A blast from the past is happening at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe. You can return to the ‘60s and ‘70s with “The Orchid Show: Feelin’ Groovy,” Feb. 7-March 22. Over 10,000 fresh blooms will be displayed in unique period-perfect ways, including packed inside a Volkswagen Beetle.
“We felt it would be a great time to rewind and visit the ‘60s and ‘70s,” said Jodi Zombolo, Associate Vice President, Visitor Events and Programs. She said the exhibit looks at the fashion, design, and music of that time, “and the fun things that were happening during that era.”
Zombolo noted that the displays showcase the bright colors and funky patterns “and love for Mother Nature” of those decades.
There are some surprising elements included in the show. One of the major ones is a Volkswagen Beetle packed with brightly-colored orchids.
How did they get that car into a greenhouse? “We’ll never tell,” Zombolo laughingly teased.
She will reveal how they obtained the car, though—they bought it from a Facebook post at a reasonable price.
“You can’t drive it,” Zombolo noted. “It’s all empty on the inside.” Except, of course, for all those orchids.
Floor-to-ceiling sunbeams are composed of cascading orchids. There is also a 10-foot lava lamp.
An Orchid Lounge, which has vintage neon signs, will offer photo opportunities, according to Zombolo.
There are a variety of events related to the exhibit.
For those wanting to visit the exhibit in the evening, Orchids After Hours runs from 5-8 p.m. on select Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Check website for rates. In addition, specialty cocktails and light bites will be for sale.
The Orchids After Hours events on Feb. 21 and March 21 will be Silent Discos.
“We’ll have a DJ in the room,” Zombolo said. “You get headphones along with your tickets. You put those headphones on and you can choose between three different tracks that are playing. You can dance to that music.”
The library will have a display called, “Slipper Orchids: Retro, Mellow & Groovy,” which will be open from noon-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays during the show days.
The Illinois Orchid Society Spring Show & Sale will be 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 14-15. There will be orchid-based activities for children and vendors will sell orchid plants and related products.
A Post-Orchid Show Sale will be from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. March 26.
The café will be selling items that echo the ‘60s/’70s theme, including ambrosia salad, three-cheese fondue, and mini-pot pies.
Zombolo won’t take credit for this amazing exhibit. “I have a wonderful team that works with other departments across the Garden,” she said. “They are the brainchild of this wonderful exhibition. It’s all done in-house.”
The Chicago Botanic Garden is at 1000 Lake Cook Rd. in Glencoe.
Member tickets for The Orchid Show: Feelin’ Groovy are $12 for adults and $8 for children 3-12 yrs. Member tickets for Orchids After Hours are $21 for adults and $14 for children 3-12 yrs. Member tickets for the 21+ Nights with Silent Disco are $21 with the option to add on headphones for $10.Garden admission and parking are free for members.
Nonmember tickets for The Orchid Show: Feelin’ Groovy are $16 for adults and $9 for children 3-12 yrs. In addition, nonmembers will also need to purchase an admission ticket ($9 for Adults; $6 for Child), and parking ($10 for Cook County Residents and $12 for Non-Cook County Residents). Nonmember tickets for Orchids After Hours are $25 for adults and $16 for children 3-12 yrs. Nonmember tickets for the 21+ Nights with Silent Disco are $25 with the option to add on headphones for $10. Nonmembers will also need to purchase parking ($10 for Cook County Residents and $12 for Non-Cook County Residents).
The Illinois Orchid Society Spring Show & Sale is included with the Show ticket. The Post-Orchid Show Sale is included with Garden admission.
For more information about the Orchid Show, call 847-835-6801 or visit chicagobotanic.org/orchid.
Myrna Petlicki is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
