May 1 through Oct. 3
“DinoQuest: A Tropical Trek Through Time” dinosaur exhibition. Encounter dozens of prehistoric creatures in an unparalleled environment: hidden in the heart of a thriving tropical rain forest! Learn about the world of dinosaurs and some of the lessons their extinction teaches us today. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Climatron® dome, Shoenberg Temperate House and Brookings Interpretive Center. Garden admission plus $5 adults, $3 children (3-12), $3 Garden members, $2 members’ children. Learn more at www.mobot.org/dinoquest. (See News Release)

Through May 1
Herb Days, presented by the Garden Gate Shop and the St. Louis Herb Society. Choose from a wide selection of potted fresh herbs, including new and hard-to-find varieties. The society’s popular cookbook, periodicals and curry powder will also be available. Herb Society members will give demonstrations and guidance on selecting, planting, growing and using herbs. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Included with Garden admission or membership. www.stlouisherbsociety.com

May 3 through Sept. 30
Plastic Pot Recycling. Close the gardening loop! Recycle plastic garden pots, cell packs and trays. Plastic should be separated and empty of soil with no metal hangers or rings; no clay pots or food plastic accepted. Please separate #6 plastic cell packs and trays from #2 and #5 plastic pots into the recycling trailers. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. West parking lot of the Garden’s Monsanto Center, 4500 Shaw Blvd. at Vandeventer. (314) 577-9440. For a complete list of satellite collection centers throughout the metro area, visit www.mobot.org/plasticpotrecycling.

May 4 through June 30
“Power of Plants” student art display. View more than 40 original entries in the Missouri Botanical Garden’s “Power of Plants” contest, including this year’s winners. Each two- or three-dimensional work of art was created by students in kindergarten through 12th grades and tells the story of an amazing plant “superhero” and its special powers. The 2009-2010 “Power of Plants” contest is sponsored by the Monsanto Fund. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jordan Education Wing, lower level of the Ridgway Visitor Center.

May 7
National Public Gardens Day. The Missouri Botanical Garden joins other members of the American Public Gardens Association (APGA) in a nationwide salute to the important role that America’s public gardens play in conservation and environmental education on local, regional and national levels.

May 15
Great Green Adventures: Exploring the Sensory Garden. Do you think other animals and insects enjoy the Sensory Garden as much as people? Use your senses to find out, and take home a scented plant. Ages six to 12 with an adult. Great Green Adventures are held the third Saturday of every month at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Meet outside the Children’s Garden entrance. $3 per child.

May 15 & 16
Annual Chinese Culture Days celebration features a Grand Parade with 70-foot dancing dragon, martial arts, Chinese calligraphy, painting and authentic regional cuisine. Enjoy t’ai chi and tea tasting in the Grigg Nanjing Friendship Garden, where special tours focus on the symbolism of many plant species and architectural details. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Doors open at 9 a.m. $12 adults (13-64), $10 seniors (65+), $5 children (3-12), $5 members. Buy tickets in advance online at www.mobot.org. No trams.

May 21
Climatron and Cocktails, presented by the Young Friends of the Garden. 6 p.m. Details TBA.

Through May 23
Exhibit of textile, fiber and photographic works by Luanne Rimel. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monsanto Hall, upper level of the Ridgway Visitor Center.

May 28 through Aug. 15
Exhibit of works by Henry Domke. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monsanto Hall, upper level of the Ridgway Visitor Center.

Click here for hours, admission, directions, and parking information.

Email Web Comments: Rob Thurman