Nov. 1, 2009
Classic99’s “From the Garden – LIVE!”® fall concert featuring the United States Band of Mid-America, broadcast live on 99.1 FM. Noon. Shoenberg Theater. Sponsored by KFUO-FM and the Missouri Botanical Garden. Call (314) 725-0099 for free ticket information. www.classic99.com.

Nov. 8, 2009
Classic99’s “From the Garden – LIVE!”® fall concert featuring I Love Jazz with Classic99’s Don Wolff and Two Times True vocalist Gene Lynn, broadcast live on 99.1 FM. Noon. Shoenberg Theater. Sponsored by KFUO-FM and the Missouri Botanical Garden. Call (314) 725-0099 for free ticket information. www.classic99.com.

Nov. 15, 2009
Classic99’s “From the Garden – LIVE!”® fall concert featuring the Crusell Quartet, broadcast live on 99.1 FM. Noon. Shoenberg Theater. Sponsored by KFUO-FM and the Missouri Botanical Garden. Call (314) 725-0099 for free ticket information. www.classic99.com.

Nov. 21 through Jan. 3, 2009
Holiday Wreath Auction features unique creations by some of the area’s finest floral designers. All wreaths are sold by silent auction bidding, with proceeds benefiting the Missouri Botanical Garden. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. More information. (See News Release)

Nov. 22, 2009
Classic99’s “From the Garden – LIVE!”® fall concert featuring Erin Bode, David Halen and The Bode Group, broadcast live on 99.1 FM. Noon. Shoenberg Theater. Sponsored by KFUO-FM and the Missouri Botanical Garden. Call (314) 725-0099 for free ticket information. www.classic99.com.

Nov. 23 through Jan. 3, 2009
Greening your holiday with EarthWays: Living the Green Life. Learn about products, ideas and technology that will help your family grow greener this holiday season, including eco-friendly crafts, décor and gift-giving inspirations. Bring your camera to snap a holiday memory in a “Festively Green Family Photo Scene” and enjoy hands-on activities. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Brookings Interpretive Center.

Nov. 25 through Jan. 3, 2009
Gardenland Express annual holiday flower and train show. G-scale model trains travel through a miniature landscape of live plants, surrounded by colorful poinsettias and flowers. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; closes early at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve; closed Christmas Day. Garden admission plus $5. Free for members. Learn more.

Nov. 25 through Jan. 3, 2009
Victorian Christmas at Tower Grove House. See the Victorian country home of Garden founder Henry Shaw decked for the season with wreaths, garlands, floral centerpieces, greenery and a holiday tree. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. Closed Mondays. Learn more.

Dec. 6, 2009
Chanukah: Festival of Lights.. A traditional Jewish holiday celebration that includes festive Israeli music and dance, a menorah-lighting ceremony, and Chanukah merchandise provided by local vendors and the Garden Gate Shop. Noon to 4 p.m. Ridgway Visitor Center. Learn more.

Dec. 6, 2009
Classic99’s “From the Garden – LIVE!”® fall concert featuring the Bach Society of St. Louis, broadcast live on 99.1 FM. Noon. Shoenberg Theater. Sponsored by KFUO-FM and the Missouri Botanical Garden. Call (314) 725-0099 for free ticket information. www.classic99.com.

Dec. 12 & 13, 2009
Christmas Carols in the Garden. Enjoy holiday carols, Santa in his sleigh, chestnuts roasting on an open fire and a gingerbread house display. 1 to 5 p.m. More info.

Dec. 30, 2009
“Kwanzaa: Festival of the First Fruits.” Kwanzaa is a Swahili term that means “first fruits,” and this contemporary African-American holiday centers around the feast table of the harvest. A Kwanzaa ceremony highlights a day of storytelling, craft and jewelry displays, and authentic African drumming and musical performances. Noon to 4 p.m. Ridgway Visitor Center.

Jan. 30 through Mar. 28, 2010
Annual Orchid Show features 800 orchids from one of the world’s premier collections. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Orthwein Floral Display Hall, lower level of the Ridgway Visitor Center. Garden admission plus $5; free for Garden members.

