Wilder Park Conservatory’s Spring Flower Show is now open! Stop by and experience this vibrant display of color, fragrance, and botanical beauty.
Each Spring Flower Show packs over 400 bulbs into the display, with Easter Lily alongside a mix of other blooms, including Daffodils, Hyacinth, and Cyclamen. Plants like Boston Ferns, Asparagus Ferns, Wandering Jew, Alocasia, Agapanthus, and Bromeliads add foliage and dimension to the display. A fun highlight this year is the blooming ‘Lady Slipper’ Orchid, located in the southeast corner of the display. Most of these plants begin their life in the Park District greenhouses before taking center stage in the Conservatory.
Bulbs typically bloom for about two weeks, but can fade fast in warm, sunny weather. Therefore, the show is carefully managed to look spectacular throughout its four-week run. Horticulture staff store additional bulbs in a floral cooler to replenish the display as needed, ensuring that no matter when you visit, the garden feels fresh.
The transformation into the Spring Flower Show doesn’t happen overnight. The Conservatory is closed for the week leading up to the show. The first couple of days are dedicated to removing the previous setup. Permanent trees are pruned and trimmed as needed and soil is tilled.
The Conservatory’s structural and mechanical areas also receive some attention. From cleaning the windows to maintaining the pond and heating system, show installation week gives staff an essential opportunity to take care of this Elmhurst landmark.
The Spring Flower Show is a feast for the senses and reminds us that warmer days are ahead. The Conservatory is open for free, daily from 8 am to 6 pm. Come celebrate the season with us!
