Landscape architect Franz Lipp once said that “Cantigny Gardens represents a Midwestern Garden”.  Our tree and shrub collection proves that statement to be very true. Most of the specimens and arboretum areas are plants that are native, indigenous or hardy to the Midwest. The Gardens were developed on property that was founded in the mid 1800’s by Joseph Medill. When Lipp designed the gardens in the 1960’s, the property already contained quite a large number of very mature trees which he was able to use as center pieces. Elm Avenue, which dates back to the turn of the century, has twelve 100 + year old American Elm (Ulmus americana) trees still in their original “row” formation. On the eastside of both the Visitor Center and the Mansion you can view Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) in all their glory. The Visitor Center Oak is around 150 years old, and the famous Mansion Oak is about 250 years old.  Near the Dryland Garden, to the southside,  you will find a fine specimen of the European Weeping Beech (Fagus sylvatica pendula).  About 70 years old, it is an excellent example of the shape and texture the Beech family is known for.

During the springtime, the Gardens are full of the most spectacular color thanks to our flowering tree and shrub collections. The Flowering Japanese Crabapple (Malus) trees located through-out the property are just a blaze of color as are the Ohio Buckeyes (Aesculus glabra) and their cousin the Common Horsechestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum).  In early spring be sure to look for the Canadian Redbuds (Cercis canadensis) and Whitebuds (Cercis canadensis alba) in flower around the property.

In addition to the flowering trees, you’ll also be delighted by the number and diversity of shrubs in flower. From the early spring Corneliancherry Dogwood (Cornus mas) and the Forsythia (Forsythia viridissima), to the summer Hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia, Hydrangea arborescens and Hydrangea paniculata), these shrubs provide beauty throughout the Gardens.