Keep Growing SUMMER 2013
Member Magazine and Program Guide
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The mission of the Chicago Botanic Garden is to promote the enjoyment, understanding, and conservation of plants and the natural world.
Robert F. Finke, Chair John L. Howard, Vice Chair & Secretary Thomas E. Lanctot, Vice Chair, Finance & Government Affairs Benjamin F. Lenhardt, Jr., Vice Chair, Garden William E. Moeller, Vice Chair, Science & Education Catherine M. Waddell, Vice Chair, Nominating & Governance Susan A. Willetts, Vice Chair & Immediate Past Chair Sophia Siskel, President & CEO
Dear Garden Member, It’s hard to believe I am entering my seventh summer at the Chicago Botanic Garden. What a journey this experience has been, and what a joy it continues to be. Since I arrived here as a vice president in 2006, the Garden has experienced the same challenges that affect society as a whole. We won’t soon forget last summer’s drought, the flood of 2008, or that year’s precipitous economic decline. Yet through the hard work, talent, and dedication of its diverse staff and volunteers, the Garden has emerged stronger than ever. Last year was one of our best yet, and I encourage you to review the highlights on our strategic plan website at http://strategicplan.chicagobotanic.org. The 2012 annual report will be available in mid-June.
DIRECTORS
Thomas F. Aichele Lindsey Axel, ex officio Sharon Brady Neville F. Bryan John H. Buehler Michael J. Busch Susan Keller Canmann David R. Casper Robin Colburn Peter R. Crane John V. Crowe Jill M. Delaney Christopher A. Deveny James W. DeYoung Timothy A. Dugan Peter M. Ellis Anthony L. Farino Peter B. Foreman John D. Fornengo Steven L. Fradkin Thomas C. Freyman Dorothy H. Gardner Steven J. Gavin Nancy Gidwitz Sue L. Gin James J. Glasser Ellis M. Goodman John K. Greene Joseph A. Gregoire William J. Hagenah Caryn L. Harris Robert D. Hevey, Jr. Elizabeth Hough, ex officio Thomas B. Hunter III Jane Irwin Gregory K. Jones Todd Kaplan Catherine C. Kirby, ex officio Donna La Pietra Eric C. Larson M. James Leider Laura M. Linger Daniel I. H. Linzer Alec Litowitz Josephine P. Louis Barbara A. Lumpkin Mary Ann S. MacLean Jeanne K. Mason Michelle McKenna Michael McMurray Jeanine McNally Riley O’Neil, ex officio Homi B. Patel George A. Peinado Janet Meakin Poor Anne Pramaggiore Toni Preckwinkle, ex officio Arnold Randall, ex officio Susan L. Regenstein Robert E. Shaw Maria Smithburg Harrison I. Steans Pam F. Szokol Collette Taylor Richard L. Thomas Nicole S. Williams Arthur M. Wood, Jr.
In this issue of Keep Growing, you’ll read about plans for two new distinct display gardens, designed by renowned landscape designers Mikyoung Kim and Peter Wirtz. These new additions, once we have secured the funds to realize the projects, will further transform the Garden, continuing its metamorphosis from a degraded plot of land into a legendary center of horticultural beauty, environmental education, and conservation research. In other articles, you’ll learn about Garden scientist Norm Wickett’s research on mosses and the National Science Foundation Tree of Life grant that supports his work; how the Garden’s Plants of Concern program monitors rare plants; and why Windy City Harvest is launching “incubator farms” in Chicago. We also profile Suzanne S. Dixon, who has supported the Garden in many ways over the years and is the recipient of the 2013 Chicago Horticultural Society medal; and John and Mary Helen Slater, longtime supporters who have helped make our shoreline restoration project a resounding success. As always, the main challenge of summer at the Garden is deciding what to do first. Read on for a preview of World Environment Day and our Butterflies & Blooms exhibition, and discover what’s new this year in our summer music offerings, festivals, Camp CBG, and many other programs. You’ll also find some big ideas for small-space gardening. Just before this issue of Keep Growing arrived at your home, I presented the State of the Garden address, an annual review of the Chicago Botanic Garden’s accomplishments and goals. Each year as I prepare for the address, I am reminded anew about how fortunate I am to be a part of this living museum. Reflecting on the Garden’s past 40 years, and looking with anticipation toward a future in which the Garden continues to play an active and useful role in the lives of so many, I can only say to our loyal members, staff, and volunteers, thank you—from the bottom of my heart.
Marilynn B. Alsdorf J. Melfort Campbell Barbara Whitney Carr Kent Chandler, Jr. Gary P. Coughlan Suzanne S. Dixon Thomas A. Donahoe Ralph F. Fujimoto Florence S. Hart Pamela K. Hull Posy L. Krehbiel Bill Kurtis Robert H. Malott Mary L. McCormack Mary Mix McDonald Peter H. Merlin Jane S. O’Neil William A. Osborn John E. Preschlack Anne O. Scott Dain Searle David Byron Smith Susan Stone William P. Sutter Howard J. Trienens Ernest P. Waud III
Sophia Siskel photo by Jeff Cohen Creative
LIFE DIRECTORS
Sophia Siskel President and CEO
Antiques & Garden Fair
Summer 2013 Features 2 Note from President and CEO Sophia Siskel 6 World Environment Day A full day of exciting programs marks the Garden’s observance on June 1. 8 Summer Programs An array of music, festivals, and special events beckons visitors this summer. 12 Butterflies & Blooms Hearts and wings alike flutter within this captivating Lepidopteran paradise. 14 New Display Gardens Plans are in the works for two beautiful, functional new display gardens. 25 Honoring a Prairie Advocate Sue Dixon has supported the Garden for more than four decades. 26 Plants of Concern A diverse constituency monitors rare plant species of the Midwest. 28 Ask the Experts Why mulching is worth it and why warm-season veggies have bad years. Tool time, too! 30 Urban Farmer Incubator Program Grows Hope Windy City Harvest receives a USDA grant for urban “incubator” farms. 32 Breaking the Code Norm Wickett, Ph.D., explores the genetics of mosses through an NSF Tree of Life grant. 34 Small Wonders Pint-size gardens can make a major statement. 37 Donor Spotlight Environmental conservation is a priority for John and Mary Helen Slater. 88 This Season in the Garden Executive Vice President and Director Kris Jarantoski describes summer’s profusion. 3 www.chicagobotanic.org
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Keep Growing
Summer 2013
The Chicago Botanic Garden is one of the treasures of the Forest Preserve District 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.
16 Calendar – Mid-May through August
Programs
Director, Design and Production: Senior Designer: Senior Writer and Editor: Designers: Editor: Contributing Writers:
38 Adult Education 70 Youth and Family
Contributing Photographers:
78 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 4, Issue 2, May 2013. 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 Julianne Beck, Nina Koziol, Jeff Link, Tracy Marks, and Helen K. Marshall Bill Bishoff and Robin Carlson
Visit us: In Person Garden Website Garden Blog
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Exhibits. Page 18
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For more information, please visit Keep Growing online. www.keepgrowing.com ON THE COVER
Throughout the summer lights illuminate Evening Island, including the Theodore C. Butz Memorial Carillon, as the sun sets. This view is from the Water Gardens of the Great Basin. INSIDE COVER SPREAD
At a neighborhood farmers’ market, Green Youth Farmers sell the vegetables they have grown and harvested. www.chicagobotanic.org/greenyouthfarm
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Spaceship Earth: The Fragility of Our Planet
World Environment Day Saturday, June 1, 2013
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the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 1972 to educate the public about environmental issues and to help people learn how to create a healthier planet. On Saturday, June 1, for the sixth year, the Chicago Botanic Garden observes World Environment Day with a full day of exciting and informative programs. The event is from 11 a.m. to 4 pm. on the Esplanade, in the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center, on the Learning Campus, and in the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden. Scientists, educators, conservationists, horticulturists, and local groups will support World Environment Day by demonstrating sustainable gardening techniques and discussing plant conservation and environmental topics. This array of interactive, enriching programs and activities will help visitors of all ages understand how they can practice conservation in their daily lives. World Environment Day is also an opportunity to increase awareness and understanding of the Garden’s extensive plant conservation work. A panel of distinguished experts will give the keynote presentation, “Spaceship Earth: The Fragility of Our Planet,” at 10:30 a.m. in the Regenstein Center. The panel includes moderator Michelle B. Larson, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Adler Planetarium; Alejandro Grajal, Ph.D., senior vice president for conservation and education at the Brookfield Zoo; Jennifer Schwarz Ballard, Ph.D., director of education at the Garden; Pati Vitt, Ph.D., conservation scientist at the Garden and the Susan and Roger Stone Curator, Dixon National Tallgrass Prairie Seed Bank; and former NASA astronaut Col. David C. Hilmers, USMC (Ret.). Panelists will offer a new perspective on the earth’s atmosphere, climate change, and the environment.
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Programming On the Esplanade, visitors will enjoy horticulture demonstrations and community group and partner displays and activities. Demonstrations include drought-wise gardening and butterfly gardening. Interpretive programs in the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden will include Marc Bernard and Patricia Yeo of Big Bowl, connecting sustainable practices to the table as part of the Garden Chef Series at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Visitors may bring home a free Speckled Roman heirloom tomato seedling. At the Plant Science Center, activities include making “discoveries in the dirt,” identifying native spiders, and learning about the rare native white lady’s slipper orchid.
Family Drop-in Activities On the Learning Campus, there’s something for children of all ages in the Grunsfeld Children’s Growing Garden and at Kleinman Family Cove during World Environment Day. Families can help plant the garden for summer in the Children’s Growing Garden, and explore plants and animals that live in aquatic habitats at the Cove. A complete schedule of World Environment Day events is available on the Garden’s website. Garden trolley service to and from the Glencoe Metra station will be available from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Free Gardenwide tram shuttle service for World Environment Day will be ongoing from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; tram tours are also available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to World Environment Day is free; regular parking fees apply. The keynote panel is $12, and preregistration is required. Members receive a 20 percent discount. Plant Container Recycling From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the public is invited to take advantage of the Garden’s annual Plastic Plant Container Recycling Program and bring plastic pots, cell packs, trays, and plant labels to the recycling station set up in parking lot 4. Please knock out dirt and debris before bringing your containers to the Garden.
www.chicagobotanic.org/wed 7
World Environment Day
Here at the Chicago Botanic Garden, we recognize that the loss of just one species can set off a chain reaction that diminishes diversity in plants and animals, not to mention microorganisms—all of which play a role in our fragile ecosystem. World Environment Day was developed by
Summer Events
Summer Sustenance Stir up your season with fresh food, flavors, new adventures, and ideas from the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Farmers’ Market First and third Sundays of the month, May 5 through October 20, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Taste summer during the Garden’s sixth annual farmers’ market season! Open to all Garden visitors, the market is located on the Esplanade. Products are offered by nearly a dozen sustainable farmers from Illinois and neighboring states. Shop for fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables; handmade pottery; salsas and sauces; grass-fed pork and beef products; artisan breads and baked goods; potted plants; and all-natural soaps, lotions, and salves. Pick up a reusable market tote bag during your visit. Be sure to visit the booth of the Garden’s own Green Youth Farm! www.chicagobotanic.org/farmersmarket
Model Railroad Garden: Landmarks of America Open daily from Saturday, May 11, through Sunday, October 27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; evening hours until 8 p.m. on Wednesdays only from June 5 through August 28, weather permitting. Trek past miniature American landmarks and watch miniature trains chug alongside. Over bridges, around buildings, and through tunnels, the 18 trains entertain all ages. Intricately handcrafted landmarks from across the United States are made from botanical materials featuring twigs, bark, leaves, acorns, and pebbles. New this year, see the Lincoln Memorial, an updated White House, and a Pacific Northwest lumber sideyard embedded in an active landscape of tiny trees, shrubs, groundcovers, and flowering plants. Small-scale vignettes of people and animals give the exhibition a storybook feel, while sound effects and a 8 www.chicagobotanic.org
working geyser capture visitors’ imaginations. Purchase tickets in the Visitor Center or at the Model Railroad Garden; members receive $1 off, with free Wednesday admission for Garden Plus members. The Model Railroad Garden is generously supported by Bank of America. www.chicagobotanic.org/railroad
Garden Chef Series Saturdays and Sundays, from May 25 through October 6, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Stop by the open-air amphitheater of the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden for a tasty surprise! Join a different chef each weekend, as each offers inventive ideas and examples of how to prepare seasonal foods. Each demonstration lasts about 30 minutes. Sweet, salty, hot, or cold, each dish will treat your senses to a fresh take on the rewards of edible gardening. Be sure to stop by the plant giveaway booth during your visit to pick up a complimentary seed or seedling to take home and grow in your own kitchen garden! The Garden Chef Series is generously supported by Food Network magazine and NorthShore University HealthSystem. www.chicagobotanic.org/chef Grapevines & Wines Thursday, May 30, 6 to 8 p.m. Don’t miss this new wine-tasting event at the Garden! Taste and learn about wines from around the world. Light fare and wine by the glass will be available for purchase. Tickets are $25 in advance and $28 at the door. Members receive $5 off. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/wines to purchase tickets. For Summer Evenings, see page 22.
Summer Events
Summer Sustenance continued
Art Festival Saturday and Sunday, July 6 and 7, 10 a.m. to
Herb Garden Weekend Saturday and Sunday, July 27
5 p.m. Members’ Preview on Friday, July 5, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Stroll and shop among juried artists during the third annual Art Festival. Find inspiration while browsing among vendors set on the Esplanade, adjacent to the Garden’s newly restored North Lake. Select from photography, paintings, ceramics, cement, metal, fiber, wood, jewelry, and more—all with a botanic theme or materials. Attend interactive demonstrations and booth chats with artists throughout the weekend. Visit the Family Drop-in tent for related children’s activities and opportunities to create art. www.chicagobotanic.org/artfestival
and 28, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. What are the top ten herbs to grow? How can you grow herbs in containers? Find answers to these questions with expert advice during this herb-themed weekend. Engage with herbs through displays, demonstrations, offerings of select vendors, and more. Tour the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden to see a variety of growing herbs and attend daily demonstrations. Join in a variety of kidfriendly activities that include making a dried herb mix for herb butter. Explore the herbs and edible flowers you can grow at home! www.chicagobotanic.org/calendar
Farm Dinners Wednesdays, July 17, August 14, and
Kite Festival Saturday and Sunday, August 10 and 11,
September 11, 5 to 8 p.m. In the idyllic setting of the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden, enjoy memorable meals featuring locally grown ingredients. Start with cocktails and passed appetizers before embarking on a tour of the garden to learn about organic gardening practices. Mingle with fellow diners, farmers, and makers of wine, beer, and spirits. Then, sit down to a multicourse menu expertly prepared by awardwinning chef Cleetus Friedman. Learn how the Garden is growing organic and hear about innovative gardening practices from Green Youth Farm and Windy City Harvest students. Tickets are $200 per person. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.chicagobotanic.org/ farmdinners or call (847) 835-5440. The Farm Dinner series is generously supported by BMO Harris Bank. 10 www.chicagobotanic.org/calendar
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Up, up, and away! Colorful kites are king during this enchanting two-day event. Above Evening Island, in the west meadow, see soaring stunt-kite performances by professionals in a show set to music! Join in the public fly time. Enjoy kite-themed activities for all ages throughout the weekend. www.chicagobotanic.org/specialevent/kite
Heirloom Tomato Weekend Saturday and Sunday, August 24 and 25, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tours at 1 and 3 p.m. Brighten your weekend with tomato-themed displays, activities, tours, seed-saving demonstrations, and products from select vendors and the Wheelbarrow Shop. Meet in the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden to talk directly with the experts, and take a tour led by a horticulturist. www.chicagobotanic.org/calendar
Be still and pause among the blooms. The butterflies are here.
Butterflies Butterflies & Blooms is returning to the Chicago Botanic Garden for a second year of enchantment, opening on Saturday, May 25. Last year the exhibition enthralled more than 50,000 visitors. New in 2013 is an even greater variety of exotic butterflies and a lush plant selection of color-packed crowdpleasers rich in nectar that butterflies love. The 2,800-square-foot Butterflies & Blooms butterfly exhibition is found on the Garden’s Learning Campus. In it, at any given time, is a dense and changing population of 500 to 800 butterflies living amid hundreds of flowering plants. Together, they create a vivid, fluttering kaleidoscope of color not to be experienced elsewhere. New butterflies arrive every week in the pupa stage to hatch from their chrysalises within full view of delighted visitors in the enclosure’s pupa emergence room. Advice for how best to enjoy the exhibition: • Go slowly. Stroll and stop, or sit on a boulder and take it all in. “You may get lucky and have a butterfly land on you,” said Mary Plunkett, manager of interpretive programs. • Visit, then visit again. Different plants will be in bloom. Butterfly activity will vary, depending on time of day and weather. At rainy times, it becomes a treasure hunt to spot them hiding under the leaves.
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• Bring your family. “You can see little babies following the bright colors with their eyes,” said Sarah Paar, coordinator of flower shows. One father was unenthusiastic as he purchased tickets for his family, recalled Tom Tiddens, supervisor of plant health care. “I ran into him later,” said Tiddens. “He was just as excited as his kids about the butterflies!”” • Bring a camera. Some photographers spend hours in the exhibit, to return again and again. In fact, so popular are the butterflies with the shutterbugs that early-hours rental of the exhibition will be available for photography groups on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Volunteers play a critical role in enhancing the experience of visitors while ensuring the exhibition is compliant with United States Department of Agriculture regulations. A few butterflies are North America natives, but most are exotic species from South America, Asia, and Africa. Ninety volunteers gave 2,800 hours of service in 2012 to interpret the exhibition for visitors and to staff both the entrance and exit to prevent butterflies from escaping. Butterflies & Blooms can be an otherworldly experience. “It really feels like you’re immersed in the plants and the butterflies. There is a little bit of disbelief,” said Harriet Resnick, vice president of visitor experience and business development. “It’s such a magical place,” Paar agreed.
Butterflies & Blooms
& Blooms Visitor Favorites 1. Common blue morpho – The Emperor (Morpho peleides) 2. Owl butterfly (Caligo memnon) 3. Doris longwing (Heliconius doris) 4. Zebra longwing (Heliconius charithonia)
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Butterfly Favorites 1. Lantana (Lantana camara) 2. Peregrina (Jatropha integerrima) 3. Sweet almond (Aloysia virgata) 3
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4. Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Butterflies & Blooms is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, weather permitting, from May 25 to September 2. The exhibition can accommodate wheelchairs. The fee is $6 for adults and $4 for children ages 3 to 12. Members receive $1 off each ticket; Garden Plus members are admitted free on Wednesdays throughout the exhibition.
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Garden News
Renowned Landscape Architects to Design New Display Gardens The Chicago Botanic Garden has emerged as one of the world’s great botanic gardens over the past four decades. Within the next few years two new display gardens will further transform this living museum, continuing its metamorphosis into a legendary center of horticultural beauty, environmental education, and conservation research. Renowned landscape architects Mikyoung Kim of Mikyoung Kim Design and Peter Wirtz of Wirtz International have been selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden to create two new display gardens, and they have submitted preliminary plans. “I am elated to be continuing the Garden’s tradition of working with landscape architects of the highest caliber,” said Sophia Siskel, president and CEO. “As we celebrate the Garden’s 40th anniversary, we look back to the history of the Chicago Horticultural Society, founded in 1890, and at the birth of Chicago architecture and urban planning, including landscape design. We embrace our history and the history of Chicago, and honor that tradition with the selection of these outstanding landscape architects.” Once fundraising has been completed, these gardens will begin to take shape on the Garden’s north and east ends.
Mikyoung Kim’s preliminary plan offers a gateway to nature for children and their families entering the Learning Campus on the Garden’s north end. Her design (see below), which includes a canopy walk, an apiary in an apple orchard, and a series of multisensory gardens, offers a vibrant central place for discovery. Kim is excited about the opportunity to work with the Chicago Botanic Garden. “It’s like an artist having a painting in the Museum of Modern Art,” she said, adding, “This Garden project represents the future of learning environments for kids.” Peter Wirtz described his goal in designing the Greenhouse and Nursery Campus garden on the south campus as “giving this relatively unknown part of the Garden a new soul.” His preliminary design (see above) features a curvilinear scheme of strong, sculptural plantings, using trees, shrubs, and structures to create areas for ever-changing shade-loving plants under evaluation; garden scientists and horticulturists will use this garden for research, while visitors will enjoy its aesthetic appeal. When Louis Sullivan declared “form ever follows function” (popularly shortened to “form follows function”), he was referring to the architecture of buildings, and the result was the steel skyscraper. However, this aphorism also applies to the architecture of the two planned display gardens. They will be beautiful but practical as well; their separate designs reflect their different functions, as envisioned by these two highly esteemed and very distinct landscape architects. For more details on the projects and on Peter Wirtz and Mikyoung Kim, visit www.chicagobotanic.org/explore/ projects or see recent blogs at my.chicagobotanic.org. The Guild of the Chicago Botanic Garden is in the first year of a three-year, $500,000 pledge to the Garden. Proceeds for 2013 will support plans for the new Learning Campus display garden, designed by Mikyoung Kim.
Summer Calendar
Antiques & Garden Fair
Between June 1 and Labor Day, the Garden is open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Garden Café hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, and the outdoor Garden Grille is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, weather permitting. Plant Information Services hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays; noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. Mondays Carillon Concert 5:30 p.m. tour, 7 p.m. concert, June 3 through September 2. Tuesdays Tuesday Morning Music 10 to 11 a.m., June 4 through August 27. Music on the Esplanade 6 to 8 p.m., June 4 through August 27.
May
Wednesdays
Ongoing
Dancin’ Sprouts 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., June 5 through August 28.
Exhibition: Nature in View through May 19, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Joutras Gallery.
Thursdays
Library Exhibition: Historic Landscapes: Architectural Designs in Print through May 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays extended to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, noon to 4 p.m. weekends.
