Gardenland Express, the Missouri Botanical Garden's beloved miniature railroad and plant display, will be a rustic "Wilderness Escape" this holiday season to the mountains, forests and great lodges of America's national parks.

The smallest of trees and plants are placed among model railway tracks carrying G-scale model trains throughout the 5,000 square-foot Orthwein Floral Display Hall at 4344 Shaw Blvd. in St. Louis. Hundreds of fresh poinsettias and flowers surround the scene. Always a favorite family and visitor destination, the holiday show this year is inspired by the scenery, lodges and inns of the national parks and railways.

Visitors are often amazed to learn that the Gardenland Express landscape is temporary and created mostly of living plant material. In late October/early November, truckloads of sawdust are spread upon a 5,000 square foot concrete floor to create rolling hills, valleys and mountains. Approximately 1,500 feet of brass track is laid before plants and props are carefully placed within railroad tie borders. The Garden's horticulture staff uses dwarf conifers, shrubs, succulents and moss to create the western landscapes.

"This year's show is a unique look into the character of the national parks and their grand lodges," said Pat Scace, floral display designer. "It replicates the spirit of their splendor and beauty in all the things we love about nature."

A ten-by-three foot replica of Yellowstone National Park's Old Faithful Inn and the Old Faithful "geyser" will anchor the center of the display. Trains will travel past a model of Belton Chalet and historic images of the elegant El Tovar Hotel in Grand Canyon National Park, and the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite. Another train will chug through a tunnel made from a hollow log. Garden volunteers have used their artistic talents throughout the year to create murals and a small-scale mountain range in Yosemite National Park.

The Gardenland Express show is always known for its intricate detail and this year will be no exception. Visitors will spot campers, Native Americans, moose, elk, bears, buffalo and bison among the cabins, inns, chalets and tents. A stone fireplace and pine benches will provide a nice backdrop for snapshots at the entrance.

"Gardenland Express: Wilderness Escape" is sponsored by The Container Store, CBIZ Accounting, Tax & Advisory / Mayer Hoffman McMann P.C., Miss Marian L. Herr, Fifth Third Bank, The Hobby Station-Kirkwood, and Arnold Stove and Fireplace Center.

"Gardenland Express" will open on the day before Thanksgiving, Wednesday Nov. 21 and continue through Tuesday Jan. 1, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; and until 8 p.m. Dec. 26 through 28. (The Garden is closed on Christmas Day, Dec. 25.)

Entry to "Gardenland Express" costs $3 in addition to general admission, which is $8 for adults and free for children age 12 and under. St. Louis City and County residents' general admission is $4 adults, seniors $2. Members are admitted free to the Garden and holiday show.