Consisting of 100 defoliated trees approximately 12-15 feet in height painted with vivid orange and yellow hues, the exhibit emphasizes the elegant shape and branching structure of each tree’s canopy.

“Historically over the last 10 years, the Park District has introduced various artistic projects in the landscape and found that these artistic elements really engaged our park visitors,” said Adam Schwerner, Chicago Park District Director of Natural Resources.

“With the monochromatic winter season about to settle on the Chicago region, our intent is to provide a colorful focal point for both motorists and pedestrians to enjoy.”

Located west of Lake Shore Drive, east of the Rowing Lagoon, south of Fullerton Avenue and north of North Avenue, the trees are arranged in an organic sweep in an open grassy area between the parking area east of the Lincoln Park Zoo.

At the western most tip of the exhibit area, the “Painted Forest” surrounds a park bench that is painted orange to match the trees, which is just west of the running path.

The defoliated trees used in the exhibit are dead trees without leaves that the Park District and Moore Landscapes, Inc. decided to incorporate into an outdoor artistic display.

The trees were sourced from various nurseries in the region and installed by drilling holes into the ground and then back-filling the holes with gravel for maximum stability.

About Moore Landscapes, Inc.

Moore Landscapes, Inc. of Northbrook works to create, enhance and preserve their clients’ landscape investments by providing professional services through highly-qualified and dependable people.

Moore has been the Chicago Park District’s contractor for the Floral Design and Maintenance Contract since 2004. This contract includes more 80 gardens in parks throughout Chicago. For more information go to moorelandscapes.com.

About the Chicago Park District

For more information about the Chicago Park District’s more than 7,600 acres of parkland, 570 parks, 26 miles of lakefront, 10 museums, two world-class conservatories, 16 historic lagoons, 10 bird and wildlife gardens, thousands of special events, sports and entertaining programs, please visit chicagoparkdistrict.com or contact the Chicago Park District at 312-742-PLAY or 312-747-2001 (TTY).

Want to share your talent? Volunteer in the parks by calling 312-742-PLAY.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Pearson, 224-383-2121

Chicago Park District and Moore Landscapes Install an Artistic “Painted Forest” in Lincoln Park | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Located east of the Lincoln Park Zoo and west of Lake Shore Drive in the south end of Lincoln Park’s rowing lagoon between Fullerton and North avenues, the floating tropical oasis was planted in a retired lifeguard boat, that is a seventeen inch Boston Whaler and secured by three concrete block anchors.

Designed by Kathleen Mullaney of Moore Landscapes Inc., the tropical oasis themed FloatingGarden provides an element of surprise and delight to those who pass it. Bright red bamboo poles were added to compliment the bright plant palette and acts as a trellis for the vining flowers.

The plants in the FloatingGarden were selected for their bright colors, texture and bold foliage such as annual vines (potato vine and Algerian ivy), annual flowers and ornamental grass (star flower, lantana, petunias, Brazilian verbena and purple fountain grass.)

The tropical selections include croton, mandevilla vine, shrimp flower, annual hibiscus, canna, cordyline, and bamboo. For variety, fall ornamental grasses (millet and Juncus) were added, as well as ornamental cabbage.

From a distance, the FloatingGarden displays a vibrancy of red, orange and yellow flowers with green and burgundy foliage. Vines and flowers drape over the top deck of the boat into the water.

All of the plants used in this visual display came from local suppliers. Pots and containers from all plant material are collected, sorted and picked up by area growers who will reuse or recycle the plastic materials. All landscape debris (including the soil) will be composted. The bamboo will be reused in future special projects.

After mid-October when the Floating Garden is dismantled, the appropriate plant material will be recycled and used in next year’s annual garden displays in parks throughout Chicago. Moore Landscapes Inc. works closely with the Lincoln Park Conservatory staff to reuse the tropical plants each year.

About Moore Landscapes Inc.

Moore Landscapes Inc. of Northbrook works to create, enhance and preserve their clients’ landscape investments by providing professional services through highly qualified and dependable people. Moore has been the Chicago Park District’s contractor for the Floral Design and Maintenance Contract since 2004. This contract includes more 80 gardens in parks throughout Chicago.

For more information go to moorelandscapes.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Press office, 312-742-7529

Floating Garden Sets Sail in Lincoln Park’s, Park District and Moore Landscapes Partner to Recycle Boat | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.