Hot Summer Nights 6 to 8 p.m., June 6 through August 29. Saturdays and Sundays Garden Chef Series Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m., May 25 through October 6. Sundays Farmers’ Market 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the first and third Sundays of each month, May 5 through October 20. Garden Trolley Service to Glencoe Metra Sundays only; free for Garden members and children 5 and under; May 12 through September 1. The trolley is wheelchair accessible. Daily Butterflies & Blooms 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, May 25 through September 2, weather permitting; fee applies. Model Railroad Garden: Landmarks of America 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, May 11 through October 27, weather permitting; special hours until 8 p.m. on Wednesdays only from June 5 through August 28; fee applies. Grunsfeld Children’s Growing Garden Family drop-in activities noon to 4 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends, June 1 through September 2. Kleinman Family Cove Family Drop-in Activities 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesdays and weekends, June 1 through September 2. Tram Tours offering a 35-minute narrated tour of the main island or the perimeter of the Garden, through October 27. The Grand Tour winds its way around the perimeter of the Garden, providing a breathtaking overview of the Garden’s 385 acres. The Bright Encounters Tour provides an intimate view of many gardens. Trams are wheelchair accessible. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/ tram for pricing and schedule. Garden Plus members receive free tickets for tram tours, Butterflies & Blooms, and the Model Railroad Garden every Wednesday throughout the season.
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www.chicagobotanic.org/calendar
Exhibition: Lost & Found Remnants of Savannas and Old-Growth Forests through late summer, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Greenhouse Galleries. Mondays, May 13 & 20 Story Time in the Lenhardt Library 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 15 Discovery Programs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday through October 6; weather permitting. Saturday, May 18 Spring Garden Walk: Trees for Chicagoland Landscapes 1 p.m.; no charge. Meet at the What’s in Bloom cart in front of the Visitor Center. Join an expert from Autumn-SavATree to discover the contributions trees add to the landscape.
Saturday, May 25 Butterflies & Blooms opens, daily through Monday, September 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; fee applies. Library Exhibition: Butterflies in Print: Lepidoptera Defined opens, daily through August 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays extended to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, noon to 4 p.m. weekends. Exhibition: Art of the Heirloom opens, daily through August 18, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Joutras Gallery. Northshore Iris & Daylily Society Iris Show & Sale 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Garden Chef Series begins 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through October 6. Sunday, May 26 Northshore Iris & Daylily Society Iris Show & Sale 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Garden Chef Series begins 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through October 6. Thursday, May 30 Grapevines & Wines 6 to 8 p.m., McGinley Pavilion; preregistration required; fee applies. See www.chicagobotanic.org/wines for more information.
Saturday & Sunday, May 18 & 19 Malott Japanese Garden Children’s Festival 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., McGinley Pavilion. Midwest Bonsai Society Spring Show & Sale 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 10 a.m. lecture only for members of the Garden on Saturday.
A Bloomin’ Festival on hiatus A Bloomin’ Festival is on hiatus for 2013. The Woman’s Board of the Chicago Horticultural Society sincerely thanks all who have supported this event. This year, enjoy a special members-only event at the Midwest Bonsai Society Spring Show and Sale on Saturday and Sunday, May 18 and 19.
Buckthorn Removal Volunteer Workday Wednesday, June 19 Help make the Green Bay Trail beautiful by joining volunteers from the Chicago Botanic Garden, Ravinia Festival, the Park District of Highland Park, and the City of Highland Park for a Buckthorn Removal Workday on June 19 from 9 a.m. to noon. Carry a lunch and picnic afterward on the Ravinia Festival grounds. Limited availability of gloves and tools. Meet at the Braeside Train Station in Highland Park.
Calendar &&Garden Antiques FairFair Antiques Garden
June Ongoing Library Exhibition: Butterflies in Print: Lepidoptera Defined through August 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays extended to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, noon to 4 p.m. weekends. Exhibition: Art of the Heirloom through August 18, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Joutras Gallery.
Saturday, June 15 Nature Nights: Ready, Set, Garden! 5 to 7:30 p.m.; preregistration required; fee applies. New Member Day 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 16 Malott Japanese Garden Family Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Elizabeth Hubert Malott Japanese Garden. Saturday & Sunday June 15 & 16
Exhibition: Lost & Found Remnants of Savannas and Old-Growth Forests through late summer, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Greenhouse Galleries.
Father’s Day Weekend Canoe Program preregistration required; fee applies.
Saturday, June 1 World Environment Day 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Camp CBG begins, sessions through August 16; preregistration required; fee applies.
Monthly Photo Walk meets in Annex 1 at 9 a.m.
Wendesday, June 19
Plastic Plant Container Recycling 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Grunsfeld Children’s Growing Garden Family Drop-in Activities begin, through September 1, noon to 4 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends. Kleinman Family Cove Family Drop-in Activities begin, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesdays and weekends through September 2. Nature Nights: Ready, Set, Garden! 5 to 7:30 p.m.; preregistration required; fee applies. Northern Illinois Hosta Society Show & Sale 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, June 2 Malott Japanese Garden Family Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Elizabeth Hubert Malott Japanese Garden. Northern Illinois Hosta Society Show & Sale 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 7 A Rare Affair 6 p.m.; ticket required; call (847) 835-6944 for more information. Monday, June 10 Carillon Concert 5:30 p.m. tour, 7 p.m. concert; don’t miss the second Carillon Concert of the season, as the Chicago Botanic Garden commemorates everyone whose lives or special occasions have been honored and celebrated through a dedicated tribute gift to the Garden.
Monday, June 17
Buckthorn Removal see opposite. Friday, June 21 Garden closes at 3 p.m. Summer Dinner Dance 6:30 p.m.; ticket required; call (847) 835-6944 for more information. Saturday, June 22 Family Program: Biz! Bam! Bugs! 10 to 11:30 a.m. or 1 to 2:30 p.m.; preregistration required; fee applies.
World Environment Day June 1 Keynote Panel “Spaceship Earth: The Fragility of Our Planet” Moderator Michelle B. Larson, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Adler Planetarium; Alejandro Grajal, Ph.D., senior vice president for conservation and education at the Brookfield Zoo; Jennifer Schwarz Ballard, Ph.D., director of education at the Garden; Pati Vitt, Ph.D., conservation scientist at the Garden and the Susan and Roger Stone Curator, Dixon National Tallgrass Prairie Seed Bank; and former NASA astronaut Col. David C. Hilmers, USMC (Ret.). 10:30 a.m., Regenstein Center; fee applies. World Environment Day Activities 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Garden-wide Plastic Plant Container Recycling 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., parking lot 4. See page 6 for information, and visit www.chicagobotanic.org/wed for additional details.
Sunday, June 23 Total Care for the Athlete at Heart 8 a.m. to noon, join experts from NorthShore University HealthSystem for an educational and lively morning focused on helping you get your summer off to a fantastic start. Register at northshore.org/athleteatheart. Free. Free Library Talk: “Butterflies in Print: Lepidoptera Defined” 2 p.m. Saturday, June 29 15th Annual School Gardening Conference: Solving Problems with School Gardening 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; preregistration required; fee applies. Saturday & Sunday, June 29 & 30 Sogetsu School of Illinois Ikebana Sogetsu Exhibition noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday.
17 www.chicagobotanic.org 11 www.chicagobotanic.org/calendar
Calendar Antiques & Garden Fair
July Ongoing Library Exhibition: Butterflies in Print: Lepidoptera Defined through August 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays extended to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, noon to 4 p.m. weekends. Exhibition: Art of the Heirloom through August 18, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Joutras Gallery.
Northshore Iris and Daylily Society Daylily Show & Sale 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday, July 15 – 19 Exploring Nature with Young Children—Teacher Summer Institute 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; also offered October 5; preregistration required; fee applies. Wednesday, July 17
Exhibition: Lost & Found Remnants of Savannas and Old-Growth Forests through late summer, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Greenhouse Galleries.
Farm Dinner 5 to 8 p.m.; preregistration required; fee applies.
Friday, July 5
Cactus & Succulent Society of Greater Chicago Show & Sale 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Art Festival Members’ Preview 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 6 Monthly Photo Walk meets in the Alsdorf Auditorium at 9 a.m. Art Festival 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Esplanade. Wisconsin-Illinois Lily Society Show 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nature Nights: Abounding Butterflies 5 to 7:30 p.m.; preregistration required; fee applies. Sunday, July 7
Saturday, July 20
Bromeliad Society of Greater Chicago Show & Sale 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nature Nights: Abounding Butterflies 5 to 7:30 p.m.; preregistration required; fee applies. Sunday, July 21 Cactus & Succulent Society of Greater Chicago Show & Sale 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Bromeliad Society of Greater Chicago Show & Sale 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Art Festival 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Esplanade.
New Member Day 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wisconsin-Illinois Lily Society Show 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Malott Japanese Garden Family Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Elizabeth Hubert Malott Japanese Garden.
Malott Japanese Garden Family Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Elizabeth Hubert Malott Japanese Garden.
Saturday & Sunday, July 27 & 28
Monday – Friday, July 8 – 12 Nature in the City Teacher Program 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; also offered September 21; preregistration required; fee applies. Saturday, July 13 School Garden Road Trip—Teacher Summer Institute 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; preregistration required; fee applies.
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Saturday & Sunday, July 13 & 14
Herb Garden Weekend 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden. Garden Clubs of Illinois District IX Show noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Family Campout 5:30 p.m. to 8 a.m.; preregistration required; fee applies. Rain dates: Saturday, July 27, and Friday, August 2.
Calendar
August Ongoing Library Exhibition: Butterflies in Print: Lepidoptera Defined through August 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays extended to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, noon to 4 p.m. weekends. Exhibition: Art of the Heirloom through August 18, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Joutras Gallery. Exhibition: Lost & Found Remnants of Savannas and Old-Growth Forests through late summer, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Greenhouse Galleries. Saturday, August 3 Monthly Photo Walk meets in the Alsdorf Auditorium at 9 a.m. Ikebana International Show 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nature Nights: Aquatic Adventure 5 to 7:30 p.m.; preregistration required; fee applies. Sunday, August 4 Ikebana International Show 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Malott Japanese Garden Family Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Elizabeth Hubert Malott Japanese Garden. Wednesday, August 7 Teacher Program: From Our Noses to Our Toes: Exploring Nature through Our Senses 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; preregistration required; fee applies. Saturday & Sunday, August 10 & 11 Kite Festival 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gardeners of the North Shore Show noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Wednesday, August 14 Farm Dinner 5 to 8 p.m.; preregistration required; fee applies.
20 www.chicagobotanic.org/calendar
Friday – Sunday, August 16 – 18 Midwest Bonsai Society Show & Sale noon to 5 p.m. show Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. sale Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Saturday, August 17 New Member Day 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Summer Garden Walk: Trees for Chicagoland Landscapes 1 p.m.; no charge. Meet at the What’s in Bloom cart in front of the Visitor Center. Join an expert from Autumn-SavATree to discover the contributions trees add to the landscape. Saturday & Sunday, August 17 & 18 Malott Japanese Garden Summer Festival 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., McGinley Pavilion. Nature Nights: Aquatic Adventure 5 to 7:30 p.m.; preregistration required; fee applies. Friday, August 23 Library Exhibition: The Feminine Perspective: Women Artists and Illustrators opens, daily through November 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays extended to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, noon to 4 p.m. weekends. Saturday, August 24 Exhibition: Focusing on Nature opens, daily through September 29, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Joutras Gallery. Saturday & Sunday, August 24 & 25 Heirloom Tomato Weekend 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden. Monday – Friday, August 26 – 30 Roadside Flower Sale Workshops
Summer Evenings: Music at the Garden Music abounds during summer at the Chicago Botanic Garden, beneath the evening sky. Garden visitors of all ages gather to dance, eat, drink, or play, and to be inspired by the season. “It’s a beautiful venue where you can be outside, enjoy nature, and listen to music,” said Jodi Zombolo, director of visitor events and programs.
Since the Garden launched its first ongoing music event, Carillon Concerts, in 2005, the variety of programs has grown with the audience. Performances are now offered Monday through Thursday throughout the summer during Summer Evenings performances held in conjunction with the Garden’s extended summer hours, or on Tuesday mornings. Musical styles vary widely between events, from the gentle bells of the Theodore C. Butz Memorial Carillon to the lively beats and fancy footwork of Hot Summer Nights. Zombolo emphasizes that there is something for all Garden visitors. This will be the sixth season for the children’s performance, Dancin’ Sprouts. Offered just once per month in its first year, the event quickly expanded to a weekly schedule in order to accommodate its popularity. “Wednesdays are incredibly good for the little ones,” said Zombolo. “The children’s musicians get them up and 22
moving, and they’re very entertaining.” She also suggested that visitors with children take advantage of the extended Model Railroad Garden: Landmarks of America hours on Wednesday evenings. Garden Plus members receive free admission to the Model Railroad Garden on Wednesday throughout the season. Picnicking is allowed at the Garden in select areas during the concerts. “People really enjoy the opportunity to spread out a blanket and relax at the Garden while listening to live music,” said Zombolo. Visitors may purchase drinks, including beer and wine, on site. Snacks are also available for purchase, in addition to heartier fare from the Garden Café. New this year, you can call ahead to the Garden Café and a pizza or picnic dinner will be waiting for you. Enjoy a favorite weekly event, or try them all!
Summer Evenings
Carillon Concerts Mondays, June 3 through September 2, 7 p.m. Tours begin every 15 minutes from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Plant yourself on McGinley Pavilion, where the soft lights of Evening Island greet you from across the water. Listen to the distinct ring of carillon bells during a 45-minute performance. Enjoy a picnic, or purchase food and drink at the Garden. Arrive early to tour the Theodore C. Butz Memorial Carillon, meet performers, and try your hand at ringing the bells!
Tuesday Morning Music Tuesdays, June 4 through August 27, 10 to 11 a.m. Start your day on the right note with this performance of relaxing instrumental music. Gather on McGinley Pavilion to enjoy this refreshing program, while overlooking the expansive water as it reflects surrounding gardens. This program is popular with early morning walkers and birders, or anyone interested in enjoying a peaceful experience early in the day. Tuesday Morning Music is supported by NorthShore University HealthSystem. Music on the Esplanade Tuesdays, June 4 through August 27, 6 to 8 p.m. Unwind in the glow of the sunset as you listen to performances by local musicians. Relax with a picnic on the Esplanade, or purchase food and drink at the Garden. Musical offerings range from blues to jazz to Spanish guitar.
Dancin’ Sprouts Wednesdays, June 5 through August 28, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Garden’s youngest visitors bop, hop, whirl, and swirl to music just for them at this weekly event! Bring the whole family to enjoy a picnic on the Esplanade.
Hot Summer Nights Thursdays, June 6 through August 29, 6 to 8 p.m. Slide onto the dance floor with your partner during highenergy musical performances by local artists. Follow a lesson, or bring your own steps. Alternatively, settle in on the sidelines and enjoy the entertainment! A variety of musical genres throughout the season, from samba to Cajun to belly dancing, contribute to the fun vibe of this popular event. The entire Summer Evenings concert schedule, including music samples of artists scheduled to perform, is available on the Garden’s website at www.chicagobotanic.org/music.
Summer Evenings concerts are made possible through the generosity of Make It Better magazine.
www.chicagobotanic.org/evenings 23
“I’ve been fortunate to have seen many beautiful gardens around the world. Ours truly is a grand jewel. As important as this exquisite beauty is, it is the Garden’s leadership in research and conservation that will preserve our treasured plants and ecosystems for generations to come.” – Suzanne S. Dixon Created in 1980, the Chicago Horticultural Society Medal recognizes those whose leadership, devotion, and courage have provided exceptional service to the Society. The 2013 Chicago Horticultural Society Medal will be presented to Suzanne S. Dixon in a ceremony held at the Chicago Botanic Garden on May 16. The Garden is grateful to Sue for her years of leadership and support, and honored to present her with this year’s medal. Raised on Chicago’s North Shore, Suzanne S. Dixon has always been an outdoorswoman. As an adult, she began to appreciate native plants and became passionate about the prairie. Sue and her husband, Wes, grew particularly fond of a five-acre parcel of native prairie near their Lake Forest home. When the property became available, they started making plans to build a house overlooking this magnificent piece of land. They moved to their new home in 1988, christening it “Prairie Dock,” the name of a native plant that grows abundantly on their property and a reference to the docklike boardwalk that leads through the prairie to a pond. Dixon’s love of the land extends well beyond her own backyard. A President’s Circle member of the Chicago Botanic Garden since 1971, she joined the board of directors in 1997 and became a life director in 2012. Her astute insights have enriched the work of the Buildings and Gardens and the Conservation Science
Committees. She also served on the Blooming Campaign Steering Committee and helped make the inaugural Summer Dinner Dance a success. Over the years, Sue Dixon has been as generous with her financial support as she has been in her dedication of time to the Garden. In fact, her legacy over more than four decades has been integral to the Garden’s growth. Visitors are familiar with the Dixon Prairie, but they may not know that this dedicated visionary also made possible the Dixon National Tallgrass Prairie Seed Bank and Preparation Laboratory, part of the Garden’s Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center. Conserving and storing imperiled prairie seeds away from their homes safeguards them from environmental threats, and enables scientists to use them for research and potentially to restore native plant communities. Dixon’s involvement with the Garden is hands-on, thoughtful, and enthusiastic. She walks through the eponymous prairie regularly and speaks with staff to stay updated about work happening there and in the Seed Bank. In a 2011 episode of Dirty Jobs filmed at the Garden, Dixon’s humor and trademark spunk were evident as she discussed her beloved prairie.
Sue Dixon and Mike Rowe, host of the Discovery Channel series Dirty Jobs, share a laugh during filming.
The Dixon Prairie was created with the generous support of Sue and Wes Dixon, who also have provided an endowment to ensure that the prairie will be enjoyed by future generations. www.chicagobotanic.org 25
Supporting the Garden
Honoring Suzanne S. Dixon, Prairie Advocate
Plants of Concern: A Dedicated, Diverse Group Monitors Rare and Endangered Plants
Butler’s quillwort is the common name for a nonflowering, 3- to 4-inch tall plant closely related to the fern. Known scientifically as Isoëtes butleri, the plant grows in open, rocky, calcified soils. It is found in Illinois in exposed, sunlit prairies, and in eight southern states in the seasonally wet soils of cedar glades and barrens. Aside from that—and the fact that it reproduces by spores underground—surprisingly little is known about this endangered plant. For someone unfamiliar with its appearance, the turfed, grasslike perennial herb is remarkably easy to miss. But last winter, when Susanne Masi approached Erin Vander Stelt with the idea of investigating the plant for a master’s thesis, Vander Stelt was instantly excited. Masi is the manager of regional floristics at the Chicago Botanic Garden and the program coordinator for Plants of Concern (POC). Like Masi, Vander Stelt understands that despite its innocuous presence, Butler’s quillwort— like all plants—plays an important role in the ecosystem, and protecting it ultimately helps to protect the planet. Plants of Concern, a rare plant monitoring program, was colaunched by the Chicago Botanic Garden and AudubonChicago Region in 2001, supported by Chicago Wilderness funding. Since then, hundreds of volunteer 26
participants in several states have helped locate and count rare, endangered, and threatened plants, and recorded threats and invasive plants that impact these precious species. This standardized regional data about rare plant populations is part of an effort to understand how land management practices such as controlled burning, herbicide treatment, and invasive plant removal may affect the health and sustainability of these plant populations. Recently awarded a $14,000 Wildlife Preservation Fund grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), the Plants of Concern program brings together a diverse constituency of trained volunteers, public and private land managers, and scientists to monitor 237 rare plant species at 308 sites, including regional forest preserves, the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, and privately owned land parcels. Plants of Concern has grown steadily since its inception and now operates in eight counties of northeastern Illinois, as well as portions of southeastern Wisconsin and northwest Indiana. For Vander Stelt, a master’s candidate in her second year of the Graduate Program in Plant Biology and Conservation codirected by the Garden and Northwestern University, Plants of Concern offers an opportunity for her to fulfill a lifelong dream of studying and attempting
Conservation Science
Antiques & Garden Fair The Plants of Concern program brings together a diverse constituency of trained volunteers, public and private land managers, and scientists to monitor 237 rare plant species at 308 sites.
to preserve an endangered plant species. “Often rare plants—and Butler’s quillwort in particular—are understudied,” she said. “If there are unique things about how these plants survive—if they grow better on bare ground, if burning helps, if I can see trends—there is the possibility to communicate this to land managers and preserve these plants.” Vander Stelt is not alone in being intrigued about the prospects of studying rare plants through the POC program. With access to more than a decade of standardized plant population data in the Plants of Concern database, as well as DNA sampling technology and innovative geographic imaging software, researchers such as Garden conservation scientists Pati Vitt, Ph.D., and Jeremie Fant, Ph.D., are able to conduct rigorous studies at the cutting edge of plant restoration science. Research contributions of scientists are only part of the picture, however. The backbone of Plants of Concern, Masi emphasizes, is the training and participation of “citizen scientists.” Since the spring of 2001, when Masi co-led (with the Habitat Project of Audubon-Chicago Region) her first volunteer workshop at the Edward L.
Ryerson Conservation Area, more than 600 volunteers, from college students to retirees, have received training in the Level 1 Monitoring Protocol for rare and threatened plants. They learn to identify and count rare plant species, flag the land area they encompass, record GPS coordinates, and gather detailed information about ecological threats—all of which jeopardize the health and sustainability of these rare populations. Plants of Concern is made possible with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Preservation Fund, Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Openlands, Sally Mead Hands Foundation, Waukegan Harbor Citizens’ Advisory Group (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Great Lakes Restoration Initiative), Alliance for the Great Lakes (Sustain Our Great Lakes), Garden Club of America, and The Nature Conservancy Volunteer Stewardship Network. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/research/poc for an expanded version of this article and to see how you can join.
Photo: Plants of Concern research assistant Jamie Herald assists volunteers monitoring marsh speedwell in a wet woodland. 27 www.chicagobotanic.org
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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 www.chicagobotanic.org/plantinfoservice for more Q&As, gardening tips, and conservation topics. Q. Is there any benefit to applying mulch in the summer? How much should I apply? A. Yes, there are definite benefits. Mulch applied to unplanted garden areas in the summer suppresses weeds that tend to invade bare, warm soil. Mulch also conserves moisture and moderates soil temperatures. There are basically two types of mulches: organic and inorganic. Organic mulch, such as hardwood or softwood bark, animal manure, grass clippings, and newspaper, tends to decompose over time. Organic mulch is a valuable soil amendment and does not deplete the soil of nutrients as noncomposted mulches tend to do. Inorganic mulch, such as rock and gravel, does not readily decompose, can remain indefinitely, and does not improve soil quality. Ready to mulch? Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around trees, shrubs, and garden plants, taking care to keep it away from the main trunks of trees and shrubs. Mulch applied around the base of trees and shrubs protects trunks from mechanical injury from lawn mowers and other garden equipment. The Chicago Botanic Garden recommends and uses composted leaf mulch.