Feb. 6, 2010
Backyard Bird Festival. Bundle up, grab your binoculars, and flock to the Missouri Botanical Garden for a bird-watching bonanza! Bird watchers of all ages can enjoy a day filled with guided birding walks, live exhibits, identification tips and informative classes for children and adults of all experience levels. 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ridgway Visitor Center. Fees vary based on individual sessions. Advance registration required; www.mobot.org/birding or (314) 577-5140.

Feb. 14, 2010
Celebrate the Gospel concert. Celebrate Black History month with a heart-felt expression of African-American culture: gospel singing. As a special Valentine’s Day program, vocalist Mardra Thomas, pianist Reginald Thomas and their ensemble return to the Missouri Botanical Garden with a “Bouquet of Love.” Seating is first come, first served. 3 p.m. Shoenberg Theater.

Feb. 20, 2010
Young Friends present Trivia Night – Garden Style. Join the Young Friends of the Missouri Botanical Garden for an evening of food, fun and general trivia. Light buffet dinner provided; cash bar. Please, no outside food or drink. Doors open at 6 p.m.; trivia begins at 7 p.m. Monsanto Hall, upper level of the Ridgway Visitor Center. $300 for a table of 10. Seating is limited and advance registration required; (314) 577-9532.

Feb. 27 & 28, 2010
Sugared, Spiced and Everything Iced. Displays and demonstrations of sugar art on cakes and cookies exquisitely hand-decorated by local experts. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.

Mar. 20, 2010
Horticultural Therapy Awareness Day. A pretty backyard may be one of the most obvious positive results of gardening, but it is not the only gain. Experience the numerous physical and mental benefits that plants and gardening provide! 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monsanto Hall, upper level of the Ridgway Visitor Center.

Mar. 21, 2010
Classic99’s “From the Garden – LIVE!”® spring concert series. Broadcast live on 99.1 FM. Noon. Shoenberg Theater. Sponsored by KFUO-FM and the Missouri Botanical Garden. Call (314) 725-0099 for free ticket information. www.classic99.com.

Mar. 28, 2010
Classic99’s “From the Garden – LIVE!”® spring concert series. Broadcast live on 99.1 FM. Noon. Shoenberg Theater. Sponsored by KFUO-FM and the Missouri Botanical Garden. Call (314) 725-0099 for free ticket information. www.classic99.com.

Apr. 1 through 4, 2010
The Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden: A Missouri Adventure reopens for the season. Help wake the Children’s Garden for spring with activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Children’s Garden is open Apr. 1 through Oct. 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Apr. 2, 2010
Arbor Day tree giveaway. The Kemper Center for Home Gardening will give away 400 tree saplings on a first-come, first served basis, one per visitor. Master gardeners will answer questions and give advice on planting trees in the spring. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or while supplies last. Kemper Center, upper level.

Apr. 11, 2010
Classic99’s “From the Garden – LIVE!”® spring concert series. Broadcast live on 99.1 FM. Noon. Shoenberg Theater. Sponsored by KFUO-FM and the Missouri Botanical Garden. Call (314) 725-0099 for free ticket information. www.classic99.com.

Apr. 18, 2010
Classic99’s “From the Garden – LIVE!”® spring concert series. Broadcast live on 99.1 FM. Noon. Shoenberg Theater. Sponsored by KFUO-FM and the Missouri Botanical Garden. Call (314) 725-0099 for free ticket information. www.classic99.com.

Apr. 25, 2010
Classic99’s “From the Garden – LIVE!”® spring concert series. Broadcast live on 99.1 FM. Noon. Shoenberg Theater. Sponsored by KFUO-FM and the Missouri Botanical Garden. Call (314) 725-0099 for free ticket information. www.classic99.com.

May 1 through Oct. 3, 2010
“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)

May 15 & 16, 2010
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, 2010
Climatron and Cocktails, presented by the Young Friends of the Garden. 6 p.m. Details TBA.

June 2, 2010
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, 2010
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, 2010
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, 2010
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 23, 2010
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, 2010
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.

July 7, 2010
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.

July 14, 2010
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.

July 17, 2010
Healthy You, Healthy Planet Festival, presented by the Missouri Botanical Garden and the Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University. Learn how to live a healthy, green lifestyle! Activities TBA.

July 21, 2010
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.

