This Week in Gardening & Nature

Plant of the Week: native Rough Blazing Star

If you are only looking for St. Louis Area Plant Sales (plant sales & swaps- plants, native plants, tree & shrub seedings + seed swaps) here’s a page for them. Added this week: STL County Library Succulent & Houseplant Swaps + St. Louis Community College Native Plant Sale

Wild Ones Reading List: Back-to-School Reads on Botanical Pioneers

Fall Color Reports. Missouri and Illinois

November 15th Deadline for Grade Schools to High Schools, Youth Groups, Community Groups with youth programs, to apply for Wild Ones’ Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Program Grants: native plant use in pollinator gardens, rain gardens to improve water quality, tallgrass prairies, Monarch waystations featuring community science activities, and sensory and natural playgrounds.

Plan your garden with  Seed St. Louis Planting Calendar

Good Reads & Views —

Seed Saving Class available on YouTube (Seed St. Louis)

Five Fall Veggie Garden Basics (P Allen Smith)

Gardening by Month: September Gardening Tips, Tasks, and Problems (Missouri Botanical Garden)

How to Divide & Transplant Perennials Now (P Allen Smith)

Colorado Rattlecam. Livestream of a Prairie Rattlesnake rookery (MegaDen) at an undisclosed location in Colorado (Project RattleCam)

As crews chainsaw Joshua trees, Mojave Desert community protests solar energy project (use https://12ft.io/ to get past paywall) (Los Angeles Times)

Mr Greedy, the penguin progenitor of more than 200 chicks, dies aged 33 – 141 years old in human years per the penguin to human age calculator (The Guardian)

Winter Cover Crops for St. Louis Area. Cover crops are any plant that you grow not to harvest but for some other benefit like weed suppression, mulch production, soil improvement, beneficial insect support, etc. (Seed St. Louis)

Illinois Native Plants for the Home Landscape

Missouri Native Plant Top 10 Lists (Grow Native) Native Plants for Children, Poorly Drained Clay Soil, Sun, Shade, Half Sun & Half Shade, Under Utility Poles, Rain Gardens, Kitchen Gardens, Bees, Pollinators in Winter, Hummingbirds, Wildlife, Butterflies, More

2023 Plants of Merit – Annuals, Bulbs, Edibles, Perennials, Shrubs, Trees, Vines (Missouri Botanical Garden)

2023 Plants of Demerit – Bamboo, Big Leaf Hydrangea, Blueberry, Burning Bush, Chameleon Plant, Lavender, Pin Oak, Wintercreeper (Missouri Botanical Garden)

Gardening and Nature Events

Volunteers Wanted for Brightside St. Louis September Blitz events, opportunites in Dutchtown, Hodiamont Tracks, North Grand, St. Louis Place near New Roots Urban Farm

Order Online Now thru September 26th: Brightside St. Louis Blooming Spring Daffodil & Tulip Sale. 30 bulbs for $17. Carlton Daffodils; Midwest Mix Daffodils, 5 each Carlton, Barrett Browning, Pink Charm, Slim Whitman, Tahiti, Suada; Brightside Red Hybrid Darwin Tulips; Pink Impression Tulips. Pick up 11 am to 4 pm October 11th and 9 am to Noon October 12th at Forest Park Greenhouse. Orders to be shipped will be sent the week of October 7th.

Going on Now- On Line Ordering for Missouri Conservation Department annual Tree & Shrub Seedling Sale

5-7 pm Tuesday, September 10th Mallinckrodt School Garden Party

9 am Wednesday, September 11th, Bellefontaine Cemetery Wildwood Valley Gardens Walk with Horticulturist. Register

4 pm Wednesday, September 11th, Missouri Prairie Foundation Webinar: Take a (Virtual) Hike on the Prairie (Friendly Prairie, Pettis County)– Fall Edition. Register

Volunteers wanted. 8 am Thursday, September 12th, Heartland Conservancy event at Clinton Hills Conservation Park, Swansea IL: Monarch Tagging & Stewardship at the Exploration Garden. Register

5:30 pm Thursday, September 12th, Seed St. Louis Fair on the Farm at International Farm and Botanical Heights Community Garden, 4060 Folsom. Music by Beth Bombara. State Fair theme Games. Free but food (Grace Meats & Three food truck) and drink available for purchase. Order you Seed St. Louis pint glass for $10 and get two beers at event.

Volunteers wanted. 8 am Friday, September 13th Heartland Conservancy event in Edwardsville IL: Poag Sand Prairie Restoration Volunteer Day. Register

Friday-Sunday, September 13th, 14th, 15th, Kirkwood Greentree Festival at Kirkwood Park. Greater St. Louis Daffodil Society sells Daffodil bulbs at this event.

8 am Saturday, September 14th, St. Louis Audubon Society Beginner Bird Walk at Meramec River Greenway, Greentree Park, Kirkwood. Register

10 am to 3 pm Saturday, September 14th. Monarch Madness Pollinator Festival at Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center, St. Charles. Missouri Wildflowers Nursery is a vendor. Order native plants from them online by Monday prior for pick up at event.

10 am Saturday, September 14th, Bellefontaine Cemetery History & Horticulture Trolley Tour. $5. Register

11 am to 1 pm Saturday, September 14th, St. Charles Public Library event at Spencer Road Branch, St. Peter’s: Plant & Seed Swap

31 seats remaining. 2 pm Saturday, September 14th, St. Louis Public Library class at Central Library: Missouri Botanical Garden Speaker Series- Winter Damage. Learn how to prevent winter garden damage. Register

6:30 pm Saturday, September 14th, Stargazing at Tower Grove Park with St. Louis Astronomical Society

3:30 pm September 17th Missouri Conservation Department Virtual Class: Native Plants- Be the Host with the Most. Register 

6 pm September 18th St. Louis City Public Library class at Schlafly Library: Insights from Experts Nature Series- What’s the Buzz About Natives presented by Susan Leahy, Wild Ones. Register

For ages 0-7. 11 Seats remaining. 10:30 am September 19th Missouri Conservation Department event at Tower Grove Park: You and Me under the Canopy: Almost Fall Y’all! Register

6 pm September 19th Willoughby Farm, Table to Garden, Seed St. Louis In Person Composting Series, Collinsville IL: Static Systems. $12. Register

6 pm September 19th Wild Ones Webinar: The Beauty and Benefits of Hedgerows with Heather McCargo, founder of Wild Seed Project (Wabanaki territory now called Maine). Register

For ages 7-17, parents also welcome. 4 pm September 20th St. Louis Public Library event at Tower Grove Park: Bird Nerds Birding Club. Register

9 am to Noon September 21st St. Louis Community College Horticulture Program Native Plant Sale @ Meramac Campus

9:30 am September 21st Forest ReLeaf Treesilience (free trees, maybe free tree removal) Orientation at O’Fallon Park for homeowners in O’Fallon Park, Fairgrounds, Kingsway East, Ville, Greater Ville neighborhoods.  Register

Ages 4th Grade to Adult. 11 am September 21st St. Louis Public Library arts & craft event at Schlafly Library: Plant A Plant, make and take decorate a pot and plant in it.

8:30 am September 22nd St. Louis Audubon Society Beginner Bird Walk at Tower Grove Park. Register

September 22nd Bring Conservation Home Native Plant Expo at Tower Grove Park. Missouri Wildflowers Nursery is a vendor. Order native plants from them online by Monday prior for pick up at event.

6 pm September 23rd St. Louis County Public Library craft event at Bridgeton Trails Branch: Paint Night- DIY “Welcome” Garden Flag. Register

4 pm September 25th Grow Native Webinar: Prairie Reconstruction at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center. Register

3:30-6:30 pm September 26th Missouri Prairie Foundation Native Plant Sale, Crestwood.

6 pm September 26th St. Louis Public Library class at Schlafly Library: Insights from Experts Nature Series with Jessica Ely, St. Louis Carnivorous Plant Society. Register

September 28th-29th Tower Grove Pride at Tower Grove Park

9 am to 5 pm September 28th Rose Society of Greater St. Louis Show at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

10 am September 28th St. Louis County Public Library Autumn Plants & More Swap at Oak Bend Branch. Bring plants, seeds, bulbs, tools, books, gardening supplies to swap with fellow gardeners. Plants should be divided, brought in containers, and labeled.

1 pm September 28th St. Louis County Public Library Plant Swap at Grand Glaize Branch, Manchester.

4-7 pm September 28th Forest ReLeaf Fundraiser at their Nursery and Arboretum in Creve Coeur Park, St. Louis County: 10th Annual ArborMeisters Homebrew + Craft Beer Festival. Tickets start at $40.

9 am to 1 pm September Metropolitan Parks & Rec Tax District (dba Great Rivers Greenway) Bridge Boogie at Chain of Rocks Park

6 pm October 2nd St. Louis Public Library event at Schlafly Library: Insights from Experts Nature Series- Mark Glenshaw of Forest Park Owls. Register

October 4-6 Best of Missouri Market at Missouri Botanical GardenMissouri Wildflowers Nursery is a vendor. Buy from what the bring or order online for pick up at event. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Saturday and Wednesday mornings.