Q. In past years some of my herbs, vegetables, and annual flowers did not survive or grow well after I planted them. What could have been the problem? A. You might be planting too early. Many vegetables and herbs are warm-season crops and will not thrive or survive if planted too early in the season. Warmseason vegetables such as cucumber, pepper, and eggplant should be planted one to two weeks after the last average frost date, which is May 15 in the Chicago area. Tender vegetables such as tomato and corn should be planted after all danger of frost has passed. Make sure plants are well watered before you place them in the ground. Warm soil and air temperature are needed for seed germination and proper growth. Vegetables planted before soil and air temperatures have warmed may fail to thrive, produce inadequate fruit, or die prematurely, as will tender herbs. Tender annual flowering plants also need warm temperatures; though warm-season annuals may survive being planted prematurely, they may be stunted and not attain their optimum flowering potential.
Tool Time Jacob Burns, curator of herbaceous perennial plants, describes his favorite tool Do not be alarmed when you see staff and volunteers at the Garden wielding stainless steel daggers. It is because the Hori-Hori soil knife is one of most popular and versatile gardening tools ever made. With its serrated edge, you can cleanly slice through roots while dividing perennials, or simply cut pieces of twine when staking tomatoes. The long, tapered blade allows you to pry or dig out weeds that might be embedded in the smallest of crevices. Engraved 1-inch measurements will even help you create that perfectly sized hole when planting bulbs. Traditional and modern versions of this essential tool are available from online vendors such as AM Leonard and Ben Meadows. Remember to buy a handy sheath for your knife. Each time you discover another use for the Hori-Hori soil knife, you will be shouting “Hooray, Hooray!� 28 www.chicagobotanic.org/plantinfoservice
New Opportunities for Windy City Harvest Graduates
Urban Farmer Incubator Program Grows Hope
At the Chicago Botanic Garden, it’s a serious question.
Instead of a punch line, a number of unfunny obstacles face graduates of the Garden’s Windy City Harvest certificate program who want to make a living from raising vegetables in the city. Challenges include high start-up costs, limited access to land, and unproven business skills. A possible solution is being piloted with the upcoming launch of a three-year training and incubator project made possible by a $750,000 grant from the Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Development Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA. “It’s a huge deal because it’s taking our program to that next step where we’re actually creating small business owners. It’s among the first urban farmer incubator programs in the country,” said Angela Mason, director of community gardening. The centerpiece will be a new farm site of raised beds at a mixed-income housing development, Legends South, at the site of the former Robert Taylor Homes on State Street. This spring will see a small-scale pilot of this program at other Windy City Harvest production locations. Then, beginning in spring 2014 at Legends, two beginner or “incubator” farmers will be given use of a quarter acre of land, access to tools, and on-site mentoring. Windy City Harvest will buy the incubator farms’ produce and sell it through existing networks until the growers establish their own relationships with buyers. The goal is for these new farmers to gain the entrepreneurial skill, knowledge, and professional networks to succeed in business. “We’re going to make it difficult for them to fail,” said Mason. Those chosen to participate are graduates of Windy City Harvest’s nine-month certificate program in sustainable horticulture and urban agriculture, conducted in partnership with the City Colleges of Chicago at
the Richard J. Daley College/Arturo Velasquez Institute location. They will also complete a local food entrepreneurship certificate course where students learn about different types of business entities, marketing research, distribution, accounting, zoning, and more. The newest 14-week Windy City Harvest course begins in October. It is expected that some enrolled students will want to farm, while others will prefer some other path within the local-foods world. New certificate courses in aquaponics, extended season growing, and rooftop gardening, among other topics, are being developed. Windy City Harvest graduate Safia Rashid, a granddaughter of Mississippi farmers, believes the entrepreneurship course will help her realize the dream of urban farm ownership. “When I see a vacant lot, all I can think is, what can I grow on it? People still don’t have enough food to eat—and the food available isn’t fresh,” she said. “That’s what I think about: feeding people, being stewards of the land.” The certificate program and incubator farms support a broader objective, to help relocalize our food system, said Patsy Benveniste, vice president of education and community programs. “The Garden is committed to building environmental sustainability in all the ways we work with plants, from how we grow food to how we manage landscapes and create green infrastructure. We are educating people for real careers in urban horticulture and agriculture—either as independent operators or as skilled employees.” Many dedicated supporters make Windy City Harvest possible. For a complete listing of donors and for more information on these community gardening programs, see page 79.
www.chicagobotanic.org/windycityharvest 31
Community Gardening
Have you heard the one about the urban farmer?
Antiques & Garden Fair
National Science Foundation Grant Fosters Study on Mosses “It’s really remarkable to think that all of the plants we see outside our windows are descended from mosslike plants.” —Norm Wickett, Ph.D.
Anyone who has attempted to research their family tree going back more than a few generations soon discovers that it involves a lot of detective work, dedication, and time. Imagine trying to trace that tree back several million years. That is what the National Science Foundation (NSF) is doing with its ambitious Assembling the Tree of Life initiative, which aims to collect data on the earth’s countless diverse and complex species, living and extinct. Many universities and institutions are involved in this endeavor, including the Chicago Botanic Garden, which this past winter received an NSF grant for a special multiyear study of mosses.
Photo by Blanca Shaw
Assembling the Tree of Life
Photo by Blanca Shaw
included mosses and often grow in damp places. “They make up the earliest land plants, and their ancestors were the first plants that descended from the aquatic green algae. I became really interested in how you can use these plants to determine how plants became established on land and altered the environment around them.”
Wickett and two other scientists—Bernard Goffinet (University of Connecticut) and Jon Shaw (Duke University)— will research the genetic lineage of mosses that date to the Cretaceous period, when flowering plants began to dominate land. Mosses play critical ecological roles throughout the world, and studying this “branch” of the tree of life will help build upon the current understanding of life’s evolutionary history. “Mosses are often overlooked because they’re not showy like trees or flowers, but they have a huge important role,” Wickett said. “They help retain water and prevent runoff, they provide habitat for insects, and they play a role in how nutrients flow from rainwater to other places.”
Wickett is currently working in the field of bioinformatics. “It is mainly a way for people to store and analyze data, and in our case it’s DNA. You have to do something with the data—decode what those genes are saying and put them into a meaningful classification.” He will be sequencing plant molecules and developing the database infrastructure that will allow genes to be sorted into gene families for future analyses.
Wickett became interested in mosses as an undergraduate student. “I was studying in Canada and in the temperate rainforest there, the trees, the branches, and the ground were covered in mosses. A class on mosses really piqued my interest.” He studied bryophytes, nonflowering plants that
Wickett and other scientists at the Garden are also examining how various plant species arose and how they interact with other plants, pollinators, and animals. In a species of plant there’s a diversity of genes just as there is in humans. “From research, a lot of diversity at the genetic level may give plants a better chance for addressing environmental change. Understanding their genetics helps us build a framework to study how they came in to being, how they responded to the environment and to other species,” Wickett said. “My work is all based in plant genetics and fundamentally we’re interested in biodiversity, particularly collections or communities of plants.” Learn more by visiting the Plant Science Center in person or visit www.chicagobotanic.org/research to learn more about plant conservation science in action. You can also read a blog posting about Wickett’s research at my.chicagobotanic.org. Photo by Blanca Shaw
The Tree of Life for Moss will eventually explore how all mosses—between 12,000 and 15,000 species—are related to one another. The NSF grant taps into the Garden’s scientific expertise to help examine and decipher the plants’ genetic makeup and offers an opportunity to understand how these organisms may respond to rapid global change.
Conservation Science
“It’s really remarkable to think that all of the plants we see outside our windows are descended from mosslike plants,” said Norm Wickett, Ph.D., conservation scientist at the Garden’s Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center, and one of the principal investigators for the NSF grant.
www.chicagobotanic.org/research 33
Buehler Enabling Garden
Small Wonders
Pint-size Gardens Have Plenty to Offer
Farwell Landscape Garden
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“I enjoy small gardens because they can be so creative,” said Tim Johnson, director of horticulture at the Chicago Botanic Garden. “You can have a small garden of only containers and fill them with herbs and edibles, or you can have a small garden on a larger suburban lot.” Small outdoor spaces can be dramatic or charming or meditative. “The ones that I like most are often enclosed—they have plantings or a fence around the perimeter,” Johnson said. In small urban gardens, your goal may be to block a less desirable view or soften the building next door. In that case, Johnson notes that choosing the right plants becomes more critical when space is limited. “If you’re planting a hedge, consider plants that are more narrow in habit. For example, Techny arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Techny’) is popular, but for a small area, pyramidalis arborvitae (T. occidentalis var. pyramidalis) may work better,” he said. Plants that are narrow, dwarf, or slowergrowing may require less pruning to keep them within the confines of the garden. Growing vines on a fence or stair rail or creating an espalier—a fruit tree or ornamental shrub trained to grow flat against a house or a garage or a fence—also creates a sense of enclosure. Don’t overlook walls as opportunities to enhance your space. One of Johnson’s favorite small gardens features a 5-foot shelf on the outside of a garage wall, which holds several small pots filled with ferns during the summer.
Consider planting a small space in layers so there is something of interest at all levels. “There are many options for adding vertical elements to give height, such as really narrow columnar trees as well as using the horizontal ground plane,” says Andrew Bell, Ph.D., curator of woody plants. He recommends spring-blooming bulbs, which add color and take up little space, and, depending on how much light the garden receives, using hardy disease-resistant landscape roses and smaller flowering shrubs, dwarf conifers, or smaller ornamental grasses. “There are many new compact flowering plants suitable for small spaces,” Dr. Bell said. A variety of plant shapes and textures can make the space more interesting as well. “Make your plants count,” Johnson says. “Sometimes fewer plants can be more effective.” He uses annuals to provide a punch of color. “I’ll also use white flowers in a corner or to lighten up a dark spot.” Don’t overlook containers, he adds, which draw attention to small planting beds. They can also hold edibles, such as lettuce, herbs, or tomatoes throughout the growing season. A small space may appear larger if you can work in an arbor to serve as a doorway or create a winding path, rather than a straight sidewalk that leads to an alley or garage. Small gardens can also benefit from “found” objects, like ornamental ceramic tiles placed on the ground or on a wall, or a small sculpture that serves as a focal point. “It could be a birdbath or a water feature,” Johnson said. “There are so many neat things that can enhance the garden.”
Gardens within the Garden The following display gardens at the Chicago Botanic Garden provide plenty of ideas and inspiration for smallspace plantings:
grow mixed border, and other small-scale landscaping ideas. Sensory Garden—raised beds highlight fragrant and color-
The English Walled Garden—enclosed by walls and
ful plants up close.
hedges, it offers a variety of different garden styles from formal to informal.
Circle Garden—provides examples of ways to create garden
Buehler Enabling Garden—features raised beds, dramatic
containers, and vertical walls planted with colorful annuals. Farwell Landscape Garden—offers formal and informal
herb gardens, a perennial border, a rock garden, an easy-to-
rooms and features an ever-changing display of bulbs and annuals. Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden—presents a dramatic display of espaliered trees and small planting beds filled with vegetables and edible flowers. www.chicagobotanic.org/plantinfo/tips/small_space 35
Plant Tips
There’s much to be said for the small garden, whether it’s an urban backyard or a rooftop, a border around a townhouse patio, or plant-filled pots on a balcony or deck. With a small garden, there are fewer plants to buy and certainly less maintenance, which gives you more time to relax and appreciate your surroundings. Here, Garden experts offer some suggestions.
A Mutual Concern for Biodiversity Inspires Engagement and Environmental Conservation
John Slater courted his future wife Mary Helen 61 years ago as they hiked, climbed, skied, skated, sailed, and canoed. Their shared love of the many wonders of the natural world became a family hallmark that led from enthusiasm to participation in conservation. As a girl, Mary Helen Neubauer spent summers on her family’s farm along the Mississippi River, and she loved the open spaces and exploring the different types of plants there. After she and John married and moved to Morton Grove, her extensive botanical knowledge led to an exciting discovery: a patch of native plants in their village later confirmed to be original, virgin prairie. Thanks to Mary Helen’s persistence, the prairie patch was designated a preserved area by the Morton Grove Park District and then became an Illinois State Nature Preserve.
combined with invasive plants and nutrient loading from goose droppings, were causing serious degradation of water quality and habitat for the plants and wildlife dependent upon this ecosystem. In 1999, the Garden initiated an innovative bioengineering program to create a healthier shoreline environment. Since then, more than threefourths of the Garden’s shoreline has been restored and protected, including most recently 1.25 miles of North Lake shoreline, completed last summer in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Donors like the Slaters helped to make the shoreline restoration project a success. “We could see the results of the erosion,” recalls John. “Contributing to this project was an opportunity for us to provide an important habitat. Around the world, amphibians are threatened. Mary Helen and I wanted to help promote biodiversity. We wanted to make sure the frogs have a place to jump and turtles have a place to bask!”
Mary Helen began visiting the Garden shortly after it opened “The Chicago Botanic Garden reprein 1972; John discovered it sents a successful effort to maintain during a bike ride in the early 1990s. Intrigued, he contacted the diversity of the natural world, and it the Volunteer Office to find is a source of numerous, never-ending On behalf of the frogs and turtles, as well as shorebirds out how he could help. As an delights when you visit.” — John Slater Information Desk volunteer and other water-loving animals, the Chicago Botanic and later a sign maker, he gathGarden expresses its gratitude to John and Mary Helen ered knowledge about the Garden. The erosion of the Slater for their commitment to improving this important Garden’s shorelines attracted John’s attention, and he and habitat and vital part of the Garden. Mary Helen offered support for protection and habitat creation. The shoreline restoration project was made possible by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Chicago District, John and A 1998 study revealed that 80 percent of the Garden’s lakeMary Helen Slater, the Illinois Department of Commerce and shores—encompassing a 60-acre system of lakes with nearEconomic Opportunity, and several other generous donors. ly six miles of shoreline—were suffering from moderate to severe erosion. Steep shoreline slopes and unstable soils,
www.chicagobotanic.org/research/shoreline 37
Supporting the Garden
John and Mary Helen Slater:
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.
A Key to Better Sleep, Balance, and Health is Tai Chi with Gordon Lock “Life is rarely smooth—it is bumpy with joy and challenges,” says Chicago Botanic Garden tai chi instructor Gordon Lock. “Tai chi teaches us to accommodate both pleasant and unpleasant as part of our journey. We learn to yield when we encounter a force that is too strong and discover how best to direct our own strength physically or emotionally through our daily life.” Lock began his tai chi practice as a teenager in Hong Kong, and continues his studies today. He has been teaching for ten years. Some refer to tai chi as “meditation in motion,” but Harvard Medical School calls it “medication in motion” because
of its myriad health benefits. People with Parkinson’s disease and stroke survivors who practice tai chi often achieve better balance and walking ability; Gordon helps cancer survivors gain strength, flexibility, and aerobic dexterity through his work as a volunteer with the Cancer Wellness Center.
“It is wonderful to practice tai chi in view of the lakes and ponds, while listening to the birds singing and the wind blowing through the trees,” says tai chi instructor Gordon Lock. Classes are held indoors in inclement weather.
38 To register, visit www.chicagobotanic.org/school or call (847) 835-8261.
Most tai chi students enjoy improved sleep and lowered stress levels, and the sense of community and camaraderie gained through the practice often lifts moods and alleviates symptoms of loneliness. The Garden offers four class levels, and Lock welcomes students of all ages and abilities.
Adult Education: Highlights
Highlights Hanging Basket Workshop Wednesday, June 5 See page 44.
Father’s Day Canoe Adventure! Saturday and Sunday, June 15 & 16 See page 50.
New! Herbs and More at Mettawa Manor Wednesday, July 17 See page 59.
New! Reiki for You 2 Thursdays, June 20 & June 27 See page 66.
Photography Workshops with Allen Rokach
Portfolio: Presenting Your Artwork
Monday – Wednesday, July 29 – 31 See page 65.
Microscope and Botanical Dissection Workshop
Tuesday, June 25 See page 62.
Labeling, Matting, and Framing
Saturday, August 3 See page 63.
Monday, July 15 See page 62.
Bonsai Workshops See page 40.
Consciousness and Nature Retreat at Mettawa Manor Friday, September 20 See page 59.
Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/school/registration_policies for information on registration procedure and policy. 39
Adult Education: Overview Regenstein and School Bonsai Workshops
Overview of Courses and Programs General Interest Courses Courses cover myriad topics and provide high-quality learning opportunities for beginning and more advanced gardeners. For specific program questions, contact the registrar at school@chicagobotanic.org or (847) 835-8261.
Professional Programs
Professional programs are intensive studies in a particular area of interest for the advanced student. These courses routinely carry continuing education units for various professional organizations. Please direct comments or topic suggestions to Jill Selinger at school@chicagobotanic.org or (847) 835-6849.
Symposia
Symposia, offered throughout the year, provide an in-depth look at a variety of topics. Regional, national, and international speakers provide new perspectives for amateur gardeners, professional horticulturists, landscape designers and architects, scientists, conservationists, and other green-industry professionals. Please direct comments or topic suggestions to Beth Pinargote at school@chicagobotanic.org or (847) 835-8278.
Master Gardener Training Program
In conjunction with University of Illinois Extension, the Garden offers the Master Gardener Training Program. The program covers the basics of horticulture, including classes on woody and herbaceous ornamental plant materials, fruit and vegetable crops, entomology, and pathology. After completing the training program and 60 hours of volunteer service, participants become certified University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners. The next on-site program will be in January 2015 and the next online program will begin in January 2014. Please visit www.chicagobotanic.org/school/ mastergardener or call Jill Selinger at (847) 835-6849.
Certificate Programs
Learn how a certificate of merit can help you fulfill a dream, start a new career, or delve more deeply into an area of interest. Look for these codes after a course listing, and find a course that may be a new beginning for you! Certificate programs are offered at many levels to give both beginners and professionals opportunities to improve their expertise and marketability. Details about all of the certificate programs are available at www.chicagobotanic.org/school/ certificate. Contact Amelia Simmons-Hurt at certificateprogram@chicagobotanic.org or (847) 835-8293 for further information.
• Botanical Arts (ART) Engage your senses, discover hidden talents, and explore a more personal relationship with plants in this studio art program. • Garden Design (GDC) Create successful gardens with a solid foundation in plantsmanship and science-based gardening techniques. • Midwest Gardening (MGC) Discover practical, learner-friendly training on growing plants, plant propagation, and home garden design and you will become a more successful home gardener. • Ornamental Plant Materials (OPC) Avid amateur gardeners and aspiring horticulture professionals alike will learn identification, cultural requirements, and landscape use for more than 500 ornamental plants that are well suited for northeastern Illinois.
Bonsai Workshops All bonsai workshops are taught by Ivan Watters, bonsai artist and curator of the Chicago Botanic Garden bonsai collection. Workshops are held in the Production Headhouse.
Bonsai: Beginner – Basics and Fundamentals 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. $229 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Session 1: 6 Sundays, July 7 – August 11, 1 – 4 p.m. Session 2: 6 Sundays, August 25 – September 29, 1 – 4 p.m.
Bonsai: Novice – Development Techniques
• Professional Gardener Level 1 and 2 (PGL 1 and 2) Hands-on learning can lead to a new career or advancement in the industry, with science-based gardening techniques, plantsmanship, and training in sustainability and planning.
Ideal for those with considerable familiarity and experience with the fundamentals of bonsai, each session in this six-week course includes a brief lecture, supervised work on trees, and a review and critique of work undertaken.
• Healthcare Garden Design (HGD) In this professional development program, attendees will discover the many ways gardens provide verifiable health benefits for the patients, staff, and visitors.
$269 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Session 1: 6 Wednesdays, July 10 – August 14, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Session 2: 6 Wednesdays, August 21 – October 2, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. (no class September 4)
• Horticultural Therapy (HTC) This 12-credit-hour accredited program combines online learning with hands-on training, allowing students to gain experience and skills in the use of plant, garden, and nature activities to achieve measurable physical and mental-health outcomes for clients. • Focus on Photography (FPC) The Regenstein School recently launched a new certificate program, enabling photographers of all levels to experience the wonders of the natural world, develop and sharpen their powers of observation, and master their technical skills in the studio. This program is your unique opportunity to discover and enhance your creativity, learn from outstanding photography professionals, and enjoy the Garden as your studio. Contact Jill Selinger at certificateprogram@chicagobotanic.org or (847) 835-6849 for more information about the photography certificate.
One-stop registration online. It’s so easy! Register for classes, camps, kids’ programs, yoga, and more!
40 To register, visit www.chicagobotanic.org/school or call (847) 835-8261.
Bonsai: Intermediate – Refinement Techniques Appropriate for those with knowledge of bonsai concepts and experience with the art beyond the novice level, each session in this six-week course includes a brief lecture, supervised work on trees, and a review/critique of work undertaken. $287 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Session 1: 6 Saturdays, July 6 – August 10, 9 a.m. – noon Session 2: 6 Saturdays, August 24 – October 5, 9 a.m. – noon (no class September 14)
Bonsai: Advanced – Presentation-Quality Efforts For the student who has completed the beginner, novice, and intermediate courses, this six-week course focuses almost exclusively on supervised work on trees. $319 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Session 1: 6 Sundays, July 7 – August 11, 9 a.m. – noon Session 2: 6 Sundays, August 25 – September 29, 9 a.m. – noon
A Patient Art is a Beautiful Gift Bonsai: A Patient Art has become a popular selection in the Gift Shop since its publication last fall. Readers will cherish this superbly designed book while gaining a new appreciation for the living masterpieces from the Garden’s Bonsai Collection that inspired it. The book is supported by Garden member Robert H. Malott and published in association with Yale University Press. Cost is $40; Garden members receive a 10 percent discount.
Adult Education: Weekend Regenstein Gardener School
Weekend Gardener Series
New! Watering Techniques
Fall Garden Care
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.
