Did you know that Chicagoland is home to three of the most prominent orchid nurseries of the Midwest? Yes, it’s true, we’re a highly regarded orchid growing region, largely because of the businesses discussed below. Professional florists stock up at these establishments at wholesale prices – and you can do the same. Oak Hill Gardens (37W550 Binnie Rd., West Dundee; 847-428-8500) is a family-run affair; three generations work and play in eight greenhouses. Customers may wander throughout all greenhouses, an experience like going through a library’s open stacks. Oak Hill doesn’t sell cut flowers, but bloom lovers can buy orchids and indoor tropical plants for half of what they’d pay in the city. Hausermann (2N34 Addison Rd., Villa Park; 630-543-6855) and EFG Orchids (2N151 Westgate Drive, Addison; 630-543-5628), two immense sites, are within a five-minute drive of each other. The Hausermann family has been in the orchid business for 75 years; the large showroom and customer area showcase up to a million plants in bloom. At Hausermann, large quantities of specials are usually available any given day; bedding plants, corsages, hanging baskets and, of course, orchids are available. Browsing is allowed in most greenhouses. At EFG, only orchids are available for purchase from the retail showrooms.
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