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Chicago winters may be tough, but they are worth it for Chicago spring. Whether carefully curated or spontaneous and wild, we get so much inspiration from this season’s botanical splendor. The rich colors and natural varieties of floral blooms have informed so much of our Windy City-crafted home decor, and we are excited to share some of our most inspiring local destinations for spotting flowers in Chicago.
Public parks
We are incredibly lucky to have access to so many wonderful parks all over the city. Our largest, Lincoln Park, is full of hidden gems, from the Prairie-style (and water lily-covered) Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool to the Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, which is also a sanctuary for native prairie flowers in Chicago.
On the south side, we love the Garden of the Phoenix, Jackson Park’s idyllic Japanese garden. Among many other things, this is a prime spot for experiencing cherry blossoms in bloom. The South Shore Cultural Center boasts its own array of gems: a peaceful nature area, native prairie garden, and an Italianate manicured garden straight out of a period drama.
Heading downtown, Millennium Park’s Lurie Garden is a stunning celebration of our native wildflowers and plants, with our skyline as a stunning backdrop. And of course, we could never forget the Art Institute’s South Garden, an iconic fountain-laden refuge just off bustling Michigan Avenue.
Conservatories
Our local botanical gardens and conservatories offer jaw-dropping experiences year-round, but their spring shows are a real botanical highlight. In our own backyard on the West Side of Chicago, Garfield Park Conservatory’s Rooted in Mystery show features a dizzying array of tulips, hydrangeas, and other beautiful blooms—with special focus on what goes on underground. Lincoln Park Conservatory, another gem here in the city, is currently celebrating the Spectrum of Spring with an inspiring explosion of color.
However, our favorite destination lies just outside Chicago city limits. Chicago Botanic Garden is a must-visit for all green-thumbed residents and visitors to the Windy City. Located in beautiful Highland Park, its sprawling campus finds space for manicured English gardens, traditional Japanese horticulture, native plants—-and much more. While its famous Orchid Show is already past, its calendar is full of other seasonal highlights like the Spring Bird Walk and Daffodil Society Show.
Nature preserves
Cook County Forest Preserves offer natural oases right here in the city. We love escaping just north into LaBagh Woods, at the southern end of the North Branch Trail. Deer, chipmunks, and birds love this refuge, which offers short loops and long walks through woodlands and wetlands. Another nearby favorite is Schiller Woods, along the Des Plaines River Trail, which includes rare remnant prairie land.
Recent replanting efforts have transformed Northerly Island into a nature preserve right in the middle of downtown. Whether exploring its native plants or enjoying its bird walks and fishing programs, this is an urban gem.
Florists
A day browsing a good flower shop offers so much inspiration (and temptation). In neighboring Logan Square, we are so lucky to have Fleur, the florist and gift shop laid out against exposed brick walls and a curated, Parisian-chic backdrop. Not much further afield, we have charming Field & Forest, a “farm-to-table” florist growing its own flowers on a farm in southwest Michigan. Pistil & Vine is a local designer’s favorite—curated, organic, and of-the-moment with airy decor and atmospheric, drooping vines.
Andersonville’s Gethsemane garden center has to be the finest sources for garden supplies and flowers in Chicago. Family-owned and brimming with character, this neighborhood staple also offers decor, expert advice, and events and workshops. For sophisticated bouquets, arranged and presented with hand-tied precision, Ode a la Rose is an undisputed classic. But Hyde Park’s Cornell Florist has true vintage: founded in 1939, this flower and gift shop pairs contemporary arrangements with early-20th century ambiance.
Walking the city
The best way to get to know any city is to walk it—and so many of Chicago’s neighborhoods boast beautiful front lawns and parkways. Small residential streets through Lincoln Park and Old Town offer tree-lined views of manicured townhouses; continue to the Gold Coast, and you will be treated to National Register of Historic Places-registered streets of carefully preserved mansions. In springtime, we love heading downtown just to admire the tulips along Michigan Avenue.
Ukrainian Village neighbors seem to be competing for best garden (and they’re all winning). This neighborhood brims over with beautiful churches, houses and botanicals. Further south, Hyde Park features winding residential streets, sprawling University of Chicago campus spaces, and large historic homes—all decked in beautiful greenery.
Now it's time to go out and get flower-spotting! Or visit us online to discover how botanical beauty has been inspiring our latest introductions. Beatrice, new for Spring 2025, features a stunning blue-and-white floral print and our first-ever handpainted upholstered bed, inspired by Beatrice's floral motif.
