out how plants turn the sun’s energy into fuel for our bodies! We’ll explore how we eat plant parts every day, harvest food grown in the Outdoor Classroom, make our own tasty snacks, and plant an herb garden to take home.

Insect investigation June 22 – 26, 9:30 a.m. – noon or August 3 – 7, 9:30 a.m. – noon Bug lovers, unite! Green Thumbs will search for insect homes, make insect display cases, and create insect-vision glasses to take home.

Kinetic Kids July 6 – 10, 12:30 – 3 p.m.

Budding physicists will discover cool science tricks, explore the laws of motion, and perform physical science experiments with toys.

Plant People July 13 – 17, 12:30 – 3 p.m.

Young horticulturists will explore the fascinating life cycle of plants with plenty of opportunity for scientific discovery, hands-on experiments, and garden cultivation.

Treasure Hunt June 15 – 19, 12:30 – 3 p.m. or July 20 – 24, 9:30 a.m. – noon or August 10 – 14, 9:30 a.m. – noon Campers will develop map-reading skills, use compasses, and discover how archaeologists excavate sites. They will create a hidden treasure map and find secret plant treasures, too.

Wildlife Wanderers June 15 – 19, 9:30 a.m. – noon or July 27 – 31, 12:30 – 3 p.m.

Junior ecologists will study creatures on the ground, in the air, and in the water. Create a science kit, plant a terrarium, identify trees and animal tracks, and record everything in your journal.

Explorers Most children are 8 or 9

3-4

Grades

Most children are 6 or 7

1-2

Grades

Youth & Family: Camp CBG

Green Thumbs

$210 nonmember per child per camp Garden Plus members receive a 20 percent discount Explorers information Camps meet Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to noon or 12:30 to 3 p.m.

• Dress for the weather.

• Pack a water bottle and nut-free snack daily.

Alfresco Art June 15 – 19, 9:30 a.m. – noon July 20 – 24, 12:30 – 3 p.m.

Campers will become artistically inspired by the Garden and try their hand at botanical illustration, sculpture, printmaking, and painting. We’ll explore new techniques each day of this outdoor art program.

Botany in the Kitchen June 15 – 19, 12:30 – 3 p.m. or August 3 – 7, 9:30 a.m. – noon Young chefs will discover how fruits, vegetables, herbs, and nutrients make cooking fascinating. They’ll harvest vegetables and plant an herb garden.

Camera Craft July 13 – 17, 9:30 a.m. – noon or August 10 – 14, 12:30 – 3 p.m.

Campers will learn the elements of composition and framing snapshots, and practice shooting photos around the Garden. They’ll create a pinhole camera and rediscover the magic of nineteenth-century photography. Each camper must bring two disposable film cameras on the first day of camp.

Dirty Jobs June 22 – 26, 12:30 – 3 p.m. or July 20 – 24, 9:30 a.m. – noon Have you ever wondered how dirty, grimy, and grubby you can get working in a garden? Campers see what is in a day’s work at the Garden. Keep our worm bins healthy, learn about the importance of compost, design and plant a garden, and meet a Garden scientist!

Forensic Investigators June 22 – 26, 9:30 a.m. – noon or August 3 – 7, 12:30 – 3 p.m.

This year’s all-new mystery will require young CSI team members to try investigative techniques used by the pros to help us get to the bottom of this summer’s hot case.

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A new Garden adventure awaits! Explorers will search for hidden caches using compasses, maps, and GPS as they learn the etiquette of geocaching. They’ll also create a cache for others to find.

Konnichiwa Japan July 13 – 17, 12:30 – 3 p.m. or August 10 – 14, 9:30 a.m. – noon Time for immersion in Japanese culture as we explore Sansho-En, learn the art of bonsai, create sushi-inspired snacks, discover the art of calligraphy, and visit the Shoin House.

Surviving Outdoors July 6 – 10, 12:30 – 3 p.m. or July 27 – 31, 9:30 a.m. – noon Explorers will discover the secrets pioneers used to find water, make a collection of safe and useful plants, create a shelter, and learn about how to predict weather and storms.

Adventurers Most children are 10 to 12

5-7

Grades

Most children are ages 7, 8, or 9

2-4

Grades

Rovers

$860 nonmember per child per camp

$430 nonmember per child per camp

Garden Plus members receive a 20 percent discount

Garden Plus members receive a 20 percent discount

Rovers information

Adventurers information

Camps meet for two weeks from Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Camps meet Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Dress for the weather.

• Pack a water bottle and nut-free snack daily.

• Campers must bring a nut-free lunch that does not require refrigeration.

• Dress for the weather.

• Pack a water bottle and nut-free snack daily.

• Campers must bring a nut-free lunch that does not require refrigeration.

It is a fantastic adventure at Camp CBG in our two-week, full-day camps for kids entering grades 2 to 4! Campers will explore all the Garden has to offer, make new friends, and jump into a fun-filled, outdoor, and educational camp program. Remember to pack a water bottle and snack daily, along with a peanut-free lunch that does not require refrigeration.

Art July 13 – 17 or August 3 – 7 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Create & Grow July 6 – 17 or August 3 – 14 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Does your child enjoy the arts? Campers will explore the Garden with art, music, cooking, yoga, and planting activities that encourage creative multimedia expression. Spend two weeks of your summer being inspired by the Garden.

Science Explorer June 15 – 26 or July 20 – 31 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Explorers will investigate plant, animal, and human adaptations, while utilizing the scientific process.

Ecology, botany, physics plus chemistry equals a whole lot of fun in this exciting two-week camp.

Artists will introduce Adventurers to the use of various media to create their own art. Using the Garden as a backdrop, students will develop their photography, sculpture, and drawing skills. They will explore the use of natural materials and learn various tricks of the trade used by professional artists.

Chemistry July 6 – 10 or August 10 – 14 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Who knew chemistry could be so cool? Adventurers will explore the basics of chemistry and chemical reactions.

