Lurie Garden, Chicago

Tucked away in the bustling heart of downtown Chicago, Lurie Garden emerges as a tranquil oasis amid the city’s towering skyscrapers. This beautifully crafted park, a 5-acre botanical haven situated at the southeastern end of Millennium Park, offers city dwellers and tourists alike a serene escape from the urban grind.

Established in 2004 and designed by the renowned landscape architecture firm of Gustafson Guthrie Nichol Ltd., Piet Oudolf, and Robert Israel, Lurie Garden pays homage to Chicago's transformation from a flat marshland to a vibrant city. Its design symbolizes the city’s motto, "Urbs in Horto," Latin for "City in a Garden," by blending the natural and the urban environment seamlessly.

The garden is renowned for its stunning perennial plantings that are carefully chosen to thrive in the Midwest climate. These plantings are not only aesthetically pleasing but also support local biodiversity by providing a habitat for the city’s wildlife, including birds and butterflies. The garden's layout is split into two contrasting areas: the 'dark' plate featuring shade-loving plants and the 'light' plate with sun-seeking flora, symbolizing the city's past and future.

One of the most striking features of Lurie Garden is the "Shoulder Hedge," a 15-foot high hedge that echoes the architectural profile of the city and offers a sense of enclosure while framing stunning views of the surrounding skyline. Meandering through the garden, visitors will find a boardwalk, a hardwood footbridge, and the serene water feature, which reflect the garden's commitment to sustainability and natural beauty.

Lurie Garden is not just a visual delight but also an educational resource, offering year-round programs, guided walks, and lectures to promote understanding and appreciation of nature. The garden's commitment to education, combined with its breathtaking design, makes it a key player in Chicago's cultural landscape.