July 24, 2010
Missouri Botanical Garden founder Henry Shaw’s 210th birthday celebration. Admission is free for all visitors from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Old-fashioned entertainment includes music, a silhouette artist, stilt-walker, magician, actors in Victorian fashions, children’s games, and fun in the Children’s Garden. Activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Spoehrer Plaza, outside the Ridgway Visitor Center.

July 28, 2010
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.

Aug. 4, 2010
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.

Aug. 27, 2010
Be a Kid Again, presented by the Young Friends of the Garden. 6 p.m. Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden. Details TBA.

Sept. 4, 5 & 6, 2010
Annual Japanese Festival presents taiko drumming, traditional tea ceremonies, martial arts, candlelight walks in the Japanese Garden and more. Sept. 4 and 5, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sept. 6 (Labor Day), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Doors open at 9 a.m. $15 adults (13-64), $10 seniors (65+), $5 children (3-12), $5 members. Buy tickets in advance online at www.mobot.org. No trams.

Oct. 2 & 3, 2010
Nineteenth annual Best of Missouri Market. Over 130 Missouri food producers and crafters offer fresh produce, baked goods, fresh and dried flowers, herbs, handcrafted items, baskets, wooden toys, custom jewelry and more. Live music and a Kids Corner with cow milking, pumpkin decorating and barnyard animals. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Outdoors under tents, rain or shine. $12 adults (13-64), $10 seniors (65+), $5 children (3-12), $5 members. Buy tickets in advance online at www.mobot.org. No trams.

Oct. 15, 2010
Fest-of-Ale, presented by the Young Friends of the Garden. Enjoy appetizers, beer, and live music under the stars with the Young Friends of the Missouri Botanical Garden. Monsanto Hall, upper level of Ridgway Visitor Center and outdoors on Spoehrer Plaza. 6 p.m. Details TBA.

Oct. 16, 2010
Carver Day. Celebrate the life and accomplishments of Dr. George Washington Carver, legendary Missouri scientist, educator and humanitarian. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities take place inside the Ridgway Visitor Center and outside at the George Washington Carver Garden.

Oct.24 through 31, 2010
The Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden: A Missouri Adventure closes for the season. Help put the Children’s Garden to bed for winter with activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Children’s Garden is open Apr. 1 through Oct. 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Nov. 19 through Jan. 2, 2010
Holiday Wreath Auction features unique creations by some of the area’s finest floral designers. All wreaths are sold by silent auction bidding, with proceeds benefiting the Missouri Botanical Garden. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monsanto Hall, upper level of the Ridgway Visitor Center.

Nov. 23 through Jan. 2, 2010
Victorian Christmas at Tower Grove House. See the Victorian country home of Garden founder Henry Shaw decked for the holidays with wreaths, garland, floral centerpieces, greenery and a holiday tree. Enjoy storytelling on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and don’t miss the special Seek-and-Find activity for children! Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. Closed Mondays.

Nov. 24 through Jan. 2, 2010
“Gardenland Express” annual holiday flower and train show. G-scale model trains travel through a miniature landscape of living plants, surrounded by colorful poinsettias and flowers. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; closes early at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve; closed Christmas Day. Orthwein Floral Display Hall, lower level of the Ridgway Visitor Center. Garden admission plus $5; free for members.

Nov. 28, 2010
“Chanukah: Festival of Lights.” A traditional Jewish holiday celebration that includes festive Israeli music and dance, a menorah-lighting ceremony, and Chanukah merchandise provided by local vendors and the Garden Gate Shop. Noon to 4 p.m. Ridgway Visitor Center.

Dec. 11 & 12, 2010
“Christmas Carols in the Garden.” Enjoy festive holiday carols, Santa in his sleigh, chestnuts roasting on an open fire and a gingerbread house display. 1 to 5 p.m. Ridgway Visitor Center, Kemper Center for Home Gardening and Spink Pavilion.

Dec. 29, 2010
“Kwanzaa: Festival of the First Fruits.” Kwanzaa is a Swahili term that means “first fruits,” and this contemporary African-American holiday centers around the feast table of the harvest. A Kwanzaa ceremony highlights a day of storytelling, craft and jewelry displays, and authentic African drumming and musical performances. Noon to 4 p.m. Ridgway Visitor Center.

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

Email Web Comments: Rob Thurman