DURING THESE UNCERTAIN and often isolating times, I find tremendous respite in being outdoors in the garden. With the end of the growing season upon us, I am working on a plan for planting fall bulbs for my future garden oasis. As a new member of the Woman’s Board of the Chicago Horticultural Society, I will be volunteering at our annual Fall Bulb Festival that will take place October 9 to 11 at the Chicago Botanic Garden. The catalog of bulbs for sale is extensive, and I am looking forward to trying some new varieties. With a long winter ahead of us, visions of a spring garden help me endure the cold months. I am always astonished that after hibernating through a Chicago winter, fresh green leaves will poke through the still cold ground and begin the cycle yet again. This spring discovery is always a sign—and a tremendous relief—that the end of winter is in sight. Looking forward to that fresh start is inspiring and full of promise. Also inspiring is the incredible work the Woman’s Board has done for almost 70 years to support the absolute gem we have with the Chicago Botanic Garden. How fortunate we are to have it so close to home to visit and, no matter the season or reason, to seek solace and inspiration in the beauty of nature. I have colorful plans for you, 2021.

The Fall Bulb Festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, October 10 through Sunday, October 11; members-only bulb shopping will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m, Friday, October 9. Outdoors, there will be a harvest market with cider, wine, and beer to purchase, and a lovely gourd display. Local vendors will offer baked goods, honey, roasted nuts, fresh jams, and more. Indoors, a wide variety of daffodils, tulips, crocuses, and specialty bulbs will be available. Mums, asters, peonies, potted amaryllis, and paper white narcissus will also be for sale. In advance of the festival, our online bulb sale began in early September, with a larger selection available this year. All proceeds benefit the Chicago Botanic Garden. The sale is presented by the Woman’s Board of the Chicago Horticultural Society. Visit chicagobotanic.org/bulb/sale for more information. The Chicago Botanic Garden is located at 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe.