Spring is in full bloom, and the weather this April was perfect for walking around the Garfield Park Conservatory. With my Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory membership, my husband and I were able to get free admission, all I had to do was show my membership card, which I now keep on my phone.
Their Spring Show opens every year in the spring. Although the tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths were fading by April, the show room was overflowing with azaleas, hydrangeas, orchids, petunias, snapdragons, and osteospermums, just to name a few. Hanging baskets were suspended from the ceiling at varying heights, creating a full, immersive display. The fragrance from all the blooms made it feel like spring had officially arrived.
Visiting the Garfield Park Conservatory inspired me to start thinking about my summer containers and how I might recreate some of the beautiful baskets on a smaller scale. One idea I loved was pairing foxtail ferns with white alyssum; I think it would make a striking arrangement for my front stairs. Another idea was to combine several colors of osteospermums to create a vibrant display in my backyard.
In addition to free admission, FOPCON members also receive early access to FOPCON’s annual plant sale. The 2026 sale is now closed, but my visit to the conservatory gave me so many ideas for this year’s containers. Like many FOPCON members, I purchased a variety of plants. I’m not usually a planner, I tend to pick flowers I like and hope they work together, but somehow my containers always come together. After seeing the Spring Show, I now have a clearer vision for how I’ll combine my planters this season.
If you plan to visit the Garfield Park Conservatory, note that the Children’s Garden reopened on May 1st. Expect it to be busy, as it has been closed for several years due to renovations. The lobby is also under renovation and is expected to be completed in June, so be sure to follow the signs to the temporary entrance.
Ramona Ramos
Board Member and Co‑Chair of the Membership Committee
To enjoy reciprocal admission to qualifying gardens join FOPCON now.