9 am October 5th Seed St. Louis Garlic Sale

9 am to 1 pm October 12th Seed St. Louis, Forrest Keeling Nursery, Greenscape Gardens event in Manchester: Tree Sale & Fall Festival

11 am to 1 pm October 12th, St. Charles Public Library event at Spencer Road Branch, St. Peter’s: Plant & Seed Swap

6:30 pm October 15th St. Louis County Public Library Virtual Class: Houseplants 101. Register

6 pm October 17th St. Louis County Public Library event at Prairie Commons Branch, Hazelwood: Succulent Swap. Register

10 am October 19th St. Louis County Public Library event at Meramec Valley Branch, Fenton: Houseplant Swap. Register

4 pm November 7th Missouri Invasive Plant Council Webinar: Common General Use Herbicides & How They Relate to Aquatic Use Sites. Register

Join us Sundays on Twitter for #GardenSunday to interact with other outdoor and indoor gardeners and nature enthusiasts, ask questions, give answers, share photos.

This Week in Gardening & Nature

Pale violet flowers on Obedient Plant

Plant of the Week: native False Dragonhead, Obedient Plant

If you missed the Seed St. Louis Fall Seedling Sale, The Garden Shop on Hampton has got you covered. They are selling seedlings: arugula, cabbage, lettuce, peas, Swiss chard, more. Friday, August 16th through August 31st at The Garden Shop, Deep Discounts on select annuals and perennials: $2 for 4-inch pot, $4 for a quart-sized pot, $6 for 1/2-gallon pots. Say hi to new shop cat- Ms. Astilbe, aka Bebe

If you are only looking for St. Louis Area Plant Sales, here’s a page for them. Updated this week with Plant & Seed Swaps @ St. Charles County Library and new Tree & Shrub Sales category

Native Plant Gardeners: Have you joined Wild Ones? Three St. Louis Area, MO & IL Area chapters. A chapter in Southeast Missouri. A Midwest Missouri chapter in Columbia.

I wonder if St. Louis City’s Forest Park Golf Course knows there’s a program called Monarchs in the Rough, for golf courses west of Mississippi, to help restore pollinator habitat in out-of-play areas.

St. Louis Gardeners: Growing more veggies than you can eat? Drop off by Noon Mondays-Tuesdays at The Garden Shop on Hampton. There’s a table for donated produce. Donated veggies go to Growing Food, Growing People.

A good resource for starting and maintaining a Seed Library (Seed Library Network) Some Seed Libraries in Missouri

August 30th Deadline to Enter Wild Ones Native Flora & Fauna Photography Contest: categories- Living Things, Landscapes, Winter, Events

August 31st Deadline to Enter Missouri Conservation Department’s Busch Conservation Area (St. Charles Mo) Wildlife Photography Contest. Submit photos of native Mo wildlife, trees, plants at Busch Conservation Area or Weldon Spring Conservation Area.

September 1st Deadline to Enter Missouri Department of Natural Resources Photography Contest. Submit photos of Natural Resources, Unique Places (state parks, historic sites), People Enjoying Outdoors

November 15th Deadline for Grade Schools to High Schools, Youth Groups, Community Groups with youth programs, to apply for Wild Ones’ Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Program Grants: native plant use in pollinator gardens, rain gardens to improve water quality, tallgrass prairies, Monarch waystations featuring community science activities, and sensory and natural playgrounds.

Plan your garden with  Seed St. Louis Planting Calendar

Good Reads —

Fertilizer from human waste faces scrutiny but remains a profitable industry. Oklahoma lawmakers and environmental officials attempted to take steps this year to protect cities & corps from liability if new health problems are found (Investigate Midwest via Missouri Independent)

EPA takes emergency action to stop use of dangerous pesticide used on broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, onion. DCPA is known to harm fetuses and “needs to be removed from the market immediately” Gift article (Washington Post)

For our crafty gardeners- Make a basket with iris leaves (Fairegarden blog)

Gardening By Month: August Tips, Tasks, and Problems (Missouri Botanical Garden)

August Gardening Tips on Outdoor Flowering Plants & Ornamentals, Vegetable Gardening, Fruits and Nuts, Lawns (University of Missouri Extension)

Winter Cover Crops for St. Louis Area. Cover crops are any plant that you grow not to harvest but for some other benefit like weed suppression, mulch production, soil improvement, beneficial insect support, etc. (Seed St. Louis)

Illinois Native Plants for the Home Landscape

Missouri Native Plant Top 10 Lists (Grow Native) Native Plants for Children, Poorly Drained Clay Soil, Sun, Shade, Half Sun & Half Shade, Under Utility Poles, Rain Gardens, Kitchen Gardens, Bees, Pollinators in Winter, Hummingbirds, Wildlife, Butterflies, More

2023 Plants of Merit – Annuals, Bulbs, Edibles, Perennials, Shrubs, Trees, Vines (Missouri Botanical Garden)

2023 Plants of Demerit – Bamboo, Big Leaf Hydrangea, Blueberry, Burning Bush, Chameleon Plant, Lavender, Pin Oak, Wintercreeper (Missouri Botanical Garden)

Gardening and Nature Events

Volunteers Wanted. Brightside St. Louis August Blitz events in Fountain Park, Grand Center, Penrose Neighborhoods

Go see the Sunflowers Fields at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area

Going on now: August Artists at the Gallery, Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, Kirkwood: Photographer Steve Springmeyer’s Portraits of the Southwest and watercolor artist Wylie Longmire‘s scenes of forests and rivers of St. Louis and rural eastern Missouri.

Going on now. Online Ordering for 3 am to 7 pm Friday, September 6th, Shaw Nature Reserve Fall Wildflower Market in Gray Summit, Franklin County.

Going on now. Online Ordering: Brightside St. Louis Blooming Spring Daffodil & Tulip Sale. Carlton Daffodils- 30 bulbs $17. Midwest Mix Daffodils 30 for $17, 5 each Carlton, Barrett Browning, Pink Charm, Slim Whitman, Tahiti, Suada. Brightside Red Hybrid Darwin Tulip- 30 bulbs $17. Pink Impression Tulips- 30 bulbs $17. Pick up 11 am to 4 pm October 11th and 9 am to Noon October 12th at Forest Park Greenhouse. Orders to be shipped will be sent the week of October 7th.

Shakespeare in the Park this Week, The Tempest: Free performances 6:30 pm Thursday at Ivory Perry Park, Visitation Park Neighborhood; 6:30 pm Friday at City Park, 101 S Buchanan
Edwardsville IL; 6:30 pm Saturday at January-Wabash Park, Ferguson; 6:30 pm Sunday at Bellevue Park, Belleville IL

1:30 pm Tuesday, August 13th, University of Illinois Extension Webinar: Foodscaping- Creating Snacks Among the Flower Beds. Register

2 pm Tuesday, August 13th, Seed St. Louis and St. Louis County Public Library Zoom Class: Winter Gardening and Overwintering Crops. Register

6:30 pm Tuesday, August 13th Piasa Sierra Club event at Old Bakery Beer, Alton IL: “Back to the Basics: Madison County’s Approach to Waste Management.” Register

4 pm Wednesday, August 14th, Missouri Prairie Foundation Webinar: Monarch Conservation: Opportunities and Challenges. Register

5 pm Wednesday, August 14th Metro-East Green Cities Gathering at The Mill, Granite City IL. Register

9 am Thursday, August 15th, Missouri Conservation Department event at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center: Guided Nature Walk with Naturalist. Register

6 pm Thursday, August 15th, Willoughby Farm, Table to Garden, Seed St. Louis In Person Composting Series, Collinsville IL: Bokashi. $12. Register

6 pm Thursday, August 15th, Missouri Botanical Garden event: Nature Speaks…Through History—The Influencers with Abra Lee, storyteller and author of the forthcoming book, Conquer The Soil: Black America and the Untold Stories of Our Country’s Gardeners, Farmers, and Growers. Garden admission fee required.

6 pm Thursday, August 15th, Piasa Sierra Club event: Bike Outing, 10-mile ride thru the woods on the Madison County IL Transit bike trail system. Register

6 pm Thursday, August 15th, Piasa Sierra Club Bike Outing, 10-mile ride thru the woods on the Madison County IL Transit bike trail system. Register

9 am to 1 pm Friday, August 16th, Missouri Conservation Department event at Lincoln University’s Carver Farm, Jefferson City: Pollinator Workshop. Register

23 Tickets remaining. For Kids Ages 7-16, parents also welcome. 4 pm Friday, August 16th, St. Louis Public Library and Tower Grove Park event at Tower Grove Park: Bird Nerds Birding Club. Register

5:30 pm Friday, August 16th, Bellefontaine Cemetery History & Horticulture tour with Master Guide: Sunset Stroll. Register

8 am Friday, August 16th, Eastern Missouri Sierra Club event at Greensfelder Park, St. Louis County: Phenology Walk with Adam Rembert. Litzsinger Road Ecology Center. $1 cash event day appreciated. Register

9 am to 5 pm Saturday, August 17th, Missouri Botanical Garden Daylily Association Plant Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

9 am to 4 pm Sunday, August 18th, Sachs Butterfly House event: Bee Jubilee. Fee required. Sachs Butterfly House provides Free Admission to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents only 9-11 am Tuesdays.

