Keep Growing 2020:
The Ten-Year Strategic PlanProgress ForwardYear One 2010
New Capital Projects
In 2010, capital projects were finalized to correspond to the vision and goals set forth in the strategic plan. These include shoreline restoration of the north lake; café renovation for more sustainable practices; a new Children’s Learning Campus; a new Horticulture Center with new greenhouses and nurseries; and a new bike path and woods plan. In 2010, plans were also completed for the Barbara Brown Nature Reserve, Bernice E. Lavin Plant Evaluation Garden, and the Trellis Bridge.
2010 Operating Plans
Read the 2010 Horticulture Operating Plan.
(Note: this is a Word file. You will need Microsoft Word to open this file.)
Read the 2010 Plant Collections Operating Plan.
(Note: this is a Word file. You will need Microsoft Word to open this file.)
Read the 2010 Facilities Operating Plan.
(Note: this is a Word file. You will need Microsoft Word to open this file.)
Progress ForwardYear Two 2011
2011 Operating Plans
Read the 2011 Horticulture Operating Plan.
(Note: this is a Word file. You will need Microsoft Word to open this file.)
Read the 2011 Plant Collections Operating Plan.
(Note: this is a Word file. You will need Microsoft Word to open this file.)
Read the 2011 Facilities Operating Plan.
(Note: this is a Word file. You will need Microsoft Word to open this file.)
Progress ForwardYear Three 2012
Progress ForwardYear Four 2013
Progress ForwardYear Five 2014
Progress ForwardYear Six 2015
Progress ForwardYear Seven 2016
Progress ForwardYear Eight 2017
Progress ForwardYear Nine 2018
Progress ForwardYear Ten 2019
Buildings and Gardens
Buildings and Gardens: Vision
Our vision is to inspire people to notice and reflect upon the beauty and subtleties of nature.
Visitors will feel awe and joy in response to the Garden’s use of horticultural art and science, dramatic views and framed vistas, harmonious building design, and excellence in planting and maintenance.
A visit to the Garden will inspire people to incorporate nature into their
own lives.
Buildings and Gardens: Goals
The Garden will grow in its role as a model for excellence in horticultural design and planning;
The Garden will consistently maintain built infrastructure to high standards, ensuring that we leave a strong physical plant as part of our legacy;
The Garden will thoughtfully advance progress to complete the projects detailed in the Master Site Plan (created in 1968, updated in 1997 and 2009). We will continue to adhere to the design principles of the 1968 Simonds & Simonds plan and the architectural vocabulary set by 20th-century master Edward Larrabee Barnes;
The Garden will be a model for the thoughtful use of natural resources, achieving beauty through energy-saving, environmentally sensitive methods whenever possible;
By adhering to a new fine arts policy, the Garden will align the quality and style of the Garden’s sculpture collection to the quality and style of the Garden’s buildings and landscapes;
The Garden will serve as the central resource for information about the unique and endangered plants and ecosystems of northeastern Illinois, by helping to set standards for and demonstrating the use of native plant material in garden, prairie, woodland, wetland, rooftop, and riverbank settings;
The Garden will serve as a resource for architects, builders, developers, master planners, “green” building associations, and homeowners for how to create an inspiring and successful planning and building program.
