The Garfield Park Conservatory is rightfully called an indoor park under glass. The plants were lush and the glass displays were mixed right in with the plants some of them gracefully encircling the plants while others where strategically placed in water or other ideal spots that gave the gardens unexpected bursts of color.
The highlight of the day was of course seeing the Theobroma Cacao in bloom. If you have ever wondered where chocolate comes from, how the pods are formed or even how chocolate is made, be sure to plan to visit this show in coming years.
After a full day of tasting chocolate and watching demonstrations, it was time to head to the Chicago Botanical Gardens. It was a little chilly to walk through the outdoor gardens, but the indoor show was something spectacular.
The highlight of the displays was topiary...everything from rabbits, to dinosaurs and birds. There was even a topiary scarecrow. After all, what is a garden without a scarecrow?
Most of the plants in were in full bloom with the exception of the cacti and succulents. There was Bombax Cieba, Bougainvillea, Plumeria, Orchids, Bananas with the fruit right on them and so much more. If you get to Chicago, definitely take the time to visit the Botanic Gardens. Admission is free and parking is under $8.
Now, if you are truly a garden lover, be sure to eat at the Rainforest Café. This is an unbelievable place. The front of the building looks like large mushrooms with a frog on the roof. Once you enter inside you feel like you are really in the Rainforest. There are waterfalls, animated snakes, alligators, monkeys, elephants and various other Rainforest animals. The décor is totally tropical with plants hanging from the walls and the ceiling. While you are eating you can see shooting stars, experience the sounds of a tropical thunderstorm and hear animals making their sounds. An experience definitely not to be missed.
Finally, we made it over to the Lincoln Park Conservatory. This Conservatory also had free admittance. There was an Orchid Room, a Fern Room, a tropical room and a room that had a spring display of Azaleas and other spring blooming plants in it.
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