Learn the importance of water management in your garden. Discover how and when to water your plants and gardens to maximize water use efficiency and minimize diseases that can result from improper and untimely watering. We will also discuss watering tools, such as irrigation and sprinklers, as well as techniques for assessing your garden’s water needs. Dress for the weather, as part of the class will be outdoors.
Proper garden care in the fall helps ensure healthy plants the next spring. Learn techniques for taking care of your lawn, trees, shrubs, and perennials, including fall fertilizing, mulching, cutting back plants, and protecting plants from winter winds and animal damage. Pointers will be given for fall planting of woody plants and spring-flowering bulbs.
Get Started with Annuals Annuals can be used in many ways to provide constant color in your flowerbeds, containers, window boxes, and perennial borders. Learn the most dependable varieties as well as the new and unusual. Topics include soil preparation, plant selection, care and maintenance, and some propagation techniques.
Jessica Goehler, horticulturist $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, July 27, 1 – 3 p.m. Annex 2
Tim Pollak, outdoor floriculturist, Chicago Botanic Garden $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Sunday, May 19, 1 – 3 p.m. Design Studio
Join us for an exploration of some of the most common weeds of the Midwest! You will learn the basics of weed identification, life cycles, and methods of control. In addition, Tom Soulsby will give you a close-up look at what has been discussed and help you practice identifying weeds.
Bonsai Basics
Thomas Soulsby, horticulturist, Chicago Botanic Garden $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, August 10, 9 – 11 a.m. Linnaeus Room
Learn the horticulture of bonsai and the art and philosophy behind it. Discover what bonsai is and the history, fundamental aesthetic elements, and basic styles of this art. Watters will also touch on tools, wiring, soils, fertilizers, and year-round care. A walk to view part of the bonsai collection is included.
Wild World of Weeds
Tim Johnson, director of horticulture, Chicago Botanic Garden $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Sunday, August 25, 1 – 3 p.m. Annex 2
Fall Lawn Care If your lawn isn’t all you would like it to be, invest some time this fall so you can have a healthy and lush lawn next year. Learn the basics of lawn renovation and how to prepare your lawn for winter. Tom Fritz will discuss and demonstrate proper techniques for installing sod, seeding and overseeding, and aerating and fertilizing—all aimed at revitalizing your lawn. Dress for the weather, as part of the class will be outdoors. Tom Fritz, plant healthcare specialist, Chicago Botanic Garden $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, September 7, 10 a.m. – noon Seminar Room, Plant Science Center
Ivan Watters, bonsai artist and curator, Chicago Botanic Garden bonsai collection $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, June 1, 1 – 3 p.m. Design Studio
Mulches and Compost Composting duplicates nature’s recycling process, turning leaves, grass clippings, yard trimmings, and kitchen scraps into dark, nutrient-rich humus. Learn how to select and set up a compost bin or pile, what materials can be composted, how to use compost, and techniques to ensure the best results. You will also learn about the types of mulches available and why mulching is vital for a healthy and vigorous garden. Rachel Catlett, horticulturist $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, July 20, 1 – 3 p.m. Annex 2
Classes are subject to change. For the most current listings visit www.chicagobotanic.org/ school. Learn the basics of bonsai with bonsai curator Ivan Watters.
42 To register, visit www.chicagobotanic.org/school or call (847) 835-8261.
Adult Education: Horticulture Regenstein School
Horticulture New! Growing Tomatoes and Peppers Harvesting home-grown, vine-ripened tomatoes and peppers is a satisfying pleasure for the vegetable gardener. Learn how you can grow high quality peppers and tomatoes with tips on selecting, organically growing, and harvesting. You will take home some heirloom pepper and tomato seedlings for transplanting in your own garden. Lisa Hilgenberg, horticulturist, Fruit & Vegetable Garden, Chicago Botanic Garden $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Thursday, May 30, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Fruit & Vegetable Learning Center
Early Morning Garden Stroll Join Nancy Clifton and other early birds on an inspiring stroll and enjoy the private moments found in the Garden at the break of dawn. See the sunrise, the morning dew on flowers, and mist across the water. We will stop for special sites along the way and quietly talk about the benefits found when hardly anyone is around. Nancy Clifton, program specialist, Chicago Botanic Garden $19 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Tuesday, June 4, 7 – 8:30 a.m. Meet at Visitor Center
Gorgeous Container Gardens Containers are never out of fashion in the garden. Learn about the newest trends and observe tried and true construction techniques during this demonstration-style class. Beth Levy will teach you all you need to know so you can create that stand-out container. Beth Levy, retired landscape and container designer, Garden Renaissance, Inc. $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Tuesday, June 4, 7 – 9 p.m. or Wednesday, June 5, 10 a.m. – noon Annex 2
Hanging Basket Workshop Do you admire those fabulous hanging baskets you see at the Chicago Botanic Garden? Learn some tricks of the trade during a discussion of different styles, materials, and plant ideas used at the Garden. Maintenance tips will also be discussed. Then you’ll plant your own wire and moss basket to enjoy at home. Bring gloves, if you prefer. All other materials are included in the fee. Heather Sherwood, senior horticulturist, Chicago Botanic Garden $119 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Wednesday, June 5, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Annex 2
Join the Bucktown Fiesta on July 31 to see Rick Bayless’s garden!
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New! The Thorny Side of Roses
New! Herbs: Foliage and Flowers
Roses are universally loved, but pests and diseases can temper the excitement of even the most passionate rose enthusiast. Tom Soulsby will review common rose pests and diseases and share tips on diagnosis and control. He will also dig deeper into how prevention, proper garden maintenance, and plant selection are the best first steps toward a healthy rose garden that resists pests and diseases before they take control.
Join Nancy Clifton as you learn the basics of herbs: how to grow, groom, harvest and store for the best flavor. Kitchen classics will be covered including basil, rosemary, thyme, sage, chives, and many others. The class will include a Garden walk and planting activity to take home. Bring a small box to carry your herbs home.
Thomas Soulsby, horticulturist, Chicago Botanic Garden $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Thursday, June 6, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Linnaeus Room
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. Nancy Clifton, program specialist, Chicago Botanic Garden $87 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Thursday, June 20, 10 a.m. – noon or 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Annex 2
Perennial Garden Care and Maintenance In this hands-on workshop, you will learn the fundamentals of good gardening techniques. Included will be organic and practical methods used to keep a perennial garden in peak condition. Learn how and when to deadhead, pinch back, stake, weed, fertilize, mulch and water, and to recognize and minimize some common pests and diseases. Dress for the weather, as part of the class may be outdoors. Rachel Catlett, horticulturist $59 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Tuesday, June 25, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Annex 2
Nancy Clifton, program specialist, Chicago Botanic Garden $59 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Tuesday, July 16, 10 a.m. – noon Annex 2
Hands-on Gardening: Summer Pruning Today’s pruning of your trees and shrubs will define how they grow for years to come. Learn which cuts to avoid, which cuts are essential, and which cuts are a matter of your personal style. Class size is limited. Sean Regan, grounds foreman, Chicago Botanic Garden $49 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, July 20, 8 – 10 a.m. Annex 1
Bucktown Fiesta in Rick Bayless’s Garden and Restaurant Be part of an unforgettable, behind-the-scenes experience. We’ll start the morning by touring chef and host of the PBS television show Mexico—One Plate at a Time Rick Bayless’s private organic garden with his professional gardener, Bill Shores. This 800-square-foot production garden not only supplies fresh herbs and vegetables to their restaurants but also serves as the set for many of the episodes filmed. Afterward, add some spice to the day by dining in Frontera Grill’s private party room. Lunch will be a deliciously comprehensive spread of Mexican food created with gourmet herbs and organic vegetables, including appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Transportation is provided. Bill Shores, professional gardener $187 nonmember, members receive 20% discount Wednesday, July 31, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Meet at Visitor Center
Adult Education: Horticulture
Hands-On Gardening: Mulching and Edging Improper mulching can do far more harm to plants than not mulching at all. Learn how much mulch is enough, where to spread it, and the best material to use, as well as how to edge your garden for a professional look. Sean Regan, grounds foreman, Chicago Botanic Garden $49 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, August 10, 8 – 10 a.m. Annex 1
The Emerald Ash Borer: What You Need To Know 2013 Emerald Ash Borer Management Partnership By now, you’ve likely heard about the emerald ash borer and the disastrous impacts the insect is having on trees throughout our region. But how can you identify an ash tree? And what—exactly—is this tiny insect doing to cause such a big problem? Join us for a no-nonsense look at the emerald ash borer. Using the Chicago Botanic Garden’s multiple-phase emerald ash borer management plan as a case study, we’ll consider what you can do to preserve your trees. Tom Tiddens, Plant Health Care Supervisor, Chicago Botanic Garden, and Dan Klindera, District Manager, Autumn Tree, a SavATree Company Registration is free; register in advance to reserve your space Friday, August 16 or Saturday, August 17, 10 a.m. – noon Linnaeus Room Registration fee is waived thanks to support provided by Autumn-SavATree
Tomato Canning Workshop Join Nancy Clifton to learn the basics of how to can tomatoes. Learn how to make sauce, prepare salsas, relish and pickles all using tomatoes red and green! The water bath method will be used for this workshop. You will learn selection, tomato varieties, tools, and preparation methods for the various tomato-preserving recipes. You will prepare and can a pint of tomatoes for yourself in class. Wear comfortable clothes, close-toed shoes and please bring the following to class: a cutting board, paring knife, kitchen mitt, two kitchen towels, two bowls, medium size and small box to carry finished. Class is limited to ten students. Nancy Clifton, program specialist, Chicago Botanic Garden $90 nonmember, members receive 20% discount Wednesday, August 28, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Fruit & Vegetable Garden Kitchen
Take classes on how to grow and then can tomatoes.
Earth’s Bounty: Organic Farm and Lunch Experience We’ll tour the organic farm at Loyola University’s Retreat and Ecology Campus, then harvest some fresh, in-season produce that will be taken to resident chef Scott Commings. We’ll use that produce in a cooking class demonstration where you’ll work with the chef to create your lunch. We’ll also include a tomato tasting of several organic heirloom tomatoes from both farms we’re visiting today. After lunch, we’re off to W&M Land Corp farm in Woodstock where you’ll learn about crop rotation. This is a great escape from the everyday that will provide you with insight into the working modules at two local and sustainable farms. Transportation is on your own, and a map will be sent prior to the class. Alex Tuchman, Loyola University Retreat and Ecology Campus, and David Woodruff, W & M Land Corp $99 nonmember, members receive 20% discount Thursday, August 29, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Meet at Loyola University Ecological Center in Woodstock, IL
Certificate Programs Information Session FREE Information Session Curious about our certificate programs? Want to learn how our programs can help you fulfill a dream, start a new career, or simply enjoy a new interest? Bring your questions to this FREE session. Programs covered: Ornamental Plant Materials, Professional Gardener, Garden Design, Midwest Gardening, and Botanical Arts. For questions on any of our other certificate programs, please contact the registrar’s office at (847) 835-8261. Register in advance to save your space! Wednesday, August 21, 6:30 – 8 p.m. Linnaeus Room
46 To register, visit www.chicagobotanic.org/school or call (847) 835-8261.
Herbs, From Outside In Fresh herbs from the garden need not end as winter approaches. Join Nancy Clifton as she demonstrates techniques for moving your herb plants from the outside in. You will also learn about harvesting annual herbs and storing them to retain their flavor and fragrance. Please dress for the weather, as part of the class will be outdoors. Nancy Clifton, program specialist, Chicago Botanic Garden $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Tuesday, September 3, 1 – 3 p.m. Fruit & Vegetable Learning Center
Autumn Containers at the Garden 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. Nancy Clifton, program specialist, Chicago Botanic Garden $87 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Thursday, September 12, 10 a.m. – noon or 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Annex 2
Adult Education: Horticulture Regenstein School
Back to Basics: Jelly and Jam
Viburnums
Learn how to make jelly and jam the old-fashion way! Fruit selection, equipment, and methods will be discussed, and then the fun begins. You will start from the beginning and make your own jelly and jam. There are various recipes and methods, but we will use the water bath method to make a seasonal jelly and jam; you will take home one of each after a day in the kitchen. Wear comfortable clothes, close-toed shoes and please bring the following to class: a cutting board, paring knife, kitchen mitt, two kitchen towels, two bowls, medium-size and small boxes to carry finished product home, apron optional. Class is limited to ten students.
OPC elective
Nancy Clifton, program specialist, Chicago Botanic Garden $90 nonmember, members receive 20% discount Tuesday, September 24, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Fruit & Vegetable Garden Kitchen
Mixed Borders
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 Thursday, December 5, 10 a.m. – noon or 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Annex 2
Horticulture Certificate Programs Soils for the Gardener OPC elective Soil amendments are confusing. What to use, when to use? Organic or inorganic? For your beds, turf, or containers? We will look at carbon to nitrogen ratios; roles of different microorganisms in the soil; a discussion of succession to understand bacterial and fungal properties needed for optimal plant growth; the nitrogen cycle will be discussed along with soil organic matter; the relationship of plant roots to soil biology; and how to enhance nutrient cycling in your gardens for best growth of your plants. The School’s CEUs= 0.3 Lynn Bement, organic gardening coach $74 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Thursday, May 23, 9 a.m. – noon Linnaeus Room
“A garden without viburnums is akin to life without music and art. ”—M. Dirr Join Mark Zampardo in a walk and discussion about this terrific genus. Several types of viburnum do well in the Midwest and a few are native to our woodlands. The School’s CEUs= 0.2 Mark Zampardo, Ph. D., horticulture educator $62 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Wednesday, May 29, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Design Studio
OPC elective A garden doesn’t have to be restricted to annual or perennial flowers. It can consist of perennials, annuals, bulbs, and trees and shrubs. Here’s a look at how to design a beautiful mixed border plus advice on how to tend a bed when it’s filled with so many different kinds of plants. The School’s CEUs= 0.3 Janet Macunovich, garden designer and writer $74 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, June 8, 9 a.m. – noon Linnaeus Room
The Challenging Garden OPC elective Some places in the yard can cause a gardening migraine: they demand attention but refuse to cooperate when it comes to planting: under trees, in dry soil, in overly wet soil, in long narrow spaces, against walls. Here’s your chance to gather ideas for what to plant, how to make it grow, and how to care for plants in such challenging places. The School’s CEUs= 0.3 Janet Macunovich, garden designer and writer $74 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, June 8, 1 – 4 p.m. Linnaeus Room
Growing Vegetable 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, Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden $224 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 6 Tuesdays, June 18 – July 30, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. (no class July 2) Fruit & Vegetable Classroom Saturday, July 13, 9 a.m. – noon off-site
48 To register, visit www.chicagobotanic.org/school or call (847) 835-8261.
Learn creative ways to integrate vegetables and herbs into your landscape.
Gardening Techniques: Session D PGL 1, PGL 2, GDC requirement Discover professional gardening through a combination of lecture and hands-on learning activities. Focus on acquiring solid gardening skills, learn about a variety of techniques, and develop the ability to determine best practices. Maintenance of annual plantings, watering, and fertilization techniques will be covered. Due to the compact nature of this course, students are only allowed one excused absence if they wish to complete for a grade. Lynette Rodriguez, owner and horticulturist, A Finer Touch $312 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 6 Saturdays, June 22 – August 3, 7:30 – 10:30 a.m. (no class July 6) Annex 2
Herbaceous Perennials OPC, PGL 1, PGL 2, GDC requirement Information presented in this course will focus on ornamental qualities, identification techniques, cultural practices, and landscape uses of more than 60 herbaceous perennials. Plants studied will include favorites such as astilbe and hosta, in addition to lesser-known plants including meadow rue and toad lily. Prerequisite: Botany 1. Richard Hawke, plant evaluation manager, Chicago Botanic Garden $287 nonmember, members receive 20% discount 7 Tuesdays, July 16 – September 10, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. (no class July 23, September 3) Alsdorf Auditorium Garden Walks (select one) 6 Thursdays, July 18 – August 29, 9 – 11 a.m. (no class July 25, September 5) or 6 Saturdays, July 20 – August 31, 9 – 11 a.m. (no class July 27, September 7) *Optional study CD $20
A Host of Golden Daffodils and More
Conifers and Broad-leaved Evergreens
OPC elective
OPC elective
OPC, PGL 1, PGL 2, GDC requirement
Love gardening and design but don’t think you have the space? Come discover the possibilities of roof deck gardening! If you want to install a rooftop or balcony garden and need to know which plants to use, or want to properly care for an existing roof garden, this class will give you the tools to get going. The class will cover such topics as weight considerations, irrigation, materials, soil, suitable plants, design, and proper care. The School’s CEUs=0. 2
Daffodils are among the cheeriest signs of spring. Whether you call them daffodils, narcissus, jonquils, or paperwhites, they are all members of the genus Narcissus. Learn how you can incorporate these into your landscape for a fall planting that will bring life to your winter landscape next season. The School’s CEUs=0. 2
This course covers more than 60 outstanding conifers and broad-leaved evergreens for the Midwest. Students will learn identifying characteristics, cultural requirements, and landscape uses of conifers and broad-leaved evergreens ranging from shrubby dwarfs to towering trees. Prerequisite: Botany 1.
Emily Shelton, horticulturist, Chicago Botanic Garden $62 nonmember, members receive 20% discount Tuesday, July 23, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Plant Science Center Seminar Room
Jill Selinger, manager, continuing education, Chicago Botanic Garden $62 nonmember, members receive 20% discount Wednesday, September 11, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Linnaeus Room
Botany 1
Plant Health 2
OPC, MGC, PGL 1, PGL 2, and GDC requirement
PGL 2, 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.
Plant Health 2 will build upon Plant Health 1. There will be a series of in-depth pest walks in the field (insects, diseases, weeds, and animals). These walks focus on common landscape pests, monitoring techniques, pest identification, and management techniques. Other class topics include: site assessment, soil testing, fertilization, and understanding pesticides. Students will have the opportunity to design a basic plant healthcare program. Prerequisites: Botany 1, Plant Health 1, and Botany 2. Tom Tiddens, plant healthcare supervisor and certified arborist, Chicago Botanic Garden; Kathie Hayden, manager, plant information service, Chicago Botanic Garden; and Peg Busard, plant information horticultural specialist, Chicago Botanic Garden $337 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 6 Mondays and 6 Thursdays, July 29 – September 12, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. (no class September 2, 5) Plant Science Lab, Regenstein Center
Richard D. Hyerczyk, botanist $337 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 6 Mondays and 6 Wednesdays, September 16 – October 23, 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. or 6 Mondays and 6 Wednesdays, September 16 – October 23, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Plant Science Lab, Regenstein Center
Mark Zampardo, Ph.D., horticulture educator $287 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 7 Tuesdays, September 17 – October 29, 6:30 – 8:30 p. m. Alsdorf Auditorium Garden Walks (select one) 6 Thursdays, September 19 – October 24, 9 – 11 a.m. or 6 Saturdays, September 21 – October 26, 9 – 11 a.m. *Optional study CD $20
Certificate Graduation If you will be completing your certificate program, you must register with the adult education office to be considered for the 2013 Autumn Certificate Programs Graduation. Graduation will be held Friday, November 15, at 6:30 p.m. in the Linnaeus Room. Please register at www.chicagobotanic.org/school/ certificate/graduation no later than October 15.
Soil Basics, Intensive Session MGC, PGL 1, PGL 2, GDC requirement 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. Begin to appreciate the circle of life within our soils. Ellen Phillips, horticulture educator $337 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 3 Saturdays, September 7, 21, and October 5, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (no class September 14, 28) Annex 2
Discover the possibilities of roof deck gardening.
Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/school/registration_policies for information on registration procedure and policy. 49
Adult Education: Horticulture Highlights
Roof Deck Gardening
Adult Education: Nature Regenstein Studies School
Nature Studies Introduction to Bird-Watching Two-session program If you want to become a birder, join this class to learn the basics. On Thursday, you will learn about binoculars, how to use a field guide, and the field marks used to identify common birds of the Chicago area. During the Saturday bird walk, participants will try out their newly acquired skills. Bring binoculars, if you have them, and dress for the weather. Jim Steffen, ecologist, Chicago Botanic Garden $74 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Two-session program Thursday, May 16, 6:30 – 9 p.m. Annex 2 and Saturday, May 18, 7:30 – 9 a.m. Meet at McDonald Woods Entrance Shelter
Spaceship Earth: The Fragility of Our Planet World Environment Day Keynote Panel Session What do an astronaut, a garden, a zoo, and a planetarium all have in common? Join us for an inspiring discussion about planet Earth and climate change. Panel line-up includes Michelle Larson, Ph.D., president and CEO of Adler Planetarium; Col. David C. Hilmers, USMC (Ret.), M.D., E.E., M.P.H., former NASA astronaut; Alejandro Grajal, Ph.D., senior vice president for conservation and education, and director of the Center for Conservation Leadership, Chicago Zoological Society; Pati Vitt, Ph.D., conservation scientist, Chicago Botanic Garden, and Susan and Roger Stone Curator, Dixon National Tallgrass Prairie Seed Bank; and Jennifer Schwarz Ballard, Ph.D., associate vice president of education, Chicago Botanic Garden. $12 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, June 1, 10:30 a.m. – noon Alsdorf Auditorium
Bird Walk: Summer Nesting Birds Join us as we look for and study the nesting birds of the Garden. We’ll spend time learning to identify the nesting birds’ territorial songs, and look for evidence of nesting. Learn how to perform a nesting bird survey, and discover the wide variety of birds nesting in the Chicago area. Alan Anderson, board member, Chicago Audubon Society $19 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, June 8, 7:30 – 9 a.m. Meet at Visitor Center
Join other bird lovers as you discover the area’s wide variety of birds.
Where Nature Comes Home
Father’s Day Canoe Adventure
Learn how one residential association transformed their lawns into an unfolding and colorful array of stunning multi-season prairies, woodlands, and rain gardens. As a recipient of the 2011 Conservation and Native Landscaping Award, this condominium association was described on WTTW’s Chicago Tonight as having “probably the most extensive native gardens of any residential complex in the Chicagoland area.” This is an inspirational program for those who wish to create native, eco-friendly landscapes around their property to enhance biodiversity, aesthetic beauty, and environmental health.
