Two plant shows are planned at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, Illinois (map) July 21 and 22, 2012.

The Cactus & Succulent Society of Greater Chicago Show & Sale features plants grown by its members plus programming for children by Multidisciplinary Education for the Environment (ME4E). Hours each day are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Bromeliad Society of Greater Chicago Show & Sale takes place during the same hours and days, also at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Plants featured include pineapples and Spanish moss, which are generally easy to grow, require little care, and reward the grower with brilliant, long-lasting blooms and ornamental foliage. Society members will be on hand and information on growing bromeliads is provided. Various bromeliads will be for sale.

(Photo of a bromeliad courtesy of Chicago Botanic Garden)