The Chicago Botanic Garden-Spring

Finally! The brown, muted, dismal remnants of winter have passed and everything is bursting forth with new life. A great place to view the arrival of spring is the Chicago Botanic Garden. It is the beginning of the season so not all of the gardens are in full swing. However, it is a pleasure to see the colorful spring flowers after months of snow and gray. There were very impressive displays of tulips, the magnolia trees were blooming, and I enjoyed the Japanese gardens filled with various flowers and conifers.

The Chicago Horticultural Society, who assisted in lakeshore and park improvements, was given 300 acres of land in 1963. For several years they worked on the Gardens and opened to the public in 1972. Today the Garden is 365 acres featuring 23 display gardens and 3 native habitats. They have held true to their mission which focuses on collections, education, and research. They also have several volunteer, community, and educational programs.

The Gardens are essentially islands surrounded by the Skokie Lagoon waterway. By damming up the Skokie river to control flooding, the lagoons were created in the 30's, I believe. Today many people canoe, kayak, and fish in these waters. There is an extensive bike trail that runs around it as well. Twice I road from Caldwell woods to the lagoons (as a child with my father and last year). It is about 12 miles each way. It is also $20 to get into the Gardens with a car but free if you ride in and lock up your bike. I suggest parking at the main recreation area of the Skokie Lagoons and ride your bike to the Gardens. Everyone needs to save some cash these days!