World Landscape Architecture Month Week 1

Happy World Landscape Architecture Month! This year’s theme, "Landscape Architecture in Action," highlights how landscape architects transform ideas into thriving places that support health, climate resilience, and vibrant daily life. Throughout April, we’ll be spotlighting a different project each week that reflects outdoor spaces designed to foster well-being, sustainability, and community.

To kick off the series, we’re featuring the Garfield Park Conservatory Play and Grow Garden – a project built over a decade ago that continues to thrive today. This nature-based play garden reflects the broader mission of the Garfield Park Conservatory: to inspire curiosity about plants, ecosystems, and the natural world.

Designed for children of all ages, the garden offers a range of experiences that balance active play, exploration, and moments of rest. Some areas encourage quiet observation and reflection, while others invite physical challenge and imaginative discovery.

Through climbing, jumping, balancing, and tactile exploration, such as collecting pebbles or drawing on chalkboards, the garden supports both gross and fine motor development. Beyond physical activity, it also fosters social interaction, creative play, problem-solving, and emotional engagement, making it a layered environment for learning through play.