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More Midwest Destination Garden Centers

The destination nurseries featured in March/April 2008's "I Brake for Plants" story are in Wisconsin, but Garden Editor Deb Wiley has plenty of other favorites sprinkled throughout the Midwest. Be sure to check these out. Hours vary, so call or check websites before you go. Written by Deb Wiley. Photographs by Kevin Miyazaki & David Nevala.

Iris chrysographes 'Black Knight', a type
of Siberian iris, dresses up a
late-spring garden.

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Illinois Garden Centers

Alsip Home & Nursery Super Store lives up to the "super" in its name with 10 acres of garden goods and a center in Indiana. 20601 S. La Grange Road Frankfort (815/469-1044) and 10255 Wicker Avenue, St. John, Indiana (219/365-0882; www.alsipnursery.com).
Chalet Nursery & Garden Shop could be dubbed a "best dressed garden center" with innovative displays. 3132 Lake Avenue, Wilmette (847/256-0561; www.chaletnursery.com).
City Escape specializes in unusual plants and outdoor living items such as furniture and fire pits. 3022 W. Lake Street, Chicago (773/638-2000; www.cityescape.biz).
Gethsemane Garden Center is a green oasis on two city blocks packed with plants. 5739 N. Clark Street, Chicago (773/878-5915; www.gethsemanegardens.com).
Rich's Foxwillow Pines Nursery is the place to go for dwarf plants or unusual conifers. 11618 McConnell Road, Woodstock (815/338-7442; www.richsfoxwillowpines.com).
Shady Hill Gardens' soaring glass conservatory houses bedding plants, especially geraniums. 42W075 State-38, Elburn (630/365-5665; www.shadyhill.com).
The Fields on Caton Farm specializes in daylilies, with more than 100 varieties grown in nearby fields. 1850 Caton Farm Road, Crest Hill (815/744-7841; www.fieldsnursery.com).
The Growing Place's Aurora location has a country feel, with a farmhouse and red outbuildings. Both centers have knowledgeable staff and large selections. 25W471 Plank Road, Naperville (630/355-4000) and 2000 Montgomery Road, Aurora (630/820-8088; www.thegrowingplace.com).
The Natural Garden specializes in native plants plus other ornamental perennials at a 4-acre garden center and display gardens. 38W443 State-64, St. Charles (630/584-0150; www.thenaturalgardeninc.com).
Ted's Greenhouse packs thousands of plants into super-large greenhouses, 16930 S. 84th Avenue, Tinley Park (708/532-3575; www.tedsgreenhouse.com).