Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden

Regenstein School Academic Departments

PHOTO: bonsai class PHOTO: flower: queen of the prairie PHOTO: painting class

The new Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden is organized into the following departments:

Department of Horticulture

The study of horticulture is the bedrock of the Chicago Botanic Garden's mission. Indeed, the organization was founded in 1890 as the Chicago Horticultural Society, a place where city seedsmen, florists and horticulturists could plan for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition to "encourage and promote the practice of horticulture in all its branches and foster an increased love of it among the people." Today, classes within the horticulture department offer the first-time homeowner basic gardening suggestions and aspiring horticulturists comprehensive curricula. Dozens of courses are supported by faculty who are experts in the field, 23 display gardens and more than two million plant specimens from around the world.

Department of Plant Biology, Ecology & Nature Studies

Focus: investigate plants and plant biology in the broader context of ecosystems, habitat and conservation.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is a national and international leader in understanding the biology of plants. Each year thousands of species of plants are lost forever. Garden scientists and faculty conduct vital research to understand and restore native habitats and protect and re-establish rare and imperiled plant species. Nearly one-third of the Garden's 385 acres is devoted to preserving threatened native habitats. On site, throughout the Midwest, indeed, around the world, Garden scientists work to conserve all that makes our blue planet green. Plant biology, ecology and nature studies courses provide biological science basics as a foundation for further study and encourage students to observe plants and animals in native environments. The master's program in plant science and conservation trains plant scientists to continue vital research.

Courses are supplemented by the newly enhanced Lenhardt Library with more than 25,000 books and journals; a new herbarium which holds the Garden's rapidly growing reference collection; and access to woodland, prairie and aquatic environments with more than 2.3 million living plants.

Department of Garden Design

The Chicago Botanic Garden's master plan and early gardens were envisioned by world renowned landscape designers John O. Simonds, considered by many to be the first landscape designer to understand the beauty of Midwestern native plants, and Geoffrey Rausch who has designed more than 50 botanical gardens and arboreta. More recent additions such as The Great Basin (Oehme van Sweden & Associates), Spider Island (Michael Van Valkenburgh) and the brand-new Esplanade (Dan Kiley and Peter Morrow Meyer), are examples of premier 20th and 21st century landscape architecture. Courses offered through the School range from introductory to advanced, from site analysis and construction to garden art and history, from residential to healthcare institutions. Students learn the principles of landscape design and how design relates to their environment, gaining perspectives from the Garden's heralded instructors, many of whom are registered landscape architects.

Department of Botanical Arts & Humanities

Throughout history, plants and images of plants have been woven into the arts — painting, literature, photography. Courses invite both academic study and creative expression. Consider woodcuts and watercolors from the 15th through 20th centuries, discover the secrets of winter garden photography or try your hand at paper making.

Department of Plant & People Interactions

Throughout human history, people have depended upon plants for their very existence. Plants have provided food, fiber, clothing, shelter, medicines and countless other products that humans require for survival. This department offers courses that reveal the many interactions between plants and people that enrich our lives every day. The work of this department is supported by a rich library collection and by extensive plant displays in the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden.