Lurie Garden

Paying homage to Chicago's transformation from flat marshland to innovative green city, Lurie Garden is a model of urban green-space sustainability. Designed by Gustafson Guthrie Nichol Ltd. and Dutch planting designer Piet Oudolf, Lurie Garden was built over parking garages and an active commuter railroad, and, combined with the additional areas of Millennium Park, is one of the world's largest green roofs. A four-season palette of living art, Lurie Garden's texture and color reflect Chicago's unique culture, ecology, history, and people.

Each plant was carefully chosen, based on its growth habits, leaf shape, flowers, seed heads, and winter silhouette. The majority of the plants in the garden are native to North America and many to Illinois. All of the plants were chosen for their longevity, drought and disease tolerance, and four-season interest. This plant community provides safe shelter for migratory birds, butterflies, honeybees, and beneficial insects.