Garfield Park Conservatory, located on the far west side of Chicago not too far from Oak Park, is one of my favorite places. I love love love the fern room there–it’s a wonderful respite from the “concrete jungle”:
“Designed by Hitchings and Company, with the brilliant assistance of Jens Jensen, the Conservatory was completed in 1907. It is still one of the largest conservatories in the world. Jensen’s use of native limestone in layers is used to create ponds, waterfalls, cliffs, and lush winding paths. The total effect seems to overwhelm one’s senses as the sound of the water, the verdant greenness, and the pleasant aromas calm the nerves and transport me to another time and place, when the prairie was a nearby paradise..”. (Cindy Mitchell, The Weedpatch Gazette, Summer, 1998).
The Garfield Park Conservatory won a 2013 Philanthropy Award from the Make It Better Foundation:
Congratulations!
And congratulations is in order for Mothers Trust Foundation which also won a Make It Better Philanthropy award. Take a look at this excellent video and see if you can spot me, in good company at a meeting with other wonderful volunteers.##
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Rommy, I love the conservatory, too. Next time you go, call me. I would go with you!
Looks like a wonderful place to escape to, enriching our inner selves. Certainly a much needed break from the cold weather without having to pay for expensive air fare. Great for tropical dreaming Thanks for the information. Martha
Love both pieces…two entirely different ways of helping kids. Not surprised to find Rommy smack dab in the middle of both!!