By performing simple experiments, they will develop a basic understanding of acids and bases, fine-tune measurement skills, and understand the importance of accurate data observation and recording.

Cuisine June 22 – 26 or July 20 – 24 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Calling all aspiring chefs! Campers will discuss menu techniques and preparation; learn principles of cooking with fruits and vegetables; improve basic chopping skills; and learn the importance of kitchen safety, setting a table, plating dishes, and creating a healthy meal. We’ll use our harvest in simple summer recipes—ice cream, pasta, and more!

Ecology June 15 – 19 or July 27 – 31 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

What does an ecologist do at the Garden? Adventurers will discover what scientists do as they explore the Garden’s native Illinois habitats. Campers will conduct studies in our prairie, wetland, and woodland habitats, becoming familiar with native species. They will perform their own surveys, identifications, and field observations.

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Youth & Family: Camp CBG

Garden Caching July 6 – 10, 9:30 a.m. – noon or July 27 – 31, 12:30 – 3 p.m.

Youth & Family: Camp CBG

Camp Registration and cancellation policies Registration Deadline

Registration is open until camps fill or one week prior to the start date of camp. You will receive an automated reply immediately upon completion of your online registration.

Membership

Garden Plus and above members receive a 20 percent discount on all Camp CBG programs! Those holding individual Garden memberships will not receive this discount. Please call (847) 835-8215 if you would like to upgrade your membership in order to receive the discount. You will need to provide a member ID number at the time of camp registration. Please note that Garden membership is nontransferable.

Age Limits

Please note the age groupings for each camp group.

Campers must be entering the listed grade in fall 2015. We regret that we cannot make any exceptions to this policy. Campers in the Green Sprouts group and above must be toilet trained.

Online Emergency Forms

Camp CBG does not require a medical examination to attend camp; however, we ask that you fill out our Online Emergency Form as soon as you complete your online registration. In order for your child to attend camp, we must have a completed health form on file

by June 1, 2015. The form is available on our webpage at chicagobotanic.org/camp.

Extra-Special Attention

Please let us know on your child’s Online Emergency Form, if your child has special needs, including physical, emotional, educational, or medical needs.

Advise us of any severe allergies or chronic illness.

This includes information regarding food or airborne allergies. If your child will require special accommodations, please call (847) 835-8361 to discuss prior to registering.

Pick-Up/Drop-Off

Camper drop-off and pick-up details will be communicated via e-mail to all registrants by June 1, 2015.

Morning drop-off is 9:15 to 9:30 a.m.

Morning pick-up is at noon.

Afternoon drop-off is 12:15 to 12:30 p.m.

Afternoon pick-up is at 3 p.m.

Camp groups will leave the drop-off area promptly at 9:30 a.m. for morning camps and 12:30 p.m. for afternoon camps. If a child misses the departure of his or her camp group, it is the responsibility of the caregiver who brings that child to check in, and then escort the camper to his/her camp location for that day.

Please Do Not Bring To Camp

The Garden is not responsible for any item lost or broken during camp. Please leave the following items at home: personal video game players, cellphones, and MP3 players/iPods.

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Camper Code of Conduct

You will be asked to review the CBG Camper Code of Conduct upon completion of the Online Emergency Form: • Campers will treat their fellow campers, instructors, and volunteers with respect.

• Campers will follow directions and stay with their group.

Please read and discuss these expectations with your child. In the event that a camper does not follow the Code of Conduct, or his or her behavior endangers other campers or interferes with an instructor’s ability to provide programming, the coordinator of Camp Programs or camp instructor will inform the parent at pick-up or through a phone call. If a second incident occurs, parents may be asked to withdraw their child from camp. Refunds will not be given for behaviorrelated withdrawals.

Cancellation Policy

You may cancel your child’s Camp CBG registration up to two weeks before the first day of that camp. We are not able to give refunds for cancellations with less than two weeks’ notice. Transfers will be granted up to one week before the start of a camp. A 10 percent administrative handling fee per child per camp will be assessed for all cancellations. To cancel, please call (847) 835-6801. If your child is unable to attend camp due to medical reasons, you may receive a refund (less a 10 percent processing fee) at any time prior to the start of camp by providing a doctor’s note. We are unable to refund for missed days of camp. Camp CBG registration fees are nontransferable. Camps canceled by the Garden because of low enrollment or Garden closure will be automatically fully refunded. The Garden reserves the right to cancel a camp due to low enrollment.

Before- and After-Camp Care

We are happy to offer before- and after-camp care for your camper. The program will be supervised by Camp CBG staff. Activities will include games, art projects, and gardening. Pack an extra snack for your camper for after care. Fees are per week, and cannot be prorated for partial use; no discount for Garden Plus members is available. Comprehensive guidelines, including late fees, are available on the Camp CBG webpage.

Grades preK to 7 June 15 – August 14 Morning Care: 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. $50 per week per camper Afternoon Care: 3 – 5:30 p.m. $63 per week per camper

Lunch

Camp CBG offers a supervised lunch period for Green Sprouts, Green Thumbs, and Explorers campers for $10 per child per week. Pack a nut-free lunch for your child that does not require refrigeration, and we will supervise your child during lunch (noon to 12:30 p.m.) and escort your child to his or her afternoon camp.

Leaders in Training

Our Leaders in Training (LITs), ages 13-15, will help prepare for camps, assist teachers during the day, and learn life skills that will help them in future job searches and college preparation in our two-week program.

For an application and further information regarding the LIT program, please contact the camp manager at (847) 835-8361.

July 6-10

July 13-17

July 20-24

July 27-31

August 3-7

August 10-14

9:45 – 11:15 a.m.

Friday Bloomin’ Strollers

Friday Bloomin’ Strollers

NO CAMP

Friday Bloomin’ Strollers

Friday Bloomin’ Strollers

Friday Bloomin’ Strollers

Friday Bloomin’ Strollers

Friday Bloomin’ Strollers

Friday Bloomin’ Strollers

My First Camp

9 – 10 a.m.

