Garden calendar

Shows and exhibitions

• The Garfield Park Conservatory gets a jump on its 100th anniversary in 2008 with "Let it Snow, Let it Grow." It's a flower show running Wednesday through Jan. 11 featuring a display of predominantly white plants in the Horticulture Hall and Show House at 300 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago. No extra charge for this exhibit. (773) 638-1766.

Garden demo

• The Garden Place's Naperville location at 25W471 Plank Road, offers a demonstration on making your own wreath, swag or container for the holidays. Cost is $29-$49. Call (630) 355-4000 to register.

Chicago Botanic Garden

The annual Reindog Parade from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Advance registration is $14. Parade day registration is $19.

The Wonderland Express returns with almost 750,000 lights sprucing up the Esplanade and the Regenstein Center with a special holiday horticultural exhibit through Jan. 6 during the hours of 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily (closes early around holidays and closed all day on Dec. 25). Tickets are $10; $8 for seniors and kids.

An "Owl Prowl" with guide Jerry Garden explores the behaviors and habitats of owls. The event is 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and cost is $29. Call (847) 835-8216 to register.

The garden is at 1000 Lake-Cook Road, just east of the Edens Expressway in Glencoe. Hours are 7 a.m. to dusk. daily. Admission is free. Special-event fees apply. Parking is $15, $7 on Tuesdays for seniors 62 and older.

For more information, call (847) 835-5440 or visit www.chicagobotanic.org.

Morton Arboretum

Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus are on hand for "Breakfast with Santa" on Saturdays through Dec. 22 at 9:30 to 11 a.m. Tickets are $22.50 for adults and $21.50 for kids. Call (630) 725-2066 for reservations.

See a display of professionally designed and decorated Christmas trees through Jan. 6.

The arboretum is open from 7 a.m. to dusk daily. The entrance is on Route 53 just west of I-355 and north of the Reagan Tollway.

Admission is $9 for ages 18-64, $8 for those 65 and older, $6 for children 3-17. Children 2 and younger are admitted free. On Wednesdays, admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, $4 for children 3-17. For information, call (630) 968-0074 or visit www.mortonarb.org.

-- Scott C. Morgan