Cantigny preparing for annual poinsettia display

Cantigny Park's horticulture department will play host to its annual Shades of Crimson Poinsettia Display from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, at the park's greenhouse, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton.

This year's event is bigger than ever - a full eight hours, with the final three geared to families.

"Family Night: Poinsettias, Trees & More!" from 4 to 7 p.m. includes activities for all ages at the greenhouse and Robert R. McCormick Museum. A festive trolley will transport visitors from place to place.

Throughout the day, park visitors are invited to the McCormick Museum for the 2016 debut of "Community Trees," a display through Dec. 29 of Christmas trees decorated by area nonprofit organizations. Guests are encouraged to vote for their favorite tree.

At the greenhouse, guests are invited to view 15 varieties of poinsettias in full bloom and about 3,000 plants in all. Tours are self-guided and photography is welcome. Horticulture staff members will be on hand to discuss the plants and answer questions.

Seasonal refreshments will be served and poinsettias will be specially priced for sale (mini $4; small $6; medium $16; and large $36).

Cantigny's poinsettias begin as 3-inch-long cuttings, then are carefully nurtured and groomed for about six months. Water, fertilizer, light and temperature are each regulated to achieve the spectacular results that visitors will see at the greenhouse.

Nearly half the Cantigny poinsettias go to the Wheaton A.M. Rotary Club, which uses them to raise money for its community projects. Another 300 plants are used for holiday decorating in the museums, restaurants and other buildings throughout the 500-acre Cantigny estate.

After Shades of Crimson, sales to the public will continue at the Cantigny Shop in the Visitors Center and the Cantigny Golf Shop at regular prices. Unsold plants are donated to local nursing homes and care centers.

Events on Nov. 18 are free, but advance registration is requested for groups of 10 or more wishing to tour the greenhouse. For reservations, call (630) 260-8265.

Parking costs $5 and is in the main lot by the Cantigny Visitors Center. From there, visitors may walk to the greenhouse and McCormick Museum or ride the free trolley.

Cantigny Park is open daily from 9 a.m. to sunset in November and December. More information, including holiday hours, directions and a calendar of upcoming events, is online at cantigny.org.