St. Louis, Missouri.

For almost 160 years, the Missouri Botanical Garden has invited the state’s residents and tourists alike to enjoy the wonders of nature. Henry Shaw, a successful businessman, retired at the age of 39 and became a philanthropist who developed many St. Louis institutions.Today the garden is no longer part of Henry Shaw’s country estate. It is now in the middle of the city of St. Louis, and it attracts thousands of visitors annually.  People stroll through the 79 acres (31 Hectares) that features Shaw’s original residence, a large Japanese garden, rose garden and even a geodesic dome conservatory known as the Climatron. The image below features a view of one of the water features inside the dome. The people standing at the viewpoint should give you some idea of the size of the garden area inside the Climatron.

In addition to several gardens and the dome, the grounds contain several green houses. The Linnean House is featured in the image below. During the time of our visit, it was home to a display of desert plants.

There are so many gardens to visit, we couldn’t begin to see everything in the half-day we allotted in our travel schedule. Plan to spend a full day, you’ll be glad you did. The image below features a view of the pond in the Japanese Garden. The gallery features more images from the oriental garden. 

The Victorian District and Tower Grove House are popular attractions. The image below features a view from the Victorian Garden. Over 300 volunteers and staff members ensure that proper care is taken of the exhibits. There is even a large Plant Records database that tracks all the plants that are, or have ever been, in the garden.

The price of admission is quite reasonable at $8 USD. If you’re lucky enough to live in St. Louis City or County and can prove it, you can get in for half-price, and if you’re a resident senior it costs even less. Also for residents, admission is free on Wednesdays and Saturday mornings (check their website for exceptions.) The facility is open 9 AM to 5 PM daily. The gallery of images below features views of the gardens. Click on an image to enlarge it and to scroll through the gallery. Next week, expect a gallery of blossoms captured in the gardens.

Resident of the Japanese Garden pond.

The desert display.

Small garden next to Linnean House.

Chihuly design on garden gates.

A garden pathway.

Pool leading to the Climatron.

Another garden path.

View of the rose garden.

Waterfall inside the dome.

Garden view.

Resident of the Japanese Garden pond.

Victorian Garden view.

Japanese Garden.

Linnean House.

Waterfall inside the Climatron.

Main entrance.

John Steiner