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The Gardens at Ball

Welcome to Our Garden

The Gardens at Ball have been the evaluation and testing grounds for the world’s wealth of horticultural introductions and improvements for over 80 years. What began as a row trial garden for seed varieties in 1933 has grown to encompass over 9 acres of display beds for annuals, perennials, cut flowers and vegetables, including the newest plants from the industry’s leading breeders and marketers.

We hope The Gardens at Ball spark some fantastic ideas! They’ve been designed to inspire visitors as they compare products in an exciting and innovative display – encouraging creative ideas for home garden and commercial settings.

The Gardens at Ball are open by appointment only to organized garden groups, such as master gardener groups and garden clubs, weekdays in August, between 8:00am and 4:00pm. There is no charge, and tours are self-guided using a provided map. Public visitors are not permitted into the building. However, we do have restrooms in The Gardens that are open during business hours.

Full details about scheduling a visit can be found here. Call 630-231-3600 to make an appointment or for any questions.

NOTE: These rules are subject to change depending on current Illinois health and safety guidelines in effect at the time of your visit.

Designer: Douglas Hoerr Landscape Architecture, Chicago, Illinois
Contractor: Clauss Brothers, Inc., Streamwood, Illinois
Awards: 2005 Illinois Landscape Contractors Gold Medal; 2005 Perennial Plant Association Honor Award