The Bernice E. Lavin Plant Evaluation Garden is one of three sites for the Chicago Botanic Garden's Plant Evaluation Program, where scientists study plants to determine which are best suited for midwestern gardens and those in similar climates. Sun-loving herbaceous perennials are the focus in this area, but look for shrub trials, too. Visitors are invited to see this research for themselves and pick their own favorites.

As part of the program, perennials, shrubs, roses, vines, and plants for green roofs are trialed side by side for four to six years. Overall plant performance, winter hardiness, resistance to disease and insects, and more are recorded. At the end of the evaluation period, the detailed findings are published in Plant Evaluation Notes, where you can find the best plants for your garden. Read more about our Green Roof Garden, and the Mitsuzo and Kyoko Shida Evaluation Garden.

 

Garden features:

• Sundial sculpture
• Trellis Bridge
• shrub and perennial evaluations
• sycamore grove
• shoreline restoration

As part of the program, perennials, shrubs, and vines are trialed side by side for four to six years. Overall plant performance, winter hardiness, resistance to disease and insects, and more are recorded. At the end of the evaluation period, the detailed findings are published in Plant Evaluation Notes.