The next time you step into the Chicago Botanic Garden, this much is certain—the light and grace of the season will shine through. For now, we expect to remain closed through June, but if we’re able to open safely before then, we’ll do so.

We also wanted to let you know that we are automatically extending active memberships by two months. The barcode on your membership card and on your card’s entry decal will be updated to reflect the new expiration date; no action is necessary on your part.

In the meantime, like you, the Garden is adapting with the times and doing things a little differently.

Here are just a few examples:

• New online classes are available. Keep an eye on the website as we add more.
• Need a zen moment? Tune in to the live feed of the Circle Garden as spring unfolds.
• We’re big on the healing power of nature. Stay tuned for some surprises.
• Our urban farms typically sell a lot of vegetables to restaurants. Now we’re shifting more of our focus to food banks and community service organizations—so far, we’ve donated about 1,200 pounds of produce.  

While following health and safety guidelines, a skeleton but critical operations crew is tending to our grounds—the fragrant roses, the ripening apple trees, our lakes and woods. With a much smaller staff on-site, we’re prioritizing our needs. But we’re getting ready and excited for the day we can safely reopen.

If you’ve registered for a class or event at the Garden, look for a cancellation email from us this week with more details. We can’t wait to welcome you back to our 385 acres of beauty, to the respite and hope that nature brings. Please stay well.

While the Garden is closed, we’re not getting revenue from visitors, events, on-site classes, and our other usual means. Instead, we’re relying on philanthropic gifts to keep the Garden running and our grounds beautiful. Every dollar counts. Thank you so much for your support.