The Chicago Botanic Garden is a world-renowned living museum and conservation science center that offers multiple unique nature courses spread throughout 26 gardens and four natural areas on 385 acres.
Chicago Botanic Garden
Glencoe, Suburbs 1000 Lake Cook Road Btwn Edens Exprsswy/Rt 41 & Green Bay Rd Glencoe, Illinois 60022
The Chicago Botanic Garden opened a little more than 40 years ago as a beautiful place to visit, and it has matured into one of the world's great living museums and conservation science centers. In 2013, one million people visited the Garden's 26 gardens and four natural areas, uniquely situated on 385 acres on and around nine islands, with six miles of lake shoreline. The Garden also has a renowned Bonsai Collection.
The Chicago Botanic Garden has 50,000 members—one of the largest memberships of any U.S. botanic garden. People of all ages, interests, and abilities participate in programs, take classes, and stroll the grounds year-round. Within the nine laboratories of the Garden's Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center, scientists and graduate students conduct a wide array of plant research. The Garden is one of only 17 public gardens accredited by the American Association of Museums. Its Lenhardt Library contains 110,000 volumes — including one of the nation's best collections of rare botanical books.
HISTORY
The Chicago Botanic Garden traces its origins back to the Chicago Horticultural Society, founded in 1890. With the motto Urbs in Horto, meaning "city in a garden," the Society hosted nationally recognized flower and horticultural shows, its third the World's Columbian Exposition Chrysanthemum Show, held in conjunction with the world's fair in October 1893.
After a period of inactivity, the Chicago Horticultural Society was restarted in 1943. In 1962, its modern history began when the Society agreed to help create and manage a new public garden. With the groundbreaking for the Chicago Botanic Garden in 1965 and its opening in 1972, the Society created a permanent site on which to carry out its mission. The Garden today is an example of a successful public-private partnership. It is owned by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County and operated by the Chicago Horticultural Society.
Reviews of Chicago Botanic Garden
(4.3-star rating across
126 reviews)
Container Gardens: Pots with Panache
Anonymous review on 4/12/2024
I enjoyed the instructor and the slides were very helpful to her presentation. I think the course could run 90 minutes rather than 2 hours and would have appreciate a few more tips on putting containers together with a video showing the steps. But, I enjoyed it and appreciated the pacing and her recommendations on different potting soils and plants for the various seasons.
Arranging Store-Bought Bouquets: Online
Reviewed by Eileen P. on 4/11/2024
I learned good flower arranging techniques from this class and really liked the instructor
Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects
Reviewed by Nadine T. on 4/8/2024
The class was very good, I learned a lot. More than I thought I would on the subject. The teacher took her time, I was able to follow everything she said.
Pruning Principles
Anonymous review on 2/9/2024
The instructor was very good! But
1. The remote option wasn't great -- screen projections weren't always visible.
2. Classroom setting was not what I'd expected - I'd hoped to see some actual pruning take place in a garden or nursery, to be able to see up close where cuts were made, what tools used, etc
3. I'm in California, so much of the material wasn't pertinent. Info on dogwoods, lilacs and other hedges and trees we don't have here. That's perfectly fine and makes sense since it came from Chicago but it would be helpful if the course blurb mentioned what geographic planting zones it would helpful. It really wasn't designed for folks out west
Mosaic Bird Pendant Workshop
Reviewed by Janice V. on 1/21/2024
Wonderful, as are all Bonnie's classes!
Holiday Calligraphy Workshop
Reviewed by Kimberly B. on 12/22/2023
I learned some of the basic’s. Would really like more time and maybe more one on one. But, this might be a case of practice makes perfect, and I just need a lot of practice. I appreciate that I have finally had a class on calligraphy. Thank you. I know teaching to adults is much harder than teaching kids in class. We want to learn overnight.
Goat Milk Soap Making
Reviewed by yolanda M. on 11/12/2023
The person who was supposed to teach;just talk about his family and his worked hiw tiredness might be,and people in the class were interested in the goats life;I went to learned how to do the soaps plus the person I asked how much oil,coconut oil,fat was the measurements and he told me that he wasn’t going to tell me,If he is afraid that someone still his recipe;he is wrong;when somebody gives a class…….teach not just live you in a limbo,very insatisfied
For the money was a poor class
Arranging Store-Bought Bouquets: Online
Reviewed by Shelly L. on 10/8/2023
The class was canceled and no communication to inform students and no one was on the phone to answer what was going on with the class.
