Flora and fauna from all types of climates, available to bask in – in Chicago – year round. The Garfield Park Conservatory is a special place.

“The first impression is just overwhelming,” said Jennifer Van Valkenburg, the president and CEO of the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance.

In this episode, Van Valkenburg offers up reasons you should visit and spots you shouldn’t miss. She also talks about the conservatory’s upcoming “floral fashion fundraiser” Fleurotica, how the conservatory’s relationship with the community has changed over the years, and why it holds such a special place in many Chicagoans’ hearts.

“Every time I meet someone and I tell them I work for the conservatory, they have generational stories,” she said. “Everybody connects with the conservatory in an individual way.”