Through Mar. 27
Annual Orchid Show features 800 blooming orchids in lush, tropical display infused with an eclectic mix of Mayan-themed accents. The Missouri Botanical Garden maintains one of the world’s premier orchid collections. The Orchid Show is the only time of year when a vast, rotating selection of orchids from the Garden’s historic collection is available for public viewing. Open Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (last weekday entry at 2 p.m.); open Saturdays and Sundays from 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. 1
Online registration opens for a variety of weekday, evening and weekend spring and summer classes for adults, youth and families at the Missouri Botanical Garden and its family of attractions. View a print-at-home catalog and register online at www.mobot.org/classes or call (314) 577-5140.

Feb. 5
Sixth annual 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.

January through March
Please note: Narrated tram tours, Tower Grove House, and the Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden are not available during the winter months. Seasonal operations will resume on April 1.

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

Please note: The Linnean House conservatory will be closed through December for renovations and repairs. Built in 1882, this structure is the oldest continuously operating greenhouse west of the Mississippi River. Thanks to a gift from the Mabel Dorn Reeder Foundation, the Garden will make improvements such as a new all-glass roof, new windows and more. The Linnean House is scheduled to reopen in Spring 2011.

Email Web Comments: Rob Thurman