Belvedere Garden is a tiered native garden carved into the bluff above Lake Michigan at Forest Park Beach in Lake Forest. Originally established in 2016 and designed by Deirdre E. Toner of D.T. Designs, it was created in partnership with the City of Lake Forest and the Junior Garden Club of Lake Forest. In 2025, the garden began a multi-year refresh to improve accessibility, support pollinator habitat, and simplify care for volunteers. This includes the thoughtful addition of a new lower tier and the introduction of resilient native plantings. The garden’s mission is rooted in community education and civic beautification. It continues to be stewarded by club members and the Belvedere Committee. 

Partners for Plants Grant

The Junior Garden Club of Lake Forest was honored to receive a Partners for Plants grant from the Garden Club of America (GCA). This support helps fund key improvements to the Belvedere Garden, including expanded plantings, improved access, and tools for community education. The grant also affirms the garden’s role as a living classroom and civic treasure.

Learn more about the GCA Partners for Plants program here.

https://www.gcamerica.org/civicprojects/details/id/760