Chicago Botanic Garden Fall 2019

chicagobotanic.org 7 Living in an area that has four sea- sons means that we make the most of our gardens. When fall ar- rives, memories of the past summer mingle with thoughts of the seasons that lie ahead. Maybe there was some- thing about your home garden that could be improved? e Chicago Botanic Garden’s Fall Bulb Festival is perfectly timed to en- able you to plan for next year’s garden. e annual bulb sale, presented by the Woman’s Board of the Chicago Horti- cultural Society, o ers hundreds of dif- ferent kinds of bulbs, from specialty bulbs to tulips, da odils to alliums. e bulbs are shipped directly from Holland, just in time for fall planting. Beginning August 16, members can pre-order large quantities of bulbs on- line at chicagobotanic.org/bulb and re- ceive a 20 percent discount. Plus, on Friday, October 4, the sale is open to members only, so shop early to get the best selection. While the bulb sale is taking place in Burnstein Hall, the Esplanade comes alive on Saturday and Sunday, with a straw-bale maze, gourd display, and live music. Family Drop-in activities and a fall market with vendors selling honey, baked goods, kettle corn, jam, and more make the Fall Bulb Festival a great destination for young and old alike. Not sure how to incorporate bulbs into your garden? Here are three ways to plant now and applaud later: • Layer bulbs in the same spot, so you have weeks of continuous bloom. Crocus and Muscari pop up in March or April, while daffodils and Allium appear after April, May, or June. • Mass bulbs in informal drifts to create a natural look. Mix daffodils or tulips that emerge early or late for a long-lasting show. • No garden? Fill containers with bulbs in the fall, bundle them up in the garage for winter, and unwrap them in the spring for a colorful show for a balcony or porch. Want to learn more? Sign up for Bulbs for Beginners, 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, October 5; chicagobotanic.org/education. Fall Bulb Festival When: Members-only bulb sale, Friday, October 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; bulb sale and festival, Saturday and Sunday, October 5 and 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Buy your bulbs in advance From August 16 through September 28, choose bulbs from the online catalog at chicagobotanic.org/bulb. Pre-order larger quantities and pick up your bulbs at the Fall Bulb Festival. Members receive a 20 percent discount on pre-orders. Learn more chicagobotanic.org/bulb