Noon to 5 pm Sunday, August 18th. Orchid Society of Greater St. Louis Auction at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission fee required.

10 am August 20th Bellefontaine Cemetery History & Horticulture Tour with Master Guide: Trolley Tour. $5. Register

13 Tickets available. 5 pm August 22nd Missouri Conservation Department event at Forest Park Hatchery: Fishing Lesson 2- How to Tie a Knot & Bait a Hook. Register

6 pm August 22nd Wild Ones Webinar: Combating the Biodiversity Crisis with Native Plants presented by Sarah Gray and Coralie Palmer from the Indiana Native Plant Society. Register

6 pm August 22nd Missouri Botanical Garden event: Nature Speaks…Through Art History. Learn about Robert Duncanson and Edward Bannister, two 19th-century Black artists known for their nature landscapes. Garden admission fee required.

6 pm August 23rd Urban Harvest fundraiser: Harvest Dinner featuring Chef David Kirkland. Tickets $125

2-5 pm August 24th Soulard Art and Floral Auction at Soulard Station, fundraiser for Beautification Committee, Soulard Restoration Group.

5:30 pm August 24th Bellefontaine Cemetery History & Horticulture tour with Master Guide: Sunset Stroll. Register

8 am August 25th Southwest Garden Neighborhood Tree Care Blitz. Register

8:30 am August 31st Eastern Missouri Sierra Club event in Hillsboro, Jefferson County: Kress Farm Garden Preserve Talk, Tour, Hike. Register

3-7 pm September 6th Shaw Nature Reserve Fall Wildflower Market, Gray Summit, Franklin County. Online Ordering Begins August 9th for Pick Up event day.

9 am to 5 pm September 7th Gateway West Gesneriad Society Show and Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

9 am to 1 pm September 7th Fox Park Neighborhood Garden Tour. Register

10 am September 7th Body N Soul Urban Farm event, Old North Neighborhood: Pot Party- Paint Your Own Containers. Register

September 13th, 14th, 15th Kirkwood Greentree Festival at Kirkwood Park. Greater St. Louis Daffodil Society sells Daffodil bulbs at this event.

10 am to 3 pm September 14th Monarch Madness Pollinator Festival at Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center, St. Charles. Missouri Wildflowers Nursery is a vendor. Order native plants from them online by Monday prior for pick up at event.

2 pm August 19th St. Louis City Public Library class at Central Library: Missouri Botanical Garden Speaker Series- Plants, Pollen and Allergies. Register

Volunteers Wanted. 8 am August 24th Heartland Conservancy event at Pontoon Beach, IL: Arlington Wetlands Work Day. Register

8 am to 4 pm Saturdays. September 7th & 14th. Missouri Wildflowers Nursery returns to Kirkwood Farmers Market. Order your native plants online by Monday prior to Saturday pick up at Market or purchase from what they bring.

8 am September 7th St. Louis Audubon Society Beginner Bird Walk at Forest Park. Register

5 pm September 7th Heartlands Conservancy Fundraiser at Rock Springs Park, O’Fallon, IL: Farm to Fork. Tickets $100.

8 am September 14th St. Louis Audubon Society Beginner Bird Walk at Meramec River Greenway, Greentree Park, Kirkwood. Register

2 pm September 14th St. Louis Public Library class at Central Library: Missouri Botanical Garden Speaker Series- Winter Damage. Learn how to prevent winter garden damage. Register

6 pm September 18th St. Louis City Public Library class at Schlafly Library: Insights from Experts Nature Series- What’s the Buzz About Natives presented by Susan Leahy, Wild Ones. Register

6 pm September 19th Willoughby Farm, Table to Garden, Seed St. Louis In Person Composting Series, Collinsville IL: Static Systems. $12. Register

10 an to 2 pm September 20thUrban Harvest STL and Perennial Class at Grandel Square Center for Urban Agriculture demonstration farm: Building a Garden Bed-Mini Greenhouse Edition. Free. Register

8:30 am September 22nd St. Louis Audubon Society Beginner Bird Walk at Tower Grove Park. Register

September 22nd Bring Conservation Home Native Plant Expo at Tower Grove Park. Missouri Wildflowers Nursery is a vendor. Order native plants from them online by Monday prior for pick up at event.

6 pm September 23rd St. Louis County Public Library craft event at Bridgeton Trails Branch: Paint Night- DIY “Welcome” Garden Flag. Register

3:30-6:30 pm September 26th Missouri Prairie Foundation Native Plant Sale at World Bird Sanctuary, Valley Park, St. Louis County. Entry Fee $12 per car.

9 am to 5 pm September 28th Rose Society of Greater St. Louis Show at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

10 am September 28th St. Louis County Public Library Autumn Plants & More Swap at Oak Bend Branch. Bring plants, seeds, bulbs, tools, books, gardening supplies to swap with fellow gardeners. Plants should be divided, brought in containers, and labeled.

1 pm September 28th St. Louis County Public Library Plant Swap at Grand Graize Branch, Manchester.

4 pm September 28th Forest ReLeaf Fundraiser at their Nursery and Arboretum in Creve Coeur Park, St. Louis County: 10th Annual ArborMeisters Homebrew + Craft Beer Festival. Tickets start at $40.

October 4-6 Best of Missouri Market at Missouri Botanical GardenMissouri Wildflowers Nursery is a vendor. Buy from what the bring or order online for pick up at event. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Saturday and Wednesday mornings.

9 am October 5th Seed St. Louis Garlic Sale

Join us Sundays on Twitter for #GardenSunday to interact with other outdoor and indoor gardeners and nature enthusiasts, ask questions, give answers, share photos.

This Week in Gardening & Nature

Plant of the Week: Tulips. Pictured are seven year old Brightside Reds from Brightside St. Louis annual sale.

Start Indoors This Week: Basil, Peppers, Tomatillo, Tomatoes
Sow Outdoors This Week: Arugula, Beets, Bok Choy, Carrots, Chard, Collards, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Peas, Potatoes, Radish, Spinach, Turnips
Transplant This Week: Perennials + Bok Choy, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chard, Collards, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Onions
Plan your garden with NEW 2024 Seed St. Louis Planting Calendar

If you are only looking for St. Louis Area (Missouri and Illinois) Plant Sales, here’s a page for them. Added this week: April 6 Seed St. Louis Spring Seedling Sale, May 5 Feed the People Community Garden Plant Sale in Bevo

April 15th Registration Deadline for Missouri Callery Pear (Bradford Pear) Buy Back Program. Help get ride of this invasive tree!

Order your Grow Native! Free Resource Guide to Native Plants in Missouri– products, services, institutions

Good Reads —

Extreme Weather. These lakes are usually still frozen over. See how they look now. From Minnesota to Maine, ice is already gone from many lakes, earlier than ever witnessed (Free Read- Washington Post)

Birdwatchers flock to Nebraska for the ancient migration of Sandhill Cranes (Iowa Public Radio)

How to get a more eco-friendly yard, one season at a time. Small changes can turn your garden into a haven for flora and fauna. (Free Read- Washington Post)

How to Germinate Native Seeds (Prairire Moon Nursery)
Native Seed Propagation Methods (Shaw Nature Reserve)

How to Build a Pollinator Garden (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)

Illinois Native Plants for the Home Landscape

Missouri Native Plant Top 10 Lists (Grow Native) Native Plants for Children, Poorly Drained Clay Soil, Sun, Shade, Half Sun & Half Shade, Under Utility Poles, Rain Gardens, Kitchen Gardens, Bees,  Pollinators in Winter, Hummingbirds, Wildlife, Butterflies, More

2023 Plants of Merit – Annuals, Bulbs, Edibles, Perennials, Shrubs, Trees, Vines (Missouri Botanical Garden)

2023 Plants of Demerit – Bamboo, Big Leaf Hydrangea, Blueberry, Burning Bush, Chameleon Plant,  Lavender, Pin Oak, Wintercreeper (Missouri Botanical Garden)

Gardening and Nature Events

6:30 pm Monday, March 25th, Missouri River Bird Observatory Zoom Winter Learning Series: The Swine Republic- Struggles with the Truth About Agriculture & Water Quality with Chris Jones, author. Register

10 am Tuesday, March 26th, Bellefontaine Cemetery Springtime History & Horticulture Walking Tour. Register

2 pm Tuesday, March 26th, Missouri Conservation Department Zoom class: Creature Feature- Eastern Bluebird. Register

4 pm Wednesday, March 27th, Grow Native Webinar: Gardens of Excellence- Urban Native Landscape Design. Register

Hey, Parents of Elementary School Kids. 4-6 pm Wednesday, March 27th, Missouri Conservation Department In-Person Event: National Archery in the Schools Program Open House At Shenandoah School, Tower Grove East. Register

6 pm Thursday, March 28th, Table to Garden, Willoughby Heritage Farm, Seed St. Louis Class 3 of 4 core composting series at Willoughby Heritage Farm, Collinsville IL: Soil Health & Why It Matters. $12. Register

3:30 pm Friday, March 29th, Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Native Plants- Specialty Gardens – Edible Garden, Tea Garden, Dyeing Garden, Rain Garden, Pollinator Garden. Register. Also see Native Plant Dyes (U.S. Forest Service)