Forest Bathing Experience
Reviewed by Michelle M. on 9/11/2023
This was my first experience but I have done a lot of research on forest bathing. Sally did a great job! She is so kind and generous and even stayed a little after to talk to me about how I am trying to set up a business of my own around forest bathing.
My only suggestion is that the gardens provide a detailed explanation on where to find the group. I was 15 minuets late because I am not the greatest map reader and had to figure out where to go once I parked. Maybe drawing on the map or suggesting a specific parking lot would help.
It was a beautiful day and I am SO glad I attended!
Outdoor Survival and Shelter Building
Reviewed by LAURA G. on 6/19/2023
In the advertising for this course they show a photo of people actually in the forest . We were on a manicured lawn area with clean branches and brush tied up in a pile . Not exactly foraging ! You can’t learn much that way . In a real life situation there wouldn’t be a pile ready and waiting for you . I wanted to learn which branches are suitable vs those that aren’t . Also wanted to learn how to start a fire . What types of material would be good for that . Learning in a class room is fine but hands on is so much better . You will remember hands on as opposed to taking notes in a class room . Handouts of the presentation should have been included for the price paid .
Introduction to Beekeeping
Anonymous review on 2/19/2023
A lot of information. Willie was very knowledgeable, would love if this was a series for bee keeping
Shibori-Dyed Scarf
Reviewed by Elizabeth H. on 1/25/2023
I really enjoyed this class and will sign up for others
Introduction to Beekeeping
Reviewed by Rachel D. on 10/10/2022
Great class, great location.
Very informative in a well rounded intro class. Hope there's another in the future.
Beginning Watercolor: Online
Anonymous review on 8/19/2022
I am a true beginner with no prior experience. I learned about brushes, brush strokes, and paint mixing. Judith gave me great critiques with very good tips. The only negative is that the students seemed to be sorted by age instead of experience. I was the only “newby” so it was a bit intimidating.
Orchids for Beginners: Online
Reviewed by Barbara L. on 2/27/2022
This class was NOT good! I did not want a course on Botany, details of the orchids. The class was let out early and I did not get many
ideas for caring for orchids. The teacher spent too much time on her own graduate thesis and did not really help me learn how to pick out orchids or how to keep them growing.
I would NOT recommend this class.
Demo Cooking: French Cocktail Snacks
Reviewed by Joanne G. on 2/21/2022
Our instructor was fantastic. Knowledgeable, entertaining and personable. All the recipes were great too and i cant wait to try them at home.
Introduction to Beekeeping
Reviewed by Ismail T. on 2/13/2022
Great teacher. Incredible class
Demo Cooking: Cheese & Charcuterie Board
Reviewed by David D. on 2/6/2022
Thought it was great. Took the fear factor out of trying something new!!
Demo Cooking: Air Fryer
Reviewed by Linda M. on 1/23/2022
Great class! Emily is knowledgeable and engaging. I would highly recommend her classes!
Winter Houseplant Care
Reviewed by Lourdes A. on 1/19/2022
Ms. Julia had an exceptionally well organized class! The class itself was exactly what was offered, a quick knowledge on house plants. I learned to love my plants, treat them with respect and love on them!
According to student reviews, the classes at Chicago Botanic Garden cover a wide range of topics such as forest bathing, beekeeping, painting, gardening, plant care, and more. Many students reported learning a lot of information and gaining new skills from their classes. Some specific skills mentioned include learning about brushes and paint mixing in painting classes, gaining knowledge about specific plants and how to care for them in gardening classes, and learning about the process of making soap. The instructors are frequently praised for their knowledge and teaching abilities, with many students expressing a desire to take more classes with them.
Quotes:
- "My first class at the Botanical gardens. It was great! Looking forward to other related classes. Mr. Lucas had a lot of knowledge. I love his teaching techniques. Thank you"
- "This class was a delight! I learned so much. It is an intensive class, so expect to spend time out of class studying, but also expect to come away with newly gained understanding of the plant world and how much we rely on it."
- "The best Bonsai teacher ever... Chris Baker! Learnt a lot in those two three short hours. Me Baker was very generous with sharing his knowledge and expertise on the subject. I only wish we could have had a week-long workshop. Thank you."
Be the first to know about new dates and discounts on your favorite classes. Get $10 off your first class!
Save this class to your wishlist.
Forgotten Password?
We can send you an email that contains instructions on how to reset your password.
Request Group Booking Options
Get special date and rate options for your group. Submit the form below and we'll get back to you within 2 business hours with pricing and availability.