10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

NO CAMP

NO CAMP

NO CAMP

My First Garden

Fantastic Foods

Art & Music

Small Scientists

NO CAMP

NO CAMP

My First Camp

9 – 10 a.m.

10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

NO CAMP

NO CAMP

NO CAMP

My First Garden

Fantastic Foods

Art & Music

Small Scientists

NO CAMP

NO CAMP

Green Sprouts

9:30 a.m. – noon

Hidden Treasures

Sprouting Wizards

NO CAMP

Fun with Physics

Super Seedlings

Mad Scientists

Habitat Hunters

Salad Science

Garden Expedition

Green Sprouts

9:30 a.m. – noon

Mad Scientists

Habitat Hunters

NO CAMP

Nature Art

Habitat Hunters

Fun with Physics

Hidden Treasures

Bug Brigade

Mad Scientists

Green Sprouts

12:30 – 3 p.m.

Nature Art

Bug Brigade

NO CAMP

Salad Science

Garden Expedition

Hidden Treasures

Sprouting Wizards

Nature Art

Hidden Treasures

Green Thumbs

9:30 a.m. – noon

Art in the Garden

Insect Investigation

NO CAMP

NO CAMP

NO CAMP

NO CAMP

NO CAMP

Art in the Garden

Treasure Hunt

Green Thumbs

9:30 a.m. – noon

Wildlife Wanderers

Grossology

NO CAMP

Incredible Edibles

Explore Your World

Treasure Hunt

Expert Wizardry

Insect Investigation

Grossology

Green Thumbs

12:30 – 3 p.m.

Treasure Hunt

Expert Wizardry

NO CAMP

Kinetic Kids

Plant People

Grossology

Wildlife Wanderers

Incredible Edibles

Explore Your World

Rovers

My First Camp

June 28 July 3

Explorers

Jk-K 1-2 2-4

3-4 5-7

June 22-26

Adventurers

3 2

6 mos to 2 yrs

Age Age Age Grades Grades Grades

Grades

June 15-19

FULL-DAY TWO-WEEK 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Science Explorer

NO CAMP

Create & Grow

Science Explorer

Programs

Grades

Youth & Family

Camp CBG Schedule

Create & Grow

9:30 a.m. – noon

Alfresco Art

Forensic Investigators

NO CAMP

Garden Caching

Camera Craft

Dirty Jobs

Surviving Outdoors

Botany in the Kitchen

Konnichiwa Japan

12:30 – 3 p.m.

Botany in the Kitchen

Dirty Jobs

NO CAMP

Surviving Outdoors

Konnichiwa Japan

Alfresco Art

Garden Caching

Forensic Investigators

Camera Craft

9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Ecology

Cuisine

NO CAMP

Chemistry

Art

Cuisine

Ecology

Art

Chemistry

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Teacher & & Student Student Programs Programs Teacher 72

Teacher and Student Programs Understanding the role of plants in an ecosystem is a fundamental part of every child’s education.

We make learning about plants an exciting and enjoyable experience. Through our field trips, teacher workshops, and student internships, educators and students gain botanical knowledge and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. All programs support Common Core standards, Illinois state goals for learning, and Next Generation Science Standards.

Outrageous Orchid Outings Orchids grow in every climate and on every continent (except Antarctica). The smallest are about the size of a dime, the largest weigh upward of several hundred pounds, and they can live up to 100 years! Timed to coincide with the Garden’s exquisite Orchid Show (admission is included), Outrageous Orchid field trips and a teacher workshop focus on these enchanting flowers to teach plant biology, pollination, and more.

During a two-hour immersive field trip, students will be dazzled by the show’s 10,000 orchids and learn about botanical science along the way. Outrageous Orchid field trips are offered February 16 through March 13, 2015. They are aligned with Illinois Learning Standards and are tailored for students in grades preK–kindergarten, 1–2, 3–5, and 6–8. Register early to secure your preferred date. Visit chicagobotanic.org/ ctl/fieldtrips or call (847) 835-6801 for more information.

A corresponding 6½ -hour teacher workshop (6 CPDUs) will be offered Saturday, February 14, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

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Learn to use orchids to teach topics such as flower anatomy and adaptations, and make cross-curricular connections including social science and art. Visit chicagobotanic.org/education/teacher_programs to register.

Did you know that orchids are the largest family of flowering plants?

One-Day Workshops

Two-Day Credit Courses

These short workshops emphasize topics and teaching methods that support curriculum standards.

Two-day courses allow you to study a topic in greater depth and earn Lane Credit and optional graduate credit for an addition fee.

We invite you to increase your understanding of plants and nature, build your repertoire of teaching techniques, and enliven your grades preK – 12 classrooms, while earning professional development and graduate credit. Visit chicagobotanic.org/ teacherprograms for more detailed program descriptions and to register for classes.

Orchids are a unique and diverse family of plants that can be used to hook students’ attention while addressing a variety of general science concepts.

Explore how to use orchids to discuss topics such as flower anatomy, pollination, adaptations, and life cycles. Make cross-curricular connections, including social science though the vanilla orchid and art through botanical drawing. Visit the Garden’s Orchid Show.

Become an Educator Member and receive a 20 percent discount on all professional development courses over $100.

$80

New! Just for Educators Teachers are learners, too! This new series of programs combines fun projects and activities with the plant science and cultural connections that underlie them. You will leave with ideas you can share in the classroom, library, or any educational setting.

Terrarium Making for Educators Create terrariums and mini ecosystems for your classroom! Through hands-on activities and the creation of terrariums, bottle ecosystems, and more, learn a dynamic way to help students explore concepts such as plant adaptations, the water cycle, and ecosystem dynamics. Make a rain forest and desert terrarium for your classroom.

