The number of blooming Tulips truly made my visit sooo worth it ! I was wowed and wowed over and over again. Shakespeares Garden is very peaceful and perfect spot with lovely seating area . It's perfect to come and reflect and perhaps read poetry or Shakespeare'a soliloquy's!! Come and enjoy this scenic and beautiful garden read more

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I learned of the Shakespeare Garden many years ago and have often thought I needed to visit, but have never done so until today. It's another of those places that I hesitate to review because it's a lovely place and I'd love to keep it "secret" (as much as it can be given its location on college campuses and in an urban area). It was tricky to find--for some reason I found an address on Google that led me to where the tennis courts are on the Northwestern Campus--but it's actually just north of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. The Shakespeare Garden is behind the small chapel on the Seminary grounds. It's a small garden, but beautiful, and a tranquil, secluded space. I can't wait to see it when it's in full bloom! Since spring only lasts a few minutes and it has been even cooler this far into spring than usual, the trees are still very bare and it's a bit muddy. There are several stone benches to sit at in this garden in particular--at least four of them. In addition, there are a few wooden benches just before garden as well. There are uneven paving stones in and around the garden, so you'll want to be careful especially if you or someone you're with have mobility issues. If you're using a wheelchair, it will be a bumpy ride but you would be well rewarded. I was surprised to learn that the Shakespeare Garden has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1988. It was established by the Evanston Garden Club in 1917, as a show of solidarity with Britain and to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Shakespeare's death (the Drama League of America made this suggestion to encourage groups and individuals nationwide to do so). The Evanston Garden Club still maintains this space; it is not under the care of Northwestern or Garrett-Evangelical. What landed it on the National Register of Historic Places is the original Hawthorne trees that still grow here, and that this is an example of the type of project that was encouraged in bygone days. The designer of this garden has an impressive resume--he is considered the mastermind of the Forest Preserve system, as well as both Garfield and Columbus Parks in Chicago. What makes a Shakespeare Garden a Shakespeare Garden is the collection of botanicals that are planted there. This garden contains plants and flowers that are mentioned in Shakespeare's works. You may find thyme, marigolds, rosemary, tulips, columbine, lavender, and so on depending upon the time of year. read more

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Quaint and tranquil garden with a few benches; provides both modern and medieval vibes. Peaceful and haunting in the winter. read more

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This garden is certainly a lot smaller than what I expected but it is definitely a very serene getaway from the daily hustle and bustle. Located on the Northwestern University campus, this small garden is filled with beautiful flowers and is pretty closed in, away from the real world. I witnessed a small wedding going on here on a Saturday afternoon so I guess the garden can be reserved for private events. I don't think you should necessarily go out of your way to come here but I highly recommend stopping by if you are in the area. It's a great place to just sit down and relax with a good book or have a romantic picnic. I'm sure it is also great for taking photos if you so wish. read more

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Dreamy venue for a wedding ceremony! We had approx. 35 guests and a Spanish guitarist and it was SO BEAUTIFUL! Parking was super easy, especially on a Sunday afternoon when campus lots are free and open to the public. Chairs are not permitted, and there are no bathroom facilities, but hopefully that won't prevent you from booking this place - it is a gem! read more

Tucked away between Northwestern's science building and Garrett Evangelical Seminary lies one of Evanston's best kept secrets. Around since 1916, it features (like all other Shakespeare gardens) flowers and plants mentioned in Shakespeare's plays. It's open to the public and open year round. It's pretty easy to get lost in, and offers more privacy than one would expect for something so close to the middle of campus... read more

I must admit this is truly the hardest spot give-away I've ever made. My best friend babysitter got married here. When you enter you will know why it's so special and nobody told you about it. Located to the Left of the Garrett Theological Seminary. (If you are prayerfully inclined that day, there are vastly different options: 1) the small chapel to the right, will enclose you with cool air of it's thick limestone walls, the ancient wooden pews creek and you sit to gaze at the deep blue naive and contrasting silk adorned alter, then ornately carved wood pulpit almost speaks of tension between the divine being found in both the beauty of ornamentation and simplicity. Outside the stations of the cross prayer rose garden offers some respite...and beautifully maintained roses! Finally, for the bold! The Shakespeare Garden, which contains every variety of plant or flower mentioned in Shakespeare's writing, unfolds suddenly from between two hedges. There is a small fountain (that can be turned on and off, please) at the back of the fountain and a sundial in the center of the garden. Depending upon the time of year you visit, peonies blossom in volumes, iris of all variety stand as centenary's. The sweet smell of thyme drifts, or lemon balm, all kinds of roses and flowers I Medea cadre of friends to identify for me (even black flowers) surround one. Or take a peaceful walk around the outer hedge, sit in the benches carved in the other deep hedges. The very best for me, however, is all the books I've read, talks I've had on the semi-circular stone bench at the far end of the garden. Crab apple trees overhang the bench making it a bit of a confessional. No one disturbed those on the bench. It's a place where unthought thoughts come more easily. read more

Cute little hideaway; especially beautiful in the spring in summer when the flowers are blooming. We once saw a wedding entourage taking photos here. read more

Beautiful! A semi-hidden garden great for studying, a romantic rendezvous or just a great place to escape from the burden of classes. I wish I got to see it during the summer when I'm sure it's in full bloom. read more

Cute, beautiful, quiet spot on Northwestern's Evanston campus. Come sit for a while on the bench before continuing on to explore the rest of campus! read more

I held my small, very intimate wedding ceremony here because the size was perfect for my 30-some guests and I love me the Bard. Though the garden was in full bloom and gorgeous that day, I have to say there were definitely some disappointments with the experience. First of all, contrary to some older reviews posted, it is no longer free to get married here. The "reservation fee" was $350, which is not bad at all considering what the Chicago Park District charges BUT it was actually NOT "reserved" in any way because there were handfuls of people strolling around visiting the garden and some of these very considerate folks even stood around and watched the whole thing. This was annoying, but it was nothing to what happened as we stood in front of our pastor listening to his spiel - what sounded like a field trip of 8th graders whooping, laughing, and talking loudly was suddenly VERY audible just beyond the garden hedges. A couple of my guests actually snuck out to try to get them to quiet down, but to no avail. So, I did not by any means get the private ceremony I thought I was paying for. Worst of all, the woman who handles weddings at the garden is a volunteer and couldn't really be bothered with anything. I asked her beforehand if there would be signage preventing other patrons from being in the garden the day I reserved and she said it wasn't necessary. I would not recommend getting married here, but do come to enjoy the flowers. read more

I had my wedding last July at the Shakespeare Garden. My wedding photos turned out beautiful. We hired a professional photographer, Jessy, from Embracing Moments. It was clean, and the grass and flowers were beautiful! I could not have asked for anything better. read more