Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden

THIS MONTH: Bucktown Fiesta in Rick Bayless' Garden and Restaurant. Rick Bayless, celebrity chef and host of the PBS television show Mexico — One Plate at a Time, will open the family’s private, home organic kitchen garden for a tour given by his professional gardener, Bill Shores. This 800-square-foot production garden not only supplies fresh herbs and vegetables to their restaurants but also serves to trial new plant varieties. Afterward, add some spice to the day by dining in Frontera Grill’s private party room. Lunch will be a deliciously comprehensive spread of Mexican food created with gourmet herbs and organic vegetables, including appetizers, entrees and desserts. Transportation is provided.

Wednesday, August 6, 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m. FILLED
Thursday, August 7, 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m. FILLED

Wednesday, August 13, 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m. FILLED
Thursday, August 14, 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
Meet at Visitor Center ($149/$186)
Register Online

ENVIRONMENTAL GARDENING: Lake and Pond Shorelines — Controlling Erosion and Enhancing Habitat (E). Garden staff and shoreline restoration consultants will explain how both structural and vegetative design elements can be used to protect lake shoreline soils, enhance habitat, and create beautiful vistas of water and aquatic plants. Shoreline plants that are particularly tolerant of urban stresses — including flooding, waterfowl predation and degraded soil and water quality — will be discussed in detail. The lectures and tours will explore innovative techniques and planting strategies used by the Garden along over three miles of recently restored shoreline. Novice homeowners and landscape professionals alike will benefit from this program.

Wednesday, August 13, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Linnaeus Room. ($44/$55)

B = Beginner   I = Intermediate   A = Advanced   P = Professional   E = Everyone!