Does Chicago’s cold weather have you searching for a warm getaway? Stop by Lincoln Park Conservatory, located at 2391 North Stockton Drive, for warmth, color, fragrance, and more!
Being around plants comes naturally to me. When I was a young child, both my grandmas had beautiful gardens with flowers, strawberries, and a variety of vegetables. One grandmother even grew wonderful deep purple grapes that my mom would bring home and make into grape jam. My mom has always planted a large garden with vegetables and flowers. I, too, had a garden for several years when I was a homeowner, and I still have houseplants, including an African violet I have had for over 20 years. I find plants quite interesting and amazing. With my heritage, the conservatory, not surprisingly, is one of my favorite places.
My most recent visit was on a bright, but chilly, day. I opened the door to the conservatory and felt the warmth of the Palm House reaching into the entryway. As I stepped forward, my glasses steamed up, and I had to laugh. It was a sign that I’d soon be seeing some amazing plants. Which ones would be blossoming I wouldn’t know until I stepped inside. What’s great about the conservatory is it’s an ever-changing environment of plants and their colorful flowers and fruits. In addition to the regular plant lineup, there are currently poinsettias and other holiday touches intermingled among the tropical plants, creating a festive atmosphere. I even spotted one of the poinsettia trees I learned about when I toured the conservatory’s production greenhouses during Open House Chicago in October.
After enjoying the Palm House and its seasonal accessories, I headed to the Show Room. The conservatory’s Winter Flower and Train Show is currently running, continuing through January 4, 2015. The beautiful pinks, whites, and reds of the poinsettias and princettias provide cheerful color. Various village homes and buildings nestle among the plants. Working trains wind their way through the colorful landscape.
When I finished strolling through the flower and train show, I couldn’t resist stopping in the Orchid House. There was a beautiful, and fragrant, brassolaeliocattleya orchid calling my name . . . (deep breath, happy sigh) a little bit of heaven!
While I didn’t have a chance to visit the Fern Room this time (it was closed during my visit), I’m sure I’ll be back soon.
The Lincoln Park Conservatory is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. In addition to the seasonal Winter Flower and Train Show, the conservatory presents their Spring Flower Show beginning in late January and Summer Tropical Show beginning in early June. No matter the season or the weather, the conservatory is a pleasant oasis.
