While a thick blanket of winter snow might keep even diehard gardeners out of yard work for now, a visit to one of the many Midwestern glasshouse gardens may help you get your plant fix. In addition to seasonal plant displays, many of these gardens offer classes, art exhibits and other ways to beat the winter doldrums.
Indianapolis:
White River Gardens, 317-630-3252
Visit the “Holiday Trainland” exhibit in the Hilbert Conservatory through Dec. 30. The collection of model trains is set among tropical plants and the Purdue University Poinsettia Cultivar trials.
Indianapolis Museum of Art, 317-920-2660
Winter at the Oldfields-Lilly House & Gardens features a beautiful winter landscape outdoors and seasonal holiday decorations indoors.
Garfield Park Conservatory, 317-327-7184
Though the conservatory’s poinsettia show ends Dec. 16, the plants are on sale Dec. 17-24.
Fort Wayne:
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 260-427-6440
Victorian Holiday Poinsettia Showcase through Jan. 8.
Chicago Area:
Garfield Conservatory (Chicago), 312-746-5100
Holiday Flower Fest through Jan. 8
Lincoln Park Conservatory (Chicago), 312-742-7736
Winter Flower and Train Show through Jan. 8
Chicago Botanic Garden (Glencoe), 847-835-5440
The greenhouse gardens range from a tropical rain forest to desert cacti gardens.
Morton Arboretum (Lisle), 630-968-0074
Madrigal dinners, model trains, snowshoeing and evergreen express trolley tours.
Cincinnati:
Krohn Conservatory, 513-352-4080
Bavarian Holiday through Jan. 1
Civic Garden Center, 513-221-0981