News & Events

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 Storytime


    Kids and parents meet for a garden-themed story in the Botanical Center, followed by a fun science-based activity.

    Pre-schoolers, with parents
    Wed., 10 a.m.
    Jan. 8, Feb. 12, March 11, April 8
    Free

  3. 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.
    Dec. 12: Grades 7-8
    Dec. 19: High School
    Jan. 9: Kindergarten
    Jan. 23: Grade 1
    Feb. 6: Grade 2
    Feb. 20: Grade 3
    March 5: Grade 4
    March 19: Grades 5-6
    April 2: Grades 7-8
    April 16: High School
    $3/class

  4. 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.
    Jan. 7, Feb. 4, March 3, April 7
    $5/class

  5. 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. 29-Dec. 28
    5-8:30 p.m.
    $5/adult; FOG, SSCA and children 12 and under free

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. President’s Day Pinecone-palooza


    School’s out, but the Botanical Center is open. Drop in for a craft featuring everyone’s favorite natural craft item: the pinecone! Children must be accompanied by an adult.
    Grades K-6
    Mon., Feb. 17
    12-3 p.m.
    $5

  11. Potting Shed University


    Presented by the Master Gardeners of Greene County. Invest in gardening skills for life and become a better gardener. Pay-at-the-door registration opens at 5:30 p.m.
    18 yrs. and up
    Feb. 17: Soil Health for the Home Gardener
    Feb. 24: Dish to Dirt Home Composting
    March 2: Turf Sustainable Lawn Care
    March 9: Herbs on Your Plate and In Your Glass
    March 16: A Year in the Life of a Beehive
    March: 23: Pollinator Gardens: Build it and They will Come
    March 30: Blackberries: Delicious, Nutritious and Thornless!

    Mon., 6-7 p.m.
    $5/Class

  12. Spring Break in the Botanical Gardens


    Kids experience the nature and culture of the gardens with programs that encourage creativity and active play. Sign up for one day or the whole week. Registration requested.
    5-12 yrs.
    Mon., March 16: Lake Walk
    Tues., March 17: Bird Botany
    Wed., March 18, 1: Japanese Garden Tour and Fish Printing
    Thurs., March 19: Nature Journaling

    1-2:30 p.m.
    $5/Day, $15/Week

  13. Orchid Show and Sale


    The Springfield Orchid Society presents a dazzling juried display of beautiful, rare and exotic orchids, some which are available for purchase.
    All ages
    March 21-22
    Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
    Free admission, prices vary per plant

  14. Cherry Blossom Kite and Piñata Festival


    Celebrate spring with the Springfield Sister Cities Association. Bring a kite to fly or build one with us on the Great Lawn. Whack a piñata nearby. Enjoy Japanese and Mexican children’s crafts at the Botanical Center, and free admission to the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden as it reopens for the season.
    All ages
    Sat., April 4
    11 a.m.-3 p.m.
    Free admission, $5/kite kits

  15. Full Moon Hike


    Back by popular demand! Experience the spring “pink moon” in the gardens with a guided walk around Lake Drummond. This one-mile walk is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Registration is encouraged.
    All ages
    Fri., April 10
    8 p.m.
    Free

  16. Butterfly House Docent Orientation


    Discover what it takes to become a docent in the Roston Native Butterfly House. Registration required.
    All ages
    Wed., April 15, 5:30 p.m.
    Sat., April 18, 10 a.m.
    Free

  17. Earth Day & Arbor Day Movie Night


    Free screening of an Earth- and family-friendly movie at the Peace Through People Pavilion. Movie begins at dark. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets.
    All ages
    Fri., April 24
    7 p.m.
    Free

  18. Master Gardener and Garden Society Plant Sale


    Presented by the Master Gardeners of Greene County and other garden societies. Sale includes annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, bulbs, grasses, vines, ground covers, shrubs and trees. Master Gardeners accept credit cards. Other societies accept cash or check only. Held rain or shine. Arrive early for best selection.
    All ages
    Sat., April 25
    8 a.m.-2 p.m.
    Free admission, prices vary per plant

  19. Bird House Planter Succulents


    Decorate a birdhouse “container” and fill with live succulents, which are generally low maintenance ground covers with interesting colors and textures. Build as a Mother’s Day gift, or give the class as a gift! Registration required.
    All ages
    Sat., May 2
    10 a.m.-12 p.m.
    $50