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.
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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 parentsWed., 10 a.m.
Jan. 8, Feb. 12, March 11, April 8Free -
Home School Horticulture
Home school students study special topics in horticulture. Designed for Missouri Learning standards in Science.
Grades K-12, organized by dateThurs., 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 -
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 -
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 agesThurs.-Sat., Nov. 29-Dec. 28
5-8:30 p.m.$5/adult; FOG, SSCA and children 12 and under free -
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 agesDec. 1-31
Mon.-Sat., 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.Free -
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 upFri., Dec. 13, 2-4 p.m.$30/item -
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 upSat., Dec. 14, 2-4 p.m.$30/item -
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 agesSat., Dec. 14, 12 p.m.-3 p.m.$5/item -
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-6Mon., Feb. 17
12-3 p.m.$5 -
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 upFeb. 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 -
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 -
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 agesMarch 21-22
Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.Free admission, prices vary per plant -
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 agesSat., April 4
11 a.m.-3 p.m.Free admission, $5/kite kits -
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 agesFri., April 10
8 p.m.Free -
Butterfly House Docent Orientation
Discover what it takes to become a docent in the Roston Native Butterfly House. Registration required.
All agesWed., April 15, 5:30 p.m.
Sat., April 18, 10 a.m.Free -
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 agesFri., April 24
7 p.m.Free -
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 agesSat., April 25
8 a.m.-2 p.m.Free admission, prices vary per plant -
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 agesSat., May 2
10 a.m.-12 p.m.$50