Gardens
The plants at Shedd are right at home in gardens that represent our region’s dunes, prairies and seasonal wetlands.
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LOOK
See spring blossoms give way to summer blooms, fall foliage and winter seed heads.
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SNIFF
Do stop and smell the flowers, from pink allium to purple coneflower!
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PLANT
Be inspired to add hardy Illinois native plants to your garden.
Gardening for the birds and bees—and tortoises!
The plants at Shedd are right at home in gardens that represent our region’s dunes, prairies and seasonal wetlands. By using native plants accustomed to our local landscape and climate, we can limit watering. A well-placed rain garden thrives as it keeps runoff from summer thunderstorms out of the lake. The pesticide-free flowers, shrubs and trees provide safe, natural habitat for local and migratory birds, butterflies and bees. And our organic vegetable gardens produce healthy vegetables for our tortoises and other animals.
Nature Exploration Awaits
The nature exploration gardens are waiting to be discovered! Located outside of Shedd’s main entrance, the nature exploration gardens are free to explore for anyone on Museum Campus, no Shedd ticket required. Stop and see over 70 species of native trees, shrubs and vines that provide habitat for local wildlife.
Watch the natural world come to life as you peer into realistic fallen tree habitats. Each display highlights the diversity of life within each ecosystem. Touch and learn with tactile models that teach us all about plant life or examine items animals and insects have left behind in the garden. This bilingual (English and Spanish) installment includes sculpture models of animals, interactive and sensory play opportunities and two spotting scopes to scout nature.