Saturday, February 21, at the Chicago Botanic Garden 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. $80 Grade level: K – 12 PD hours: 6

Birding for Educators Look up into the trees and sky and discover the amazing birds all around us. Just in time for spring migration and International Migratory Bird Day, join us to learn how to use birds to explore a variety of science concepts and make connections to the Next Generation Science Standards. Through hands-on activities, experiments, and nature walks, investigate topics including bird anatomy, behavior, adaptations, migration, and conservation issues.

Saturday, May 9, at the Chicago Botanic Garden 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. $80 Grade level: PreK – 12 PD hours: 6

Outrageous Orchids

Saturday, February 14, at the Chicago Botanic Garden 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Grade level: K – 12 PD hours: 6

Illinois Department of Natural Resources ENTICE: Using Resource Trunks to Teach the NGSS The Illinois Department of Natural Recourses (IDNR) offers resource trunks for loan to educators statewide.

These teaching tools are loaded with hands-on, supplemental, Illinois-specific items that can make your lessons come alive for students! Join us at this workshop to learn how the Illinois Trees and Illinois Wild Mammals trunks can be used to help you meet Next Generation Science Standards for grades K through 3. We’ll examine the trunk contents and take part in activities both indoors and outside. Register at https://www.enticeworkshops.com.

Saturday, April 11, at the Chicago Botanic Garden 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. $10 Grade level: K – 3 PD hours: 6

Art, Nature, and Science for Early Childhood Explore the amazing connections that can be made between art and science with our youngest learners.

Discover a variety of projects that combine art, nature, and science, including exploring plant pigments, using natural items for painting, making sculptural models of plants and animals, and much, much more.

Saturday, May 16, at the Chicago Botanic Garden 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. $80 Grade level: PreK – 2 PD hours: 6

Science Stories Throughout history, people have created stories to explain scientific facts and events. Groundhog Day, Jack Frost, the myth of Persephone who brings spring, and the story of the beautiful Snow Queen are all explanations for weather. Folk tales like the African story of the greedy zebra tell us how animals got their colors, horns, body coverings, and shapes. Spend Saturday and Sunday telling stories, identifying patterns in nature, making observations to explain science, and creating stories to help students understand the natural world.

Saturday, December 6, at the Chicago Botanic Garden 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 7, at Brookfield Zoo 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. $150 (20 percent discount for Educator Members) Grade level: K – 12 PD hours: 15, Graduate credit (additional fee): 1

Even More Edible Science Explore the wonderful world of food through hands-on activities and experiments. Food science can be used to address a variety of concepts in biology, chemistry, and physical sciences. Learn about topics such as density using eggs and oil, changes in matter using popcorn and apples, solutions like syrups and candy, preventing bacteria and other microbes through preserving methods, heating and browning reactions, why exact measurements are important in baking, and much more.

Saturdays, January 17 and 24, at the Chicago Botanic Garden 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. $150 (20 percent discount for Educator Members) Grade level: K – 12 PD hours: 15, Lane credit: 1 (pending CPS approval), Graduate credit (additional fee): 1

Bringing Up Bookworms Discover ideas for fostering literacy through science and science through literacy. Inspire kids to read, write about, and discover science and nature. Learn how to pair hands-on science activities and experiments with fiction and nonfiction readings. We will look at some of our favorite books and discover creative ways to get kids writing about science and even creating their own books.

Saturdays, March 14, 21, and 28, at the Chicago Botanic Garden 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. $150 (20 percent discount for Educator Members) Grade level: PreK – 12 PD hours: 15, Lane credit: 1 (pending CPS approval), Graduate credit (additional fee): 1

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Teacher & Student Programs

Teacher Professional Development

Real World Science Investigations in the Classroom

Custom Workshops

Project BudBurst

Increase your understanding of plants and nature, build your repertoire of teaching techniques, and enliven your classrooms! The Chicago Botanic Garden offers a variety of standards-based professionaldevelopment workshops scheduled specifically for your group. Perfect for teacher institute days, curriculum meetings, or professional development, workshops can be held at your school or at the Garden. Teachers, administrative staff, and parent or neighborhood volunteers can all participate through active learning that models grade-appropriate techniques for integrating plant-based learning into the curriculum.

Workshop topics include Botany Basics, Schoolyard Ecology, Experimenting with Plants, Science and Literature, Kitchen Science, and Midwest Ecosystems, or suggest your own. Custom workshops are a minimum of two hours long and cost $200/hour for each group of up to 20 teachers. Please call Teacher Programs at (847) 835-8253 for more information or to schedule a custom workshop.

Join students and communities from across the country in collecting plant life-cycle data and entering it into our user-friendly database. Details, curriculum materials for grades K through 12, and data from past years are available at budburst.org. Project BudBurst is a collaboration between the Chicago Botanic Garden and the National Ecological Observatory Network. It is supported by grants from the National Geographic Education Foundation and National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Gardening Courses

New! Climate Change in my Backyard This curriculum series integrates student participation in Project BudBurst with investigation of NASA climate data, and uses an earth-systems approach to understanding climate change and its consequences for our environment. The series is aligned with the Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards and is available in three age levels—grades 5 to 6, grades 7 to 9, and grades 10 to 12. Visit chicagobotanic.org/nasa for more information.

Windy City Harvest offers half-day and full-day workshops on growing plants indoors and outside. It’s a great way to improve your home or school gardening skills. Visit chicagobotanic.org/windycityharvest/ courses for a complete list of topics and other information.

Free Classroom Resource Kits for Loan The Regenstein School offers a variety of resource kits of learning materials from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) for educators to use in the classroom. Kits include Illinois Wild Mammals, Illinois Birds, Illinois Trees, Illinois Prairies, Illinois Insects and Spiders, Aquatic Illinois, and more. New this year, teachers may borrow an Enviro-scape watershed model complete with consumable materials.

Borrowing any kit requires a $50 deposit, which is refunded upon the return of the complete kit. For a list of all resources kits, kit availability, and/or to arrange for kit pickup, call (847) 835-8253.

