Macy's on State Street is continuing in the tradition of the Marshall Field's Flower Show that runs on March 21-April 7. This show, Gadina Africana, opens its doors to a garden of earthly delights consisting of an explosion of native African plants and flowers in combination with art, food and music. An atmosphere of learning and entertainment -- an experience rich in African culture -- has been created for the visitor right on State Street in Chicago.
Steve Podesta from SF Productions sumptuously designed and hand-selected the plant material. This challenging show had to be thoughtfully designed from the beginning, as it is viewed at multiple levels -- gazing up many floors into the atrium as well as looking down to the first floor from above. Eight-foot animals are interspersed in a junglelike garden with giraffes stretching their bead-encrusted necks into the flower-scented air, adding to a three- dimensional experience of sight, sound and scent.
Podesta scoured the globe for orchids, native plants and thousands of cut flowers -- many not seen before in the Midwest. Plant choices from Africa range from those that grow in the moist jungles of the Congo to those native to the dry grasslands of Kenya. All plants -- such as protea, leucadendron, ferns, grasses, and huge green and burgundy banana leaves -- are indigenous to the continent. Six climate regions are labeled for the novice as well as the more experienced gardener on a three-dimensional map of Africa highlighting specific plants in dioramas of each region.
Even though these plants were carefully selected for durability, maintenance is a top priority as a corps of volunteers is necessary to water and deadhead blooms every few hours to keep a city block of plants looking fresh for the entire two weeks of the flower show.
TAKE HOME
This one-stop festival of African inspiration will entertain and speak through its abundance of plant textures and colors, its music and art. However, the fragrance of jasmine and freesia will linger long after the show is over. Be sure to take home a few new ideas for your garden, too.
FEATURED SOUTH AFRICAN FLORA
King Protea Protea are native to South Africa.
Generally used as a cut flower in the Midwest.
Small to large flowers are surrounded by leathery leaves ranging from green to reddish-purple on this woody shrub.
Leucadendron
Leucadendron is a genus of about 80 species of evergreen shrubs that are native to South Africa. Leaves appear in a spiral around the stem in green to silvery tones.
Leaflike flowers are multicolored; fruit sits in the middle of the petals in a cone-like shape.
ANTIQUE & GARDEN SHOW
Celebrate spring and stroll through the Antiques & Garden Fair at the Chicago Botanic Garden on April 20-22. The many themed indoor gardens such as the Topiary Allee, Japanese Lantern Garden, Pineapple Portico and others, will offer plenty of high-style ideas. Look for 'finds' at every price level. Relax and dine in the Pear Tree Cafe. For tickets and more information, call (847) 835-5440 or visit www.chicagobotanic.org/antiques. Don't miss the post-event plant sale at 5:30 p.m. on April 22.