The Ball Horticultural Company had its origin in 1905, 100 years ago and has locations in 22 countries on six continents! To celebrate this centennial year, the gardens have been completely redesigned by the landscape architecht who designed the plantings on Chicago's Magnificent Mile

Our tour affords SMSI members an opportunity to experience a four- acre trial garden with over 1500 single variety and mixed combination containers, landscaped annual gardens, row trial gardens including the All-American Selections Evaluation Gardens, and perennial gardens with the best of Ball perennials. This tour lends itself to viewing specimens macroscopically and microscopically: bring cameras, hand lenses, and low power microscopes.

Directions to Ball Horticultural Company

From the East, take the Eisenhower Expy and continue to Rte 38 to Town Road in West Chicago and turn North onto Town Road. Town Road is about a mile west of Rte. 59. Proceed to entrance of Ball International.

From the North or South proceed along Rte 83 or 355 to Rte. 38, Roosevelt Rd. Then refer to directions above.

I 294 users may proceed to I 88 West or East to Aurora. Continue to Rte 59 and exit North. Proceed to Rte 38. Turn right onto Rte 38 (you are now going West) and go about 1 mile west to Town Road Turn right onto Town Road. Proceed to entrance of Ball International.

Note: there is a tall lavender fence on the left hand side of Town Road marking the east side of the garden.

Minutes of August 21, 2005 Meeting
A Walking Tour: Ball Horticultural Company's Trial Garden

A group of 28 SMSI members and guests had a special opportunity to visit the Ball Horticultural Company's Trial Gardens this Sunday morning.

The group assembled at 8:30 am, and was allowed to spend nearly three hours in the gardens, which were completely redesigned this year for the company's Centennial Anniversary. Designed by Douglas Hoerr, the architect responsible for designing the planters along Chicago's Michigan Avenue, construction of the Centennial Gardens began in 2004.

Dr. Tau-San Chaou led the group through the 14 gardens, pointing out varieties of interest, including Perilla Magilla, large Kong Coleus (in several colors), ornamental grasses, Mystic Spires Blue Salvia, and several of the company's signature Wave Petunias, among others.

Following Dr. Chaou's guided tour, approximately two hours were allotted for the chance to freely roam, examine, and photograph the amazing specimens. Many brought and used their cameras.

The primary purpose of the trial gardens is to showcase the company's products, and the SMSI was very fortunate to have the opportunity to spend this beautiful Sunday morning touring this unique facility.

Respectfully Submitted, Robert Kuksuk, Recording Secretary