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Chicago Botanic Garden

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

Upcoming Classes at Chicago Botanic Garden

  • Hands-on Cooking: Deep-Dish Pizza

    Handmade, Chicago-style pizza is totally doable at home! You will discover how to prepare all of the elements: a garden-fresh sauce, “100-turn” dough, and homemade sausage, plus techniques to bake in a home oven and still get a lacquered bottom, pillowy crust, and bubbling cheese.

    Next start date: Tuesday, May 7th, 6–8:30pm Central Time
    Price: $118
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  • Live Sound Meditation Experience

    Recharge your mind and body in a serene outdoor setting with the soothing vibrations of singing bowls and melodic vocals. Unwind and let go of stress as you immerse yourself in a blissful state of deep relaxation and rejuvenation. No experience is required – just bring your yoga mat and get ready to experience tranquility like never before.

    Next start date: Tuesday, Mar 19th, 6:30–7:45pm Central Time
    Price: $43
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  • Hands-On Cooking: Italian Dinner

    Learn to make traditional Italian dishes with a twist in this interactive cooking class. Master the art of crafting arancini filled with flavorful gorgonzola cheese, pecans, and pancetta, and impress your guests with a beef carpaccio salad topped with a delectable Sicilian pistachio cream sauce.

    Next start date: Wednesday, Apr 3rd, 5:30–8pm Central Time
    Price: $109
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  • Yoga Flow Beginner

    Experience the perfect harmony of movement and breath in this invigorating yoga series designed to enhance your health and vitality. Join us at the Chicago Botanic Garden for an immersive yoga experience that will engage your mind and energize your body. All levels are welcome!

    Next start date: Tuesday, Apr 9th, 9:30–10:30am Central Time
    Price: $212
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  • Hardy Bulbs

    Discover the secrets to creating stunning gardens with an array of vibrant and resilient bulbs. Master the art of identifying over 60 hardy bulbs, corms, and tubers, and gain valuable insights into their blooming patterns and cultural needs. Elevate your gardening expertise and bring your clients' gardens to life with this comprehensive course.

    Next start date: Tuesday, Mar 26th, 6:30–8:30pm Central Time
    Price: $499
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  • Hands-on Baking: Spring Baking

    Learn to create delicious seasonal desserts like flower-pressed butter cookies, carrot cake quick bread, and blueberry crumb bars at the Chicago Botanic Garden's baking class. Impress your friends with these simple but impressive treats that can be adapted to any fruit you have on hand. Take home a sampling of your baked creations and spring into the season with yummy goodies!

    Next start date: Thursday, Apr 18th, 1:30–3:30pm Central Time
    Price: $87
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  • Mosaic Workshop

    Discover the ancient art of pique assiette at a renowned botanical institution. Unleash your creativity as you transform broken china and heirlooms into stunning mosaic masterpieces. Start collecting now for a unique and sustainable art experience.

    Next start date: Thursday, May 9th, 1:30–3:30pm Central Time
    Price: $312
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  • Essence of Internal Martial Arts

    Discover Internal Martial Arts at the prestigious Chicago Botanic Garden. Immerse yourself in a comprehensive study of alignment, body use, and mind-body unity, while exploring the fundamental trainings of Xingyiquan, Baguazhang, Taijiquan, and Yiquan. This course is a must for anyone interested in enhancing their tai chi skills or improving their overall well-being.

    Next start date: Friday, Mar 22nd, 8:30–9:30am Central Time
    Price: $137
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  • Tai Chi Fundamental Sun-Style

    Discover the beauty of flowing movements and gentle postures in this modern form of tai chi. Perfect for beginners or those looking to refresh their practice, this class will guide you through the fundamentals of Sun-Style tai chi. Join us in the serene setting of the Regenstein Center and experience the benefits of this ancient practice.

    Next start date: Friday, Mar 22nd, 9:45–10:45am Central Time
    Price: $137
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  • Laugh it Off with Laughter Yoga

    Discover the incredible power of laughter in this interactive workshop designed to boost your overall well-being and happiness. Join us for a fun-filled session that combines simulated laughter exercises with breathing techniques, all backed by medical research. Suitable for all fitness levels.

    Next start date: Saturday, Mar 23rd, 1–2pm Central Time
    Price: $25
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  • Demonstration Cooking: Mushrooms

    Unleash the delectable potential of mushrooms in this hands-on cooking class at Chicago Botanic Garden. Learn expert preparation tips and cooking techniques as you create savory dishes such as mushroom yogurt lettuce cups, portobello cheese "steaks," mixed mushroom lasagna, and French onion and mushroom broth soup.

