Patterned by Nature

June 7 – September 21

From polka dots to stripes—nature’s got style

This summer, celebrate our universal attraction to patterns through playfully planted gardens and nature-inspired art that’ll stretch your imagination. Discover installations and garden beds featuring dynamic patterns, transformational art, and upcycled fashion.

Special Event Highlight

Garden Game Nights and Puzzle Hunt
July 10, July 17 & 31, August 14 & 28, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Life-sized lawn games on the Esplanade for all ages
Pop-up bars stocked with refreshing cocktails and mocktails
A special puzzle hunt game designed by The Mystery League

Nature,
repeating herself

Our gardens steal the spotlight in this summer’s exhibition, where flowers and foliage transform each space into eye-catching patterns—think paisley created from succulents, agave, and spirals, or tartan created from different hues of daisies.

A Better Pattern – Columbia College Chicago’s School of Fashion

Pattern play through artists’ eyes

Discover how carefully curated patterns connect art, design, and horticulture. Art installations include:

Future by Raquel Rodrigo, who is also known as Arquicostura, imagines a future in harmony with the natural world—bringing embroidery to large-scale public art featuring the native Echinacea flower.

Noticing, by Kristin Field, invites us to pause and discover nature’s subtle wonders through naturally dyed textiles, created using time-intensive practices like growing dye plants and weaving on a floor loom.

Ebb and Flow and Radiate, by Rachel B. Hayes, uses vibrant fabrics that respond to the changing light and winds of the day, creating an environment to explore and meander.

A Better Pattern, a collaboration with Columbia College Chicago’s School of Fashion, celebrates emerging designers who incorporated Garden-sourced materials and textiles into couture-inspired fashion creations.