Events immerse gardeners in flowers and foliage
Our green thumbs are starting to itch. We are growing tired of dreaming and planning, ready to plunge our hands into the soil. Thankfully, we listen to our good sense instead of our thumbs and look for events that scratch our gardening itch instead of playing in soil too wet and too cold.
Gardeners in the Chicago area are fortunate to have two extraordinary opportunities to immerse themselves in flowers and foliage.
Orchid Show at Chicago Botanic Garden
Ten thousand orchids are sure to lift winter-weary spirits. This year's theme is A Study of Contrasts, and the incredible diversity of the orchid family is showcased. From the tiniest Oncidium Twinkle to the largest specimens with hand-sized blooms, and the simplest to most complicated forms, they are all sure to take your breath away.
Admire orchids flowering in a rainbow of colors - white, near black, light to dark purple, yellow, green and all shades of pink. Blue orchids are always favored and seven different types of these can be seen at the show.
"To see all these orchids in mass and bloom is something not to miss," said Gabe Hutchison, exhibitions and programs production manager.
The Illinois Orchid Society is on hand on weekends during the show to answer orchid questions. On March 12 and 13, the society holds an orchid show where members show off orchids in 128 classes while competing for awards.
The Orchid Show is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through March 13. Tickets prices are $8 for children and $10 for adults. Discounts are available for seniors and Chicago Botanic Garden members. There is an additional charge for parking. More information can be found at www.chicagobotanic.org.
Chicago Flower & Garden Show
Join 40,000 other visitors hungry for horticulture at this year's Chicago Flower & Garden Show, presented by Mariano's, at Navy Pier. It begins Saturday, March 12, and continues through Sunday, March 20.
Stroll through themed gardens taking notes and photographs of favorite plants, soaking up enough inspiration to survive what's left of winter. Gardeners can also take advantage of hands-on workshops, seminars and cooking demonstrations.
A 14-foot butterfly, a 33-foot snake and an 11-foot peacock - all topiaries constructed of flowers - are highlights in a garden by Brookfield Zoo. "It's one of 20 featured gardens designed to inspire, educate and motivate gardeners of all levels and their families," said Tony Abruscato, flower show director.
Creativity is a hallmark of gardens by Aquascape. This year's garden is described as a circular garden divided into six pie-shaped sections, each with a water feature, to demonstrate different garden styles suitable for small spaces.
After exploring the gardens and appreciating the exhibitions of window boxes, floral arrangements, tablescapes and nature-inspired photography, rest your feet while enjoying a glass of wine.
For information on ticket prices and a complete schedule of events, visit www.ChicagoFlower.com.
Whether you are an apartment dweller, a homeowner with a postage-stamp lot, a suburbanite or live beyond the suburbs with ample acreage, inspiration abounds at Chicago Botanic Garden's Orchid Show and the Chicago Flower & Garden show. Enjoy!
• Diana Stoll is a horticulturist and the garden center manager at The Planter's Palette, 28W571 Roosevelt Road, Winfield. Call (630) 293-1040, ext. 2, or visit planterspalette.com.