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Chicago Botanic Garden

(4.3-star rating across 126 reviews)

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

    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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  • Hands-on Baking: Spring Baking

    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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  • Hands-on Baking: Vanilla

    Hands-on Baking: Vanilla

    Vanilla bean pods can seem expensive, but a little goes a long way. Discover how to get the most out of each pod by using one pod three different ways to make vanilla pound cake, crème brûlée, and vanilla biscotti. You will learn techniques to cream butter with sugar and to temper eggs. Everyone will take home a sampling of the treats made in class.

    Next start date: Monday, May 13th, 1:30–3:30pm Central Time
    Price: $93
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  • Hands-on Cooking: Spring Picnic

    Hands-on Cooking: Spring Picnic

    Get ready for picnic season with a hands-on cooking class at Chicago Botanic Garden. Learn to make Thai-inspired fried chicken, a crunchy slaw, and macadamia nut ice cream sandwiches. Mother Nature's plans won't ruin your picnic with the option to move indoors.

    Next start date: Wednesday, Apr 24th, 1–3:30pm Central Time
    Price: $109
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  • Hands-On Cooking: Soufflés

    Hands-On Cooking: Soufflés

    Delight your guests with culinary expertise as you master the art of crafting both savory and sweet soufflés. Learn the intricate techniques of egg separation, beating, and folding to create a classic cheese soufflé and a luxurious orange and Grand Marnier variation. Elevate your cooking skills in this hands-on experience.

    Next start date: Saturday, Jun 1st, 1–3:30pm Central Time
    Price: $118
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  • Mosaic Workshop

    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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  • Fundamentals of Cooking: Salt

    Fundamentals of Cooking: Salt

    Discover the art and science of salt in culinary mastery. Unveil the secrets behind seasoning as you learn to enhance flavors and textures like never before. Dive into the world of salts and elevate your cooking expertise to new heights.

    Next start date: Sunday, May 5th, 10am–12pm Central Time
    Price: $93
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  • Hands-on Cooking: Taco Party

    Hands-on Cooking: Taco Party

    Elevate your taco game with our Hands-on Cooking class, where you'll craft tantalizing twists perfect for any gathering. From savory parmesan shell guacamole and Caesar salad tacos to tantalizing tacos pastor con mole featuring slow-roasted pork and nutty, chili-infused sauce, unlock the secrets to unforgettable flavor combinations. Join us and become the ultimate taco maestro for your next party.

    Next start date: Saturday, May 11th, 1–3:30pm Central Time
    Price: $118
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  • Principles of Garden Design

    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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  • Documenting Nature in Photography

    Documenting Nature in Photography

    Discover the secrets behind capturing the essence of nature through photography. Learn about composition, storytelling, and techniques to document the ever-changing seasons. Uncover the camera's perspective and develop your unique visual narrative.

    Next start date: Saturday, Apr 20th, 9am–12pm Central Time
    Price: $437
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  • Live Sound Meditation Experience

    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, Apr 23rd, 6:30–7:45pm Central Time
    Price: $43
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  • Nature & Landscape Portfolio A

    Nature & Landscape Portfolio A

    Learn the design techniques used by top nature and landscape photographers in this intermediate-level course. Practice with weekly exercises and create your own professional portfolio that's exhibition-worthy. Mandatory use of digital SLR or mirrorless cameras.

    Next start date: Wednesday, Apr 17th, 6–9pm Central Time
    Price: $499
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  • Hands-on Cooking: French Tarts

    Hands-on Cooking: French Tarts

    Classic French tarts can be sweet or savory. In this hands-on cooking class, you will learn how to prepare tender crusts that can be filled in a variety of ways. Featured recipes include leek and smoked salmon tart for a main course and a dark chocolate and pear tart for dessert.

    Next start date: Thursday, May 30th, 1–3:30pm Central Time
    Price: $118
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  • Chair Yoga for All Levels

    Chair Yoga for All Levels

    Discover the perfect balance of relaxation and rejuvenation with Chair Yoga at the tranquil Chicago Botanic Garden. Let stress melt away as you learn breathing techniques and gentle stretches, all while surrounded by the natural beauty of the garden.

    Next start date: Monday, Apr 29th, 12:30–1:30pm Central Time
    Price: $25
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  • Creative Plant Photography

    Creative Plant Photography

    Unleash your creativity and capture the beauty of plants like never before in this hands-on photography course. Explore innovative techniques and discover new perspectives to create stunning and evocative images. Develop your skills with a camera and imagination, and learn how to enhance your photos with creative post-processing.

    Next start date: Wednesday, May 8th, 9:30am–12pm Central Time
    Price: $437
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  • Demonstration Cooking: Beets

    Demonstration Cooking: Beets

    Unearth the culinary potential of beets in this immersive cooking demonstration! From vibrant beetroot to nutrient-rich greens, master techniques like roasting, blanching, and spiralizing to create delectable dishes including lavender-rosemary roasted beets with ricotta and beet falafel. Join us and elevate your beet game to new heights!

    Next start date: Thursday, Jun 6th, 11am–1pm Central Time
    Price: $93
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  • Botany 1

    Botany 1

    Unlock the secrets of plant life and discover the fascinating world of botany in this engaging course. Explore the different classifications of plants, their life cycles, and the vital role they play in our lives. Join us for an eye-opening journey through the diverse and intriguing world of plants.

    Next start date: Tuesday, Jun 4th, 6:30–9pm Central Time
    Price: $462
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  • Spotlight Garden Tours

    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 30th, 9–10am Central Time
    Price: $24
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  • Photoshop 3

    Photoshop 3

    Elevate your Photoshop skills to new heights with our project-focused advanced class. Delve into HDR, abstract art, displacement mapping, and focus stacking as you refine your digital artistry. Prerequisite: Photoshop 1 and 2 or instructor approval.

    Next start date: Monday, May 6th, 1–3:30pm Central Time
    Price: $312
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  • Photography: Japanese Islands in Spring

    Photography: Japanese Islands in Spring

    Capture the beauty of the Malott Japanese Garden in spring with this photography course. Learn tips and techniques in the classroom before practicing in this highly picturesque setting. Limited to DSLR or mirrorless cameras.

    Next start date: Friday, May 10th, 9am–12pm Central Time
    Price: $374
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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 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!
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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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