For the first time, the Chicago Flower & Garden Show blooms outdoors at the Lake County Fair, from Wednesday, July 25 through Sunday, July 29, at 1060 E. Peterson Road in Grayslake, Ill. The all-new experience features display garden vignettes designed with families in mind.

From harvesting food grown on a “living,” outdoor dining table to rainwater for a raised vegetable garden, visitors will be inspired, motivated and educated during “The Chicago Flower & Garden Show: At the Lake County Fair.”

The all-new, garden-show-within-the-fair blends horticulture with agriculture and offers a twist on outdoor gardens created by top Illinois landscape designers, including Advantage 1 Inc., Garden Prairie; Aquascape Inc., St. Charles; Aquatic Eco Systems Management, Golf; Growing Grace Landscape Associates, Libertyville; Leisure Woods, Genoa; and Reflections, Water, Light, Stone, West Dundee.

“While presenting the show outdoors offers an exciting aspect to the Chicago Flower & Garden Show experience, partnering with the Lake County Fair Association supports our mission of providing year-round garden education and programs,” says Tony Abruscato, owner of Flower Show Productions, which each March presents the Chicago Flower & Garden Show indoors at Navy Pier’s Festival Hall.

Breathe and relax in the beauty of a “Staycation,” in the garden vignette by Advantage 1. A stone patio features a seat wall, fire pit, built-in barbecue and counter, comfy outdoor furniture

and gazebo with dining area. Nearby, a simulated rain water collection system irrigates a raised vegetable garden, and supplies water to an outdoor water feature.

The “Family Night Out” garden by Growing Grace Landscape Associates motivates families to cook, eat and play together in their own back yard. Watch the kids play in the sand

 and partake in games on the turf. The vignette offers sustainable, low-maintenance plants throughout, while its highlight is a dining table growing food the family will enjoy at mealtime. After dinner, forget your cares with a relaxing evening by the fire pit.

In the serene garden by Reflections, Water, Light, Stone, Asian influences blend with native plantings. There is water – bubbling, flowing, falling – symbolically represented by raked

gravel, surrounding black granite stone suggestive of islands. Though this garden is inspired by the East, it is firmly set in the Midwest landscape, surrounded and softened by plants native to woodlands and wetlands.

It’s been a tough summer for plants and gardens, but the experts in the mini “Marketplace,” can help with great advice, as well as Midwest-tough plants and supplies for in-ground, raised-bed, trellis or container. Visit with Ultimate Creations Inc., Garden Basket, Custom Architectural Shutters and Planters, Central Sod Farms, Sii Tools and more.

On Saturday, William Moss the “Garden Boss” – one of America’s most respected and sought-after authorities on greening, gardening and urban/suburban agriculture – will lead two workshops based on his new book, “Any Size, Anywhere Edible Gardening.” His new book is the answer for time-crunched small yards, or the no-yard gardener hoping to dine-on-site with fresh-tasting, snappy produce and herbs. His workshop, “Refreshing Your Containers,” will occur at 11 a.m., followed by “Preparing for Fall Crops” at 1 p.m.

“The Chicago Flower & Garden Show: At the Lake County Fair” is sponsored by BatesMeron Sweet Design, Central Sod Farms, Lake County Farm Bureau, Natural Awakenings and Sleep Number. Free with fair admission, the show is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Easily accessible by car or Metra train, the fair is just minutes from nearby hotels, resorts, restaurants and other attractions.

“For generations of families and visitors, the Lake County Fair is a tradition, whether they’re coming for one of our annual crowd-pleasers or to see something new,” says Sheri Vyfvinkel, general manager. “This year, we offer both at reduced prices families will love.” 

The Lake County Fair is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday; from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday. For tickets, as well as a schedule of events and directions to the fairgrounds, please visit www.lcfair.com. Or, find the fair on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lcfairillinois.

The Chicago Flower & Garden Show presents “The Art of Gardening,” blooming at Navy Pier from March 9-17, 2013. For group tour information and an early bird application, visit www.chicagoflower.com. Photos and regular updates are on Facebook at www.facebook.com/chicagoflower.