Plants galore at Garfield Park Conservatory

Stepping into Garfield Park Conservatory on Chicago's West Side is like stepping back in time.

Ancient palms soar into the sky, almost as if stretching to break through the glass ceiling and touch the sky. Bundles of ferns cluster in the moist soil and spring flowers fill the air with the scent of romance.

The main room off the entrance, aptly named the Palm House, is the ideal place to spend a weekend afternoon, strolling arm in arm with your date as you examine plants from the beautiful to the exotic.

Garfield Park Conservatory, which turns 100 this year, is paying tribute to the conservatory's past with the 2008 Centennial Flower Show, which includes a number of historical plants spanning the past century.

There are several different areas of the conservatory, from the stunning main Palm House, to the smaller Sweet House (filled with cocoa and fruit trees) and Aroid House. Overall, the conservatory spans 4½ acres inside and out.

As you stroll through the main Palm House, you can feast your eyes on the stunning palms or colorful goldfish plants while a small waterfall fountain adds a natural in the background. The Fern Room feels as if you've stepped into the age of dinosaurs, as heavy ferns, moss and rocky outcroppings line the twisting path as you step across a gurgling creek and peer at koi in a serene indoor lagoon.

The Show House is breath-taking and bursting with blooms from hydrangeas, tulips, hyacinths and azaleas, some of which descended from those shown during the Chicago Columbian Exposition of 1893.

The Aroid House, similar to the Fern Room, features a lagoon and twisting paths while the Desert House shows off common and odd cacti, jutting their unique forms at odd angles or dangling from the sky.

For true romance, the Monet Gardens are a must. Though not in full bloom yet, the colors and scents of wisteria, poppies, irises and sunflowers makes it easy to imagine you're in France at the famous impressionist's actual garden.

When you've had your fill of plants, you can take a break and grab a sandwich, salad and various desserts at the conservatory. Horticulture Hall offers the perfect backdrop for lunch. Or, if you're game to eat outside, hit the picnic spot in the Monet Garden. The gift shop offers a quaint spot to pick up a memento of your visit.

Garfield Park Conservatory is an ideal date spot, no matter what stage your relationship. It's a great place for a first date. It's quiet enough to carry on a conversation as you get to know each other, but there's plenty to look at to fill any awkward silences. If you've been dating for a long time, it's a nice break from the standard dinner and movie routine.

If you're ready for the next step, remember the conservatory can be rented out for weddings. And if you've already tied the knot and have brought a few bundles of joy into the world, bring the kids and relax as they race around the children's garden, exploring the mysteries of plant life.

If you're just starting out in your own home (hint to guys: nothing says commitment like planning a garden together), the gardeners are on hand to offer expert advice. The Green & Growing Fair, which features vendors, workshops and demonstrations to help you kick off your spring planting season, will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday. Be forewarned -- the festival tends to be busy, so if you're looking for a quiet date, another weekend might be better or try to conservatory when it's open late on Thursday nights.

The conservatory is located at 300 N. Central Park Avenue and parking is plentiful on the street or in the adjacent lot. And if you're worried about getting stressed out on the drive, take a deep breath and walk through the Zen maze in the sensory garden.

Garfield Park Conservatory 300 N. Central Park Avenue, Chicago (312) 746-5100 garfieldconservatory.org

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; open until 8 p.m. Thursdays

Cost: Free, though donations accepted

Upcoming shows

Green & Growing Fair: An Urban Gardening Festival featuring expert advice and workshops on planting.

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday

Age of Azaleas Spring Flower Show featuring azaleas, some of which are descended from the Columbia Exposition show in 1893.

Now though May 11

Summer 2008 Flower Power, featuring a tropical flower show with music from the '60s and '70s.

June 7 through Sept. 28