Spring in Bloom at Chicago’s Lincoln Park and Garfield Park Conservatories

Spring is arriving in full bloom—at least indoors—as the ChicagoPark District is conducting its annual spring flower shows at Lincoln Park and Garfield Park conservatories. The shows, which kicked off on Valentine’s Day, will run  through Mother’s Day, May 10. The Lincoln Park Conservatory is presenting Jewels of Spring, while the flower display at the Garfield Park Conservatory is Showers of Flowers.

“Spring is a time of renewal, and both spring flower shows highlight the beauty, creativity and diversity of plants that thrive during this time,” says General Superintendent and CEO Carlos Ramirez-Rosa. “We invite the public to step out of the cold, dreary weather and reconnect with nature at both shows, designed to brighten their day.”

Each conservatory offers a unique interpretation of the spring, with seasonal favorites like daffodils, tulips, lupines and snapdragons featured in both shows. Jewels of Spring highlights the flowers of the Tower of Jewels, also called Echium, or pride of Madeira. This dramatic, colorful plant grows flower spikes that reach two to three feet tall. Accompanying these gems are a host of spring beauties, including tulips such as Gold Rush and Flaming Flag; 4D Violet Ice African daisies; Cymbidium orchids; Delphinium Cobalt Dreams; and Primula Wild Flame Shades. All are planted against a backdrop of camellias, azaleas, peonies and hydrangeas.

Showers of Flowers features more than 80 hanging baskets showcasing vertical possibilities for green thumbs. The baskets include trailing vines such as ivy and sweet potato; bushy asparagus ferns; and colorful flowers like pansies, petunias and calibrachoa. Ground plantings include seasonal favorites such as daffodils, tulips, lupines, Cymbidium orchids, astilbe, snapdragons and ranunculus, set against a backdrop of azaleas, camellias and hydrangeas. 

The Chicago Park District has served city residents for more than 91 years and is a Gold Medal award-winning organization, recognized nationally for excellence in park and recreation management. The district manages more than 8,800 acres of parkland; more than 600 parks; 26 miles of lakefront; 12 museums; two world-class conservatories; 16 historic lagoons; 75-plus nature areas; and thousands of special events, sports and entertainment programs.

Locations: Lincoln Park Conservatory, 2391 N. Stockton Dr., Chicago; and Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago. For more information or to register (required), visit ChicagoParkDistrict.com/conservatory-flower-shows.