10 am Saturday, March 30th, Bellefontaine Cemetery History & Horticulture Trolley Tour. $5. Register

1:30 pm Saturday, March 30th, Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Native Rock Gardens. Register. Also see Rock Garden (Grow Native)

9 am to 3 pm April 5th & 6th Missouri Arbor Day Tree Giveaway at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

8 am April 6th St. Louis Audubon Society Beginner Bird Walk at Forest Park. Register

Missouri Wildflowers Nursery returns to Kirkwood Market Saturdays 8 am – 4 pm April 6, 13, 20, 27 and May 25 and June 1. Order in advance for pick up at Market or select from what they bring

9 am April 6th Seed St. Louis Spring Seedling Sale: Bok Choy‘Chun Mei, Broccoli Burgundy, Broccoli Castle Dome, Cabbage Caraflex, Cabbage Omero, Cauliflower Minuteman, Collards Georgia Southern, Kale Lacinato (Dino Kale), Kohlrabi Azur Star, Lettuce Heat Tolerant Variety Pack, Lettuce Salanova Red Butter, Misome Choho (Tatsoi Hybrid). 4-packs for $3.50 each

Volunteers Wanted. 9-11 am and 1-3 pm April 6th Forest ReLeaf April Open Nursery Potting Day at CommuniTree Gardens Nursery, Maryland Heights. Register

11 am to 3 pm April 6th St. Louis Public Library In-Person event: Earth Day at Cerntral Library

3 pm April 6th Missouri Prairie Foundation In Person event: Brews and Blooms at Civil Life Brewing.  Free native plant giveaway (one per household, while supplies last), container garden demonstration, and gardening advice from Missouri native plant and landscaping experts.

2 pm April 8th St. Louis Public Library program at Central Library: Plants, Pollen, and Allergies. 35 Seats remaining. Register.

April 9-11 Missouri Native Grasslands Summit, Jefferson City. $75. Register

10 am to 2 pm April 13th Riverlands Native Plant Festival, West Alton MO

7 pm April 13th Stargazing at Tower Grove Park

6 pm April 18th Table to Garden, Willoughby Heritage Farm, Seed St. Louis Class 4 of 4 core composting series at Willoughby Heritage Farm, Collinsville IL: Pick Your System. $12. Register

April 18-20 Southwestern Illinois College @ Belleville Horticulture Club Plant Sale

9 am tyo 4 pm April 26th St. Louis Community College @ Meramec Horticulture Students Plant Sale.

9 am to 5 pm April 26th St. Louis Herb Society Herb Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden, parking lot

April 27th-28th  U-City in Bloom Plant Sale. 9 am to 1 pm Saturday & 11 am to 1 pm Sunday. Heman Park Community Center, University City

8 am April 27th St. Louis Audubon Society Beginner Bird Walk at St. Vincent Greenway. Register

Noon April 27th Heartland Conservancy Spring Native Plant Sale at Clinton Hills Conservation Park, Swansea IL

1-4 pm April 27th New Roots Urban Farm Workshop: Waste Prevention (Intercepting Compost Materials from the Landfill), St. Louis Place. Register

Noon to 2 pm April 28th St. Charles County Master Gardeners Spring Plant Sale at University of Missouri Extension St. Charles County. Vegetables, perennials, natives, herbs and annuals.

8:30 am to 12:30 pm May 4th Webster Groves Women’s Garden Association Plant Sale, First Congregational Church, Webster Groves

9 am to 1 pm May 4th Shaw Nature Reserve Wildflower Market

9 am to 5 pm May 4th West County Daylily Club Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

10 am t0 2 pm May 5th Feed the People Garden Project Plant Sale in Bevo Neighborhood.: Vegetables, Herbs, Flowers

9 am May 11th Seed St. Louis Summer Seedling Sale

9 am to 5 pm May 11th St. Louis Hosta Society Show and Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

10 am to 2 pm May 11th Missouri Prairie Foundation Native Plant Sale at Wild Bird Sanctuary, Valley Park. $8-$12 entrance fee.

10 am May 11th Companion Planting 101 Class at Heru Urban Farming, Florissant. Register

9 am to 5 pm May 12th Greater St. Louis Iris Society Show at Missouri Botanical Garden

May 18th Wild Ones Illinois Prairie Chapter Native Plant Sale at Carlock, McLean County IL

9 am to 5 pm May 25th Metropolitan St. Louis African Violet Council Show and Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

1-2 pm May 25th New Roots Urban Farm Workshop: Planting Sunflowers 101 with Farmer Twan, St. Louis Place. Register

June 1st Green Living Festival at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

10 am June 8th How to Trellis Tomatoes Class at Heru Farms, Florissant. Register

June 9th Missouri Botanical Garden sponsored Private Garden Tour. Tickets: $50 MoBot Member, $65 Nonmember

9 am to 5 pm June 15th Carnivorous Plant Society Show and Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

9 am to 5 pm June 22nd Kimmswick Visitor Center Daylily Sale, Jefferson County Mo

July 20st-22nd Shaw Cactus & Succulent Society Cactus & Succulent Sale, St. Louis County

9 am to 5 pm August 3rd Greater St. Louis Iris Society Iris Sale at at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

9 am to 5 pm August 17th Missouri Botanical Garden Daylily Association Plant Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

10-11:30 am August 17th Homegrown Hot Sauce Class with Urban Harvest’s Chef Queenie at Rung, Fox Park. Register

Noon to 5 pm August 18th Orchid Society of Greater St. Louis Auction at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission fee required.

3-7 pm September 6th Shaw Nature Reserve Fall Wildflower Market

9 am to 5 pm September 7th Gateway West Gesneriad Society Show and Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

9 am to 5 pm September 28th Rose Society of Greater St. Louis Show at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

Join us Sundays on Twitter for #GardenSunday to interact with other outdoor and indoor gardeners and nature enthusiasts, ask questions, give answers, share photos.

This Week in Gardening & Nature

Plant of the Week: Daffodils

Start Indoors This Week: Basil, Peppers
Sow Outdoors This Week: Arugula, Beets, Bok Choy, Carrots, Chard, Collards, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Peas, Potatoes, Spinach, Turnips
Transplant This Week: Perennials + Bok Choy, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chard, Collards, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Onions
Plan your garden with NEW 2024 Seed St. Louis Planting Calendar

If you are only looking for St. Louis Area (Missouri and Illinois) Plant Sales, here’s a page for them. I did not update it from previous week, so nothing added.

April 15th Registration Deadline for Missouri Callery Pear (Bradford Pear) Buy Back Program. Help get ride of this invasive tree!

Gardening by Month: March – Tips, Tasks, Problems from Missouri Botanical Garden

Order your Grow Native! Free Resource Guide to Native Plants in Missouri– products, services, institutions

Good Reads & Views —

Iowa “conservation officials found no living fish this week in the East Nishnabotna River south of Red Oak — the result of a massive fertilizer spill at a farmers cooperative.” (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

In Minnesota, Researchers Are Moving Trees Farther North to Save Forests As the world warms, trees in such forests will no longer be adapted to their local climates. That’s where assisted migration comes in. (Smithsonian Magazine)

New to Seed St. Louis YouTube Channel: three streamed breakout sessions from Community Agriculture Conference
+The Whole Okra: A Deep Dive Into All Things Okra!
+Design with Native Plants for Stormwater Retention
+Growing Lost Crops: Practical Insights into Ancient Indigenous Agriculture in the St. Louis Region

How to Germinate Native Seeds (Prairire Moon Nursery)
Native Seed Propagation Methods (Shaw Nature Reserve)

How to Build a Pollinator Garden (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)

Illinois Native Plants for the Home Landscape

Missouri Native Plant Top 10 Lists (Grow Native) Native Plants for Children, Poorly Drained Clay Soil, Sun, Shade, Half Sun & Half Shade, Under Utility Poles, Rain Gardens, Kitchen Gardens, Bees,  Pollinators in Winter, Hummingbirds, Wildlife, Butterflies, More

2023 Plants of Merit – Annuals, Bulbs, Edibles, Perennials, Shrubs, Trees, Vines (Missouri Botanical Garden)

2023 Plants of Demerit – Bamboo, Big Leaf Hydrangea, Blueberry, Burning Bush, Chameleon Plant,  Lavender, Pin Oak, Wintercreeper (Missouri Botanical Garden)

Gardening and Nature Events

6 pm Monday, March 18th, St. Louis County Public Library In-Person Class @ Daniel Boone Branch, Ellisville: Houseplants for Beginners- The Science of Plant Care. Register

6:30 pm Monday, March 18th, Missouri River Bird Observatory Zoom Winter Learning Series:  Creating Safe Passages for Migrating Birds with Krystal Anton, Sustainability Center, Johnson County Community College. Register. Also see As birds migrate across Kansas skies, we have the tools to keep them safe (Kansas Reflector)

10 am Tuesday, March 19th, Missouri Conservation Department In-Person event at Powder Valley Nature Conservation Area, Kirkwood: Flowering Trees Hike, Broken Ridge Trail, 2/3 mile paved trail. Register

10 am Tuesday, March 19th, History and Horticulture Trolley Tour @ Bellefontaine Cemetery. $5. Register