Student Field Trips

Teacher & Student Programs

Other Teacher Programs

Enrich your students’ educational experience with a visit to the Garden.

Choose from a variety of programs that feature plant and nature topics appropriate for specific grade levels.

Guided and self-guided options are available. Visit chicagobotanic.org/ctl/ fieldtrips for complete program information and to schedule your visit.

Homeschool Groups We welcome you to register for field trips to the Garden. If your homeschool group includes a range of ages, please review our complete program descriptions online and select a program that best matches your group’s grade level and knowledge base.

Orchid Winter Programs From Valentine’s Day to St. Patrick’s Day, all guided programs will be immersed in the science and splendor of orchids and will visit the Garden’s annual Orchid Show. Age-appropriate program topics range from plant parts to pollinators and meet the new Next Generation Science Standards. See grade-level program listings for more information.

Guided Field Trips Guided programs are led by trained facilitators who will engage your students with hands-on activities to learn about plants and habitats found at the Garden.

Field trips include outdoor exploration activities, so please dress for the weather. Visit chicagobotanic.org/ ctl/fieldtrips for more detailed grade-specific program descriptions, applicable learning standards, and to schedule your visit. Unless otherwise stated, programs cost $120 per class with a maximum of 30 students.

Chaperone to student ratios are dependent on grade level with a limit of eight chaperones per class.

Available dates and times vary with the program.

Teachers and students alike benefit from the diverse resources at the Garden.

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Teacher & Student Programs

Guided Programs PreK – K

Insect Investigations

Pondering the Prairie

$120 per class of up to 25 PreK students Available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – noon A 1:5 ratio of chaperones to students is required.

There is more to life in the garden than just plants.

Come see the Garden through insect eyes, learn about insect characteristics, and observe unique relationships between plants and insects. Students will pot a plant to take home.

Students explore the prairie, focusing on plant adaptations and ecosystem interactions by conducting quadrant surveys to compare two prairie types. Prairie programs take place outdoors in the Dixon Prairie.

Early Fall

Early Fall

A Walk in the Woods

Forest Fundamentals

Students will learn about woodland habitats and survey the Garden’s rare oak woodland using their senses and observational skills. Woodland programs take place outdoors in McDonald Woods.

Students find evidence of food chains and food webs throughout the Garden’s woodland. They will also learn about common woodland trees. The Forest Fundamentals program takes place outdoors in McDonald Woods. Students will apply their sensory and observational skills as they explore this rare oak woodland.

Discovering Plants Become a junior botanist as you learn about the roles of plant parts! To experience plant parts in action, students will explore the Grunsfeld Children’s Growing Garden, the Greenhouses (Late Fall/Early Spring), or the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden. Each student will pot a plant to take home.

Early Fall, Late Fall, Early Spring, Spring

Outrageous Orchids: Sensational Explorers

Early Fall and Late Fall

Students will use their five senses to fully immerse themselves in the enchanting world of orchids. We will investigate orchid shape, color, and texture while also learning about the origins of vanilla. Each student will leave with an orchid-themed craft. Admission to seasonal orchid show included.

Expedition Ecosystem: The Wonders of Soil

February 16 – March 13

Holiday and Early Spring

Guided Programs PreK – 2 $120 per class of up to 25 PreK or 30 K – 2 students Available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – noon A 1:5 ratio of chaperones to students is required.

Trees and Trains

What role does soil play in an ecosystem? Students will identify the components of healthy soil and come face-to-face with common soil-dwelling critters. Each student will leave with a potted plant.

Outrageous Orchids: Plant Part Investigation Discover why orchids are considered to be one of the most unique flowers in the world. Students will explore the life cycle of an orchid and discuss the scientific reasons behind the flower’s shape, size, and color.

Each student will leave with an orchid-themed craft.

Admission to seasonal orchid show is included.

Learn how to identify evergreen tree families by touch and sight. Learn about their unique adaptations to the change in seasons. Visit the enchanting Wonderland Express exhibition to experience the trees and trains.

Students will take home a special holiday craft.

February 16 – March 13

Holiday

Spring Garden Explorers is one of our most popular guided field-trip programs. Students will participate in discovery stations, each investigating a different science topic. Through hands-on exploration activities, students will learn about plants and other species at the Garden. Students will pot a plant to take home as part of the program.

Guided Programs K – 2 $120 per class of up to 30 students Available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – noon A 1:5 ratio of chaperones to students is required.

Surprising Seeds

Grades 1 and 2 only

Spring Garden Explorers

Spring

What is inside a seed? As junior botanists, students learn about seed parts and how they work together to produce a new plant. After dissecting a seed, students will explore the Garden and pot their own seed to take home.

Guided Programs 3 – 5

Early Fall, Late Fall, Holiday, and Early Spring

Flower Lab

Garden Groceries

Why do plants make flowers? As junior botanists, students learn about flower parts and how flowers, with pollinators’ help, produce seeds. Students will pot a flower seed to take home and apply knowledge gained as they explore flowers in the Garden.

Students will discover the relationship between plant parts and the foods we eat. A Garden exploration to study living examples that are in season is included.

Students pot an edible plant to take home.

Early Fall

$120 per class of up to 30 students maximum Available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – noon A 1:7 ratio of chaperones to students is required.

Early Fall, Late Fall, Holiday, and Early Spring

Edible Botany How are plant parts and their functions related to the foods we eat? A Garden exploration to study living examples that are in season is included. Students pot an edible plant to take home.

Early Fall

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Early Fall and Late Fall

Plant Propagation Clone a new plant from part of another one! Compare and experiment with some different methods of propagating plants as you learn about various ways plants reproduce. Plant a stem cutting to take home and watch the roots grow.

Holiday and Early Spring

Outrageous Orchids: Plant Part Investigation Discover why orchids are considered one of the most unique flowers in the world. Students will explore the life cycle of an orchid and discuss the scientific reasons behind the flower’s shape, size, and color.

Each student will leave with an orchid-themed craft.

