Missouri Botanical Garden  
 
 

Visit our family of attractions:

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Shaw Nature Reserve

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Butterfly House

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EarthWays Center
Education
How to Register


Programs at the Garden fill quickly for the months of October, April, and May. December through February are the least requested months, but are still wonderful months at the Garden. Early registration is recommended.

IMPORTANT: All groups, whether Garden-led or self-guided, must contact the Garden to request a visit.

Scheduling Your Garden Visit
NEW!   School Programs Request Form is now online. Make your reservation today!

Requests for Garden Classes and Self-guided Tours may now be submitted online.

Requests for the Survivor MBG: Plant Adaptations Pilot Program must be made by phone at (314) 577-0819.


Registration Deadlines:

Early registration is recommended. Programs fill quickly and there is a limit to daily group admissions. Request a program online.

Requests for the Survivor MBG: Plant Adaptations Pilot Program must be made by phone at (314) 577-0819.

Requests will be processed in the order received. Do not assume a date is reserved until you receive a phone call and your confirmation packet. If you do not receive a call within one month, call (314) 577-5140.

Confirmation:
  • Once your request is processed, we will confirm your program date by postage-mail or e-mail as you indicated.
  • After you receive your confirmation, carefully review the “Confirmation of Reservation” form. Call (314) 577-5140 if corrections need to be made.
  • BRING THE CONFIRMATION FORM WITH YOU ON THE DAY OF YOUR VISIT.

Payment
Payment, if required, is due 2 weeks prior to your visit. Make checks payable to the Missouri Botanical Garden. The Garden reserves the right to cancel your program if payment is not received. You will be notified by phone.

Please mail payment to:
Missouri Botanical Garden Education Division
School Programs
P.O. Box 299
St. Louis, MO 63166–0299

Preparing for Your Visit

Chaperones are required.
Recruit the required number of chaperones:
Grades PK–3: 1 adult per 5 students
Grades 4–12: 1 adult per 8 students
Divide your students into groups.
BEFORE coming to the Garden, divide your students into the number of groups specified for your grade level’s student/chaperone ratio.

Wear name labels.
Please have your students wear name labels with first names.

Review inforamtion in the confirmation packet.
Details for parking and check-in are outlined in your confirmation packet. Share this information with students, chaperones, and bus drivers. Call (314) 577-5140 if there are questions.

Outside food and drinks are not permitted in the Garden.
The Garden offers the following suggestions for lunch:
  • Lunch in Sassafras. For reservations call (314) 577-5196 two weeks prior to your visit. A menu is available online.
  • Sack lunches by Catering St. Louis. For a current menu, pricing, and ordering, call (314) 577-9530.
  • Picnic in Tower Grove Park. Call (314) 771-2679 to reserve a pavilion. The park is adjacent to the Garden.
IMPORTANT: Buses are parked off Garden grounds, so eating on the bus while at the Garden is not possible.

Prepare your students.
Many of our programs have pre- and post-visit activities. If available for the program you choose, these will be available by download on the program's web page. (Pre-lessons for new Garden Classes will be available August 1, 2008.)

Prepare for the weather.
Please have your students dress for the weather as most programs include outdoor activities.

The Day of Your Visit

Bring your confirmation with you!
All groups, whether arriving by bus or car, must check in at the Linnean Plaza ticket booth. Check-in information and directions to Linnean Plaza are in your confirmation packet.

Arrive 15 minutes early.
Arrive early to allow ample time for parking, check-in, and unloading. Program length will be shortened in case of late arrival.

Parking
Parking directions are in your confirmation packet. Review these with your driver.
  • Buses are not permitted to idle while parked in the lot.
  • Bus drivers enjoy free admission to the Garden and a complementary drink in the Sassafras Café.

Safety
We ask that you and your chaperones take an active role in the safety of your students. Be especially attentive during arrival and departure when students are on the parking lots. Remind bus drivers to be watchful before moving buses.

Chaperone Guidelines
Chaperones are to remain with their assigned group throughout the visit and help with supervision. Please refrain from cell phone conversations during programs.

Garden Manners
We ask for your cooperation with the following guidelines.
  • PLEASE be aware of other Garden visitors. Ask students to allow room on paths, keep their voices down, and not run.
  • Students should not walk through flower beds or mulched areas. Mulched beds protect spring bulbs.
  • Students may collect plant parts that have fallen to the ground.
  • Please do not wade in pools, streams, or fountains.
  • Lawn sprinklers are not to be disturbed or redirected.
Cancellations and Refunds

CALL (314) 577–5140 as soon as you know you must cancel. FOUR WEEKS NOTICE is required to receive a refund for fee programs.

All fees are subject to change.