Outdoor Gardens

Every year, our beautiful Artist’s Garden comes alive with a tulip display in the early days of spring. In the summer, the display changes to highlight a botanical connection to art, through a specific artist, genre or application. Check out the Flower Shows tab for specifics.

This space is designed to challenge prevailing notions of what a major public garden is supposed to be. It includes lily pools, a gravel garden sprinkled with blue glass, and a stand of aspen trees whose leaves flutter with every breeze.

Raised beds include seasonal flowers and the carnivorous plant bog. To the west, there is a labyrinth to stroll for moving meditation. In summer 2022, the beehives are located on the southern end of the campus, to the west of the parking lot.

Visitors can learn about community and organic gardening in Chicago in this beautiful city lot-sized working garden. Find space-saving and above-ground growing methods, composting information and a wide variety of flowers, herbs and vegetables. The produce grown here is donated to the Garfield Park Farmers Market and local food pantries.

The Bluestone Terrace is located just beyond the Desert House doors, anchoring the City Garden and Demo Garden.

Kids 0 – 8 can experiment with pebbles, make mud pies, walk the stump obstacle course. New additions coming summer 2026. Children must be supervised in the garden.