Accomplishing this mission depends on the sustainable management and conservation of the world's biodiversity. The Garden advocates sustainable resource management through conservation of biodiversity, sound horticultural practices, international understanding and action, and low impact use of all resources.

The Horticulture Division supports the mission and strategies in several important ways:

• We acquire, maintain and display living plant collections of both ornamental and scientific interest. We label and interpret these plants in support of understanding, appreciating and preserving plant diversity everywhere.

• We develop and maintain different types of landscape gardens to demonstrate the many aesthetic and functional uses of plants. We use these landscapes for educational and inspirational purposes, to enrich the experience of our visitors and to promote the beauty and importance of plants in our lives.

• We demonstrate, in an environmentally conscious manner and to the best of our abilities, excellence in horticultural principles, practices, and products.

• We engage in horticultural research activities, educational activities, and public service activities that will assist others to utilize the information we can offer. We share botanical, horticultural and environmental information through labels/signage, publications, classes/lectures, demonstrations, exhibits/displays, personal service, the media and through our website on the internet.

• We study, manage and conserve the natural environment, including flora and fauna, of the Missouri Botanical Garden and Shaw Nature Reserve properties and encourage others to do likewise.