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Friends of the Garden News


Read the FOG Blog for updates from Friends of the Garden.

Friends of the Garden Events


Read about events with Friends of the Garden.

The Garden Minute Videos


Watch Garden Minute Videos with Peter Longley.

  2. Garden Nights Out


    Bring a date, bring your friends, or just bring yourself for a night out in the garden. Classes give instruction in practical and creative ways to use garden plants. Snacks provided. Registration required by 5 p.m. Thursday before. Space is limited.

    16 and up.
    Fri., 7 p.m.
    Sept. 13: Basic Canning and Salsa Making
    Oct. 4: Pumpkin Centerpieces
    Nov. 1: Pie Clinic
    Dec. 6: Holiday Ornament Terrariums
    $30/Person, $45/Couple

  3. Garden Storytime


    Kids and families meet for a nature-themed story and a timely garden activity and craft. First Wednesday of each month.

    All ages, designed for pre-schoolers
    Wed., 10 a.m.
    Sept. 4, Oct. 2, Nov. 6, Dec. 4
    Free

  4. Home School Horticulture


    Home school students study special topics in horticulture. Designed for Missouri Learning standards in Science.

    Grades K-12, organized by date
    Thurs., 10 a.m.
    Sept. 12: Kindergarten
    Sept. 26: Grade 1 Oct. 10: Grade 2
    Oct. 24: Grade 3 Nov. 7: Grade 4
    Nov. 21: Grade 5 Dec. 5: Grade 6
    Dec. 12: Grades 7-8 Dec. 19: High School
    $3/class

  5. Learn to Grow in the Gardens


    Learn about special topics from a Master Gardener. Programs may include garden tours and outdoor demonstrations.

    All ages
    Mon., 6-7 p.m.
    Sept. 16: Plant in the Fall, Bloom in the Spring
    Oct. 21: Winterizing your Garden
    $5, pay at the door

  6. Junior Master Gardener Nights


    Kids get their hands dirty each month with a fun hands-on horticulture activity on the first Tuesday of each month.
    8-15 yrs.
    Tues., 5:30 p.m.
    Sept. 3, Oct. 1, Nov. 5 and Dec. 3
    $5/class

  7. Gigs in the Garden Concert Series


    Musical guests perform outdoors each Sunday in October. Bring blankets or lawn chairs. Donations to Friends of the Garden benefit garden projects.
    All ages
    Sun., 2 p.m.
    Oct. 6: The Singer and the Songwriter
    Oct. 13: Springfield Community Jazz Ensemble
    Oct. 20: Claude Bourbon
    Oct. 27: The Lacewings
    Free admission, $10 suggested donation

  8. Last Garden Hoorah


    Mark the end of the season with a variety of garden tours, programs and activities. Includes carnivorous plants, bats, bulb planting and more. Event is followed by a free 6:30 screening of “Hotel Transylvania 3” at the Peace Through People Pavilion. This is also the last weekend of the season for Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden season and tram tours.
    All ages
    Sat., Oct. 26
    3-6 p.m. , movie begins at 6:30
    Free

  9. Historic Clothing Specialist – From the Skin Out


    Learn how women of the 19th century created a neat lady-like appearance. The secret was in the undergarments! Participants receive a chemise pattern, learn about various undergarments and discuss when it was appropriate to wear a crinoline hoop skirt. RSVP directly to the instructor, Nancy Thee: jesnan.thee@yahoo.com or 417-751-2498 by Oct. 30.
    16 yrs. and older
    Sat., Nov. 2
    1-3 p.m.
    $15/participant

  10. Gardens Aglow


    Enjoy an evening stroll through the Mizumoto Japanese Garden glowing with festive lights and music! Campfires and hot cocoa available to keep you warm.
    All ages
    Thurs.-Sat., Nov. 28-Dec. 28
    5-8:30 p.m.
    $5/adult; FOG, SSCA and children 12 and under free

  11. Holiday Train Garden Display


    The magic of miniature landscapes and moving model trains transforms the Botanical Center atrium into a holiday wonderland. Presented by the Ozarks Garden Railway Society. Donations accepted.
    All ages
    Dec. 1-31
    Mon.-Sat., 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
    Free

  12. Christmas at the Farmstead


    Join volunteers at the Gray/Campbell Farmstead to celebrate an old-fashioned Christmas. Decorate the tree with hand-made vintage ornaments and enjoy hot cocoa, cookies and carols.
    All ages
    Sat., Dec. 7, 1-3 p.m.
    Free

  13. Handmade Wreath Workshop


    Create your own holiday wreath with fresh greenery and dried natural ornaments from the garden. Classes limited to 12. Register by Dec. 11.
    12 yrs. and up
    Fri., Dec. 13, 2-4 p.m.
    $30/item

  14. Topiary Trees and Swags Workshop


    Create your tabletop tree or swag for tables, mantles or door hangings, using an oasis form with fresh greenery and dried natural ornaments from the garden. Classes limited to 12. Register by Dec. 12.
    12 yrs. and up
    Sat., Dec. 14, 2-4 p.m.
    $30/item

  15. School’s Out: Holiday Crafts


    Join us in the Botanical Center Meeting Room to make nature-themed holiday crafts. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
    All ages
    Sat., Dec. 14, 12 p.m.-3 p.m.
    $5/item