Chicago Botanic Garden’s Expansive Native Plant Garden

Richard Rinaolo guides Phoenix Venture Capital, LLC, as a managing partner and pursues strategies in construction and property acquisition. Active with several civic organizations, Richard Rinaolo supports the Lake Forest Open Lands Association and is a member of the Chicago Botanic Garden.

One of the premier living museums in the world, the Chicago Botanic Garden consists of 27 gardens and several natural areas. With a total area of nearly 400 acres, its boundaries include six miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and nine islands. Conservation science is a major aspect of the Gardens’ mission, with a plant research center bringing together diverse graduate students and scientists.

The prairie garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden features abundant sunlight and is designed so that low-growing plants, such as prairie smoke and shooting star, are at the front. These are followed by short grasses, as well as wild indigo, petunia, and other perennials. At the far end are tall grasses and larger blooming plants such as gentian and butterfly weed. All of these work well in a backyard setting, with mature seed heads acting as a magnet to birds in the autumn.

Chicago Botanic Garden also houses the woodland garden, which focuses on native species that thrive in partial shade. Finally, a habitat garden has been specifically designed to attract and support butterflies and birds. Beyond grasses, an emphasis is on vines and shrubs with berries that offer sustenance to nesting birds. These include serviceberry, winterberry, chokeberry, and hawthorn.