    Next start date: Tuesday, Apr 2nd, 11am–1pm Central Time
    Price: $87
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  • Mushrooms and Fungi in Colored Pencil

    Explore the intricate world of fungi through colored pencil art at the renowned Chicago Botanic Garden. Learn how to capture the unique forms and vibrant colors of mushrooms using various techniques such as layering and burnishing. Develop your composition skills and create stunning finished works that showcase the beauty of these fascinating organisms.

    Next start date: Tuesday, Apr 2nd, 6–9pm Central Time
    Price: $449
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  • New Camera Workshop

    Unleash your photography potential with expert guidance in this hands-on workshop designed to help you master the setup and basic operations of your new camera. Capture stunning images with confidence, whether you own a DSLR, mirrorless, or advanced point-and-shoot camera.

    Next start date: Saturday, Apr 6th, 9am–12pm Central Time
    Price: $162
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  • Tai Chi Experienced Yang 24

    Enhance your mind-body connection through the serene practice of Yang-style tai chi. Join this class to deepen your understanding of the 24 forms and experience the meditative power of qi gong. For experienced tai chi students seeking a tranquil journey at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

    Next start date: Thursday, Mar 21st, 9:30–10:30am Central Time
    Price: $137
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  • Working Large Scale with Charcoal

    Discover the art of creating stunning large-scale charcoal drawings at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Explore the versatility of charcoal and learn the techniques needed to work with both vine charcoal and charcoal pencils. Unleash your creativity and master the art of luscious darks in this immersive course.

    Next start date: Sunday, Apr 7th, 9:30am–12:30pm Central Time
    Price: $312
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  • Principles of Garden Design

    Learn how to apply your design skills to create stunning garden spaces. Discover the spatial properties of landscape materials and how they can enhance your concept plans and construction-level drawings. Take your design knowledge to the next level with this professional course.

    Next start date: Wednesday, Apr 17th, 6:30–9pm Central Time
    Price: $619
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  • Soil Basics

    Enhance your gardening skills by understanding the vital role of soil. Discover the secrets to maintaining healthy soil and learn how water cycles affect plants. Get your garden soil professionally analyzed for optimal growth.

    Next start date: Thursday, Apr 11th, 6:30–9pm Central Time
    Price: $374
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  • Spotlight Garden Tours

    Discover the secrets of the lush and vibrant gardens of Chicago as experienced horticulturists bring you on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour. Immerse yourself in the beauty of plant varieties, design elements, and fascinating stories that have been cultivated over the years. Expand your gardening knowledge and be inspired by the expertise of these dedicated professionals.

    Next start date: Tuesday, Apr 2nd, 9–10am Central Time
    Price: $24
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  • Yoga Flow Intermediate

    Elevate your yoga practice and reach new levels of strength and flexibility with the invigorating Yoga Flow series in a serene botanical setting. Unleash your inner power as you connect breath with movement, taking your practice to exhilarating new heights. Unwind and recharge your mind and body in this challenging class with like-minded yogis.

    Next start date: Thursday, Apr 11th, 9:30–10:30am Central Time
    Price: $212
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  • Spring Containers at the Garden

    Get inspired by the Chicago Botanic Garden's stunning spring containers and learn how to create your own for a full-sun or partial-shade location. Discover the best plants that can withstand varying spring temperatures, including pansies and forced bulbs. Don't forget to dress appropriately and bring gloves if needed!

    Next start date: Tuesday, Apr 16th, 10–11:30am Central Time
    Price: $99
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1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022
Chicago Botanic Garden
Glencoe, Suburbs
1000 Lake Cook Road
Btwn Edens Exprsswy/Rt 41 & Green Bay Rd
Glencoe, Illinois 60022

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Description

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 121 reviews)
  • 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!
  • Photoshop 1

    Anonymous review on 8/13/2021
    Iris, the instructor was great. I highly recommend this course.
  • Shade Gardening Basics

    Reviewed by Victoria L. on 6/13/2021
    This was a very good class that provided a lot of materials and specific plant names. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is it was entirely specific to environments east of the Mississippi. I should have known that since it was offered from Chicago, but maybe the region should be included in the title. Most all of the plants discussed could not survive in the arid environments, even in the shade, of the west.
  • Macarons: Online Cook Along

    Reviewed by Catherine S. on 3/22/2021
    I wish it was a bit longer so the instructor could have evaluated the finished product.
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Review Summary by CourseHorse

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."

Teachers at Chicago Botanic Garden

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