This Week’s Top Story
Launched as a flower and fruit expo in 1847, the Chicago Flower & Garden Show (chicagoflower.com) is celebrating its 170th anniversary. On Saturday, the event returns to Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave., Festival Halls A & B) with “Chicago’s Blooming,” which pays homage to the city’s neighborhoods.
The exposition, with a variety of gardens to explore and a marketplace to shop the latest home and garden gadgets, runs through March 26. Among this year’s highlights is an appearance by landscape expert and TV personality Ahmed Hassan, who will be sharing his expertise from the show’s Gardening Live stage March 24 and 25.
Interior Intel
This week has us dreaming of all things al fresco, and CB2 (800 W. North Ave., cb2.com) has gotten the memo, as evidenced in its new outdoor look book packed with Mediterranean-inspired essentials including a cooler cart ($549) and a patio-perfect lounge chair ($719). Take a peek.
Speaking of the great outdoors, Dedon (222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Ste. 1450, dedon.de) has opened a showroom at the Design Center at the Merchandise Mart. The Germany-based label is considered a pioneer in the outdoor furniture industry for weather-resistant pieces made of woven synthetic fiber.
Sales
Artistica (990 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka, artistica.com) is continuing the St. Patrick’s Day celebration through March 19. Enjoy 17 percent off everything in stock with online code GREEN17.
Through March 31, visit EuroFurniture (2145 W. Grand Ave., eurofurniture.com) for a buy one, get one 50 percent off sale happening exclusively at the three-level showroom. Learn more about the Half Price Sale.
Visit Lewis Floor & Home (1840 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook, lewisfloorandhome.com) to receive 50 percent off area rugs through March 31. Start browsing.
Looking to give your tableware a touch-up? Through April 2, enjoy 20 percent off select items from high ball glasses to brushed-gold serving pieces at Unison (1911 W. Division St., unisonhome.com). Shop the Spring Sale.
Events
More than 2,000 exhibitors will be presenting at the The International Home + Housewares Show (housewares.org/show), the four-day fête beginning this Saturday at McCormick Place (2301 S. Lake Shore Dr.). Labels including Arte Italica, The Blessing Basket Project, and Chicago’s own Vault Furniture will be making their design debut. Register for the show.
Kyle Wilson, founder of reclaimed-wood furnishings company Antwique Shop (antwiqueshop.com), will lead an art class from 7 to 9 p.m. on March 22 at Bottles & Cans (4109 N. Lincoln Ave.). During next week’s class, attendees will paint the Chicago flag on a piece of locally sourced recycled wood while enjoying seasonal Goose Island beer samples. Reservations are $40 per person and must be made in advance by calling 773-857-2270.
Nonprofit DIFFA/Chicago hosts its annual Art for Life (artforlifechicago.org) benefit from 6 to 11 p.m. on March 22 at Venue One (1034 W. Randolph St.). Peruse an art exhibit and enjoy a silent and live auction during this event supporting those living with HIV/AIDS. Purchase tickets.
Through March 26, the annual Orchid Show at Chicago Botanic Garden (1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe, chicagobotanic.org) offers a sensory-overload celebration complete with the elusive Phalaenopsis V3 orchid. This year’s show, titled “Orchids in Vogue,” shows the correlation between horticulture and haute couture with fashion-themed installations. Buy tickets.