Everyone has a sweet tooth or a sweets craving every once in a while. You do not always indulge your craving. However, once in a while, you may want to. Especially, if giving in to your craving comes with discovery, learning and of course, if it is for free!
Chicago’s Garfield Park Conservatory
Chicago’s Garfield Park Conservatory is said to be the largest and most captivating botanical conservatories in the Illinois. It is known as a “landscape art under glass.” The conservatory has thousands of plant species from around. When you do visit, check out one of the following:
Palm House
From the name, you will know that you will visit different kinds of palms in this room. It is 65 ft high and 90 ft wide and is the largest room in the Conservatory. The room features plants from warm habitats all around the world. (description from the conservatory website)
Remember, entrance to the Conservatory is free. It is all the more enjoyable learning about different palms for this reason.
Fern Room
Have you heard of Lady Fern? This type of fern makes frequent appearances in Illinois. For this reason, the Conservatory dedicated a room for lush ferns and rocky outcroppings. This is to showcase what prehistoric Chicago might have looked like.
If you are a native of Chicago or the surrounding suburbs, wouldn’t you love to learn about what the Chicago looked like a long time ago? The best part of it is, it is for free!
Sugar From the Sun
The ability of plants to photosynthesize makes them big heroes in our world. Do you want to talk about this with your little ones for free? Come to this exhibit and have fun learning.
Desert House
The Desert House holds one of the region’s most varied collections of cacti and succulents. These plants owe their popularity to their spectacular and unique forms, the promise of brilliant, short-lived flowers and their ability to withstand harsh, dry conditions. The size of the plants in this room varies from the tiny living stone plant to the large century plants. (description from the conservatory website)
Aroid House
Indoor gardeners are sure to find something familiar here, as many aroids are popular houseplants. A variety of aroids growing in a landscape setting are on display. A spectacular feature is the “Persian Pool,” sixteen yellow lily pads, which were created by the world acclaimed glass artist Chihuly expressly for the Aroid House. (description from the conservatory website)
Valentine Sweet Treats in Advance
Are you planning a valentine outing in advance? The Conservatory is a good place to visit! Since entrance to this wonderful place is for free, you do not even need to worry about your budget. Make sure you make a donation at the entrance, though. Your donation will keep making this place enjoyable for a lot of Chicago residents and visitors!
Sweet Saturday event is from noon to 3 P.M. You will be treated to sweet treats like chocolates, vanilla, banana and papaya. Children will also get to enjoy crafts activities like leaf rubbing and paper flowers!
A Chicago Housewifey 