The Chicago Botanic Gardens, which at this point are basically a Japanese forest, will be dedicating an entire weekend to Japanese horticulture at the end of January. This being a cold season here in Chicago, you might not think there would be much to show, but the Gardens will highlight three staples from Japanese nature that are famous for enduring harsh conditions. In an event they are calling "Three Friends of Winter," they will be displaying and discussing pine, plum, and bamboo, three hearty symbols of nature's determination that weather (literally!) the unspeakable cold. Stop by any or all three days for exhibits of deciduous bonsai, family activities, lectures, and more. And maybe you'll learn a thing or two from the humble plum about withstanding the winter without complaining.

Date
Friday to Sunday, January 28 to 30, hours depend on the events (check the below website)

Place

Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL 60022

http://www.chicagobotanic.org/plantshows/three_friends.php?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=chicgj%201/4/2011%206:24:21%20PM