In Bloom: 3 Ways To Enjoy April Flowers

By Marielle Shaw in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 19, 2015 4:00PM

Photo by Marielle Shaw

It's finally okay to come outside, Chicago! As we trade in the drab browns of Winter for the electric green of Spring, now's the time to get a head start on the outdoor fun that will keep us pretty busy the next few months. Here are a few ways to stop and smell the roses:

At the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, the crocuses are inundating the grassy knolls and magnolia trees are starting to bloom. Every season is gorgeous at the Botanic Garden, but Spring is when we find ourselves there the most as it seems something new is surfacing every week, from cherry blossoms in the beautiful Malott Japanese Garden to peach and apple blossoms in the Fruit and Vegetable Garden. There's still time for this weekend’s Antiques, Garden & Design Show and mark your calendar for an Earth Day Walk and Daffodil Society Show the weekend of April 25-26. It’s always worth the trip, but no time is this more true than spring.

Meanwhile at the Garfield Park Conservatory, April is one big, long celebration. This month's Grand Re-Opening of the facility will be highlighted by the renovated Fern Room and Desert Room, repaired after extensive damage was left from a hail storm in 2011. In the spirit of celebration there will be plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy, starting with the Spring Flower Show that is already in full swing. Tours will also soon commence alongside a special Grand Re-Opening party on Earth Day, April 22, and a Family Day April 26.

If you find yourself on Michigan Avenue with a little time to spare, check out what’s in bloom at the Lurie Garden, where the bulbs are pushing through and spring flowers are surfacing all over. If you’re a gardener planning your own space, there’s even a few classes coming up next Thursday the 23rd on native plants and essential perennial care. You can register here, but we recommend claiming your spot as soon as you can as they go fast.