Visit to the Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago

By Vanessa Ayola

I recently moved to Chicago from Orlando in what’s possible the coldest time of the year in Chi-town. Let’s say, it has been hard for me to get used to the “harsh” winter when living in sunny Orlando for fifteen years. A friend recommended me the Garfield Park Conservatory. He told me that the conservatory was like a giant greenhouse climate controlled, always warm with an average temperature of 80 degrees.

We decided to go Sunday March 20th, The first day of spring; that day it day was cold and gloomy. The Conservatory was about a twenty minute drive from my house so it wasn’t a long drive at all. The parking and entrance is free and they do suggest a $5 donation.

A way for me to describe the Garfield Park Conservatory is like an Oasis, a green spot in the middle of the big cold city. It brings a contrast, they have several ambiances, and there is a tropical section, a desert section, a prehistorical site, a koi pond and a spring floral exhibition. These are just a few of the environments. The Sunday we visited, March 20th 2015, it was the day for the annual Easter egg hunt; there were children with their parents running an exploring around. It also has a whole section dedicated to children making an family friendly spot. It is a charming place indeed.

Quoting their brochure “The Garfield Park conservatory’s mission is to examine, explore, experiment with, and explain our relationship with plants. Referred to as “Landscape art under glass” The GPC campus occupies two acres of public greenhouse space and 10 acres of outdoor gardens.”