Indoor Greenhouse

Cantigny’s Production Greenhouse is an 18,500 square foot, modern facility which is used to produce nearly all of the annuals, perennials, indoor plants, cut flowers and tree seedlings used throughout the Cantigny buildings, grounds and golf course. A staff of 7 full time and 3 part time employees propagate and produce about ¼ million plants each year in up to 1100 varieties.

All the space in this nearly ½ acre structure is needed to grow enough plants to supply the park and golf course needs. Some indoor and unusual plants are available through the Visitors Center Gift Shop. Designed as a production rather than a display greenhouse, it is not normally open to the public, but does open its doors to everyone with an Open House each spring.

Outdoor Nursery

An outdoor growing area with Quonset greenhouses, cold frames, and shade houses is used to grow summer crops such as cut flowers, fall mums and asters, and some perennials. The area also provides space to ‘acclimate’ spring and summer annuals for their transition from the warm, cozy greenhouse to their permanent home in the gardens. This area is located behind the main greenhouse and can be viewed through the summer months.

Plant Varieties

Cantigny’s Production Department propagates and grows a wide variety of plant types and varieties. The list of items produced includes tree seedlings, perennials, annual flowers, cut flowers, indoor green plants, indoor flowering plants (including a large crop of poinsettias), and some specialty items such as annual standards, topiaries and bonsai. Over the years Cantigny Gardens has become known for its extensive displays of annuals in a wide variety of both old faithful and the latest cultivars.

Open House and Gardening Classes

The Cantigny Greenhouse, a production facility, is open to the public only for special events. A Greenhouse Open House is conducted on the first Sunday in May each year, from 10 am to 3 pm.

At that time, the 18,500 square foot, state-of-the-art greenhouse is overflowing with thousands of annual flowers destined to fill the grounds and golf course with color for the upcoming summer. A self-guided tour highlighting the major horticultural and mechanical features is available to visitors. Staff is on hand to assist and answer questions. There is no charge for this event. Enter through the Shaffner Road gate. Parking is available at the greenhouse.

The Cantigny greenhouse is used for various garden education events throughout the year, including the “Parade of Poinsettias”, always held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, at 9:30 am. Check the schedule of events at cantigny.org for other classes held in the greenhouse.