How’s this for a unique way to spend part of Father’s Day? In partnership with Friends of the Chicago River, the Garden invites you to participate in a rare opportunity to canoe the lakes of the Chicago Botanic Garden. Bob Kirschner, the Garden’s aquatic biologist, will paddle along and explain our nationally recognized program to restore and enhance the Garden’s miles of lakeshore. Herons, ducks, small fish, and maybe even a few turtles and frogs will greet you as we explore their watery habitat. No experience with canoeing is necessary; instruction, canoes, life jackets, and paddles are all provided. Please choose one of the start times that are scheduled. You’ll enjoy a full hour canoeing the lakes of Chicago Botanic Garden. Be sure to register early, as this event alway sells out!
Dennis Paige, habitat restorationist $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Sunday, June 9, 1 – 3 p.m. Linnaeus Room
Visit www.chicagobotanic. org/school/faculty for faculty biographies. Chicago Botanic Garden members receive a 20 percent discount on classes.
50 To register, visit www.chicagobotanic.org/school or call (847) 835-8261.
Saturday, June 15, 9 a.m., 11 a.m., or 1 p.m. or Sunday, June 16, 9 a.m., 11 a.m., or 1 p.m. $57 per person, members receive 20% discount Children must be at least 5 years old to participate. Maximum three participants per boat Additional details upon registration
Evening Prairie Walk
Introduction to Spiders and Their Ecology
OPC elective
Enjoy an informal yet informative walk through the Garden’s Dixon Prairie. The evening hours provide a wonderful time to view the prairies, highlighting color and texture in a different light. The environmental and floristic characteristics that distinguish each of the six types of prairies will be emphasized. Please dress for the weather. A map will be sent.
It has been said that we are never more than a meter away from a spider, no matter where we are. Do you know that some spiders are only active in the middle of winter, under the snow? Do you know that spiders are an important component of the nutrient cycling process in all our native ecosystems? These are just some of the interesting facts you will learn about in this introductory class. You will learn how to survey spider populations, learn the most common groups of spiders in our area and methods and references for identifying them, and learn something about their ecology. Through slide presentation, microscope work, and a tour in the natural areas at the Garden, participants will be introduced to and learn how to identify the diverse spider fauna of oak woodlands and prairies. How to Know the Spiders by Barbara Kaston is the recommended text. Please dress for the weather.
Many of the grasslike plants you encounter in native habitats in the Chicago region and elsewhere are not actually grasses. Although similar looking, they are members of an entirely different family of plants. In this course you will study Carex, the largest and most diverse genus of the sedge family. Learn about the taxonomy, structure, and ecology of this challenging group. This advanced course is for students who have already completed Botany I or are familiar with the use of taxonomic keys. Students must have a 10X loop hand lens and small millimeter ruler. Be prepared for walking in the woods; wear long sleeves and long pants, and bring insect repellent and sunscreen. You may wish to purchase a copy of Field Guide to Wisconsin Sedges by Andrew Hipp. Please bring a sack lunch. The School’s CEUS=0.6 Jim Steffen, ecologist, Chicago Botanic Garden $124 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, June 15, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Linnaeus Room
Discover the Indiana Dunes Beginning 15,000 years ago, thanks to the work of glaciers, wind, and water, the Indiana Dunes were formed. This National Lakeshore has one of the most diverse ecosystems in the National Park System. The flora and fauna of the dunes cover a wide spectrum of species and offer the Chicago area a rich treasure to experience. This class will provide an introduction of the natural and current history of the dunes and will prepare people to enjoy a visit, listing particular trails to explore. John Raffetto, horticulturist $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Thursday, July 11, 1 – 3 p.m. Linnaeus Room
David Sollenberger, seed conservation specialist and ecologist, Chicago Botanic Garden $19 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Thursday, August 22, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Meet at the Rice Plant Resource Center
Fall Bird Walk Take a walk in the Garden and learn to identify birds in their sometimes-confusing fall plumage. Earlier bird walks will highlight warblers, vireos, and flycatchers, while later ones will feature ducks, sparrows, and hawks. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them. Alan Anderson, research committee chairman, Chicago Audubon Society $19, nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, August 24, 7:30 – 9 a.m. Meet at Visitor Center
Jim Steffen, ecologist, Chicago Botanic Garden $124 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, September 7, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Plant Science Lab, Regenstein Center
Prairie Plant Identification in the Field Learn to identify individual prairie species and the most common plant families. After a brief discussion, Dave Sollenberger will lead you on a tour of the Garden’s Dixon Prairie to view many of the plants in the field. There will be some instruction and practice using taxonomic keys, and good field guides will be recommended. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes to walk the prairie. A map will be sent. Dave Sollenberger, seed conservation specialist and ecologist, Chicago Botanic Garden $74 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Thursday, September 12, 8 a.m. – noon Seminar Room, Plant Science Center
Enjoy the beauty of summer on an Evening Prairie Walk.
Visit www.chicagobotanic. org/school/faculty for faculty biographies. Chicago Botanic Garden members receive a 20 percent discount on classes.
Adult Education: Nature Studies
Recognizing Sedges in the Field
Adult Education: Garden Design
Garden Design
Introduction to Grading and Drainage
Graphics
PGL 2 and GDC requirement
PGL 2 and GDC requirement
New! World’s Fair Gardens – Shaping American Landscapes
Apply knowledge and skills toward a working understanding of basic grading and drainage concepts as they relate to design. Discussions and projects will include basic earth forms and drainage patterns in residential landscapes. Prerequisites: Graphics, Introduction to Professional Practice, Principles of Garden Design.
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.
You’ve read Devil and the White City; now find the devil in the delectable details of World’s Fair gardens. Author Cathy Maloney will present an engaging overview of the groundbreaking gardens and landscapes of the major World’s Fairs in the United States. Based on her book, World’s Fair Gardens, Maloney will show how the horticultural innovations and landscapes of World’s Fairs affect how we garden and enjoy our public spaces today. Chicago’s World’s Fairs will be highlighted. World’s Fair Gardens will be available for purchase and signing. Cathy Maloney, author and editor $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Tuesday, July 23, 10 a.m. – noon Linnaeus Room
New! Four-Season Landscapes Many gardens look beautiful in June or July, but what do they look like in September and on into the winter? Urban landscape designer Kim Kaulas will illustrate sites that are attractive year-round due to skillful planning of hardscape and plant material elements. Learn how to incorporate these ideas into improving your garden as a four-season landscape. Kim Kaulas, garden designer, Kim Kaulas Inc. $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Tuesday, September 10, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Linnaeus Room
Garden Design Certificate Program Hardscape Basics PGL 2, GDC requirement Apply knowledge and skills toward a working understanding of hardscape elements as they relate to garden design. Discussions and projects will focus on basic elements of hardscape structures, including paving, landscape lighting, garden walls and structures, and their application to landscapes. Prerequisites: Graphics, Introduction to Professional Practice, Principles of Garden Design. Shawn Weidner, ASLA, designer, Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects $337 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 9 Thursdays, May 16 – July 18, 6:30 – 9 p.m. (no session July 4) Design Studio Saturday, June 1, 1 – 4 p.m. off-site
Expert faculty make Garden Design classes come to life.
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Jodi Mariano, RLA, senior associate, Teska Associates, Inc. $337 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 8 Wednesdays, June 12 – August 7, 6:30 – 9 p.m. (no session July 3) Design Studio 2 Saturdays, July 13 and 20, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Plant Science Lab, Regenstein Center
Planting Design
R. Thomas Selinger, RLA, landscape architect, Martin and Associates $337 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 10 Thursdays, September 19 – November 21, 6:30 – 9 p.m. Design Studio 2 Saturdays, 1 – 4 p.m. September 28 (Design Studio) October 19 (Plant Science Lab)
GDC requirement Apply knowledge and skills developed in previous design courses toward a working understanding of planting design. Weekly discussions and individual projects will focus on basic elements of planting design, including an understanding of color and texture, plant combinations, planting bed layout, installation techniques, and maintenance practices. Prerequisites: 4 OPC core courses, Graphics, Introduction to Professional Practice, Principles of Garden Design, and Hardscape Basics. Shawn Weidner, ASLA, designer, Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects $337 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 9 Wednesdays, September 18 – November 13, 6:30 – 9 p.m. Design Studio 2 Saturdays, October 19 and November 2, 11 a. m. – 2 p.m. Linnaeus Room
Certificate Graduation If you will be completing your certificate program, you must register with the adult education office to be considered for the 2013 Autumn Certificate Programs Graduation. Graduation will be held Friday, November 15, at 6:30 p.m. in the Linnaeus Room. Please register at www.chicagobotanic.org/school/certificate/ graduation no later than October 15.
Adult Education: Botanical Arts & Humanities
Botanical Arts and Humanities New! Painting Seasonal Vegetables in Watercolor – Level 1 Using colorful seasonal vegetables as inspiration, beginning students will have the opportunity to turn their love for vegetables into artworks. Internationally renowned botanical artist, Heeyoung Kim, will guide students at the beginning stage from quick base sketch, to composition, and basic watercolor painting, step-by-step. Painting simple leaves and/or roots will provide a wonderful start for experiencing watercolor botanicals. Discovering the amazing colors and shapes of these ordinary foods will enhance your sense of wonder, life, and art, and respect for nature. A level 2 class begins August 2. Heeyoung Kim, botanical artist $312 nonmember; members receive a 20% discount 6 Fridays, June 7 – July 19, 1 – 4 p.m. (no class July 5) Design Studio
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 will inspire you to create! Register for both sessions at once and receive a ten percent discount.
New! Needle Felted Flower Pin Workshop Learn how to create vibrant blends of colors, as well as shape and sculpt wool roving into flower pins! Enjoy the beauty of nature all year long as we walk you through the simple, fun techniques of needle felting. You’ll be using hand-dyed, locally raised wools, keeping close to the natural beauty of the Garden’s landscape. Natasha Lehrer, fiber artist and educator, Esther’s Place $49 nonmember, members receive 20% discount Tuesday, June 11, 10 – 11:30 a.m. Linnaeus Room
New! Sushi Roll Bracelet Workshop Roll colors into sushi–inspired beads as we wet felt our way into creating a bracelet! Choose from a wide array of lovely colors, roll them into intricate patterns and use soap, water, and bubble wrap to shrink into unique beads. We’ll then use an assortment of accent beads to fashion a bracelet. Fun for anyone who loves distinctive jewelry—this will be a one-of-a-kind piece when we’re all done! Natasha Lehrer, fiber artist and educator, Esther’s Place $59 nonmember, members receive 20% discount Tuesday, June 11, 12:30 – 3 p.m. Linnaeus Room
Watercolor captures seasonal vegetables and foliage.
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Adventure, Travel, Plein Air Painting!
Beginning Landscape Watercolor
Full-day Watercolor Workshop
What could be a better spot to paint watercolor landscapes than the Chicago Botanic Garden? Beginners will learn various watercolor techniques, from washes to dry brush. Above all, we will relish the luxury of painting outside in the midst of such a stunning array of landscapes. A supply list will be sent.
Have you found yourself in some breathtaking location, clicking your camera, while thinking to yourself, “I should be painting this right now”? This class will build your confidence to capture the magical beauty of the great outdoors through plein-air painting. Whether you are a highly accomplished painter or just beginning, you will get helpful advice on technique, composition, and equipment. David Dallison will share his specific color palette and methods for building up a painting through composition, tone, color, and layering. In addition, you will learn how to develop a lightweight, portable system that will allow you to paint anywhere, anytime. Lunch is on your own.
Patsy Welch, artist and educator $237 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 6 Wednesdays, June 26 – July 31, 1 – 3:30 p.m. Design Studio
David Dallison, professional artist $99 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, June 15, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. or Saturday, August 24, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Meet at Visitor Center
New! Understanding Perspective Drawing This class is designed for botanical artists, plant enthusiasts, and landscape designers everywhere. Learn the basic principles and disciplines of botanical, hardscape, and landscape perspective. This is a studio class punctuated with sessions in the field. Learn how to give authority to your sketches, drawings, and paintings with accurate dimensional perspective that give added realism to your work. Perspective is a lost art—here is your chance to find it and see what a difference it makes! A supply list will be sent. Derek Norman, artist and director, Midwest Center for Botanical Documentation $312 nonmember; members receive a 20% discount 6 Saturdays, June 15 – July 20, 1 – 4 p.m. Design Studio
Prairie Plant Wall Tile Workshop Create a work of art for your garden with ceramic muralist, Janet Austin. Choose from a wide variety of native plants to press into a large clay slab. Then, with a clever process, add the plant’s name. The delicate low relief is brought to life with a lovely verdigris glaze. Finished 8” x 10” pieces are high fired, strung with a leather cord, and ready to pick up in several weeks. Janet Austin, artist $89 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Tuesday, July 9, 10 a.m. – noon Annex 2
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 and let Bonnie Arkin inspire your creativity. 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.
Recycle your china in the Mosaic Workshop.
Bonnie Arkin, artist and designer $149 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 6 Thursdays, July 11 – August 15, 7 – 9 p.m. or 6 Thursdays, August 22 – October 3, 7 – 9 p.m. (no class September 5) Annex 1
Mosaic Workshop
Farmers’ Market Bouquet at the Garden
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!
Join Nancy Clifton to shop at the Chicago Botanic Garden Farmers’ Market for fresh cut flowers, learn how to prepare them for arranging, and then create your own design like a professional! You will purchase the flowers, and we will provide the space, mechanics, container, and guidance to create a floral masterpiece. Bring floral shears and a box to carry the completed arrangement.
Bonnie Arkin, artist and designer $149 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 6 Tuesdays, July 9 – August 13, 7 – 9 p.m. or 6 Tuesdays, August 20 – September 24, 7 – 9 p.m. Annex 1
Nancy Clifton, program specialist, Chicago Botanic Garden $87 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Sunday, July 21, 10 a.m. – noon Plant Science Lab, Regenstein Center
Watercolor: Painting the Natural World
Using colorful seasonal vegetables as inspiration, students will have the opportunity to turn their love for vegetables into artworks. Internationally renowned botanical artist, Heeyoung Kim, will guide students step-by-step from a quick base sketch, to composition, and basic watercolor painting. Painting simple leaves and roots will provide a wonderful start for experiencing watercolor botanicals. Discovering the amazing colors and shapes of these ordinary foods will enhance your sense of wonder, life, and art, and respect for nature. Heeyoung Kim, botanical artist $260 nonmember; members receive a 20% discount 5 Fridays, August 2 – 30, 1 – 4 p.m. Design Studio
Botanical Art – Flower Painting in Gouache on Colored Paper There is a rich tradition in the world of botanical art and illustration for painting in gouache. This studio class offers the chance to discover some of those forgotten traditions that have made this technique so satisfying and appealing to the botanical artist— both the accomplished and the beginner. Gouache (opaque watercolor) technique is ideal for botanical painting and for a looser, more interpretive approach. Students will work from botanical specimens to learn and observe the rhythms of natural botanical shapes and floral forms. A supply list will be sent. Derek Norman, artist and director, Midwest Center for Botanical Documentation $312 nonmember; members receive a 20% discount 6 Saturdays, August 3 – September 7, 1 – 4 p.m. Design Studio
New! Learning to Draw – Understanding Botanical Composition
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. Judith Joseph, artist and educator $254 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 6 Thursdays, July 11 – August 15, 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. Design Studio
Painting Seasonal Vegetables in Watercolor – Level 2
Gain an understanding and appreciation of the components that characterize fine botanical composition. In conjunction with drawing and painting botanical specimens, each student will explore how to use various compositional elements in their own work. Working in the medium of their choice, students will analyze and observe how best to compose, design, and execute their work for maximum impact. A supply list will be sent.
Visit www.chicagobotanic. org/school/faculty for faculty biographies.
Derek Norman, artist and director, Midwest Center for Botanical Documentation $312 nonmember; members receive a 20% discount 6 Wednesdays, August 7 – September 11, 9 a.m. – noon Design Studio
Chicago Botanic Garden members receive a 20 percent discount on classes.
Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/school/registration_policies for information on registration procedure and policy. 57
Adult Education: Botanical HighlightsArts & Humanities
Rejuvenated Jewelry
The Kurtis Conservation Foundation (KCF) has invited the Chicago Botanic Garden to offer courses set on the extensive grounds of the Foundation and at Mettawa Manor & Gardens, built in 1927 and now the part-time residence of Bill Kurtis and Donna LaPietra. KCF and Mettawa Manor offers 75 acres of land with formal gardens, woodlands, ponds, and prairie, giving students exciting and diverse learning experiences.
Avian Songs and Color at Mettawa Manor Revel in the joys of early morning bird song as you search Mettawa Manor to listen and look for birds such as the eastern wood-pewee, red-eyed vireo, Baltimore oriole, and common yellowthroat, among many others. Early morning in spring and summer is the best time to hear birds as they begin their day establishing territories, choosing mates, and selecting nest sites. At least 100 bird species use this 75-acre property for feeding, resting, and breeding sometime during the year. Bring water, binoculars, and insect repellant; wear good hiking shoes; and dress for the weather. Sheryl DeVore, author, Birds of Illinois, and chief editor, Meadowlark, journal of the Illinois Ornithological Society $59 nonmember, members receive 20% discount Sunday, June 9, 7 – 10 a.m. Mettawa Manor, Kurtis Conservation Foundation
The unforgettable setting of Mettawa Manor allows students to reflect on the beauty around them.
New! Drawing Poetry at Mettawa Manor Spend a day outdoors drawing beautiful vistas and niches at Mettawa Manor, inspired by your favorite poetry. Each artist will choose a noteworthy view of Mettawa that reflects or adds to their poem(s). Students will spend time drawing at their individual sites and then gather together at lunchtime and at the end of the day for a reading of their poems/ drawings. Students must bring poems, their choice of paper and drawing materials–colored pencils, watercolor pencils, charcoal, pastels, or pen and ink. Please dress for the weather and bring a refillable water bottle. Lunch will be provided. Luanne Janikowski, scientific illustrator $125 nonmember, members receive 20% discount Friday, June 21, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Mettawa Manor, Kurtis Conservation Foundation
Enjoy a state of relaxation and reconnecting with nature with activities like breathing exercises, gentle yoga, journaling, and meditation. Dress comfortably in weather-appropriate loose clothing and bring lots of water, as all activities will be outdoors. Bring a mat or chair. Lunch will be provided. A supply list and map will be sent prior to the program. Steve Nakon, director, Whole Journey Northwest Yoga $125 nonmember, members receive 20% discount Friday, September 20, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Mettawa Manor, Kurtis Conservation Foundation
Scenic Photography Workshop at Mettawa Manor
Join Nancy Clifton in this fun and relaxing hands-on workshop while surrounded by the beauty and serenity of Mettawa Manor. We’ll spend the day working with herbal crafts for you to take home—like a beeswax candle in a mason jar, a fragrant herbal diffuser, and an herbal planter. We’ll end the day enjoying herbal cookies and tea! Lunch will be provided, but please bring all other snacks and drinks you’ll require for the day. A map will be sent prior to your workshop.
Join nature photographer Jack Carlson as he conducts a workshop designed to expand your photographic horizons in this beautiful setting. The morning begins with orientation and a basic overview of photographic concepts after which students will be at liberty to capture images of autumn. In the afternoon the day’s images will be presented and discussed. Students should have a working knowledge of their camera’s controls and lens settings. Use of a tripod is strongly encouraged. Lunch will be provided, but please bring all other snacks and drinks you’ll require for the day. Class limited to 10 students.
Nancy Clifton, horticulturist, Chicago Botanic Garden $162 nonmember, members receive 20% discount Wednesday, July 17, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Mettawa Manor, Kurtis Conservation Foundation
Jack Carlson, certified professional photographer $125 nonmember, members receive 20% discount Wednesday, October 2, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Mettawa Manor, Kurtis Conservation Foundation
New! Herbs and More at Mettawa Manor
Visit www.chicagobotanic. org/school/faculty for faculty biographies.
Consciousness and Nature Retreat at Mettawa Manor
Chicago Botanic Garden members receive a 20 percent discount on classes.
Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/school/registration_policies for information on registration procedure and policy. 59
Adult Education: Botanical Arts & Humanities Adult Educa
Kurtis Conservation Foundation
Adult Education: Botanical RegensteinArts School & Humanities
Gourd Art Workshops During one special weekend this fall, the Illinois Gourd Society will hold their state show at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Realize your own creativity as you take a workshop from quality, knowledgeable instructors who belong to the Illinois Gourd Society.
Gourd Art Workshop: Gorgeous Gourd Vessel Always wanted to try your hand at gourd crafting? This is the class for you! Starting with a gourd that has been cleaned, dyed, and drilled, you will learn to coil with Danish cord and waxed linen to create a one-of-a-kind gourd vessel. Add yarn, feathers, and dried materials to the finished project. We will also discuss growing, cleaning, and dying of the gourds. This is a fun and exciting class and every gourd will be unique and different. All materials supplied. All levels welcome. Sandy Bulgrin, artist, Illinois Gourd Society $50 nonmember, members receive 20% discount Friday, September 13, 9 a.m. – noon Annex 2
Gourd Art Workshop: Autumn Leaves Students will select a cleaned gourd and transfer a beautiful leaf design onto it. We will add color and texture to the leaf designs using a variety of tools like a mini saw, wood burner, and some great new options. Students will create a wonderful fall motif. Come, enjoy and create! All supplies included, but please bring a wood burner or mini saw if you have one. All levels welcome. Sandy Bulgrin, artist, Illinois Gourd Society $69 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Friday, September 13, 1 – 4 p.m. Annex 2
Gourd Art Workshop: Beginning Chip Carving Come and make either a birdhouse or a bowl. Using a chip caving tool supplied by the instructor, learn how to create a unique S-shaped pattern around a gourd. This is a fun class! All levels welcome. Lynn Quinn, artist, Illinois Gourd Society $59 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, September 14, 1 – 4 p.m. Plant Science Lab
Gourd Art Workshop: Beginning Rainsticks Learn the basics of making a rainstick from snake gourds. The participants will learn how to position the lines for drilling the holes and how to insert and glue the sticks. Finishing surface techniques will be discussed. The instructors will furnish all materials. Please bring a cordless drill with a 7/64” bit if available. Tom and Alisa Skinner, artists, Illinois Gourd Society $44 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, September 14, noon – 3 p.m. Annex 2
Gourd Art Workshop: Halloween Party Bowl Students will create Halloween designs on a gourd of their choosing using colorful acrylic paints and simple painting techniques. A variety of gourds will be prepped, primed, and ready to paint. All necessary materials will be provided for use in class to produce a finished project. Class is for the beginning decorative painter, although all skill levels are welcome. Students may bring their own brushes if desired. Sally Arnold, artist, Illinois Gourd Society $63 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Sunday, September 15, 9 a.m. – noon Annex 1
One-stop registration online. It’s so easy! Register for classes, camps, kids’ programs, yoga, and more!
