Beat the winter blues at Chicago Botanic Garden’s ‘Feelin’ Groovy’ orchid show
The Chicago Botanic Garden rewinds to the 1960s and ‘70s during The Orchid Show: Feelin’ Groovy. Starting Feb. 7 and running through March 22, the garden’s indoor galleries will be filled with more than 10,000 fresh, colorful blooms featured in displays that echo the era’s bright colors, funky patterns, and love for Mother Nature.
“We are excited to showcase orchids in technicolor this year,” said Jodi Zombolo, associate vice president, Visitor Events and Programs. “No matter if you lived through this time-period or only know it from photos and stories, attendees of all ages will be transported by hearing the songs and seeing the design elements used among the orchids from this groovy era.”
In its 12th year, the show will include blooming displays that convey pure good vibes such as floor-to-ceiling sunbeams made of cascading orchids, a 10-foot lava lamp aglow with colorful blooms, and a flower-filled Volkswagen Beetle traveling through a Route 66 daydream.
On Valentine’s Day, and select Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, Orchids After Hours is a captivating way to experience a nighttime viewing of the show. Cocktails and light bites will be available for purchase. On Feb. 21 and March 21, there will be special 21+ Nights with a silent disco featuring the era’s musical hits.
Regular hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. During Orchids After Hours, the show is open on select evenings from 5 to 8 p.m., and for photographers’ hours, the show is open 8:15 to 9:45 a.m. and 4:15 to 5:45 p.m. on Tuesdays.
Visit chicagobotanic.org/orchid for information and to purchase tickets.
The following events will take place during the show:
Library Exhibition — Slipper Orchids; Retro, Mellow and Groovy: This rare book exhibition in the Lenhardt Library features illustrations of slipper orchids highlighting the retro, mellow, and groovy aspects of the art nouveau period of botanical illustrations. It is open noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Free library talks will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20 and Saturday, March 7.
Illinois Orchid Society Spring Show and Sale: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 14, and Sunday, March 15. Displays of orchids from the rarest of species to cultivated hybrids will be artistically arranged. Families can take part in orchid-based activities for children. Vendors will also be on-site to sell orchid plants and related products and Illinois Orchid Society members will offer repotting services.
Post-Orchid Show Sale: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, March 26. This sale is an opportunity to take home favorite orchids from the show. Early access from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. is based on member level. All members and the public are welcome from 2 to 4 p.m., while supplies last. Check the website and social media for updates; this event sells out quickly.