1 pm Tuesday, March 19th, Missouri Conservation Department In-Person event at Powder Valley Nature Conservation Area, Kirkwood: Vernal Equinox or Equilux Hike @ Hickory Ridge Trail (1.3 miles). Register

4 pm Tuesday, March 19th, Missouri Conservation Department Zoom class: Spring Mushrooms with Malissa Briggler, MDC State Botanist and Missouri Mycological Society’s Mid-Missouri president. Register

5 pm Tuesday, March 19th, St. Louis Public Library In-Person event at Central Library: Vermicomposting and DIY Wormbins. Register

7 pm Tuesday, March 19th, Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: Planning for Future Drought with Native Plants with Shannon Callahan – St. Louis Audubon. Register

10 am Wednesday, March 20th, Cathleen’s Caravan History and Horticulture Tour at Bellefontaine Cemetery. Register

12:30 pm Wednesday, March 20th, Seed St. Louis Zoom Class: All About Grapes: Selection, Care, and Best Practices. Register

2 pm Wednesday, March 20th, Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: Native Landscaping for Butterflies & Moths with Chris Hartley, Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House. Register

10 am Thursday, March 21st Springtime History and Horticulture Walking Tour at Bellefontaine Cemetery. Register

6 pm Thursday, March 21st, Seed St. Louis Zoom Class: Four Season Gardening. Register

10 am Friday, March 22nd, St. Louis County Public Library In-Person Class @ Thornhill Branch, St. Louis County: Houseplants for Beginners- The Science of Plant Care. Register

Ages 5+. 10 am Friday, March 22nd, Missouri Conservation Department In-Person event at Tower Grove Park: Beginning Birding for Kids. Register

7:45 am Saturday, March 23rd Bellefontaine Cemetery Fox Trot 5K & Kit Crawl 10K. Register

8 am to 1 pm Saturday, March 23rd, Partners for Native Landscaping In-Person Workshop & Plant Sale, Maryland Heights Community Center. $10

9 am Saturday, March 23rd, Missouri Conservation Department In-Person event at Fort Belle Fontaine County Park, St. Louis County: Fort Belle Fontaine Ephemeral Walk with naturalist guide. 5 Tickets remaining. Register

8:30 am Sunday March 24th St. Louis Audubon Society Beginner Bird Walk at Tower Grove Park. 8 years and older. Register

6:30 pm March 25th Missouri River Bird Observatory Zoom Winter Learning Series: The Swine Republic- Struggles with the Truth About Agriculture & Water Quality with Chris Jones, author. Register

2 pm March 26th Missouri Conservation Department Zoom class: Creature Feature- Eastern Bluebird. Register

6:30-8 pm March 26th The Watershed Nature Center, Edwardsville IL In Person Workshop: Knowing and Growing the Native Garden. Free. Register

4 pm March 27th Grow Native Webinar: Gardens of Excellence- Urban Native Landscape Design. Register

Noon to 2 pm April 28th St. Charles County Master Gardeners Spring Plant Sale at University of Missouri Extension St. Charles County. Vegetables, perennials, natives, herbs and annuals.

6 pm March 28th Table to Garden, Willoughby Heritage Farm, Seed St. Louis Class 3 of 4 core composting series at Willoughby Heritage Farm, Collinsville IL: Soil Health & Why It Matters. $12. Register

9 am to 3 pm April 5th & 6th Missouri Arbor Day Tree Giveaway at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

8 am April 6th St. Louis Audubon Society Beginner Bird Walk at Forest Park. Register

Missouri Wildflowers Nursery returns to Kirkwood Market Saturdays 8 am – 4 pm April 6, 13, 20, 27 and May 25 and June 1. Order in advance for pick up at Market or select from what they bring

Volunteers Wanted. 9-11 am and 1-3 pm April 6th Forest ReLeaf April Open Nursery Potting Day at CommuniTree Gardens Nursery, Maryland Heights. Register

11 am to 3 pm April 6th St. Louis Public Library In-Person event: Earth Day at Cerntral Library

3 pm April 6th Missouri Prairie Foundation In Person event: Brews and Blooms at Civil Life Brewing.  Free native plant giveaway (one per household, while supplies last), container garden demonstration, and gardening advice from Missouri native plant and landscaping experts.

2 pm April 8th St. Louis Public Library program at Central Library: Plants, Pollen, and Allergies. 35 Seats remaining. Register.

April 9-11 Missouri Native Grasslands Summit, Jefferson City. $75. Register

10 am to 2 pm April 13th Riverlands Native Plant Festival, West Alton MO

7 pm April 13th Stargazing at Tower Grove Park

6 pm April 18th Table to Garden, Willoughby Heritage Farm, Seed St. Louis Class 4 of 4 core composting series at Willoughby Heritage Farm, Collinsville IL: Pick Your System. $12. Register

April 18-20 Southwestern Illinois College @ Belleville Horticulture Club Plant Sale

9 am tyo 4 pm April 26th St. Louis Community College @ Meramec Horticulture Students Plant Sale.

9 am to 5 pm April 26th St. Louis Herb Society Herb Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden, parking lot

April 27th-28th  U-City in Bloom Plant Sale. 9 am to 1 pm Saturday & 11 am to 1 pm Sunday. Heman Park Community Center, University City

8 am April 27th St. Louis Audubon Society Beginner Bird Walk at St. Vincent Greenway. Register

Noon April 27th Heartland Conservancy Spring Native Plant Sale at Clinton Hills Conservation Park, Swansea IL

1-4 pm April 27th New Roots Urban Farm Workshop: Waste Prevention (Intercepting Compost Materials from the Landfill), St. Louis Place. Register

8:30 am to 12:30 pm May 4th Webster Groves Women’s Garden Association Plant Sale, First Congregational Church, Webster Groves

9 am to 1 pm May 4th Shaw Nature Reserve Wildflower Market

9 am to 5 pm May 4th West County Daylily Club Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

9 am to 5 pm May 11th St. Louis Hosta Society Show and Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

10 am to 2 pm May 11th Missouri Prairie Foundation Native Plant Sale at Wild Bird Sanctuary, Valley Park. $8-$12 entrance fee.

10 am May 11th Companion Planting 101 Class at Heru Urban Farming, Florissant. Register

9 am to 5 pm May 12th Greater St. Louis Iris Society Show at Missouri Botanical Garden

May 18th Wild Ones Illinois Prairie Chapter Native Plant Sale at Carlock, McLean County IL

9 am to 5 pm May 25th Metropolitan St. Louis African Violet Council Show and Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

1-2 pm May 25th New Roots Urban Farm Workshop: Planting Sunflowers 101 with Farmer Twan, St. Louis Place. Register

June 1st Green Living Festival at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

10 am June 8th How to Trellis Tomatoes Class at Heru Farms, Florissant. Register

June 9th Missouri Botanical Garden sponsored Private Garden Tour. Tickets: $50 MoBot Member, $65 Nonmember

9 am to 5 pm June 15th Carnivorous Plant Society Show and Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

9 am to 5 pm June 22nd Kimmswick Visitor Center Daylily Sale, Jefferson County Mo

July 20st-22nd Shaw Cactus & Succulent Society Cactus & Succulent Sale, St. Louis County

9 am to 5 pm August 3rd Greater St. Louis Iris Society Iris Sale at at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

9 am to 5 pm August 17th Missouri Botanical Garden Daylily Association Plant Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

10-11:30 am August 17th Homegrown Hot Sauce Class with Urban Harvest’s Chef Queenie at Rung, Fox Park. Register

Noon to 5 pm August 18th Orchid Society of Greater St. Louis Auction at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission fee required.

3-7 pm September 6th Shaw Nature Reserve Fall Wildflower Market

9 am to 5 pm September 7th Gateway West Gesneriad Society Show and Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

9 am to 5 pm September 28th Rose Society of Greater St. Louis Show at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

Join us Sundays on Twitter for #GardenSunday to interact with other outdoor and indoor gardeners and nature enthusiasts, ask questions, give answers, share photos.

