MARCHING INTO SPRING

Sustainability Takes Center Stage At The Midwest Gardening Symposium; Callipygian Players Close Chamber Concert Series

LISLE, IL –
Usher in spring at The Morton Arboretum.

Take a gardening vacation and find out how to create a beautiful landscape garden using environmentally friendly methods during the Midwest Gardening Symposium: Sustainable with Style. During this three-day educational series, learn about topics ranging from growing organic fruits and vegetables in your own backyard to finding ways to incorporate native species into traditional gardens to discovering ways to conserve water in your garden.

On the final day, go on a personalized, behind-the-scenes tour of
the Chicago Flower Show held at Navy Pier. For more information or to register visit our website at "Education," Adult Programs at www.mortonarb.org or call 630-719-2468.

Nibble on tasty snacks and sample beverages while you enjoy demonstrations from area chefs cooking with local foods during
the Green Garden Party, part of the Midwest Gardening Symposium. Browse eco-friendly garden items including furniture, an outdoor
kitchen, art, plants and permeable pavers.

Take a tour around the Arboretum's facilities or the Sterling Morton Library. Cash bar available. Cost is $27. For more information or
to register visit our website at "Education," Adult Programs at www.mortonarb.org or call
630-719-2468. Visitor Center.
March 13: 4 – 6 p.m.

Catch the final installment of  the "Winter's Ballad" Chamber Concert Series as the Callipygian Players trace the development
of the Italian sonata from its origins into its full flowering in the hands of Giuseppe Tartini.  The Callipygian Players, under the
leadership of Baroque violinist Martin Davids, treat listeners to a concert of historical exploration and celebration of Italy's artistic legacy. Tickets are $28 with member discounts available. Visit "Event and Activities" at www.mortonarb.org or call 630-725-
2066 to purchase tickets. Thornhill Education Center.
March 1: 2:15 – 4:15 p.m.

Celebrate the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of The Origin of Species, during the second installment of the new lecture series, "Trees of Life." Discover Darwin's work on orchids and what drew him to this
flower while looking at spectacular examples of orchid pollination mechanisms from the works of Dr. Peter Bernhardt and Dr. Rhetha Meier. Dr. Bernhardt will be on hand to sign copies of his books, including The Rose's Kiss or Gods and Goddesses in the Garden.
Tickets are $16 with member discounts available. Sterling Morton Library. March 10: 7 – 9 p.m.

Discover the world of geology. Come to the Children's Garden to discover different types of rocks, find out what they are used for, and make your own rock creation to take home during "Science Rocks!"   See the many ways that rocks are used, ranging from building to making jewelry. All ages welcome to this free drop-in program. Children's Garden.
Weekends in March: 11a.m. - 4 p.m. (weather permitting) 

Learn the beautiful art of zen gardening. Rocks are an important element of some really beautiful and peaceful gardens. Hone your skills by creating a miniature garden design and view some wonderful examples from around the world during "Rock Gardening." All ages welcome to this free drop-in program. Children's Garden.
Weekdays in March: 1 – 4 p.m. (weather permitting)

See the Arboretum in a new light during a tram ride around the Arboretum grounds. "Tram Tours" take visitors through the east and west sides on the open-air Acorn Express as guides describe the winter scenery and a bit of Arboretum history Tickets
are $6/adult, and $5/child. All ages, Visitor Center area. Call 630-968-0074 for times.
Weekends in February (weather permitting)

Unless otherwise specified, all Arboretum events and destinations including the Children's Garden are free with Arboretum admission. 2009 rates are:

$11 per person ($7 on Wednesday), ages 18-64
$10 per person, ($6 on Wednesday), ages 65 and over
$8 per person, ($5 on Wednesday), ages 2-17
(Under age 2 is free)
Parking is free. 

The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized 1,700-acre outdoor museum with collections of 4,117 kinds of trees, shrubs, and other plants from around the world. The Arboretum's beautiful natural landscapes, gardens, research and education programs,
and year-round family activities support its mission – the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. Conveniently located at I-88 and Rte. 53 in Lisle, Illinois, the Arboretum is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time or sunset, whichever is earlier.