60 To register, visit www.chicagobotanic.org/school or call (847) 835-8261.
Gourd Art Workshop: Basics 101, the Beginning Explore creating gourd art. Class will emphasize aspects of selecting safety gear, tools, materials, and methods available for cleaning, assembling, and finishing options for your gourd art. Crafting options and growing techniques will be discussed. Students will clean a dirty, moldy gourd to start their own project. Instructor will provide gourds, tools, supplies, and protective gear. Students should wear appropriate clothing for dusty work, including an apron or smock, and bring safety glasses. Bring your own mini jigsaw, if you have one. Tom Bloore, artist, Illinois Gourd Society $44 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Sunday, September 15, 9 a.m – noon Annex 2
Gourd Art Workshop: Basics 102, the Beginning This class is part two of your gourd exploration. Students will use the gourd they started in Gourd Basics, 101 the Beginning, to apply a coiling technique on the rim of the gourd as they create their own unique piece. Please bring safety glasses and an apron or smock. Instructor will provide other needed materials including, tools, supplies, and other protective gear. Bring your own wood burner and rotary tool (Dremel), if you have them. Thomas Bloore, artist, Illinois Gourd Society $59 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Sunday, September 15, 1 – 4 p.m. Annex 2
Adult Education: Botanical Arts & Humanities
Botany for Botanical Artists ART requirement This class is designed with the botanical artist in mind. The focus will be on the visual aspects of botany rather than the study of internal features and processes. This class will distill the terminology of botanists into an understandable and useful form. Lectures and demonstrations will explore vascular plant parts including flowers, stems, leaves, and roots.
Student Botanical Arts Exhibition
Botanical Arts Certificate Program
Portfolio: Presenting Your Artwork
Drawn from Nature: Seventh Annual Student Botanical Arts Exhibition
How you present yourself and your artwork is very important. Learn how to write a biography, a resume of exhibitions, and an artist statement. Photographing and reproducing artwork are also discussed. Please bring your portfolio and artwork for class activities. This class prepares students for the Botanical Art Certificate Program portfolio presentation. The School’s CEUs=0.3
Get your paintbrushes ready and your pencils sharpened! Registration is now open for the 2013 student exhibition. All levels welcome, but you must register and submit your work by Wednesday, July 31, 2013. Please visit www. chicagobotanic. org/school/ exhibitions/botart_exhibition for complete details.
The Landscape in Pastel ART elective or core course option for expressive track In this workshop, we will use the versatile and workable medium of pastel to paint powerful, evocative landscapes. We will learn to combine and edit photographs to create original compositions emphasizing lighting, strong shapes, and values. All levels are welcome. The School’s CEUs=1.2 Marlene Hill Donnelly, scientific illustrator, The Field Museum $187 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 4 Thursdays, June 6 – 27, 6 – 9 p.m. Plant Science Lab, Regenstein Center
Outdoor Sketching ART requirement Learning how to make quick studies in the field is an important skill. You will gain the experience to create these sketches, complete with notes on field conditions, colors, plant measurements, and textures, for a complete work-up in the studio. Please dress for the weather. Folding chairs are provided. In case of inclement weather, the class will draw in the Greenhouses. Priscilla Humay, freelance artist, CPSA $287 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 6 Saturdays, June 8 – July 20, 9 a.m. – noon (no class July 6) Design Studio
ART elective
Derek Norman, artist and director, Midwest Center for Botanical Documentation $74 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Tuesday, June 25, 6 – 9 p.m. Design Studio
Labeling, Matting, and Framing ART elective
Richard D. Hyerczyk, botanist $224 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 5 Wednesdays, July 24 – August 28, 6 – 9 p.m. (no class August 7) Plant Science Lab, Regenstein Center
Painting the Flowers of Summer, Watercolor on Vellum Visiting Artist Program ART elective After a brief background discussion of vellum, Carol Woodin will demonstrate how to stretch vellum over a panel. Then we’ll begin preliminary sketches of our chosen daylily in the garden, followed by cutting our subject to bring into the classroom. We’ll devote the remainder of our time to perfecting the techniques of painting in watercolor on vellum. Through discussion, demonstration, and practice we’ll learn to transfer preliminary drawings, clean and refine the drawing before painting, and build color through transparent layering. Using many layers of dry brush watercolor will help the artists to build fresh but rich color, and create believable form and well-observed detail. These techniques provide additional latitude in watercolor whether working on vellum or paper. Each artist will have a painting substantially advanced by the end of the workshop. The School’s CEUs=1.95
Labeling, matting, and framing are all essential elements in completing and presenting your artwork. This class teaches students the various ways to label their botanical artwork and demonstrates matting and framing techniques in a range of styles from the traditional to the contemporary. Mats and frames will be available for practice. Please bring one completed artwork and a digital camera for class activities. The School’s CEUs=0. 3
Carol Woodin, artist and instructor $499 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Friday, Saturday, Sunday, July 26 – 28, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Design Studio
Dawn Bennett, exhibitions and program production manager, Chicago Botanic Garden $74 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Monday, July 15, 6 – 9 p.m. Linnaeus Room
This studio class will cover advanced pen-and-ink techniques and composition in botanical documentation and illustration. We will draw advanced plant forms and their parts under the microscope, developing sound linear and tonal concepts, communicating accurate botanical information, and learning the aesthetics of botanical drawing and composition. Students will work using both a crow quill (dip pen) and technical drawing pens. Prerequisites: Botanical Drawing 1, Pen and Ink 1.
Watercolor 1 ART requirement Students will build skills, starting with basic color mixing and paint-handling exercises. Students will progress to rendering textures and form in color and using paint-layering techniques to achieve a naturalistic style. Nancy Halliday, freelance artist and naturalist $287 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 6 Tuesdays, July 16 – August 20, 6 – 9 p.m. Design Studio
62 To register, visit www.chicagobotanic.org/school or call (847) 835-8261.
Pen and Ink 2 ART requirement, traditional track
Derek Norman, artist and director, Midwest Center for Botanical Documentation $287 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 6 Mondays, July 29 – September 9, 6 – 9 p.m. (no class September 2) Design Studio
Visiting Artist Program ART elective Learn to recognize and become familiar with parts of flowers by dissecting, observing, and drawing them while looking through microscopes. Scientific accuracy in your artistic depiction of plants is a very important part of botanical art. In this botany class you will study flowers and inflorescences. Each student will receive a dissection kit. The School’s CEUs=0.65 Mary Bauschelt, artist and instructor $149 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, August 3, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Plant Science lab, Regenstein Center
English Watercolor Techniques ART requirement, traditional track Using live plant materials, students build upon techniques learned in Watercolor I. Emphasis is on realistic portrayal of botanical subjects and traditional methods of dry brush watercolor painting, with attention to detail and color accuracy. Demonstrations and individual instruction will be given. Prerequisites: Botanical Drawing 1, Color Mixing, and Watercolor 1. Nancy Halliday, freelance artist and naturalist $287 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 6 Mondays, September 23 – October 28, 6 – 9 p.m. Design Studio
Photography Focusing on Nature: Third Annual Student Botanical Photography Exhibition August 23 – September 29 Opening Reception Friday, August 23, 6 – 8 p.m. Joutras Gallery, Regenstein Center The exhibition features outstanding works by students of the Regenstein School photography classes. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/school/exhibitions/photo_ gallery.php for images from the 2012 show.
Black and White Stippling Workshop
New! Tram Photo Safari
Stippling with both black and white ink delivers a drawing that is strong, dramatic, and relatively fast. The technique is closely related to Scratchboard (a surface especially appropriate for hairy or furry subjects) that students may also use in class. We will first create an effective Notan or value map to guarantee a striking final drawing. The School’s CEUs=1.2
Grab your camera and join us on this first-ever photo safari to often unexplored areas of the Garden. First, join Jack Carlson, Garden instructor and tram driver, for photo tips and information. We will then board the tram and travel to the 100-acre oak ecosystem of the Mary Mix McDonald Woods, followed by the 15-acre Dixon Prairie Preserve with such photogenic areas as Marsh Island and the dunes. Enjoy individualized photo instruction along the way. Digital or film cameras only. Tripod strongly suggested. Please pencil in June 15 as a rain date.
Marlene Hill Donnelly, scientific illustrator, The Field Museum $174 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 2 Sundays, August 11 and 18, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Design Studio
Botanical Drawing 1, Fall Session
Certificate Graduation
ART requirement
If you will be completing your certificate program, you must register with the adult education office to be considered for the 2013 Autumn Certificate Programs Graduation. Graduation will be held on Friday, November 15, at 6:30 p.m. in the Linnaeus Room. Please visit www.chicagobotanic.org/school/certificate/ graduation to register no later than October 15.
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, The Field Museum $349 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 8 Tuesdays, September 10 – October 29, 6 – 9 p.m. Design Studio
New! Garden and Travel Photography Wherever your travels take you, the best souvenirs of your trip are photographs of the buildings and gardens you visit. Photographing both hardscapes and plant material together often presents a challenge. Learn how light, angle, focus, and time of day can be used to optimize your time and your pictures. Classes will be held at the Garden and other area locations. Prerequisite: Beginning Photography class or general camera competence. Requirements: Digital camera (no tablets or cell phones, please) and tripod strongly encouraged. Jack Carlson, professional photographer $225 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 4 Tuesdays, July 2 – 23, 9 a.m. – noon Design Studio
Open Studio ART elective This studio class is open to all levels and will feature a short lecture and demonstration each week illustrating a principle that pertains to all media. Select plant materials will be provided for the session. The studio will remain open until 4 p.m. for registered participants. The School’s CEUs=1.8 Marlene Hill Donnelly, scientific illustrator, The Field Museum $212 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 6 Sundays, September 15 – October 20, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Design Studio
Jack Carlson, professional photographer $99 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, June 8, 8 a.m. – noon Meet in Boyer Room
Classes are subject to change. For the most current listings visit www.chicagobotanic.org/school.
Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/school/registration_policies for information on registration procedure and policy. 63
Adult Education: Photography Highlights
Microscope and Botanical Dissection Workshop
Adult Education: Photography Regenstein School
FOCUS ON PHOTOGRAPHY CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS (FPC)
Basics of Editing – Lightroom I
Photographing Summer Scenes
FPC requirement option
FPC elective
Abstracts in Nature – Summer
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4 is professional-grade processing software designed to help photographers manage and edit their images. In this course, you will learn Lightroom 4 setup, workflow, file management, processing, and image exporting. You’ll also learn to tag, name, size, and sharpen your images. A personal laptop with Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4 installed is required, or you may choose to download the 30-day free trial of Lightroom from Adobe’s website on the first day of class.
Learn how to capture the natural beauty and colors of the Garden in summer. Perspective, composition, and light control techniques will be discussed in the classroom. These concepts will then be put into practice as students capture images in selected areas of the Garden. This class is designed for students who have completed a beginning photography course or have an understanding of their camera controls. A camera is required and a tripod is recommended. You’ll bring home wall-worthy images of summer at the Chicago Botanic Garden in its profusion of color and light. Prerequisite: Beginning Digital Photography. Tripod use is strongly encouraged. The School’s CEUs=1.2
FPC elective This intermediate class will be spent applying photographic techniques to create a portfolio of abstract fine art photographs. You will go beyond nature as reality and learn to see the outdoors in patterns. Using design concepts, students will craft creative images with a mood and message. A review of technical SLR tools, in addition to developing your creative eye, will help you capture abstracts of your very own. Class will include lecture, critique, and time in the Garden. The School’s CEUs=1.2 Dianne Kittle, fine art photographer $212 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 6 Mondays, June 10 – July 15, 10 a.m. – noon Design Studio
Basics of Editing – 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, June 17 – July 8, 1 – 3:30 p.m. Design Studio
New! Basics of Editing – Aperture 1 FPC requirement option Aperture 3 is the next logical step for photographers still using iPhoto. Aperture is a professional-grade processing software designed by Apple to help photographers manage and edit their images with a higher level of control and expression. In this course, you will learn Aperture 3 setup, workflow, file management, processing, and image exporting. You’ll also learn to tag, name, size, and sharpen your images. By the end of this course, you will have taken control of the organization and archiving of your photos, and have the skills to create your own processing workflow in Aperture 3. A personal laptop with Aperture 3 installed is required. Kevin Malella, fine art/commercial photographer $187 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 4 Tuesdays, June 18 – July 9, 1 – 3:30 p.m. Design Studio
Sarah Postma, professional photographer $187 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 4 Wednesdays, July 10 – 31, 9:30 a.m. – noon Design Studio
Basics of Editing – Photoshop 2 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 = 1.0 Iris Allen, freelance photographer and instructor $187 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 4 Mondays, July 15 – August 5, 1 – 3:30 p.m. Design Studio
New! Basics of Editing – Aperture 2 FPC elective In this course, you will polish your editing workflow, file management, and increase your processing skills in Apple’s Aperture 3. You’ll also learn to create slideshows, map the locations of your images, utilize the facial recognition built into the program, and publish your images to social media and websites directly from Aperture. By the end of this course, you will have created customizations and workflow changes in your copy of Aperture 3 that will take your image processing to the next level. A personal laptop with Aperture 3 installed is required. Prerequisite: Aperture I, or approval of instructor. The School’s CEUs=1.0 Kevin Malella, fine art/commercial photographer $187 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 4 Tuesdays, July 16 – August 6, 1 – 3:30 p.m. Design Studio
64 To register, visit www.chicagobotanic.org/school or call (847) 835-8261.
Jack Carlson, professional photographer $225 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 4 Fridays, July 19 – August 9, 8 – 11 a.m. Design Studio
New! Art Fair & Exhibition Framing Workshop FPC elective Learn how to frame your photographs for an exhibition, plus how to go about applying for and preparing for an art fair. This workshop will also include a look at pricing, exhibiting your work, and setting up a booth. Please bring one 8” x 10” photograph that you will mat and frame in class. Material cost is included in the fee. The School’s CEUs=0.3 Tobin Fraley, photographer $79 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Saturday, July 20, 9 a.m. – noon Linnaeus Room
Botany for Botanical Artists FPC elective See page 62. Richard D. Hyerczyk, botanist $224 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 5 Wednesdays, July 24 – August 28, 6 – 9 p.m. (no class August 7) Plant Science Lab, Regenstein Center
FPC elective Is it possible to turn your love of flower and garden photography into a viable career path? Yes, provided you have a clear understanding about how to turn your passion into a business. This one-day intensive workshop will outline the techniques and strategies that will help aspiring professional photographers start and build their business. Allen Rokach will give participants valuable insights using his own success over nearly 40 years in the field, plus interviews with local experts in their photography-related fields. The workshop will cover topics such as marketing your skills and your work, creating a portfolio, developing clients and getting assignments, pricing your work, working with photo editors and art directors, creating a web presence, legal considerations, and more. The School’s CEUs=.6 Allen Rokach, master garden photographer $99 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Wednesday, July 31, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Linnaeus Room
Beginning Digital Photography Master garden photographer Allen Rokach helps students improve their images.
Special Engagement
Focus on Flowers—Discover the Beauty in Flowers and Gardens:
How I See a Garden: The Delights of Garden Photography
FPC elective
Creating exciting flower photos means breaking habits of seeing. This lecture and audio-visual presentation will show you how to expand your imagination by looking at flowers and gardens in fresh and unusual ways. Allen Rokach, master garden photographer $37 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Sunday, July 28, 7 – 9 p.m. Linnaeus Room
Digital imaging has revolutionized photography and liberated photographers. Join master photographer Allen Rokach in this intensive two-day workshop as he guides you through the fascinating world of digital photography. In this innovative workshop, master photographer Allen Rokach will guide you to the limitless possibilities of digital garden and floral photography, which is both fascinating and endlessly challenging. Through a combination of illustrated lectures, field photography, review sessions, and demonstrations of after-capture techniques, Rokach will share his expertise and long experience creating exciting images of flowers and gardens. Day two will focus on creative after-capture techniques using Photoshop to maximize the impact of images, primarily through the use of color. Rokach will offer suggestions for improving your images, including the use of after-capture techniques that can help you transform competent images into truly great ones. Lunch is on your own. Students must bring their digital cameras and laptops for the field and review sessions. Registration includes the July 28 lecture. The School’s CEUs =1.8 Allen Rokach, master garden photographer $374 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Monday & Tuesday, July 29 & 30, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Linnaeus Room
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, the functions of lens aperture and shutter speed, proper exposure, and some minimal photo processing. By the end of class, participants will be confident in using their camera’s manual settings. Course requires a digital SLR camera. No previous experience required. Jack Carlson, professional photographer $225 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 4 Saturdays, August 3 – 24, 9 a.m. – noon Design Studio
The Fine Art Water Portfolio FPC elective Water, the essence of life, will be our canvas for creating artistic images. With your SLR on Shutter Speed Priority, we will freeze patterns of design formed by water. Your will learn to isolate images reflecting from water’s surface. Using slow shutter speed, polarizers, and neutral density filters, you will direct your camera to paint works of water art. Students will be given the opportunity and direction to develop a fine art portfolio worthy of exhibition or BLURB Book. Class will include lecture, critique, and time in the Garden. The School’s CEUs=1.2 Dianne Kittle, fine art photographer $212 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 6 Mondays, August 19 – September 30, 10 a.m. – noon (no class September 2) Design Studio
Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/school/registration_policies for information on registration procedure and policy. 65
Adult Education: Photography
Business Techniques for Flower and Garden Photographers
Adult Education: Wellness & Fitness
Wellness & Fitness Meditation Walk: The Cycles of Life What better way to enjoy the spring 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 with accompanying music. 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 18, 8 – 10 a.m. Meet at Visitor Center
New! Reiki for You Reiki is a complementary healing practice that can be used for self-care as well as care of others. Reiki is helpful in promoting relaxation, managing stress, and enhancing one’s overall health and sense of well-being. Reiki works holistically to bring balance to the body, mind, and spirit. In this two-class series, you will learn about working with reiki and how to offer reiki to yourself every day. Completion of both classes is required to receive your Level I certificate. Jane Van De Velde, DNP, RN, is the founder and president of The Reiki Share Project $187 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 2 Thursdays, June 20 & June 27, 1 – 5 p.m. Linnaeus Room
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 multi-session pass allows the walker to choose which sessions to attend during the season.
Tai Chi Classes
Tai Chi: Traditional Sun-Style Long Form
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 Chicago Botanic Garden. One-time class trial fee: $20.
This course continues with in-depth study of the Sun style. 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. Tai Chi 101 or some tai chi experience recommended.
Tai Chi 101 This course will introduce students to Sun-style and Yang-style tai chi chuan. 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 $165 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Summer session: 10 Wednesdays, June 5 – August 14 (no class July 3), 8 – 9 a.m. Fall session: 10 Wednesdays, September 18 – November 20, 8 – 9 a.m. Burnstein Hall
Tai Chi: Traditional Yang-Style Long Form This course continues with in-depth study of the Yang style. 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. Tai Chi 101 or some tai chi experience is recommended. Gordon Lock, instructor $165 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Summer session: 10 Wednesdays, June 5 – August 14 (no class July 3), 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. Fall session: 10 Wednesdays, September 18 – November 20, 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. Burnstein Hall
Esther Gutiérrez-Sloan, certified personal trainer and president, SALSArobics, Inc. # of Sessions Nonmember Fee (members receive 20% discount) 4 Sessions 8 Sessions 12 Sessions 16 Sessions Season Pass Drop-in Rate
$63 nonmember $119 nonmember $166 nonmember $199 nonmember $337 nonmember $15
Saturdays, April 6 – November 16, 8 – 9 a.m. Meet in Visitor Center
66 To register, visit www.chicagobotanic.org/school or call (847) 835-8261.
Gordon Lock, instructor $165 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Summer session: 10 Thursdays, June 6 – August 15 (no class July 4), 8 – 9 a.m. Fall session: 10 Thursdays, September 19 – November 21, 8 – 9 a.m. Burnstein Hall
Simplified Yang-Style Tai Chi Chuan We will practice all 24 postures of tai chi chuan and the technique for each movement will be discussed. The routine may be completed in less than ten minutes. Members will build a solid foundation for balance and coordination. Qigong exercises will also be introduced to improve overall fitness. Gordon Lock, instructor $165 nonmember; members receive 20% discount Summer session: 10 Thursdays, June 6 – August 15 (no class July 4), 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. Fall session: 10 Thursdays, September 19 – November 21, 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. Burnstein Hall
Adult Education: Wellness & Fitness
Yoga Classes 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 75 minutes. On occasion, when weather permits, class will occur outdoors in one of the beautiful areas of the Chicago Botanic Garden. One-time class trial fee: $20.
New! 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, director, Whole Journey Northwest Yoga $125 nonmember, members receive 20% discount 5 Fridays, October 4 – November 1, 9 – 10:30 a.m. Linnaeus Room
Gentle Yoga 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. Steve Nakon, director, and Patricia Nakon, co-director, Whole Journey Northwest Yoga Summer session: $135 nonmember, members receive 20% discount 8 Mondays, June 24 – August 12, 9 – 10:15 a.m. or 5:15 – 6:30 p.m. Fall session: $170 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 10 Mondays, September 9 – November 11, 9 – 10:15 a.m. or 5:15 – 6:30 p.m. Boyer Room
Visit www.chicagobotanic. org/school/faculty for faculty biographies. Chicago Botanic Garden members receive a 20 percent discount on classes.
Introductory Yoga
Yoga Flow Intermediate
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.
The Yoga Flow series combines movement linked to the breath, working the body and engaging the mind. A more exhilarating, challenging Flow series. For students who have taken Beginner Flow or have comparable experience.