Admission to seasonal orchid show is included.

February 16 – March 13

Spring Garden Explorers Spring Garden Explorers is one of our most popular guided field-trip programs. Students will participate in discovery stations, each investigating a different science topic. Through hands-on exploration activities, students will learn about plants and other species at the Garden. Students will pot a plant to take home as part of the program.

Spring

Guided programs bring students face to face with plants.

Guided Programs 6 – 12

$120 per class of up to 30 students maximum Available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – noon A 1:10 ratio of chaperones to students is required.

$120 per class of up to 30 students Unless otherwise stated, available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – noon A 1:10 ratio of chaperones to students is required.

Ecosystems and Plant Adaptations Plants can survive and even thrive in challenging environmental conditions. Discover how plants have adapted to abiotic factors in an ecosystem. Students conduct an inquiry-based investigation of plant adaptations within two ecosystems by comparing and contrasting the influence of abiotic factors on the plant community.

Early Fall, Late Fall, and Early Spring

Guided Programs for Children with Special Needs

Water Quality Students will learn about the aquatic ecosystem by collecting and testing water samples, identifying organisms that indicate water quality, and conducting a chemical assessment. Please prepare your students to be outdoors for the program duration.

K – 12

Early Fall and Spring

Monday through Friday $120 (includes all materials)

Photosynthesis Lab

Outrageous Orchids: Peculiar Pollinators From deceptive scents to vibrant colors, orchids have evolved to attract a wide variety of pollinating creatures. Through hands-on activities, students will experience a day in the life of an orchid pollinator as they test nectar sugar-levels and identify attractive petal colors and scents. Each student will leave with an orchid-themed craft or plant. Admission to seasonal orchid show is included.

February 16 – March 13

Outrageous Orchids: The Mighty Rainforest Step out of the classroom and into the rain Forest!

Using scientific tools, students will take an in-depth look at rainforest plant adaptations and critically analyze the relationships between biotic and abiotic factors within the biome. Each student will leave with an orchid-themed craft. Admission to seasonal orchid show is included.

Bring your students to the Chicago Botanic Garden for a customized therapeutic program in the Buehler Enabling Garden outdoor classroom. These one-hour programs provide a guided, structured experience with nature and are designed for youth with special needs.

If you find it difficult to travel with your students, please contact us to discuss possible programs delivered in your school. Call (847) 835-6801 to learn more about horticultural therapy for your students or to schedule a program.

Students will explore photosynthesis, investigating how and where it takes place, how plants obtain the materials necessary for it to occur, and its products.

Students will use scientific equipment to identify plant stomata and measure the gas exchange.

Maximum number of children: 15

Holiday and Early Spring

Green Buildings Visit the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center to learn about the remarkable conservation features of this building. Students will explore the green roof and create their own roof design.

Late Fall: Tuesdays and Thursdays

February 16 – March 13

School Field Trips at a Glance Age Group

PreK-K

PreK - 2 K-2

Grades 3-5

Grades 6-8

Grades 6-12

Program

Discovering Plants Outrageous Orchids: Sensational Orchids Trees and Trains Garden Groceries Insect Investigations A Walk in the Woods Surprising Seeds Ecosystem: The Wonders of Soil Outrageous Orchids: Plant Part Investigation (1-2) Spring Garden Explorers Pondering the Prairie Edible Botany Forest Fundamentals Flower Lab Plant Propagation Outrageous Orchids: Plant Part Investigation Spring Garden Explorers Ecosystems and Plant Adaptations Outrageous Orchids: Peculiar Pollinators Outrageous Orchids: The Mighty Rainforest Water Quality Green Buildings Photosynthesis Lab

Early Fall 9/1-10/10/14

Late Fall 10/13-11/7/14 Until 11/3

Until 11/3

Until 11/3

Until 11/3

Until 11/3

Holiday 12/1-12/19/14

Orchid Show 2/16-3/13/15

Early Spring 3/16-4/10/15

Spring 4/20-6/5/15

Teacher & Student Programs

Guided Programs 6 – 8

Teacher & Student Programs

Self-Guided Field Trips

School Tram Tours

Self-guided field trips allow students to explore while you lead them through the Garden. Register in advance and Garden staff will be available to discuss areas suited for any curricular topic prior to your field trip. Enjoy a prepared Garden activity by reserving a self-guided activity backpack for your group.

Embark on a delightful journey around the Garden.

Your tram tour guide will show you things you might not notice on your own and invite you to search for clues to nature’s secrets.

Year-round Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. $30 per classroom (maximum 30 students) Parking fee waived for a limited number of vehicles

Self-Guided Activity Backpacks Self-guided activity backpacks provide hands-on activities for teachers to lead while visiting the Garden. Reserve activity backpacks to enhance sensory experience in the Sensory Garden, explore Japanese culture and garden design in the Elizabeth Hubert Malott Japanese Garden, study plant adaptations in the Greenhouses, or investigate the world of pollinators throughout the Garden.

Each backpack includes all supplies for the activities for a group of 30 and can be checked out for either the morning (9 a.m. to noon) or the afternoon (12:30 to 3:30 p.m.).

Year-round Monday through Friday

Additional Field Trip Experiences Wonderland Express Visit an enchanting winter wonderland with twinkling lights and magical indoor trains. Model trains travel over bridges, under trestles, past waterfalls, and through more than 80 miniature versions of Chicago landmarks. Visit chicagobotanic.org/wonderland for more information about Wonderland Express.

November 28, 2013 – January 4, 2015 $3 per person*

The Orchid Show Enjoy an eye-popping walk through the Tropical and Semitropical Greenhouses and Galleries to experience a colorful display of thousands of different orchids.

February 16 through March 13 $3 per person*

Windy City Harvest runs the 20,000-square-foot rooftop garden at McCormick Place.

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April through October $2.50 per person Offered at 10:30 and 11:15 a.m., noon, and 12:45 p.m.

