Many gardeners seek out sources of inspiration when considering improvements in their own landscaping. Lurie Garden located in Millennium Park in Chicago has provided inspiration for many gardeners since its opening just over 20 years ago. With over 330 plant types, there is much for gardeners to appreciate while wondering the two-and-a-half acre site.
For this column, Kathryn Deery, the Director of Horticulture for Lurie Garden, has agreed to answer a few questions for us about the garden, its features, the designers, visiting and the spring bulb display.
Kathryn, can you please tell us a bit about the people who designed Lurie Garden?
Lurie Garden was designed by the landscape architecture firm GGN, along with Piet Oudolf as the perennial plant designer. The designers remained involved today by consulting on design changes and mentoring the horticulture staff. This continued involvement aids in the success of the garden.
What are some of the key features of the garden?
The main feature of the garden is the plants themselves. The perennial design continues to evolve by the hand of the staff with the guidance of Piet Oudolf. The plants are chosen for their multi season interest, longevity, and structural characteristics. Beginning with a grand display of spring bulbs and finishing with the glowing fall foliage of Amsonia.
The Salvia River is an iconic feature within the west half of the garden. In late May, there is a progression of five different blue flowered varieties that is always a favorite of visitors.
The dramatic “Shoulder Hedge” encloses the main garden beds creating that feeling of a “secret garden.” It is a living sculptural element, the designer’s answer to the several other sculptures located within Millennium Park.
What types of plants are most prevalent in the garden?
With over 330 different plant types in the garden, there is a wide diversity of species and varieties. There is a mix of woodies, perennials, and perennial bulbs. A significant portion of the species are native to North America. Perennial grasses, a nod to our local prairies, play a significant role in knitting the design together while providing late season interest and structure.
Where can readers learn more about the plant life that is incorporated into the garden?
Readers can visit the “Plant Life” page on Lurie Garden’s website. They can speak with one of our docent volunteers in the garden on Fridays from May through September. They can also attend one of our free programs.
How are sustainable practices incorporated into the garden?
The staff water the garden on an as-needed basis, checking:
- the soil, to determine if it’s necessary
- the plants chosen for the design are suitable to our climate
- native plants are incorporated into the design to support native insects and wildlife
- the design has at least one plant blooming in every month of the year to provide resources for insects
- the perennials are left up through the winter to provide food and nesting material for wildlife
- when the garden is cut back in spring, the plant material is left in place to provide nutrients back to the soil and act as a natural mulch
- synthetic fertilizers are not used on the perennial plant design
- battery powered tools and push mowers are used for regular garden maintenance
How may our readers be able to incorporate some of the sustainability practices into their own gardening?
We hope Lurie Garden inspires readers to incorporate more diversity and native species into their own gardens. We encourage gardeners to follow the principle of “right plant, right place,” promoting sustainable gardening that thrives with minimal inputs. Readers can also adopt simple practices, such as leaving seedheads for wildlife and winter interest instead of frequent deadheading.
The garden is home to over 125,000 spring blooming bulbs which makes for a spectacular display each year. What types of bulbs are prevalent? Do you have a favorite?
Lurie Garden has a wide diversity of perennial bulbs including Allium, quamash, glory of the snow, crocus, fritillary, snowdrops, lilies, grape hyacinth, daffodils, squill, and both species and hybrid tulips. All along with a selection of native spring ephemerals such as Trillium, twinleaf, and Virginia bluebells.
Some of my favorite bulbs include Tulipa urumiensis (urumiensis tulip), an early species tulip that brings a lovely, bright pop of color to the spring garden. I also love Fritillaria pallidiflora (Siberian fritillary) for its elegant, downturned bell-shaped flowers. It’s a great choice for a lightly shaded garden and looks great scattered loosely amongst perennials.
When is the Lurie Garden open? How can it be accessed?
Lurie Garden is open year-round, with access typically available during Millennium Park hours. Current hours are 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. It is in the southeast corner of Millennium Park in downtown Chicago, and visitors can enter freely from Monroe Street or via the park’s walking paths.
Do you have any recommendations for visitors?
I recommend visitors come early in the morning or in the evening for softer lighting. We also encourage visitors to come often over the course of the year, the garden changes by the week. Each month is a new experience!
Kathleen Carr is the owner of The Growing Scene, Inc.,a landscaping company. She can be reached by calling 815-923-7322 or emailing her at Kathleen@thegrowingscene.com. Have a gardening question? Please contact her. She may address it in an upcoming column.
