Oak Park Conservatory

09/04/2026

Sneak peek of our mums for our Annual Fall Mum & Bulb Sale! They don't have their colors quite yet, but we're close to blooming season and soon these plants will be transformed. Fun Fact: mums are photoperiod-dependent plants, meaning they only start to bloom when the daylight hours of late summer and autumn become shorter.

Our mums are of unique varieties and colors that are carefully selected by our horticulturist to perform well and have long lasting vibrant blooms. We use sustainable practices to grow our mums such as drip irrigation, so little water is wasted to grow the plants. The larger mums are grown in biodegradable fiber pots that can be planted directly in your container or set on your front porch.

These are the perfect hardy plant for fall and will surely brighten up your front porch, balcony, or garden. You can shop our mums online now, or in person beginning Friday, September 18. If you order online, you will be notified of the pickup date. Support local and shop the sale here: app.amilia.com/store/en/park-district-of-oak-park/shop/products?selectedTags=2931936&selectedTags=2931935

09/03/2026

Learn and grow with the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory! We're back with our free lecture series. Coming up, we'll be discussing pollinator parkways. We will share how to prepare your space, guidelines on planting in the area between your sidewalk and the street, and our recommendations for low-growing, tolerant native plants.

This program is for all gardening levels. Join us on Thursday, September 17 from 7:00-8:00P on zoom. A link will be sent to participants in advance. Registration is required. Limited spots remain!

Save your spot here: app.amilia.com/store/en/park-district-of-oak-park/shop/activities/7099819

08/31/2026

We're back with our annual Fall Plant & Tool Exchange at the Conservatory! Join other gardeners on Sunday, September 13 and share your favorite plants and extra tools! Who knows what treasures you'll come home with?! Please bring at least one plant to participate in the plant exchange and make sure to label them.

Don't forget to save your garden plastic pots and drop them off at our Garden Pot Return so they can be reused and kept out of landfills.

Drop off: 1:00-2:00P
Pick up: 2:30-3:00P

This is a free event, however registration is required. There are limited spots, so make sure to sign up soon! bit.ly/plantandtoolexchange

08/28/2026

📣 Calling all teens! We have an exciting volunteer opportunity to help transform the Conservatory into a spooky Halloween destination for our annual Fright at Night event.

Join our Fright Crew and be part of the creative planning and decorating team. This opportunity will be a great resume builder; gain hands-on event planning experience, earn service hours, and build strong collaboration skills! This is for teens, ages 14-18. Sign up for our information meeting on Thursday, September 3 from 4:00-5:00P: bit.ly/frightcrew

08/26/2026

A stunning backdrop for a wedding, if we do say so ourselves! The Conservatory is perfect for those who want an intimate wedding in a lush, natural setting. Let our greenhouse showrooms become the stage for your ceremony and the Rubinstein Room a cozy location for your reception.

You and your guests will have exclusive, private access to the Conservatory to explore and celebrate. For more information on pricing, amenities, and capacity, visit our website here: oakparkconservatory.org/weddings

We'd love to host your special day!

08/24/2026

🍋 Color inspiration featuring the Ponderosa Lemon (Citrus x pyriformis) at the Conservatory.

This hybrid between a pomelo and a citron both flowers and fruits continually, making it an attractive ornamental tree; its most common commercial use even though its large fruit contains abundant juice and does indeed taste like lemon. Fun Fact: The fruits are used to create citronella candles.

See these fruits in our Mediterranean Room
Tuesday-Sunday from 10:00A-4:00P

08/21/2026

Our Annual Fall Mum and Bulb Sale is OPEN for online shopping! Browse our selection of locally grown fall mums, fall's favorite flower. These beautiful and hardy plants are the perfect addition to brighten your front porch, garden, or balcony. Choose from XL mum containers to 5" mums.

Believe it or not, it's time to start planning for your spring garden! Some spring flowers need the winter to grow strong roots so they are ready to bloom come springtime. Shop our selection of easy-to-grow bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, alliums fritillaria, snowdrops, scilla, and more!

Support local and shop the sale! In-person shopping begins Friday, September 18. Shop online for the best selections. oakparkconservatory.org/fall-mum-bulb-sale

Our mission: In partnership with the community, we enrich lives by providing meaningful experiences through parks, programs and facilities.

08/20/2026

Check out those raised garden beds! If you've walked by Cheney Mansion recently, you may have seen the new and improved garden! This area was relandscaped and expanded in 2025 after the geothermal installation on the grounds. With more space, there is more opportunity to grow produce.

While the new garden beds were being built, we grew all of the plants in our greenhouses and then transferred them once they were ready. The plants have been yielding great produce, and we are proud to share that 9 lbs of swiss chard, basil, sage, eggplants, and peppers were recently donated to Beyond Hunger .

08/19/2026

Check it out! Uncorked got a mention in a travel article. Thank you Explore Oak Park and Beyond for spotlighting us and thank you Emily Caldwell for the write up! Find the full article here: www.themanual.com/travel/culinary-destinations

🎸 You still have two more chances to join us for a lively night of music in our garden. This Friday, Aug 21 and Friday, Sept 18 from 6:00-8:00P. Register at: fopcon.org/series/2026-uncorked

Presented by Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory.

08/18/2026

Need help with your plants? Bring your plant questions and issues to our Plant Help Desk every Wednesday, from 1:00-3:00P for expert guidance. From native plantings to rare seeds to soil, our team of master gardeners are ready to help! We also have repotting services available.

Can't make it in? Visit our website for more ways to connect with our team. oakparkconservatory.org/plant-help-desk