Grades PreK, K – 2, or 3 – 6 30 minutes Climb aboard for a narrated tram tour around the 2.6-mile perimeter of the Garden. Your tour guide will present highlights and history of this living museum, and share information about our research projects and conservation efforts.

Traveling Plant Science Teacher Enrich your curriculum and have the Chicago Botanic Garden come to you! Choose from a variety of programs that feature plant science topics appropriate for specific grade levels, including Terrific Trees, offered in January and February for grades PreK and kindergarten. All programs support Illinois state goals for learning and Next Generation Science Standards, and include live plants brought from the Garden to study, and a plant for each student to keep.

January and February $120 per class (maximum 30 students) $100 for each additional class on the same day

Grades 7 – 12 35 minutes

Schools located more than 20 miles from the Chicago Botanic Garden will be charged a $50 mileage fee.

Model Railroad Garden

Terrific Trees

Guide your students around our popular model railroad exhibition, where 7,500 square feet of miniature gardens and unique settings delight students and chaperones alike. Visit chicagobotanic.org/railroad for more information.

Through the use of scientific tools and hands-on exploration, students will discover the important role trees play in forest ecosystems right from their own classroom. Students will pot a plant to keep.

May through October $3 per person*

The following programs can also be brought to your classroom: Garden Groceries (PreK – 2) Surprising Seeds (K – 2) Flower Lab (3 – 5)

*The fees noted are for self-guided groups or guided groups that want to visit a special exhibition after the conclusion of their guided program. Guided programs that visit special exhibitions will include the fee in the program registration costs.

PreK – K

Visit chicagobotanic.org/ctl/outreach/ for more information about programs and scheduling.

Windy City Harvest

Great Summer Science Experiences for Students

Brighter Futures in a Growing Economy

The Garden is committed to encouraging interest in the natural sciences and promoting careers in botany, horticulture, ecology, and conservation science. The Science Career Continuum offers qualified Chicago Public Schools (CPS) students in middle school through college a series of age-appropriate opportunities to learn about science and conservation at the Garden.

Science First (Grades 7 – 9)

Too often, people faced with limited opportunities find themselves unable to reach their full potential.

Through its Windy City Harvest program, the Chicago Botanic Garden offers alternatives to youth and adults based on the growing interest in urban farming. The results we have seen since introducing jobs-training and mentoring programs in sustainable horticulture and urban agriculture have changed thousands of lives.

Science First is a free four-week summer program for Chicago Public School students currently in grades 7 through 9. While enjoying hands-on, nature-based science activities, indoor and outdoor investigations, and exposure to real scientists who work at the Garden, students improve their understanding of the scientific method and careers in science. Transportation and free lunch are provided. CPS teachers are encouraged to share registration materials with promising students.

Applications will be due April 24, 2015. Visit chicagobotanic.org/sciencefirst for more information.

Windy City Harvest Youth Farm

College First (Grades 10 – 11)

chicagobotanic.org/urbanagriculture/youthfarm

College First is a summer internship and field ecology course for students entering their junior or senior years.

Students get paid and earn college credit while studying environmental science, conducting a research project, and working with scientists at the Garden.

Students meet monthly during the school year to learn more about preparing for college. Transportation is provided. CPS teachers are encouraged to share registration materials with promising students.

Applications will be due April 10, 2015. Visit chicagobotanic.org/collegefirst for more information.

The Science Career Continuum is made possible by the generous support of by an anonymous donor, Lloyd A. Fry Foundation, Institute of Museum and Library Services, ITW, Colonel Stanley R. McNeil Foundation, Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, Alvin H. Baum Family Fund, Discover Financial Services, Harold M. and Adeline S. Morrison Family Foundation, Sage Foundation, Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust, Trillium Foundation, William J. Clancy Foundation, Bertha Lebus Charitable Trust, Takiff Family Foundation, and the W.P. & H.B. White Foundation.

Research Experiences for Undergraduates

The Garden’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program is a full-time, ten-week research internship for college undergraduates conducting research in plant biology and conservation. Students earn a stipend and money for living expenses while they work with research scientists and graduate students from the Garden and Northwestern University.

Professional-development and social activities are also included. Visit cbgreu.org for more information. Please note that the summer 2015 REU program is contingent upon renewal of funding.

The Garden’s REU program is made possible by the generous support of the National Science Foundation.

The Garden’s Windy City Harvest Youth Farm program works with at-risk teens, teaching them about the food system and good nutrition. Each year, approximately 70 young people learn about the importance of plants and work as a team at one of our three urban farm sites in Chicago and North Chicago. These students become directed toward higher education and inspired by the belief that their actions can contribute to positive change for some of the area’s most challenged communities.

Windy City Harvest Apprenticeship

The Garden offers a nine-month accredited certificate in sustainable urban agriculture in partnership with Daley College, delivered by Garden staff at the Arturo Velasquez Institute satellite campus. There are currently six urban farm sites where apprentices (certificate students) learn and practice their production skills. To date, 89 percent of the certificate graduates—career changers, entrepreneurs, and people with barriers to employment—have found seasonal and full-time jobs in the local horticulture and urban agriculture industry. chicagobotanic.org/urbanagriculture/apprenticeship

Windy City Harvest Corps

The Windy City Harvest Corps provides opportunities for people with multiple barriers to employment and is intended for both juveniles (ages 17 to 21) and adults who have been involved with the justice system. The Corps provides training and transitional employment in Windy City Harvest operation sites for approximately 30 adults annually. Participants complete the Roots of Success job-readiness curriculum and are encouraged to apply to the Apprenticeship certificate program. chicagobotanic.org/urbanagriculture/corps The success of the Garden’s Windy City Harvest program would not be possible without federal agency grants, City of Chicago funding for transitional jobs, generous private foundation and corporate support, and the collaboration of employment partners such as Midwest Foods, Eataly, and FarmedHere, whose hiring practices consider people who have gone through the justice system.