This Week in Gardening & Nature

Photo collage: Blue Dwarf Iris and Purple Dawrf Iris

Plant of the Week: Dwarf Iris

Start Indoors This Week: Basil, Peppers
Sow Outdoors This Week: Bok Choy, Carrots, Chard, Collards, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Peas
Transplant This Week: Bok Choy, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Chard, Collards, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Onions
Plan your garden with NEW 2024 Seed St. Louis Planting Calendar

If you are only looking for St. Louis Area (Missouri and Illinois) Plant Sales, here’s a page for them. Added this week: 2 St Charles County Master Gardeners Sales, Arbor Day Tree Giveaway, 2 Horticulture Student Clubs Sales, U-City in Bloom Sale

Gardening by Month: March – Tips, Tasks, Problems from Missouri Botanical Garden

March Garden To Do List from P. Allen Smith

Order your Grow Native! Free Resource Guide to Native Plants in Missouri– products, services, institutions

Good Reads & Views —

Confused Moths, Distracted Crabs, and Celibate Birds: How Pollution Is Screwing With Animals’ Senses. A new study shows that car emissions make it hard for pollinators to find flowers. (MotherJones)

New to Seed St. Louis YouTube Channel: three streamed breakout sessions from Community Agriculture Conference
+The Whole Okra: A Deep Dive Into All Things Okra!
+Design with Native Plants for Stormwater Retention
+Growing Lost Crops: Practical Insights into Ancient Indigenous Agriculture in the St. Louis Region

How to Germinate Native Seeds (Prairire Moon Nursery)
Native Seed Propagation Methods (Shaw Nature Reserve)

How to Build a Pollinator Garden (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)

Illinois Native Plants for the Home Landscape

Missouri Native Plant Top 10 Lists (Grow Native) Native Plants for Children, Poorly Drained Clay Soil, Sun, Shade, Half Sun & Half Shade, Under Utility Poles, Rain Gardens, Kitchen Gardens, Bees,  Pollinators in Winter, Hummingbirds, Wildlife, Butterflies, More

2023 Plants of Merit – Annuals, Bulbs, Edibles, Perennials, Shrubs, Trees, Vines (Missouri Botanical Garden)

2023 Plants of Demerit – Bamboo, Big Leaf Hydrangea, Blueberry, Burning Bush, Chameleon Plant,  Lavender, Pin Oak, Wintercreeper (Missouri Botanical Garden)

Gardening and Nature Events

6:30 pm Monday, March 11th, Missouri River Bird Observatory Zoom Winter Learning Series: Trees- Dicamba & 2,4-D Old Chemicals New Problem with Robbie Doerhoff, Forest Entomologist, Missouri Conservation Department. Register

Noon Tuesday, March 12th, Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Native Plants- The Mints- Fresh Breath for Pollinators. Register

6 pm Tuesday, March 12th, St. Louis Public Library In-Person event at Central Library: Carnivorous Plants with Carnivorous Plant Society 26 Seats remaining. Register

7 pm Tuesday, March 12th, Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: Kill Your Lawn for the Birds with Emily Connor, Audubon Riverlands and Dan Pearson, St. Louis Audubon. Register

10 am Wednesday, March 13th, Bellefontaine Cemetery Springtime History & Horticulture Walking Tour. Register

Noon Wednesday, March 13th, Missouri Conservation Department Zoom event: Native Plants- Planting for Hummingbirds. Register

2 pm Wednesday, March 13th, Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: Container Gardening with Native Plants with Joan Klingensmith, Shaw Nature Reserve. Register

4 pm Wednesday, March 13th, Missouri Prairie Foundation Webinar: How Plants Work- Plant Physiology in 50 Minutes. Register

1 pm Thursday, March 14th, Missouri Conservation Department In-Person event at Powder Valley Nature Conservation Area, Kirkwood: Herstory Hike- Honoring Women in Conservation. 16 Tickets remaining. Register. Also see: Eight Women Who Have Shaped Conservation (Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership)

2 pm Friday, March 15th, St. Louis County Public Library In-Person Class @ Prairie Commons Branch, Hazelwood: Houseplants for Beginners- The Science of Plant Care. 5 Seats remaining. Register

3:30 pm Friday, March 15th, Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Native Plants- Rare Beauties. Register 

9 am to Noon Saturday, March 16th and Noon to 2 pm Sunday, March 17th St. Charles County Master Gardeners Cool Season Vegetables and Pansies Sale at University of Missouri Extension St. Charles County

9 am Saturday, March 16th, Missouri Conservation Department In-Person event at Dresser Island Conservation Area, West Alton Mo: Discover Dresser Island Hike. 5 Tickets remaining. Register

1 pm Saturday, March 16th, Missouri Conservation Department Zoom class: Mushroom Hunting 101. Register

6 pm March 18th St. Louis County Public Library In-Person Class @ Daniel Boone Branch, Ellisville: Houseplants for Beginners- The Science of Plant Care. 32 Seats remaining. Register

6:30 pm March 18th Missouri River Bird Observatory Zoom Winter Learning Series:  Creating Safe Passages for Migrating Birds with Krystal Anton, Johnson County Community College. Register

10 am March 18th Missouri Conservation Department In-Person event at Powder Valley Nature Conservation Area, Kirkwood: Flowering Trees Hike. 15 Tickets available. Register

1 pm March 18th Missouri Conservation Department In-Person event at Powder Valley Nature Conservation Area, Kirkwood: Vernal Equinox or Equilux Hike. 12 Tickets remaining. Register

4 pm March 19th Missouri Conservation Department Zoom class: Spring Mushrooms with Malissa Briggler, MDC State Botanist and Missouri Mycological Society’s Mid-Missouri president. Register

5 pm March 19th St. Louis Public Library In-Person event at Central Library: Vermicomposting and DIY Wormbins. Register

7 pm March 19th Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: Planning for Future Drought with Native Plants with Shannon Callahan – St. Louis Audubon. Register

2 pm March 20th Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: Native Landscaping for Butterflies & Moths with Chris Hartley, Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House. Register

6 pm March 21st Seed St. Louis Zoom Class: Four Season Gardening. Register

10 am March 22nd St. Louis County Public Library In-Person Class @ Thornhill Branch, St. Louis County: Houseplants for Beginners- The Science of Plant Care. 4 Tickets remaining. Register

Ages 5+. 10 am March 22nd Missouri Conservation Department In-Person event at Tower Grove Park: Beginning Birding for Kids. 1 Ticket remaining. Register

8 am to 1 pm March 23rd Partners for Native Landscaping In-Person Workshop & Plant Sale, Maryland Heights Community Center

9 am March 23rd Missouri Conservation Department In-Person event at Fort Belle Fontaine County Park, St. Louis County: Fort Belle Fontaine Ephemeral Walk with naturalist guide. 8 Tickets remaining. Register

8:30 am March 24th St. Louis Audubon Society Beginner Bird Walk at Tower Grove Park. 8 years and older. Register

Noon March 24th St. Louis Audubon Society Beginner Bird Walk at Tower Grove Park. Register

6:30 pm March 25th Missouri River Bird Observatory Zoom Winter Learning Series: The Swine Republic- Struggles with the Truth About Agriculture & Water Quality with Chris Jones, author. Register

2 pm March 26th Missouri Conservation Department Zoom class: Creature Feature- Eastern Bluebird. Register

6:30-8 pm March 26th The Watershed Nature Center, Edwardsville IL In Person Workshop: Knowing and Growing the Native Garden. Free. Register

Noon to 2 pm April 28th St. Charles County Master Gardeners Spring Plant Sale at University of Missouri Extension St. Charles County. Vegetables, perennials, natives, herbs and annuals.

6 pm March 28th Table to Garden, Willoughby Heritage Farm, Seed St. Louis Class 3 of 4 core composting series at Willoughby Heritage Farm, Collinsville IL: Pick Your System. $12. Register

9 am to 3 pm April 5th & 6th Missouri Arbor Day Tree Giveaway at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

8 am April 6th St. Louis Audubon Society Beginner Bird Walk at Forest Park. Register

Missouri Wildflowers Nursery returns to Kirkwood Market Saturdays 8 am – 4 pm April 6, 13, 20, 27 and May 25 and June 1. Order in advance for pick up at Market or select from what they bring

Volunteers Wanted. 9-11 am and 1-3 pm April 6th Forest ReLeaf April Open Nursery Potting Day at CommuniTree Gardens Nursery, Maryland Heights. Register

11 am to 3 pm April 6th St. Louis Public Library In-Person event: Earth Day at Cerntral Library

2 pm April 8th St. Louis Public Library program at Central Library: Plants, Pollen, and Allergies. 35 Seats remaining. Register.

April 9-11 Missouri Native Grasslands Summit, Jefferson City. $75. Register

10 am to 2 pm April 13th Riverlands Native Plant Festival, West Alton MO

7 pm April 13th Stargazing at Tower Grove Park

6 pm April 18th Table to Garden, Willoughby Heritage Farm, Seed St. Louis Class 4 of 4 core composting series at Willoughby Heritage Farm, Collinsville IL: Soil Health. $12. Register

April 18-20 Southwestern Illinois College @ Belleville Horticulture Club Plant Sale

9 am tyo 4 pm April 26th St. Louis Community College @ Meramec Horticulture Students Plant Sale.

9 am to 5 pm April 26th St. Louis Herb Society Herb Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden, parking lot

April 27th-28th  U-City in Bloom Plant Sale. 9 am to 1 pm Saturday & 11 am to 1 pm Sunday. Heman Park Community Center, University City

8 am April 27th St. Louis Audubon Society Beginner Bird Walk at St. Vincent Greenway. Register

Noon April 27th Heartland Conservancy Spring Native Plant Sale at Clinton Hills Conservation Park, Swansea IL

1-4 pm April 27th New Roots Urban Farm Workshop: Waste Prevention (Intercepting Compost Materials from the Landfill), St. Louis Place. Register

8:30 am to 12:30 pm May 4th Webster Groves Women’s Garden Association Plant Sale, First Congregational Church, Webster Groves

9 am to 1 pm May 4th Shaw Nature Reserve Wildflower Market

9 am to 5 pm May 4th West County Daylily Club Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

9 am to 5 pm May 11th St. Louis Hosta Society Show and Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

10 am to 2 pm May 11th Missouri Prairie Foundation Native Plant Sale at Wild Bird Sanctuary, Valley Park. $8-$12 entrance fee.

