One of the garden stops I did not get to visit on Sunday’s Elmhurst Garden Walk and Faire was the Elmhurst Park Conservatory. This historic building had been closed this past winter for refurbishing. It reopened this spring, but, months before that, the garden club and park district agreed that it would be an excellent feature for this year’s event and was included as a garden stop along with the six private gardens.
The original greenhouse dates to 1868, followed by the conservatory in 1923. The conservatory was the Elmhurst Park District’s first capital project. The greenhouse, and a subsequent greenhouse following the 1868 building, were improved upon by owners of the estate over the years. The estate’s home eventually became the Elmhurst Public Library, which is now the renowned Wilder Mansion. The Mansion is where our garden club holds its meetings and where Garden Walk visitors can buy refreshments and floral arrangements on the day of the walk. It is also the venue of other clubs’ meetings, wedding receptions, art exhibits, and a host of other events. It is a sparkling treasure in the suburbs and a stellar example of how communities truly can save their historic buildings and put them to good use.
A little tidbit that has drawn some attention lately is that the estate was briefly owned by none other than Mrs. Henry Gordon Selfridge.
While I wasn’t able to slip inside this favorite spot of mine this past Sunday, I did visit one early June afternoon. The plants had recently been watered, giving the conservatory an even more tropical atmosphere. There is nothing quite like stepping into a conservatory and smelling the distinctive aura of chlorophyl and new growth. It is rejuvenating; as it was on the day I took these photos.
A trio of tourists were the only other visitors at the time. They were enjoying the beauty and serenity of the conservatory, and were a little curious of what I was taking pictures of. You see, there was a generous donation of a kaleidoscope by the family of a long time supporter and Board Member of the Elmhurst Park District. The kaleidoscope is a wondrous tool for seeing tropical plants and is very child friendly. Actually, the child in me was busy taking pictures of what the kaleidoscope was seeing, and the trio wondered what I was doing. I explained and invited them to take a look. Oh, the oohs and ahhs as they saw for themselves the beauty and breath of colors beneath them. They left, then, so did I, but, just as I was backing out of my space, I noticed one to the trio, camera in hand, was going back inside. Wonder what he was up to?
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Love these photos, Penny. The colors and combinations are awesome.
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Thanks, Andra. This is a very sweet conservatory and well respected in the area. Wish you could see – maybe sometime soon?
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Chicago needs to be high on our list, Penny. It’s been too long.
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🙂 come on up soon. 🙂
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I love the kaleidoscope. What a very unique way to take note of all the garden colors. I’m definitely intrigued with this idea. And I’m also really quite taken with the notion of the Selfridge connection!Lovely photos, Penny. I’m sure you attempt to go to this garden whenever possible. Isn’t it a treasure!
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It is quite “cool” Debra, and very kid friendly. I’m sure your little girls would love it. Amazing seeing the leaves in such formations under the lenses.
It is an interesting connection. When the Selfridge series first aired here, I kept thinking I’d been in the store, though knew nothing about Henry Selfridge or the London store. Something about the clock, the plaques, the way the store was laid out. Well . . . it was because Henry Selfridge originally worked at Chicago’s Marshall Field’s in the Loop and carried his ideas to London. I’d never had quite a sense of place with a television series before, but, taxa, having spent so much time in the famous Field’s, soon knew why. I don’t think they ever lived in Elmhurst and sold the estate after a few years, but, hey, we all love these connections.
Keep hoping for some rain for you folks. We’d love to share ours here.
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What fabulous colours. I can feel the atmosphere in that conservatory Penny. Lovely. jx
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Thank you, Janice. It really is thrilling to see the leaves of plants this way – and a great way to get kids interested in horticulture. 🙂
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Oh what fun, to be able to take kaleidoscope pictures. You are really a child at heart, aren’t you Penny?
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Guilty as charged, Juliet – and happily so. 🙂 I really didn’t know how they would turn out, but, these days, with the cameras we have, we have the opportunity to explore. We are in such fortunate times. I’m pretty sure the man that went back in was going to give it a try with his camera.
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Gorgeous photos, Penny. I can almost smell that special green and earthy small of a greenhouse and feel the warm, humid air on my skin. The kaleidoscope is such a great idea. 🙂
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Thank you, Perpetua. Isn’t it was wondrous smell? I think your grandsons would enjoy this kaleidoscope – that is, after you have fun with it. It is the best item to have in a greenhouse.
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