Jennifer's blog

Planting season is among us- before you head out to your local garden center, it’s always a good idea to evaluate your needs and make a list of the types of plants that will thrive in your garden’s conditions. At the Lurie Garden, we garden without the use of any chemicals and only grow perennials, which will come back every year. All of our plants thrive without the use of fertilizers, insecticides, or other chemical treatments and the plant list on our website is a great reference if you would like to select plants that are well suited to Chicago’s climate. We have a plant sale coming up this Saturday, May 11 from 10am- 3 pm.  Download the list of perennials offered here. Below are a few tips that can help you as the gardening season begins! 

Though we are still in the midst of winter, it is time to start thinking about spring and planning for our gardens. Every year people ask me if they can plant the Lurie Garden at home on a smaller scale. I’m so excited to say that now yes, you can! A team of horticulture leaders has combined their talents to produce this new plant line that will be available in garden centers this spring! The Lurie Garden’s horticulture staff provides plant expertise, Midwest Groundcovers LLC, grows and wholesales the plants, and Roy Diblik of Northwind Perennial Farm, provides horticultural expertise and guidance for commercial applications.  

Our email address has changed! If you are trying to reach us, email us at the following address

Director: jennifer@luriegarden.org

Volunteer & Tour Manager: melanie@luriegarden.org

Horticulturist: laura@luriegarden.org

Thanks! The Lurie Garden Staff

Did you read the great article about the Lurie Garden in Openlands' WOWW Newsletter? If you missed it, read the entire article here. 

Some of the quick facts from the article: 

Did you know the we are chemical free in the Lurie Garden? This means we do not use and pesticides or herbicides, making The Lurie Garden a welcome home to many insects, including bees, butterflies, and birds. Right now bees and butterflies are abundant, so be sure to come and observe them visiting their favorite food sources.

Our 2012 Lurie Garden Plant Sale and Festival is fast approaching on Saturday, June 2. Download the list here of all the plants that will be for sale. These perennials have been chosen for their four-season interest, wildlife attracting qualities, and suitability for the Midwestern climate. All proceeds support the Lurie Garden's free programming. The plant sale and festival will also include garden tours, honey tasting, natural crafts for children, face painting, and more.

Dig In Chicago is a great new local television show about gardening and cooking in Chicago. The Lurie Garden was thrilled to be featured in the first issue of the program.  Hosts Mike Nowak and Jennifer Brennan will take viewers to local horticulture hotspots and restaurants. We hope you enjoy the first segment featuring The Lurie Garden! You can watch all their episodes on their YouTube channel here. 

Last year Tom Rossiter directed this amazing film about the Lurie Garden. As we start to plan for spring, we suggest watching this amazing film and finding inspiration for your own garden. Enjoy!

Thank you to Karen Geisler of Chalet Nursery who wrote this wonderful piece about the Lurie Garden. If you haven't stopped by the garden yet this winter, be sure to do so soon before we cut everything back to make room for spring bulbs. Enjoy: http://www.hortiholic.com/

We just cut back the garden on Monday, February 13th. Watch this great video illustrating the process

http://www.wpix.com/videogallery/68071379/News/Mowing-the-Lurie-Garden

Watch this great segment on how to make your own natural body products. The Lurie Garden uses its own honey to make this nourishing lip balm. 

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=resources&id=8469807