10 am May 11th Companion Planting 101 Class at Heru Urban Farming, Florissant. Register

9 am to 5 pm May 12th Greater St. Louis Iris Society Show at Missouri Botanical Garden

May 18th Wild Ones Illinois Prairie Chapter Native Plant Sale at Carlock, McLean County IL

9 am to 5 pm May 25th Metropolitan St. Louis African Violet Council Show and Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

1-2 pm May 25th New Roots Urban Farm Workshop: Planting Sunflowers 101 with Farmer Twan, St. Louis Place. Register

June 1st Green Living Festival at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

10 am June 8th How to Trellis Tomatoes Class at Heru Farms, Florissant. Register

June 9th Missouri Botanical Garden sponsored Private Garden Tour. Tickets: $50 MoBot Member, $65 Nonmember

9 am to 5 pm June 15th Carnivorous Plant Society Show and Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

9 am to 5 pm June 22nd Kimmswick Visitor Center Daylily Sale, Jefferson County Mo

July 20st-22nd Shaw Cactus & Succulent Society Cactus & Succulent Sale, St. Louis County

9 am to 5 pm August 3rd Greater St. Louis Iris Society Iris Sale at at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

9 am to 5 pm August 17th Missouri Botanical Garden Daylily Association Plant Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

10-11:30 am August 17th Homegrown Hot Sauce Class with Urban Harvest’s Chef Queenie at Rung, Fox Park. Register

Noon to 5 pm August 18th Orchid Society of Greater St. Louis Auction at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission fee required.

3-7 pm September 6th Shaw Nature Reserve Fall Wildflower Market

9 am to 5 pm September 7th Gateway West Gesneriad Society Show and Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

9 am to 5 pm September 28th Rose Society of Greater St. Louis Show at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

Join us Sundays on Twitter for #GardenSunday to interact with other outdoor and indoor gardeners and nature enthusiasts, ask questions, give answers, share photos.

This Week in Gardening & Nature

Plant of the Week: Meadow Sage. These bloomed from May to December in Zone 6b, died back, new growth popped up after the snow. Drought tolerant once established and a pollinator magnet.

Have you seen Witch Hazel? Participate in the ForestKeeper’s Witch Hazel Hunt

If you are only looking for St. Louis Area (Missouri and Illinois) Seed Swaps and Plant Sales, here’s a page for them. Added this week: Shaw Nature Reserve Fall Wildflower Market and Seed St. Louis Seeds for Sale

Start Indoors This Week: Eggplant, Lettuce, Bok Choy, Mustard.
Sow Outdoors This Week: Larkspur, Poppies, Snapdragons
Plan your garden with NEW 2024 Seed St. Louis Planting Calendar

Order your Grow Native! Free Resource Guide to Native Plants in Missouri– products, services, institutions

February 28th Deadline to apply for Missouri Coalition for the Environment High School Student Environmental Action Award

Good Reads —

Urban Farmers, Food City seek to drain ‘food swamps’ (St. Louis American)

Study: Nonnative earthworms are all over North America, and it’s a problem (gifted article, Washington Post)

University of Arkansas Agriculture’s fruit breeding program produces two new fruits: a new late-season blackberry, Sweet-Ark Immaculate and a new nectarine, Ozark Mango. (Channel 5 KFSM, Fayetteville, Arkansas)

How to Germinate Native Seeds (Prairire Moon Nursery)
Native Seed Propagation Methods (Shaw Nature Reserve)

How to Build a Pollinator Garden (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)

Illinois Native Plants for the Home Landscape

Missouri Native Plant Top 10 Lists (Grow Native) Native Plants for Children, Poorly Drained Clay Soil, Sun, Shade, Half Sun & Half Shade, Under Utility Poles, Rain Gardens, Kitchen Gardens, Bees,  Pollinators in Winter, Hummingbirds, Wildlife, Butterflies, More

2023 Plants of Merit – Annuals, Bulbs, Edibles, Perennials, Shrubs, Trees, Vines (Missouri Botanical Garden)

2023 Plants of Demerit – Bamboo, Big Leaf Hydrangea, Blueberry, Burning Bush, Chameleon Plant,  Lavender, Pin Oak, Wintercreeper (Missouri Botanical Garden)

Gardening and Nature Events

Now thru Next Sunday at Missouri Botanical Garden: Orchid Show. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

7 pm Tuesday, February 20th, Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: Native Plants for Native Pollinators with Dr. Ed Spevak, St. Louis Zoo. Register

9 am Wednesday, February 21st, Black History Month at Missouri Botanical Garden. Tyrean “Heru” Lewis of Heru Urban Farming will share his latest endeavors to further his mission of transforming the community’s access to quality wholesome food. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

11 am Wednesday, February 21st Black History Month at Missouri Botanical Garden. Screening of High on the Hog, How African American Cuisine Transformed America, a documentary on the history of foods native to Africa and foods that came to the U.S. through the Transatlantic Slave Trade and are still part of our current food selections.  Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

2 pm Wednesday, February 21st, Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: Native Plant Gardening 101 with Erin Goss, Shaw Nature Reserve. Register

7 pm Wednesday, February 21st, Left Bank Books and Forest ReLeaf present Dr. Christine Carmichael, author of Racist Roots: How Racism Has Affected Trees and People in Our Cities – and What We Can Do About It. Tickets

6 pm Thursday, February 22nd, Table to Garden, Willoughby Heritage Farm, Seed St. Louis Class 1 of 4 core composting series at Willoughby Heritage Farm, Collinsville IL: Eat Your Compost, Reducing Food Waste. $12. Register

Volunteers Wanted. 1-4 pm Friday and 10 am to 1 pm Saturday help create four pollinator garden berms in the Vandeventer Neighborhood Community Healing & Meditation Garden, 4261 West Cook. Tools & Lunch provided. Register

3:30 pm Friday, February 23rd, Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Native Plants- Planning and Prepping Your Garden. Register.

Ages 12+. 10 am Saturday, February 24th, Missouri Conservation Department event at Tower Grove Park, Stupp Center: Wildlife CSI- Conservation Scene Investigation. 14 seats remaining. Register

Volunteers Wanted. 10 am to Noon Saturday, February 24th, Southwest Garden Neighborhood Tree Blitz. New volunteers are equipped with tools, safety gear, and hands-on training from a certified arborist.

10 am to 2 pm Saturday, February 24th, Seed Swap at 314 Garden Supply, Florissant

7 pm February 27th Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: The Social Benefits of Trees with Rebecca Hankins, Forest ReLeaf of Missouri. Register

2 pm February 28th Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: Native? Invasive? Exotic? Choose Eco-Logically with Jean Ponzi, Earthways Center. Register

6-8 pm Wednesdays, February 28th-April 3rd Forest ReLeaf 6 Week TreeKeepers Introductory Course at Renewable Energy Center, Maryland Hts. Register

6 pm February 29th Seed St. Louis Zoom Class: So You Want to Start a Garden: Our Favorite Things, & What You Don’t Need. Register

10 am March 1st Bellefontaine Cemetery History & Horticulture Walking Tour. Register

3:30 pm March 1st Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Native Plants- Patio Plants. Find out which native plants do well around the house and in containers. Register

8 am March 2nd St. Louis Audubon Society Beginner Bird Walk at Forest Park. Register

9 am to Noon March 2nd Bellefontaine Cemetery Garage Sale

Volunteers Wanted. 10 am to Noon March 2nd Bevo Neighhborhood Tree Care Blitz. Register

10 am March 5th Bellefontaine Cemetery History & Horticulture Trolley Tour. $5. Register

2 pm March 5th Seed St. Louis and St. Louis County Public Library Webinar: Dormant Fruit Tree Pruning. Register

7 pm March 5th Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: Using iNaturalist in Your Garden with Dr. Nina Fogel, ShutterBee & Washington University. Register

10 am March 6th Bellefontaine Cemetery Springtime History & Horticulture Walking Tour. Register

1 pm March 6th St. Louis Public Library In Person Class @ Central Library: Alien Invasion! Plants with Betsy Alexander, Master Gardener from the Missouri Botanical Gardens Master Gardener Program. 35 Seats remaining. Register.

2 pm March 6th Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with Seed St. Louis and St. Louis County Public Libraryt: Native Plant Food Gardening Panel– Dr. Nadia Navarrete Tindall, Lincoln University; Matt Lebon, Custom Foodscaping; Dean Gunderson , Seed STL; Moderator Jean Ponzi, Earthways Center. Register

6 pm March 7th 6 pm February 22nd Table to Garden, Willoughby Heritage Farm, Seed St. Louis Class 2 of 4 core composting series at Willoughby Heritage Farm, Collinsville IL: Composting 101. $12. Register

March 8th-9th Midwestern Herb & Garden Show in Mount Vernon, Illinois (little over an hour drive from St. Louis City)

9 am to Noon March 9th Seed St. Louis Plant Sale: Potatoes, Strawberries, Asparagus, Mushroom Spawn, Onions.

