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)

June 2
Whitaker Music Festival. Free evening outdoor concert. Lawn seating; bring chairs or a blanket. Picnicking is permitted after 5 p.m.; pack a picnic or purchase sandwiches and beverages on site. No pets, barbecue grills or smoking. Music begins at 7:30 p.m. Free admission after 5 p.m.; last entry at 9 p.m. The Children’s Garden remains open with free admission from 5 to 7 p.m. Cohen Amphitheater lawn. Sponsored by the Whitaker Foundation.

June 9
Whitaker Music Festival. Free evening outdoor concert. Lawn seating; bring chairs or a blanket. Picnicking is permitted after 5 p.m.; pack a picnic or purchase sandwiches and beverages on site. No pets, barbecue grills or smoking. Music begins at 7:30 p.m. Free admission after 5 p.m.; last entry at 9 p.m. The Children’s Garden remains open with free admission from 5 to 7 p.m. Cohen Amphitheater lawn. Sponsored by the Whitaker Foundation.

June 16
Whitaker Music Festival. Free evening outdoor concert. Lawn seating; bring chairs or a blanket. Picnicking is permitted after 5 p.m.; pack a picnic or purchase sandwiches and beverages on site. No pets, barbecue grills or smoking. Music begins at 7:30 p.m. Free admission after 5 p.m.; last entry at 9 p.m. The Children’s Garden remains open with free admission from 5 to 7 p.m. Cohen Amphitheater lawn. Sponsored by the Whitaker Foundation.

June 18
Midsummer Night’s Dance. Celebrate good times with an evening of great food and lively music. 7 p.m. Spink Pavilion. Details TBA. Advance reservations required; (314) 577-9570 or www.mobot.org/membership. For more information, call (314) 577-5154. For a complete list of members’ events, visit www.mobot.org/membership/events.asp.

June 19
Great Green Adventures: What’s All the Buzz About? Insects are an important part of any garden, but what to they really do? Search the Garden for insects and learn ways to help them at home. 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.

June 23
Whitaker Music Festival. Free evening outdoor concert. Lawn seating; bring chairs or a blanket. Picnicking is permitted after 5 p.m.; pack a picnic or purchase sandwiches and beverages on site. No pets, barbecue grills or smoking. Music begins at 7:30 p.m. Free admission after 5 p.m.; last entry at 9 p.m. The Children’s Garden remains open with free admission from 5 to 7 p.m. Cohen Amphitheater lawn. Sponsored by the Whitaker Foundation.

June 30
Whitaker Music Festival. Free evening outdoor concert. Lawn seating; bring chairs or a blanket. Picnicking is permitted after 5 p.m.; pack a picnic or purchase sandwiches and beverages on site. No pets, barbecue grills or smoking. Music begins at 7:30 p.m. Free admission after 5 p.m.; last entry at 9 p.m. The Children’s Garden remains open with free admission from 5 to 7 p.m. Cohen Amphitheater lawn. Sponsored by the Whitaker Foundation.

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.

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.

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.

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

Email Web Comments: Rob Thurman