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Missouri Botanical Gardens

One of my favorite places to go during all seasons of the year is the Missouri Botanical Gardens. Founded in 1859, the 79-acre Missouri Botanical Garden is the nation's oldest botanical garden in continuous operation and an oasis in the city of St. Louis. Today, 153 years after opening, the Garden is a National Historic Landmark and a center for science, conservation, education and horticultural display. Parking is free and admission is only $4 for residents and $8 (I think) for non-residents. I often buy a membership here and not only enjoy all the seasons here at our garden, but get to go to many of it's reciprocal gardens in other states free, too.

It has a very impressive and rather large Japanese Gardens complete with a large pond with large koi fish, zig-zag bridge as well as a couple other bridges, and lots of flora.

It's also known for it's Climatron which houses a tropical rainforest. Outside of the Climatron are some reflective pools with lillies and Chihuli glass ornaments floating in them. Although the Gardens aren't usually open at night, they do make some exceptions.

Dinosaurs in the rain forest

Fall in the gardens----

Winter in the gardens----

A Japanese Festival is held here over Labor Day weekend and it's very hard to find parking then. It's a huge event with an extra fee, but well worth checking out if you can stand the crowds.

There are lots of other areas within the gardens beside the Japanese Gardens and the Climatron.

Here is the Venetian garden near the lighthouse overlook and hedge maze.

There are also a couple very beautiful rose gardens,

Temperate building,

childrens garden,

Home test garden,

boxwood garden,

chinese garden,

restaurant, gift shop, theatre room, as well as Shaws home with guided tours for an additional fee.

They even have several permanent Chahuli glass pieces throughout the garden.

There are even things to see here in winter,

such as the annual train show

and orchid show for a small extra fee.

During the summer, they have free concerts in the park every Wed. night. It's quite popular. People bring in tables and chairs as well as every type of food imaginable and park themselves all over the garden. The speaker system throughout the gardens makes it possible to hear the music even if you can't see the performers.

There are even fun things in the gardens for kids.

Since 1996, the Garden has collaborated with the Chinese Culture Education and Services Foundation to produce an event to celebrate Chinese culture. We especially enjoy the Lantern Festival during this celebration.