Gardening Programs
Join Lincoln Park Zoo's Gardening Program
While Lincoln Park Zoo is a world-renowned home for wildlife, it’s also one of the city’s most-visited gardens. Grow your green thumb with zoo horticulture experts—sign up today for a gardening class in Chicago!
Second Saturdays Garden Tours
April–October, the second Saturday of every month
Join Lincoln Park Zoo’s horticulture department for a free look at how they keep the grounds beautiful. New plants and areas will be highlighted each month as they blossom with the seasons.
Learn more about Second Saturdays Garden Tours
Gardening Classes
Saturday, March 16
Starting Seeds: Inviting Spring Inside
Learn how to get seeds started and give them proper care in the cooler months so they’re ready to thrive in the spring and summer.
Learn More About Starting Seeds
Saturday, April 20
Designing Nature: Success at Nature Boardwalk
Director of horticulture Brian Houck and Mason Fidino of the zoo’s Urban Wildlife Institute lead a tour of Nature Boardwalk while participants learn about the success of this one-of-a-kind zoo ecosystem.
Learn More About Designing Nature
Saturday, May 4
Herb Window Boxes 101
Learn how to prepare, grow and care for herbs throughout the season. Take home your very own planted herbs!
Learn More About Herb Window Boxes 101
Wednesdays, May 22, June 26, July 24 and August 28
Twilight Safari
Join a zoo horticulturist and an animal expert on an after-hours stroll through the zoo. Discover seasonal highlights in the zoo gardens and animal behavior unique to this time of day.
Learn More About Twilight Safari
June–September
Zoo Gardens Series
Learn from the zoo’s horticulturists how to choose plants suitable for our Midwestern climate, plus low-maintenance and sustainable strategies for getting a lot of bang for your garden bucks. Sessions include a short presentation along with a walkabout on zoo grounds.
- June 15—Zoo Gardens: Perennials
- July 27—Zoo Gardens: Natives
- August 24—Zoo Gardens: Trees and Shrubs
- September 21—Zoo Gardens: Strategies for Small Space Gardening
Learn More About Zoo Gardens Series
Saturday, July 20
Gardens for Butterflies
Join the zoo’s curator of horticulture, Mike Davenport, for a tour highlighting plants that support local butterfly populations. Learn how to grow host and nectar plants that will transform a sunny patch into a vibrant, butterfly-friendly space.
Learn More About Gardens for Butterflies
Multimedia
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Urban Gardening: Troughs and Planters Slideshow Director of Horticulture Brian Houck led green thumbs in making their own “antique” planters. |
