Missouri Botanical Garden
St. Louis
In the middle of the busy city of St. Louis lies a 79-acre site where travelers can enjoy colorful blossoms, fragrant roses and impressive art. Founded in 1859, the Missouri Botanical Garden is the nation’s oldest botanical garden in continuous operation.
This National Historic Landmark boasts impressive history that groups can discover on a narrated tram tour that passes by many of the display gardens, sculptures and buildings open to visitors. Walking tours offer a more leisurely way to learn about the garden’s history, plants and seasonal highlights.
The iconic Climatron, the first geodesic dome used as a conservatory, towers above the surrounding gardens. Inside, more than 2,800 plants thrive in a simulated rain-forest atmosphere filled with waterfalls. Outside, large Victorian waterlilies and glass onion sculptures by Chihuly create a photo-worthy grand display.
At the entrance to the gardens, guests can first stop at the Linnean House, the oldest continuously operating public greenhouse west of the Mississippi River. Next, the Gladney Rose Garden attracts crowds for its aromatic roses and elegant arbors. The Japanese Garden, the English Woodland, the Victorian District and the William T. Kemper Center for Home Gardening also stand out as perennial garden favorites.
Groups can experience additional culture at the gardens if they plan their visit during either the Missouri Botanical Garden’s annual Japanese Festival and or Chinese Culture Days. These two festivals offer arts, crafts, music, food and engaging events such as sumo wrestling and kimono fashion shows.
www.missouribotanicalgarden.org
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Columbus, Ohio
Groups don’t just smell the flowers at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. They can also experience the site using their hands through culinary lessons, butterfly release programs or workshops that highlight the kokedama horticultural art. For a memorable souvenir, visitors can design their own blown-glass ornaments. Local artists give daily glassblowing demonstrations at the garden’s on-site glass studio.
Art interweaves with nature in a permanent collection of Dale Chihuly glass artworks. The rare exhibit became a permanent fixture after a temporary Chihuly exhibit in 2003 became wildly popular. A nonprofit group purchased most of the collection so the glass works could stay in the garden for future generations. By the end of the year, the conservatory plans to reimagine the permanent exhibit with added temporary creations from the Chihuly studio.
Seasonal exhibits also filter in and out of the conservatory. An indoor gallery space with local artists also showcases art and offers art classes throughout the year.
For those focused on the blossoms, 90 acres of outdoor and indoor gardens keep the site decked in color year-round. Seasonal highlights include orchids in winter, 120,000 flowering spring bulbs, vibrant summer annual and perennial displays, and the rich colors of the fall mum and pumpkin display.
