Orchid Show
February through March
A once-a-year opportunity to see 800 exotic, fragrant winter-blooming orchids displayed among tropical plants. A welcome mid-winter break! Theme changes annually. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Orthwein Floral Display Hall, Ridgway Visitor Center.
$5 per person, in addition to Garden admission; free for Garden members.

Chinese Culture Days
Third weekend in May (Saturday & Sunday)
A 70-foot dragon and lion dancers open this springtime celebration that includes a Grand Parade and acrobatics, theater, 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. No trams. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; doors open at 9 a.m.
$12 adults, $10 seniors (65+), $5 Garden members, $5 children ages 3 to 12.

Japanese Festival
Labor Day weekend (Saturday through Monday)
Celebration features taiko drummers, sumo wrestlers, traditional tea ceremonies, candlelight walks through the 14-acre Japanese "garden of pure, clear harmony and peace," kimono fashions, bon odori dancing, ikebana and bonsai demonstrations, outdoor marketplace and food court. No trams. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Monday (Labor Day), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; doors open at 9 a.m.
$15 adults, $10 seniors (65+), $5 Garden members, $5 children ages 3 to 12.

Best of Missouri Market
First weekend in October (Saturday & Sunday)
More than 130 Missouri food producers and craftsmen offer specialty foods, baked goods, fresh and dried flowers, herbs, handcrafted items, baskets, custom jewelry and much more. Live music, cooking demonstrations by master chefs, and a Kids' Corner with cow milking, pumpkin decorating and barnyard animals. No trams. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Outdoors under tents, rain or shine.
$12 adults, $10 seniors (65+), $5 Garden members, $5 children ages 3 to 12.

"Gardenland Express" Holiday Flower and Train Show
Thanksgiving through the first Sunday of the New Year
This nostalgic show appeals to all generations, with G-scale trains of many eras traveling through a miniature landscape of fresh plants, accented by beautiful 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, Ridgway Visitor Center.
$5 adults and children, in addition to Garden admission; free for Garden members.

The Missouri Botanical Garden's mission is "to discover and share knowledge about plants and their environment in order to preserve and enrich life."  Today, 151 years after opening, the Missouri Botanical Garden is a National Historic Landmark and a center for science and conservation, education and horticultural display.

3/2010