Garden History

1965

	Groundbreaking The Chicago Botanic Garden's journey began on September 25 when ground was broken on over 300 acres of marshy lowland in Glencoe, Illinois.
	New Chicago Horticultural Society President William A.P. Pullman became Chicago Horticultural Society President.

1966

	First Plant Sale The first plant sale was held by the Woman’s Board of the Chicago Horticultural Society (the first on-site plant sale held in July 1972 is pictured). The plant sale was renamed A Bloomin’ Sale in 1995.

1967

	First Tree Accessioned A white fir became the Garden’s first newly acquired tree.

1968

	New Chicago Horticultural Society President Dr. George Beadle was appointed Chicago Horticultural Society President.

1970

	Garden Islands Sculpted Bulldozers shaped the Garden site, designed by John Simonds and Associates.

1971

	First Permanent Buildings Completed The Garden’s first permanent buildings, the maintenance building and the research and production facility, were completed. Both were designed by Harry Weese & Associates.
	Production Greenhouses Completed The Garden’s ability to propagate new plants was greatly enhanced.

1972

	Botanic Garden Opened With one completed garden and an ambitious master site plan, the Botanic Garden of the Chicago Horticultural Society opened to the public.
	Turnbull Woods Opened The 11.5-acre woodland opened, featuring a nature trail. In 1994, the Cook County Forest Preserve District transferred management of 88.5 additional acres of Turnbull Woods to the Garden, and the Garden’s scientists became responsible for its restoration. In 1996, the entire 100-acre woodland was dedicated as Mary Mix McDonald Woods.
	Chicago Horticultural Society President and CEO Appointed Dr. Louis B. Martin was appointed Chicago Horticultural Society President and CEO.
	Children's Programs On-Site Chicago Horticultural Society’s children’s programs began at the Garden, and the first summer vegetable garden project for needy children was launched.
	First Board Meeting The first meeting of the Board of Directors of the Chicago Horticultural Society was held at the Garden on June 17, 1972.

1973

	Education Center Groundbreaking Work began to create a site for an array of public activities and programs.
	First Flower Show The first flower show was held on-site. Currently, all flower shows held at the Garden are part of the American Flower Show Series.

1975

	Japanese Garden Construction Began Work began on the three islands of the 17-acre Japanese Garden which was designed by Koichi Kawana. Currently, this garden is called the Malott Japanese Garden.

1976

	Garden for the Handicapped Dedicated This garden opened to demonstrate how people of all abilities can enjoy gardening.
	Offices Moved to Glencoe Staff and services moved from the Chicago office to Glencoe.
	Lake Cook Road Entry Opened This became the Garden’s public entrance.
	Tram Tours Began Two trams were acquired, and in honor of the nation’s bicentennial, 2.7-mile tram tours were offered to visitors.