Chicago Gardens

Discover the transformative journey of Chicago in Chicago Gardens by Cathy Jean Maloney, published by The University of Chicago Press in 2008. This captivating hardback, spanning 464 pages, delves into the city’s evolution from a misunderstood swampy outpost to a vibrant urban landscape proudly embracing its motto, Urbs in horto, or City in a Garden.

Maloney expertly chronicles the development of Chicago's green spaces, highlighting the first vegetable plots at Fort Dearborn and the innovative garden designs showcased at the 1933 World's Fair. This book offers a rich historical perspective on horticulture and urban life in Illinois, making it an essential read for gardening enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone interested in the unique relationship between nature and urban development. Explore how Chicago earned its reputation as a city of gardens and be inspired by the beauty of its horticultural heritage.