Steve Nakon, director, Whole Journey Northwest Yoga Summer session: $135 nonmember, members receive 20% discount 8 Wednesdays, June 26 – August 14, 5:15 – 6:30 p.m. or 7 – 8:15 p.m. Fall session: $170 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 10 Wednesdays, September 11 – November 13, 5:15 – 6:30 p.m. or 7 – 8:15 p.m. Boyer Room
Steve Nakon, director, Whole Journey Northwest Yoga Summer session: $135 nonmember, members receive 20% discount 8 Tuesdays, June 25 – August 13, 8 – 9:15 a.m. Fall session: $170 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 10 Tuesdays, September 10 – November 12, 8 – 9:15 a.m. or Summer session: $135 nonmember, members receive 20% discount 8 Thursdays, June 27 – August 15 (no class July 4), 9 – 10:15 a.m. or 6 – 7:15 p.m. Fall session: $170 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 10 Thursdays, September 12 – November 14, 9 – 10:15 a.m. or 6 – 7:15 p.m. Boyer Room
Yoga Flow Beginner The Yoga Flow series combines movement linked to the breath, working the body and engaging the mind. A moderately challenging course for students with some yoga experience. Steve Nakon, director, Whole Journey Northwest Yoga Summer session: $135 nonmember, members receive 20% discount 8 Tuesdays, June 25 – August 13, 9:15 – 10:30 a.m. or 6 – 7:15 p.m. Fall session: $170 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 10 Tuesdays, September 10 – November 12 9:15 – 10:30 a.m. or 6 – 7:15 p.m. Boyer 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, director, Whole Journey Northwest Yoga $170 nonmember; members receive 20% discount 10 Wednesdays, September 11 – November 13, 9:15 – 10:30 a.m. Linnaeus Room
Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/school/registration_policies for information on registration procedure and policy. 69
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.
Enjoy the Flowers After Hours: Family Nature Nights! As the sun sets, Garden fun ramps up! Visit the Chicago Botanic Garden during summer evenings for fun-filled scientific exploration: s’mores around a campfire, tram rides, hands-on gardening, aquatic adventures, fluttering butterflies, and much more! Four different outdoor programs are geared to families with children ages 4 to 10. Nature Nights take place rain or shine the first and third Saturday evenings of June, July, August, and September, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Highlights for 2013: Plant, mulch, and water in the new Grunsfeld Children’s Growing Garden; wander through the enchanting Butterflies & Blooms exhibition; investigate the living creatures that call water home in the new Kleinman Family Cove; and explore the Dixon Prairie. Bring a picnic dinner (we’ll provide the s’mores!) and enjoy a variety of discovery-based activities. Preregister at least three days in advance at www.chicagobotanic.org/naturenights or call (847) 835-6801. The fee is $25 per child for nonmembers (adults are free). Garden Plus members receive a 20 percent discount. 70
www.chicagobotanic.org/forfamilies
S’mores around a campfire are a Nature Nights highlight.
Grunsfeld Children’s Growing Garden Family Drop-in Activities
Free Programs
Get close to nature and discover where food comes from and how plants grow. Pollinate flowers, dissect seeds, see roots growing, compost with worms, create a rainbow for healthy eating, and more. Activities vary from week to week.
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 22. Mondays, through May 20 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Malott Japanese Garden Children’s Festival Learn about children’s celebrations in Japan during this special weekend of activities. Listen to music, enjoy traditional folktales, and watch a tea ceremony. Kids of all ages can make projects to celebrate Girls’ Day and Boys’ Day. Design a kimono paper doll, create a miniature carp kite, construct an origami samurai helmet, and more at family-friendly hands-on stations. Saturday, May 18 & Sunday, May 19 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Japanese Garden Family Sundays
Saturdays & Sundays, June 1 through September 2 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Weekdays Noon – 4 p.m.
Kleinman Family Cove Family Drop-in Activities Explore the plants and animals in aquatic habitats. Use scientific tools to look at tiny critters living under water, find out what makes water plants different from land plants, and more. Activities may vary from week to week. Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays, June 1 through September 1 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Drop by the Elizabeth Hubert Malott Japanese Garden for hands-on activities related to Japanese arts and culture. Practice using chopsticks, rake miniature dry gardens, make Japanese kites, and more. The free activities vary each time. Sundays, June 2 & 16, July 7 & 21, August 4, and September 1 & 15 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Malott Japanese Garden Summer Festival Learn about the summer festivals (matsura) celebrated in Japan during this special weekend of activities. Listen to taiko drum and koto harp music, enjoy traditional folktales, and watch a tea ceremony. Kids of all ages can make projects to celebrate summer — fold origami, create a paper fan, make a kite, and more at family-friendly hands-on stations. Saturday, August 17 & Sunday, August 18 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/familyprograms/ dropin for more information on all of these programs.
Adults and children can practice using chopsticks at the Malott Japanes Garden Festival.
Youth & Family Programs
Family Programs
Youth & Family Programs
Fee-based Programs Nature Nights
Family Campouts
Birthday Parties
Bring a picnic dinner and spend an evening in the Garden! Children ages 4 to 10 and their families will explore different areas of the Garden and enjoy a variety of discovery-based activities. Each Nature Nights also includes a tram ride, a planting project, and s’mores around the campfire. *Don’t forget to bring a picnic dinner! Dessert is provided.
Families can come pitch a tent in our Outdoor Classroom for a low-stress camping experience with flushing toilets and running water! We’ll go for an evening hike through the prairie and cook s’mores around a campfire. Please plan to spend the night, as the Garden is unable to accommodate “under-night” or evening-only participants. Activities are geared for participants ages 6 and up. Please note the rain date when registering for the campout. Campout fees will only be refunded if both the original date and the rain date are canceled by the Garden.
Celebrate your child’s birthday with a garden-themed party! 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 www. chicagobotanic.org/birthdays or call (847) 835-8275 for more information.
New! Ready, Set, Garden! Discover what plants need to grow and learn some gardening basics as you plan, plant, mulch, and water in the Grunsfeld Children’s Growing Garden. Then, pot up a plant to grow in your own garden at home. June 1 or 15 New! Abounding Butterflies As you wander the Butterflies & Blooms exhibition, learn how butterflies sense the world around them, find out about the butterfly life cycle, and discover how to attract butterflies to your garden. Take home a plant that will entice butterflies to visit your yard. July 6 or 20 Aquatic Adventure Gather your own water sample and look at plants, insects and animals that live in the water at the Kleinman Family Cove using scientific tools. You’ll even make an aquatic garden to take home. August 3 or 17 Prairie Prowl Explore the Dixon Prairie to learn about how prairies grow, find the plants and animals that call it home, and pot up a prairie plant to take home. September 7 or 21 5 – 7:30 p.m. $25 nonmember per child Garden Plus members receive a 20% discount Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/naturenights for more information, or call (847) 835-6801.
Biz! Bam! Bugs! Family Program Join forces with award-winning children’s author and educator, Patricia J. Murphy, for a hands-on reading, writing, art, and science exploration of the superheroes of nature—bugs! Help spread the word why bugs are super and how we can save them and their habitats. Children ages 4 to 10 and their families design a poster, take home a plant, and go on a tour of our exhibition, Butterflies & Blooms! Saturday, June 22 10 – 11:30 a.m. $30 nonmember per child Garden Plus members receive a 20% discount Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/forfamilies for more information, or call (847) 835-6801.
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www.chicagobotanic.org/forfamilies
July 27 (rain date August 2) 5 p.m. Saturday – 8 a.m. Sunday
Youth Programs
$50 per child $20 per adult Garden Plus members receive a 20 percent discount
Scouts
Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/afterschool/campouts or call (847) 835-8239 for more information.
Scout Badge 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, September through December. Thursdays: 9/12, 10/10, 11/14, 12/12 Fridays: 9/13, 10/11, 11/15, 12/13 Saturdays: 9/14, 10/12, 11/16, 12/14
Scouts can complete badges 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. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/scout or call (847) 835-8239 for more information about these programs. $120 per group of ten for 90-minute programs; $10 each additional student (ages 6 – 8) $170 per group of ten for 2-hour programs; $15 each additional student (ages 9 – 12)
9:30 – 10:30 a.m. $75 nonmember per child Garden Plus members receive a 20 percent discount Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/littlediggers to register or call (847) 835-6801 for more information.
Children examine butterflies with their families in Nature Nights.
Age
Green Sprouts Most children are 4 or 5
Jk-K
Grades
Born on or before September 1, 2010
3
$60 nonmember per child per week Garden Plus members receive a 20 percent discount
$205 nonmember per child per camp 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 to 10 a.m. or 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• Camps meet Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to noon or 12:30 to 3 p.m.
• An adult must accompany each registered child.
• Dress for the weather.
• 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.
$25 nonmember per child per week 9:45 – 11:15 a.m. Friday
My First Camps
• Camp meets in the Grunsfeld Children’s Growing Garden, weather permitting. In the event of rain, camp will take place in the Learning Center.
New! My First Camp Bloomin’ Garden Strollers
Youth & Family Programs: Camp CBG
Camp CBG
My First Camp Age 3
Ages 6 months – 2 years 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.
New format & pricing for our youngest campers! 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 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. camp to attend with your child.
2
Age
My First Camp Age 2 Born on or before September 1, 2011
$40 nonmember per child per week Garden Plus members receive a 20 percent discount
My First Camp Age 2 Information • Camp meets one Tuesday and Thursday from 9 to 10 a.m. or 10:30 to11:30 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. • Camp meets in the Grunsfeld Children’s Growing Garden, weather permitting. In the event of rain, camp will take place in the Learning Center. • Dress for the weather. • Pack a water bottle and nut-free snack daily. Art & Music July 16 & 18 or August 13 & 15
Bug Brigade June 24 – 28, 9:30 a.m. – noon July 22 – 26, 9:30 a.m. – noon SOLD OUT August 5 – 9, 12:30 – 3 p.m. SOLD OUT
• Pack a water bottle and nut-free snack daily.
Fun with Physics July 15 – 19, 9:30 a.m. – noon SOLD OUT August 12 – 16, 9:30 a.m. – noon SOLD OUT
Art & Music July 15, 17, 19 or August 12, 14, 16
Garden Expedition July 8 – 12, 9:30 a.m. – noon August 12 – 16, 12:30 – 3 p.m. SOLD OUT
• Dress for the weather.
Fantastic Foods July 8, 10, 12 or August 5, 7, 9 My First Garden June 17, 19, 21 or July 22, 24, 26 Small Scientists June 24, 26, 28 or July 29, 31, August 1
Habitat Hunters June 24 – 28, 9:30 a.m. – noon SOLD OUT July 22 – 26, 12:30 – 3 p.m. SOLD OUT Hidden Treasures June 17 – 21, 9:30 a.m. – noon July 8 – 12, 12:30 – 3 p.m. SOLD OUT August 12 – 16, 9:30 a.m. – noon SOLD OUT Mad Scientists June 17 – 21, 9:30 a.m. – noon SOLD OUT July 22 – 26, 9:30 a.m. – noon SOLD OUT July 29 – August 2, 12:30 – 3 p.m. SOLD OUT Nature Art June 17 – 21, 12:30 – 3 p.m. SOLD OUT July 15 – 19, 9:30 a.m. – noon SOLD OUT August 5 – 9, 9:30 a.m. – noon SOLD OUT Salad Science July 15 – 19, 12:30 – 3 p.m. August 5 – 9, 9:30 a.m. – noon SOLD OUT Sprouting Wizards June 24 – 28, 12:30 – 3 p.m. SOLD OUT July 29 – August 2, 9:30 a.m. – noon SOLD OUT Super Seedlings July 8 – 12, 9:30 a.m. – noon SOLD OUT July 29 – August 2, 9:30 a.m. – noon
Fantastic Foods July 9 & 11 or August 6 & 8 My First Garden June 18 & 21 or July 23 & 25 Small Scientists June 25 & 27 or July 30 & August 1
www.chicagobotanic.org/camp
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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 17 – 21, 9:30 a.m. – noon SOLD OUT August 5 – 9, 12:30 – 3 p.m. SOLD OUT Incredible Edibles July 15 – 19, 9:30 a.m. – noon SOLD OUT July 22 – 26, 12:30 – 3 p.m. Kinetic Kids July 15 – 19, 12:30 – 3 p.m.
Forensic Investigators June 24 – 28, 12:30 – 3 p.m. SOLD OUT July 29 – August 2, 9:30 a.m. – noon SOLD OUT Garden Caching June 17 – 21, 12:30 – 3 p.m. July 15 – 19, 9:30 a.m. – noon SOLD OUT Konnichiwa Japan July 8 – 12, 12:30 – 3 p.m. SOLD OUT August 12 – 16, 9:30 a.m. – noon Surviving Outdoors June 24 – 28, 9:30 a.m. – noon SOLD OUT July 22 – 26, 12:30 – 3 p.m.
5-7
Treasure Hunt July 8 – 12, 9:30 a.m. – noon August 12 – 16, 12:30 – 3 p.m. SOLD OUT
Adventurers
Expert Wizardry June 24 – 28, 9:30 a.m. – noon SOLD OUT
$420 nonmember per child per camp Garden Plus members receive a 20 percent discount
Explore Your World July 29 – August 2, 12:30 – 3 p.m. August 12 – 16, 9:30 a.m. – noon SOLD OUT Plant People July 8 – 12, 12:30 – 3 p.m. Grossology June 17 – 21, 12:30 – 3 p.m. or July 29 – August 2, 9:30 a.m. – noon SOLD OUT Wildlife Wanderers June 24 – 28, 12:30 – 3 p.m. July 22 – 26, 9:30 a.m. – noon Insect Investigation July 22 – 26, 12:30 – 3 p.m. August 5 – 9, 9:30 a.m. – noon SOLD OUT
Most children are 8 or 9
3-4
Grades
Explorers
$205 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 snack daily. Alfresco Art July 15 – 19, 12:30 – 3 p.m. or August 5 – 9, 9:30 a.m. – noon SOLD OUT
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Dirty Jobs July 22 – 26, 9:30 a.m. – noon or August 5 – 9, 12:30 – 3 p.m.
www.chicagobotanic.org/forfamilies
Most children are 10 – 12
It is a different new adventure at Camp CBG in our two-week, full-day camps for Green Thumbs and Explorers! 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 nut-free lunch that does not require refrigeration.
Green Thumbs Most children are 6 or 7
$840 nonmember per child per camp Garden Plus members receive a 20 percent discount New! Create & Grow June 17 – 28 July 22 – August 2 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. New! Science Trekkers July 8 – 19 August 5 – 16 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Explorers Most children are 8 or 9
Adventurers Information
1-2
Grades
Green Thumbs Information
Camera Craft June 17 – 21, 9:30 a.m. – noon SOLD OUT July 29 – August 2, 12:30 – 3 p.m.
Two-Week, Full-Day Camps
3-4
Grades
$205 nonmember per child per camp Garden Plus members receive a 20 percent discount
Botany in the Kitchen July 8 – 12, 9:30 a.m. – noon SOLD OUT August 12 – 16, 12:30 – 3 p.m.
Grades
Most children are 6 or 7
1-2
Grades
Youth & Family Programs: Camp CBG
Green Thumbs
Camps meet Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m..
$840 nonmember per child per camp Garden Plus members receive a 20 percent discount
• 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.
New! Artist in Residence June 17 – 28 cancelled July 22 – August 2 cancelled 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Art July 8 – 12, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. or August 5 – 9, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
New! Science Explorer July 8 – 19 cancelled August 5 – 16 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Chemistry July 15 – 19, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. or August 12 – 16, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Cuisine June 24 – 28, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. or July 29 – August 2, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Ecology June 17 – 21, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. or July 22 – 26, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Camp Registration and Cancellation Policies
Before- and After-Care
Registration Deadline
We are happy to offer before-camp 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.
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.
Grades PreK to 7 June 17 – August 16 Morning care 8 – 9:30 a.m. $45/week for each camper Afternoon care 3 – 5 p.m. $60/week for each 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 afternoon camp.
Leader 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 with future job search 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.
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 2013. 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, 2013. The form is available on our webpage www.chicagobotanic.org/.
Extra-Special Attention Please let us know on your child’s Online Emergency Form, if your child has special needs: i.e. physical, emotional, educational, or medical. 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 your situation prior to registering.
Youth & Family Programs: Camp CBG
New for 2013!
Pick-Up/Drop-Off Camper drop-off and pick-up takes place in our Learning Campus entry drive. You may park and walk your child to camp, or take advantage of our direct car drop-off/pick-up. Details will be communicated via e-mail to all registrants by June 1, 2013. Morning drop-off is 9:15 – 9:30 a.m. Morning pick-up is at noon. Afternoon drop-off is 12:15 – 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 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, cell phones, and MP3 players/iPods.
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.
www.chicagobotanic.org/camp
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Time
June 17-21
June 24-28
July 8-12
July 15-19
July 22-26
Bloomin’ Strollers
Bloomin’ Strollers
Bloomin’ Strollers
Bloomin’ Strollers
Bloomin’ Strollers
9 – 10 a.m. T Th 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. T Th
My First Garden
Small Scientists
Fantastic Foods
Art & Music
My First Garden
Small Scientists
Fantastic Foods
Art & Music
9 – 10 a.m. M W F 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. M W F
My First Garden
Small Scientists
Fantastic Foods
Art & Music
My First Garden
Small Scientists
Fantastic Foods
Art & Music
9:30 a.m. – noon
Hidden Treasures
Bug Brigade
Garden Expedition
Nature Art
Mad Scientist
Super Seedling
Salad Science
Fun with Physics
9:30 a.m. – noon
Mad Scientists
Habitat Hunters
Super Seedlings
Fun with Physics
Bug Brigade
Sprouting Wizards
Nature Art
Hidden Treasures
12:30 – 3 p.m.
Nature Art
Sprouting Wizards
Hidden Treasures
Salad Science
Habitat Hunters
Mad Scientists
Bug Brigade
Garden Expedition
9:30 a.m. – noon
Art in the Garden
Expert Wizardry
Treasure Hunt
Incredible Edibles
Wildlife Wanderers
Grossology
Insect Investigation
Explore Your World
12:30 – 3 p.m.
Grossology
Wildlife Wanderers
Plant People
Kinetic Kids
Insect Investigation
Explore Your World
Art in the Garden
Treasure Hunt
Science Trekkers
Create and Grow
Science Trekkers
Explorers
9:30 a.m. – noon
Camera Craft
Surviving Outdoors
Botany in the Kitchen
Garden Caching
Dirty Jobs
Forensic Investigators
Alfresco Art
Konnichiwa Japan
12:30 – 3 p.m.
Garden Caching
Forensic Investigators
Konnichiwa Japan
Alfresco Art
Surviving Outdoors
Camera Craft
Dirty Jobs
Botany in the Kitchen
Explorers
Green Thumbs
Create and Grow
Explorers
Green Sprouts
Green Sprouts
My First Camp
Bloomin’ Strollers
My First Camp
Bloomin’ Strollers
My First Camp
Bloomin’ Strollers
Green Sprouts
August 12-16
Green Thumbs
August 5-9
Green Thumbs
July 29August 2
9:45 – 11:15 a.m. F
Adventurers
6 mos to 2 yrs
5-7
Grades
Grades
3-4
3-4
Grades
1-2
Grades
Grades
1-2
Grades
Jk-K
Age
3 2
Age Age
Camp CBG Schedule
FULL-DAY TWO-WEEK 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
FULL-DAY TWO-WEEK 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
www.chicagobotanic.org/camp
Artist-in-Residence
Ecology
Cuisine
Science Explorers
Art
Chemistry
Artist-in-Residence
Ecology
Cuisine
Science Explorers
Art
Chemistry
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Teacher and Student Programs Plants deserve a prominent place in every school curriculum—after all, none of us would be here without them. Bring the world of plants to life in your classroom through our educational programs. From field trips to teacher workshops and student internships, educators and students will gain botanical knowledge and deeper appreciation for the natural world. All programs support Common Core standards and Illinois state goals for learning.
New NASA-Endorsed Climate-Change Curriculum This fall, the Chicago Botanic Garden debuts a comprehensive climate-change curriculum for grades 5 to 12, developed in partnership with NASA. Building upon the Garden’s Project BudBurst—a nationwide citizen science effort that tracks the effects of climate change—the new curriculum invites students to investigate climate-change impacts in their own backyards, the Midwest region, and the entire planet. The inquiry-based program explores climate change from an earth-system science perspective and is aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. Students conduct authentic research and have fun along the way—playing the carbon cycle game, exploring how carbon moves through the atmosphere, modeling the greenhouse effect by measuring temperature, and many more immersive, hands-on activities. Curriculum is available in three grade bands: 5–6, 7–9, and 10–12. It is versatile to meet classroom needs. The complete program includes four units (8 to 12 weeks), but units are stand-alone and can be used independently. Learn more or ask to be notified when the curriculum is available by e-mailing jschwarz@chicagobotanic.org or calling (847) 835-6832. 78
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Students become citizen scientists while studying the effects of climate change and meeting the new science standards! Call for more information about the Garden’s new climate-change science curriculum.
Summer 2013 One- and Two-Day Programs
Weeklong Summer Institutes
15th Annual School Gardening Conference Solving Problems with School Gardening
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 www.chicagobotanic.org/ teacherprograms for more detailed program descriptions and to register for classes.
Keynote speaker Sharon Danks, author of Asphalt to Ecosystems, will show you how your efforts to confront the challenges and opportunities with school gardens are shared by educators all over the world. Breakout sessions will offer practical ways to keep your garden growing and inquiry-based lesson ideas that get your students using the garden to understand nature. Bring your questions and ask the experts during a panel discussion. Combine the conference with the School Garden Road Trip to receive a total of 15 CPDUs, 1 Lane credit, and 1 Graduate credit (additional fee).
Urban environments provide a wealth of opportunities for students to learn about plant and animal interactions. Join us in a weeklong exploration of urban ecology featuring pollination, seed dispersal, protection from herbivores, adaptations, and more. Engage in activities and experiments designed to connect your students to the nature in their community and discover ideas for enhancing the habitat on your school grounds.
Unless otherwise indicated, all programs are held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Garden. Become an Educator Member and receive a 20 percent discount on all professional development courses over $100.