Major support for the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Urban Agriculture programs is provided by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA as well as the following: anonymous donors, After School Matters, AgriBank and 1st Farm Credit Services, J.R. Albert Foundation, BMO Harris Bank, Brinshore Development, City of Chicago Department of Family and Support Services, Leo S. Guthman Fund, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, JPMorgan Chase Foundation, Kraft Foods Group Foundation, Midwest Foods, Polk Bros. Foundation, Preservation Foundation of Lake County Forest Preserves, Savor Inc., Howard and Jackie Shapiro Foundation, Spear Family Charitable Fund, Steans Family Foundation, and the Woman’s Board of the Chicago Horticultural Society.

Additional support is provided by anonymous donors, Alvin H. Baum Family Fund, Walter and Karla Goldschmidt Foundation, The Grainger Foundation, George and Amanda Hanley Foundation, Kaplan Foundation Fund/Carol and Ed Kaplan, Walter S. Mander Foundation, Northern Trust, Prince Charitable Trust, United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Woods Fund Chicago/Anne-Marie St. Germaine.

Also contributing are the Albers/Kuhn Family Foundation, Laurance Armour Memorial Trust at the Chicago Community Trust, Benefit Magic, LLC., Tom E. Dailey Foundation, The Outdoor Foundation, Kathy and Grant Pick Fund, State Farm, Takiff Family Foundation, Walgreens, and two individual donors.

Horticultural Therapy Cultivating Health and Well-being Horticultural Therapy Services

Since 1977, the Garden’s Horticultural Therapy Services Program has supported the establishment of horticultural therapy programs at healthcare and human service agencies serving schools, VA hospitals, people with disabilities, and older adults in the Chicago area. The program serves as a primary regional, national, and international resource for information while offering a full range of professional training opportunities. Also available are consulting services in barrier-free garden design, sensory landscaping, and horticultural therapy program planning. Visit chicagobotanic.org/therapy for more information.

Horticultural Therapy is supported by an endowment from the Buehler Family Foundation. Additional support is provided by the Abra Prentice Foundation, After School Matters, Albers/Kuhn Family Foundation, Eli’s Cheesecake Company, Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and the Edmond and Alice Opler Foundation, as well as endowments established by the estate of Florence Rantz, the Kenilworth Garden Club, the Julien H. Collins and Bertha M. Collins Fund, and the Helen and Maurice Weigle Fund at the Chicago Community Trust.

The Chicago Botanic Garden’s education and community programs are generously supported by The Brinson Foundation, The Hearst Foundation, HSBC, Kemper Educational and Charitable Foundation, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

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Teacher & Student Programs

Science Career Continuum

This Season&inGarden the Garden Antiques Fair

This Season in the Garden Kris Jarantoski, executive vice president and director Winter at the Chicago Botanic Garden is a season of contrasts, with something for everyone. One of the high points of winter for me is entering a bright, warm greenhouse from the bracing cold outdoors. The Garden’s Greenhouses offer visitors a trip to the humid tropics, colorful subtropics, or dry, sunny desert—and they can still be home for dinner.

This holiday season, our Wonderland Express exhibition will combine 12 miniature trains and more than 80 Chicago icons made of natural materials with 2,000 poinsettias and 9,000 other plants including amaryllis, kalanchoe, hydrangea, and a mixture of conifers brought in from the Pacific Northwest to create a verdant, magical landscape. Beginning in mid-February, 10,000 orchids will dazzle visitors with gorgeous color combinations and some of the most exotic-looking flowers in the world during our second annual Orchid Show. If you missed it last year, here’s your chance to see what visitors raved about!

When all is said and done, my favorite experience is walking outside, away from the excitement and color of our exhibitions and events, and enjoying the peace and stark beauty of the Garden in winter. There are so many surprising colors and fascinating shapes to enjoy. The structural branches of the Linden Allée are strikingly elegant without the camouflage of leaves. Across from the entrance of the Dwarf Conifer Garden is a planting of Japanese kerria, with its bright green stems. The showy red berries of Red Sprite deciduous hollies are outstanding on the corner across from parking lot 2 and the new North Branch Trail addition, and also in the entrance to the Sensory Garden.

Purple beautyberry sports lavender berries near the east portico of the Regenstein Center. Winter also brings into sharp focus the American hornbeam in the Native Plant Garden, next to the stream by the bridge. It is also called musclewood for its smooth, sinewy-looking bark.

In the Elizabeth Hubert Malott Japanese Garden, the variegated pygmy bamboo’s white leaf margins seem made to complement the snow. The garden comprises three islands, and on the middle one—Seifuto, the Island of Clear, Pure Breezes—the arbor blends seamlessly with the surrounding pines, a perfect example of harmony between buildings and plantings. The dark bark of the persimmons on the largest of the islands—Keiunto, the Island of the Auspicious Cloud—shows a distinctive rectangular pattern.

Our collection of evergreens from around the world adds warmth and variety to the winter landscape of the Garden.

Evergreens are beautiful, especially after a snowfall, but they are are useful, too—as focal points, hedges, ground covers, and screens. Though featured in the Dwarf Conifer Garden, evergreens provide structure to all of our display gardens, especially after the leaves fall from deciduous trees and shrubs. They anchor the Krasberg Rose Garden arbor, provide windbreaks in the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden, create rooms in the English Walled and Circle Gardens, and offer shelter to birds. The arbor at the top of the Sensory Garden is nestled in pines; in late winter, on a warm, sunny day, you may hear the pine cones popping open to spread their seeds.

When I see evergreens flourishing in the dead of a Chicago winter, their foliage healthy and lush, I am reminded of how amazing these sturdy plants are. When I walk the Garden paths in winter, I am reminded—as I am every year at this time—that the wonder and beauty of nature never diminishes; it just assumes new forms.

Without the camouflage of leaves and under a thin blanket of snow, the branches of the Linden Allée are strikingly elegant.

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For more information, please visit Keep Growing online. keepgrowing.com

The Chicago Botanic Garden is one of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County.