New! Nature in the City
Monday – Wednesday & Saturday, July 8 – 10 & September 21, at the Chicago Botanic Garden Thursday – Friday, July 11 – 12, at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum $285
Please note: Lunch is not provided at this conference. Attendees have the option to bring a lunch or purchase when they register.
Grade level: K – 12 CPDU credit: 45, Lane credit: 3, Graduate credit (additional fee): 3
Saturday, June 29, at the Chicago Botanic Garden 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
New! Exploring Nature with Young Children
$95 CPDU credit: 7
New! School Garden Road Trip Join us on a tour of school gardens in the Chicago region. Learn directly from the schools about their challenges and successes and how their teachers use the gardens with their students. Explore school garden themes and techniques and ideas for using school gardens to make cross-curricular connections. Combine with the School Gardening Conference to receive a total of 15 CPDUs, 1 Lane credit, and 1 Graduate credit (additional fee).
Join the Chicago Botanic Garden and the Kohl Children’s Museum in exploring ways to connect young children with nature that foster inquiry and basic scientific skills. Learn about conducting nature walks and outdoor explorations, exploring plant and animal interactions and habitats, and connecting nature with art. Receive training in the Council for Environmental Education’s Growing Up WILD curriculum for PreK. Receive a copy of the curriculum guide for an additional fee. Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, July 15, 16, 19, and October 5, at the Chicago Botanic Garden Wednesday – Thursday, July 17 – 18, at the Kohl Children’s Museum
Saturday, July 13, at the Chicago Botanic Garden
$285
$75 Grade level: PreK – 12 CPDU credit: 7
Grade level: PreK – 2 CPDU credit: 45, Lane credit: 3, Graduate credit (additional fee): 3
From our Noses to Our Toes: Exploring Nature through Our Senses
Earth Partnership for Schools: Great Lakes Summer Institute
Join us for a fun-filled day of nature activities for infants and toddlers. Learn techniques for introducing nature to children through sensory exploration and hands-on learning stations. This class is designed for early intervention providers, day-care providers, parents, and anyone who works with infants to 3-year-olds, and is adaptable for PreK educators.
In this outdoor, hands-on institute, teams will learn about the Chicago area’s rich culture and native plants. These will be the basis for interdisciplinary K – 12 curriculum activities, teacher professional development, and citizen science. Participants will gain the knowledge and leadership necessary to lead their students in building a native garden at their school. For registration for the EPS-GL please contact Melissa Alderson at (847) 968-3320.
Wednesday, August 7, at the Chicago Botanic Garden $85 Grade level: Birth – PreK CPDU credit: 7, Early Intervention credit: 6.5
July 29 – August 2 and December 7, in Lake and McHenry Counties $100 Grade level: K – 12 CPDU credit: 45, Lane credit: 3, Graduate credit: 3
Teachers explore nature in different settings and learn hands-on activities they can easily do with students.
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Teacher & Student Programs
Teacher Professional Development
Teacher & Student Programs
Fall 2013 From our Noses to Our Toes: Exploring Nature through Our Senses Join us for a fun-filled day of nature activities for infants and toddlers. Learn techniques for introducing nature to children through sensory exploration and hands-on learning stations. This class is designed for early intervention providers, day-care providers, parents, and anyone who works with infants to 3-year-olds, and is adaptable for PreK educators. Saturday, September 14, at the Chicago Botanic Garden $85 Grade level: Birth – PreK CPDU credit: 7, Early Intervention credit: 6.5
Natural History & Cultural Connections Study the natural history of the Chicago region, and the interactions of people and plants in Illinois and across the Midwest. Learn about the local connections to the land and cultural uses of plants through hands-on activities, experiments, and literature. Saturday, October 12, at the Chicago Botanic Garden Saturday, October 19, at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum $150 (20 percent discount for Educator Members) Grade level: K – 12 CPDU credit: 15, CPS Lane credit: 1, Graduate credit (additional fee): 1
New! Science Connections: Linking Reading, Experiments, and the Common Core Reading science is different from the reading in English class—and that’s why many students struggle with it. Spend two days at the Garden learning how to support your students’ science reading and enhance their science learning. Explore practical reading strategies for science based on the Common Core standards, learn to help students engage with science reading, and participate in integrated hands-on and reading science activities and learn how to plan your own. Saturdays, November 9 & 16, at the Chicago Botanic Garden $150 (20 percent discount for Educator Members) Grade level: K – 12 CPDU credit: 15, CPS Lane credit: 1, Graduate credit (additional fee): 1
Exploring Rainforest Ecosystems Spend one Saturday at Chicago Botanic Garden and one Saturday at Brookfield Zoo and learn about rainforests worldwide — why they’re important, why some are disappearing, and why we want to protect them. Explore rainforest plant and animals and their adaptations, learn hands-on art and science activities, and incorporate rainforests across the curriculum. Saturday, December 7, at the Chicago Botanic Garden 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, December 8, at Brookfield Zoo 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. $150 (20 percent discount for Educator Members)
Recognizing similarities and differences in plants is an importantant skill in understanding and teaching plant science to kids.
Grade level: PreK-12 CPDU credit: 15, CPS Lane credit: 1, Graduate credit (additional fee): 1
Other Teacher Programs Custom Workshops 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 professional development 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, Cultural Uses of Plants and Midwest Ecosystems, or suggest your own. Custom workshops are a minimum of two hours and cost $200 per hour for up to 30 teachers or $300 per hour for 30 to 60 teachers. Please call Teacher Programs at (847) 835-8253 for more information or to schedule a custom workshop.
Green Teacher Network The Chicago Botanic Garden, Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, and Openlands have teamed up to form the Green Teacher Network. This collaboration encourages Chicago-area schools to adapt plant-based education activities, and supports teachers’ efforts to build and use school gardens as curricular tools. For more information or to become a member contact Stephanie Bird at Openlands at (312) 863-6276.
Gardening Courses Windy City Harvest offers half-day workshops on sustainable vegetable gardening. It’s a great way to improve your school gardening skills. Go to www. chicagobotanic.org/windycityharvest/courses for a list of programs and registration information.
Free Classroom Resource Kits for Loan The Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden 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. Borrowing a 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. The Chicago Botanic Garden’s Teacher Programs are made possible with support from State Farm.
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Teacher & Student Programs
Student Field Trips
Guided Programs PreK – K
Insect Investigations
Maximum 25 PreK or 30 K students per class Available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – noon A 1:5 ratio of chaperones to students is required.
Enrich your students’ lives 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 www. chicagobotanic.org/ctl/fieldtrips for complete program information and to schedule your visit.
10 a.m. – noon
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.
New! Outreach - Orchid Winter Programs
Take advantage of our outreach programs to celebrate trees and other plants without leaving your classroom in January and early February. From February 14 to March 14, 2014, all guided programs will be immersed in the beauty and science of orchids and will visit the Garden’s first winter orchid show. Age-appropriate program topics range from plant parts to pollinators and meet the new Common Core Standards. See program listings for more information.
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.
Guided Field Trips
Guided programs are led by trained facilitators, and engage students in hands-on activities to teach them about plants and habitats found at the Garden. Field trips include outdoor exploration activities, so please dress for the weather. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/ ctl/fieldtrips for more detailed grade-specific program descriptions, applicable state standards, and to schedule your visit. Unless otherwise stated, programs cost $120 per class of 30 students. Available dates and times vary with the program.
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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 Garden (Early Fall), the Greenhouses (Late Fall/Late Winter), or the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden (Spring). Each student will pot a plant to take home.
Early Fall
A Walk in the Woods Students will learn about woodland habitats and survey the Garden’s woodland using their senses and will record their observations in a field book. Woodland programs take place outdoors in McDonald Woods.
Early Fall, Late Fall, Late Winter, and Spring
Early Fall and Late Fall
New! Outrageous Orchids: Sensational Explorers
New! Expedition Ecosystem: The Wonders of Soil
Students will use their five senses to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of orchids. Through hands-on activities, students will investigate orchid shape, color, and texture while also learning about the origins of chocolate and vanilla. Each student will leave with an orchid-themed craft or plant. Admission to seasonal orchid show is included.
What role does soil play in ecosystems? 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.
February 14 – March 14
Guided Programs PreK – 2 Trains and Trees Maximum 25 PreK or 30 K – 2 students per class Available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – noon A 1:5 ratio of chaperones to students is required.
Trees and Trains Learn how to identify evergreen tree families by touch and sight. Learn about their special adaptations to the change in seasons. Visit the enchanting Wonderland Express exhibition to see the trees and trains. Students will take home a special holiday craft. Holiday
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.
Holiday and Late Winter
New! Outrageous Orchids: Plant Part Investigation Discover why orchids are considered among 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 or plant. Admission to the seasonal orchid show is included. February 14 – March 14
Guided Programs 3 – 5 $120 per class of up to 30 students Available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – noon A 1:7 ratio of chaperones to students is required.
Flower Lab 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 also look for flowers in the Garden. Early Fall, Late Fall, Holiday, and Late Winter
Surprising Seeds
Edible Botany
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 a seed to take home.
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, Late Fall, Holiday, and Late Winter
Early Fall
Garden Groceries
Pondering the Prairie
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.
Students explore the prairie, focusing on plant adaptations and ecosystem interactions by comparing two prairie types. Prairie programs take place outdoors in the Dixon Prairie.
Early Fall
Early Fall
Guided Programs 6 – 8
Green Buildings
Students find evidence of food chains and food webs throughout the woodlands, and learn about common woodland trees. They record their observations in a field journal. Woodland programs take place outdoors in McDonald Woods.
$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.
Visit the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center to learn about the outstanding conservation features of this remarkable building. Students will explore the green roof and create their own roof design.
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. Late Winter
New! Outrageous Orchids: Peculiar Pollinators From deceptive scents to vibrant colors, orchids have evolved specialized strategies to attract pollinators. 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 the seasonal orchid show is included. February 14 – March 14
Spring Garden Explorers Discovery stations around the Learning Campus make your visit an exciting outdoor experience with plants and the creatures living in the Garden and in our lakes. Design and plant a garden bed in the new Growing Garden and pot a plant to take home. Spring
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 for outdoor field investigations.
Spring, Tuesdays and Thursdays
Guided Programs 9 – 12
Early Fall
$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.
Ecosystem and Plant Adaptations
Water Quality
How do plants fit their place? Discover how plants have adapted to abiotic factors in an ecosystem. Student investigations include learning about the unique abiotic conditions that define many of the ecosystems of the world, including Illinois.
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 for outdoor field investigations.
Early Fall and Late Fall Not available November 5 – 11
Early Fall
Photosynthesis Lab 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 measure gas exchange in plants. Holiday and Late Winter
New! Outrageous Orchids: The Mighty Rainforest Step out of the classroom and into the rainforest! Using a variety of 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 or plant. Admission to the seasonal orchid show is included. February 14 – March 14
Photosynthesis Lab 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 measure gas exchange in plants. Holiday and Late Winter
Green Buildings Visit the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center to learn about the outstanding sustainable features of this remarkable building. Students will explore the green roof and create their own roof design. Spring, Tuesdays and Thursdays
Guided Programs for Children with Special Needs K – 12
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. Monday through Friday $120 (includes all materials) Maximum number of children: 15
Plant science concepts come alive during a field trip to the Garden.
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Teacher & Student Programs
Forest Fundamentals
Teacher & Student Programs
Self-Guided Field Trips Self-Guided Field Trips 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, and reserve a self-guided activity backpack for your group. Year-round Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Additional Field Trip Experiences
Butterflies & Blooms
Guided Walking Tours Explore the Garden with an expert. Tours allow students to explore one garden in more depth. Choose from one of the following: English Walled Garden, Greenhouse (select one), Malott Japanese Garden, or the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center (recommended for high school students only).
Summer groups: Visit our outdoor, screened butterfly exhibition to encounter hundreds of live tropical butterflies from South America, Asia, North America, and Africa, as well as native species from Illinois. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/calendar/butterflies for more information about Butterflies & Blooms. June 3 through September 2 $3 per person
Model Railroad Garden
$30 per classroom (maximum 30 students); no additional parking fee required.
Spring: Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 23 through June 6 30 minutes
Self-Guided Activity Backpacks
$80 classroom (maximum 30 students): A 1:7 ratio of chaperones to students is required.
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 www.chicagobotanic.org/ railroad for more information.
School Tram Tours
May 13 through October 25 $3 per person
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 Malott Japanese Garden, study plant adaptations in the Greenhouses, or to 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.). Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/ctl/fieldtrips/selfguide. php for more information. Year-round Monday through Friday $10 per class
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. April 22 through October 27 $2.50 per person 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. Grades 7 – 12 35 minutes
Wonderland Express Visit an enchanting winter wonderland with twinkling lights and a magical indoor train. Model trains travel over bridges, under trestles, past waterfalls, and through more than 80 miniature versions of Chicago landmarks. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/wonderland for more information about Wonderland Express. November 29 – January 5 $3 per person
Orchid Show View the special exhibition of orchids from around the world. February 14 through March 14 $3 per person
School Field Trips at a Glance Age Group
Program
Early Fall 9/3-10/11/13
PreK – K
Late Fall 10/14-11/8/13
Holiday 12/2-12/20/13
Early Winter 1/20-2/7/14
Orchid Show 2/14-3/14/13
Late Winter 3/17-4/11/14
Spring 4/21-6/6/14
Discovering Plants Outrageous Orchids .... Terrific Trees Outreach Program PreK – 2 Trees and Trains K–2 Ecosystem: Wonders of Soil Garden Groceries Outreach Program Insect Investigations Outrageous Orchids Spring Garden Explorers Surprising Seeds Outreach Program A Walk in the Woods 3–5 Edible Botany Flower Lab Outreach Program Forest Fundamentals Outrageous Orchids Plant Propagation Pondering the Prairie Spring Garden Explorers 6–8 Ecosystems and Adaptations Green Buildings Outrageous Orchids Photosynthesis Lab Water Quality 9 – 12 Green Buildings Photosynthesis Lab Water Quality
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Teacher & Student Programs College First students do transect studies and other real science investigations to learn about the enivironment.
Outreach Programs Enrich your curriculum and have the Chicago Botanic Garden come to you! Choose from a variety of programs, (including a new Terrific Trees program in January), that feature plant topics appropriate for specific grade levels. All programs support Common Core Science Standards, include a planting for each student, and plants brought from the Garden to study. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/ctl/outreach/ for more information. January 20 – February 7, 2014 March 17 – April 11, 2014 $150 per class (maximum 30 students) $100 for each additional class on the same day Schools located more than 20 miles from the Chicago Botanic Garden will be charged a $50 mileage fee.
Real World Science Investigations in the Classroom Project BudBurst
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 www.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.
Science Career Continuum Great Summer Science Experiences for Students 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 students in middle school through college a series of age-appropriate opportunities to learn about science and conservation at the Garden.
Science First
Science First is a 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 lunch are provided. CPS teachers are encouraged to share registration materials with promising students. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/sciencefirst for more information. Applications for summer 2014 will be due in April.
College First
College First is an internship and field ecology course for CPS School students entering their junior or senior year in fall. Students get paid and earn college credit while studying field ecology, 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. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/collegefirst for more information. Applications for summer 2014 will be due in April.
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. Please visit www.cbgreu.org for more information. The Science Career Continuum is made possible by the generous support of an anonymous donor, Capital One Financial Corporation, the William J. Clancy Foundation, Discover Financial Services, Lloyd A. Fry Foundation, Leo S. Guthman Fund, Institute of Museum and Library Services, ITW, Bertha Lebus Charitable Trust, Harold M. and Adeline S. Morrison Family Foundation, Sheridan Foundation, Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust, The Trillium Foundation, and the W.P. & H.B. White Foundation. The Garden’s REU program is made possible by the generous support of the National Science Foundation.
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Teacher & Student Programs
Community Gardening Organic Farming for Youth Green Youth Farm
Each year, 70 students ages 13 to 18 learn and practice organic gardening from mid-May through mid-October, while earning money for their efforts. Through the program, students also learn teamwork, gain valuable job skills, and discover a whole new way to look at food. Students from Waukegan High School, North Chicago Community High School, North Lawndale College Prep, Manley Career Academy, and Farragut, Dunbar, Daniel Hale, DuSable, and Dyett high schools in Chicago are eligible to participate. Jr. Green Youth Farm serves middle-school students at Reavis Elementary School in collaboration with Elev8 and Quad Cities Development Corporation (QCDC). Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/greenyouthfarm for more information.
Positive Change, Future Careers Windy City Harvest
Windy City Harvest trains adults in sustainable horticulture and urban agriculture. Both are dimensions of the urban greening and healthy, affordable, local food movements to which the Chicago Botanic Garden has an institutional commitment. Certificate Training This nine-month college credit certificate in organic vegetable production enrolls 15 to 20 students annually. Delivered by Garden staff at the Arturo Velasquez Institute, a Daley College campus, Windy City Harvest trains students in best practices for year-round gardening and sales of fresh vegetables. Graduates are now working in a range of full-time and seasonal jobs in the local horticulture and urban agriculture industry. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/ windycityharvest for more information. Cook County Sheriff’s Vocational Rehabilitation Impact Center (VRIC) Windy City Harvest works with VRIC, training about 70 inmates in organic vegetable production. Participants gain skills and potentially find fruitful job opportunities after their release. Vegetables they grow are served in the camp’s mess hall and are donated to local food pantries. Program graduates are now employed at a local compost operation and at the Chicago Botanic Garden as landscape crew.
Major support for the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Community Gardening 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, The J.R. Albert Foundation, The Bank of America Charitable Foundation, BMO Harris Bank, City of Chicago Department of Family and Support Services, Cook County Environmental Control Department, Elizabeth Morse Genius Charitable Trust, The Grainger Foundation, Leo S. Guthman Fund, Mondelēz International Foundation, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Institute of Museum and Library Services, ITW, JPMorgan Chase Foundation, Midwest Foods, Polk Bros. Foundation, Prince Charitable Trusts, Spear Family Charitable Fund, State Farm Youth Advisory Board, Steans Family Foundation, Walgreens, and the Woman’s Board of the Chicago Horticultural Society. Additional support is provided by anonymous donors, Alvin H. Baum Family Fund, Grace Bersted Foundation, First Bank of Highland Park, George and Amanda Hanley Foundation, Kaplan Foundation Fund/Carol and Ed Kaplan, Lake Forest Garden Club, Walter S. Mander Foundation, Northern Trust Charitable Trust, Sheridan Foundation, and the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. Also contributing are the Albers/Kuhn Family Foundation, Laurance Armour Memorial Trust at the Chicago Community Trust, Benefit Magic, LLC., Charter One Foundation, ComEd, Fields BMW, Walter and Karla Goldschmidt Foundation, Home Depot, Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day, NorthShore University HealthSystem, and eight 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, V.A. hospitals, people with disabilities, and older adults in the Chicago region. 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 greenhouse and enabling garden design, sensory landscaping, and horticultural therapy program planning. Visit www.chicagobotanic. org/therapy for more information. Horticultural Therapy is supported by an endowment from the Buehler Family Foundation. Additional support is provided by an anonymous donor, the Abra Prentice Foundation, Inc., Albers/ Kuhn Family Foundation, The Blowitz-Ridgeway Foundation, 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.
Barrier-free garden design enables people with disabilities to participate in tending their plants.
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This Season&inGarden the Garden Antiques Fair
This season in the Garden Kris Jarantoski, executive vice president and director As the leaves on trees and shrubs darken from their light spring look and lilacs finish blooming, summer is upon us, bringing favorite flowers of the season such as roses, waterlilies and lotuses, hydrangeas, lilies and daylilies, and summer annual flowers and vegetables. The Sensory Garden is not to be missed in the summer. Its west side ranges from cool and shady to bright and sunny; a series of boulders with water trickling over them gives a cooling effect. On the east side, three raised flower beds focusing on fragrance, texture, and sight bring flowers up close to be smelled, touched, and enjoyed by all. In the fragrance bed, lilies and butterfly bushes, and sweet almond verbena fill the area with a sweet scent. Silverado eucalyptus and lemon verbena give off their characteristic spicy scents when touched. June is the month to be in the Rose Garden. Although our roses bloom throughout the growing season because of the excellent deadheading they receive from our dedicated volunteers, the first flush of flowers in June is amazing. The Garden has had a long association with All-America Rose Selections (AARS) and has collaborated with them in evaluating roses for their trial program. The winners are displayed in our History of Roses area, just west of the Rose Garden. Though AARS recently folded, the Garden will collaborate with new organizations forming to continue rose evaluations nationally, to help them select the best roses to grace future gardens. The pools of tropical water lilies and lotuses in the Heritage Garden are a true highlight of August—heated pools enable us grow these dramatic and photogenic heat-loving flowers to perfection. Nearby, the Bulb Garden is abloom with ornamental onions, lilies, and other flowering summer bulbs. The bonsai show in August is one of the top shows in the country, with an incredible collection of bonsai for the public to enjoy. The Midwest Bonsai Society is a friendly organization, and their monthly meetings (held at the Garden) are a great place to learn how to care for and style bonsai purchased at the show. This summer, unfortunately, the emerald ash borer will continue its destructive path through the Chicago Botanic Garden, and we will inevitably lose some of our favorite trees. We thank Autumn SavATree for partnering with the Garden in both extending the life of its ashes and helping to remove those trees that succumb to the insect, keeping the Garden looking beautiful despite the damage caused by the borer. We are also grateful to the Woman’s Board, which is in its second year of “Growing the Future,” a $1 million pledge to the Chicago Botanic Garden. Proceeds from 2013 will support renovation of the English Walled Garden, as well as restoration of areas damaged by the emerald ash borer. Tim Johnson, now director of horticulture, joined the Garden as an assistant horticulturist 28 years ago. Since then he has risen through the ranks, enjoying the challenges along the way. Tim is currently part of a team working with outside landscape architects in the development of new gardens and exhibitions. In addition to directing the Horticulture department, he writes a gardening column for the Chicago Tribune and the Daily Herald.
Summer blooms offer a profusion of color along the east walk of the Sensory Garden. Pictured are salvia, heliotrope, lantana, black-eyed Susan, dahlia, and lobelia. 88 www.chicagobotanic.org
Antiques & Garden Fair 39 www.chicagobotanic.org
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For more information, please visit Keep Growing online. www.keepgrowing.com
The Chicago Botanic Garden is one of the treasures of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County.