Noon March 9th Piasa Sierra Club Seed Swap at Milton Schoolhouse, Alton IL. Register

Noon March 12th Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Native Plants- The Mints- Fresh Breath for Pollinators. Register

7 pm March 12th Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: Kill Your Lawn for the Birds with Emily Connor, Audubon Riverlands and Dan Pearson, St. Louis Audubon. Register

10 am March 13th Bellefontaine Cemetery Springtime History & Horticulture Walking Tour. Register

Noon March 13th Missouri Conservation Department Zoom event: Native Plants- Planting for Hummingbirds. Register

2 pm March 13th Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: Container Gardening with Native Plants with Joan Klingensmith, Shaw Nature Reserve. Register

2 pm March 15th St. Louis County Public Library In-Person Class @ Prairie Commons Branch, Hazelwood: Houseplants for Beginners- The Science of Plant Care. 22 Seats remaining. Register

6 pm March 18th St. Louis County Public Library In-Person Class @ Daniel Boone Branch, Ellisville: Houseplants for Beginners- The Science of Plant Care. Register

7 pm March 19th Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: Planning for Future Drought with Native Plants with Shannon Callahan – St. Louis Audubon. Register

2 pm March 20th Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: Native Landscaping for Butterflies & Moths with Chris Hartley, Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House. Register

10 am March 22nd St. Louis County Public Library In-Person Class @ Thornhill Branch, St. Louis County: Houseplants for Beginners- The Science of Plant Care. Register

March 23rd Partners for Native Landscaping In-Person Workshop & Plant Sale, Maryland Heights Community Center

8:30 am March 24th St. Louis Audubon Society Beginner Bird Walk at Tower Grove Park. 8 years and older. Register

Noon March 24th St. Louis Audubon Society Beginner Bird Walk at Tower Grove Park. Register

6:30-8 pm March 26th The Watershed Nature Center, Edwardsville IL In Person Workshop: Knowing and Growing the Native Garden. Free. Register

6 pm March 28th Table to Garden, Willoughby Heritage Farm, Seed St. Louis Class 3 of 4 core composting series at Willoughby Heritage Farm, Collinsville IL: Pick Your System. $12. Register

Missouri Wildflowers Nursery returns to Kirkwood Market Saturdays 8 am – 4 pm April 6, 13, 20, 27 May 25 June 1 Order in advance for pick up at Market or select from what they bring

Volunteers Wanted. 9-11 am and 1-3 pm April 6th Forest ReLeaf April Open Nursery Potting Day at CommuniTree Gardens Nursery, Maryland Heights. Register

2 pm April 8th St. Louis Public Library program at Central Library: Plants, Pollen, and Allergies. 35 Seats remaining. Register.

April 9-11 Missouri Native Grasslands Summit, Jefferson City. $75. Register

10 am to 2 pm April 13th Riverlands Native Plant Festival, West Alton MO

7 pm April 13th Stargazing at Tower Grove Park

6 pm April 18th Table to Garden, Willoughby Heritage Farm, Seed St. Louis Class 4 of 4 core composting series at Willoughby Heritage Farm, Collinsville IL: Soil Health. $12. Register

9 am to 5 pm April 26th St. Louis Herb Society Herb Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden, parking lot

Noon April 27th Heartland Conservancy Spring Native Plant Sale at Clinton Hills Conservation Park, Swansea IL

1-4 pm April 27th New Roots Urban Farm Workshop: Waste Prevention (Intercepting Compost Materials from the Landfill), St. Louis Place. Register

8:30 am to 12:30 pm May 4th Webster Groves Women’s Garden Association Plant Sale, First Congregational Church, Webster Groves

9 am to 1 pm May 4th Shaw Nature Reserve Wildflower Market

9 am to 5 pm May 4th West County Daylily Club Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

9 am to 5 pm May 11th St. Louis Hosta Society Show and Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

10 am to 2 pm May 11th Missouri Prairie Foundation Native Plant Sale at Wild Bird Sanctuary, Valley Park. $8-$12 entrance fee.

10 am May 11th Companion Planting 101 Class at Heru Urban Farming, Florissant. Register

9 am to 5 pm May 12th Greater St. Louis Iris Society Show at Missouri Botanical Garden

May 18th Wild Ones Illinois Prairie Chapter Native Plant Sale at Carlock, McLean County IL

9 am to 5 pm May 25th Metropolitan St. Louis African Violet Council Show and Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

1-2 pm May 25th New Roots Urban Farm Workshop: Planting Sunflowers 101 with Farmer Twan, St. Louis Place. Register

June 1st Green Living Festival at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

10 am June 8th How to Trellis Tomatoes Class at Heru Farms, Florissant. Register

June 9th Missouri Botanical Garden sponsored Private Garden Tour. Tickets: $50 MoBot Member, $65 Nonmember

9 am to 5 pm June 15th Carnivorous Plant Society Show and Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

9 am to 5 pm June 22nd Kimmswick Visitor Center Daylily Sale, Jefferson County Mo

July 20st-22nd Shaw Cactus & Succulent Society Cactus & Succulent Sale, St. Louis County

9 am to 5 pm August 3rd Greater St. Louis Iris Society Iris Sale at at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

9 am to 5 pm August 17th Missouri Botanical Garden Daylily Association Plant Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

10-11:30 am August 17th Homegrown Hot Sauce Class with Urban Harvest’s Chef Queenie at Rung, Fox Park. Register

Noon to 5 pm August 18th Orchid Society of Greater St. Louis Auction at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission fee required.

3-7 pm September 6th Shaw Nature Reserve Fall Wildflower Market

9 am to 5 pm September 7th Gateway West Gesneriad Society Show and Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

9 am to 5 pm September 28th Rose Society of Greater St. Louis Show at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

Join us Sundays on Twitter for #GardenSunday to interact with other outdoor and indoor gardeners and nature enthusiasts, ask questions, give answers, share photos.

This Week in Gardening & Nature

Two photos of Lanceleaf Coreopsis: Winter view, leaves. Summer view, yellow flowers.

Plant of the Week: Lanceleaf Coreopsis

If you are only looking for St. Louis Area (Missouri and Illinois) Seed Swaps and Plant Sales, here’s a page for them. Plant Sales Added this week: Daylily, Gesneriad, Iris, Orchid

Start Indoors This Week: Cauliflower, Collards, Chard, Kale, Kohlrabi, Parsley
Plan your garden with NEW 2024 Seed St. Louis Planting Calendar

Gardening by Month: February from Missouri Botanical Garden: Gardening Tips, Tasks, & Problems. In February, sow seeds of larkspur, sweet peas, poppies, and snapdragons outdoors.

Order your Grow Native! Free Resource Guide to Native Plants in Missouri– products, services, institutions

Keep Up To Date on Missouri Environmental Legislation at Missouri Coalition for the Environment’s Bill Tracker

February 28th Deadline to apply for Missouri Coalition for the Environment High School Student Environmental Action Award

Good Reads —

Advice on preventing your Corn Plants (Dracaena) from turning brown on the tips (P. Allen Smith)

Seed Libraries in Missouri– did not find any in St. Louis City

Pet waste left to wash into the soil can spread life-threatening parasites, so disposing of it properly is key. Gift article (Washington Post)

Ospreys on the Chicago River? There’s a push to build high perches where eagles now fly. Volunteers want to build an osprey perch at Horner Park in hopes of enticing a male to nest there and look for a mate. It’s part of a decade-long effort to restore the park’s ecosystem. (Block Club Chicago)

Fascinating article on Cork Oak. This ancient material is displacing plastics and creating a billion-dollar industry. Gifted article (Washington Post)

Illinois Native Plants for the Home Landscape

Missouri Native Plant Top 10 Lists (Grow Native) Native Plants for Children, Poorly Drained Clay Soil, Sun, Shade, Half Sun & Half Shade, Under Utility Poles, Rain Gardens, Kitchen Gardens, Bees,  Pollinators in Winter, Hummingbirds, Wildlife, Butterflies, More

2023 Plants of Merit – Annuals, Bulbs, Edibles, Perennials, Shrubs, Trees, Vines (Missouri Botanical Garden)

2023 Plants of Demerit – Bamboo, Big Leaf Hydrangea, Blueberry, Burning Bush, Chameleon Plant,  Lavender, Pin Oak, Wintercreeper (Missouri Botanical Garden)

Gardening and Nature Events

Now thru Feb 25th at Missouri Botanical Garden: Orchid Show. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings

9 am to 3 pm Saturday, February 10th, Eagle Days at Audubon Center @ Riverlands (West Alton, Missouri). Register

Volunteers Wanted. 10 am to 1 pm Saturday, February 10th, Friends of Belleview Farm Park: Honeysuckle Removal Workday, St. Louis County. Also see

1 pm Saturday, February 10th, St. Louis Public Library Class @ Central Library: Top 10 Orchids for Home. 33 Seats remaining. Register.

6 pm February 12th Missouri River Bird Observatory Zoom Winter Learning Series: Light Pollution and Birds presented by Travis Longcore, UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability. Register

2 pm February 13th Seed St. Louis and St. Louis County Public Library Virtual Class: Starting Seedlings. Register

5 pm February 13th Missouri Department of Conservation Zoom event: Introduction to Great Backyard Bird Count. Register. Also see Cornell Lab of Ornithology video on GBBC (YouTube)

6:30 pm February 13th Piasa Sierra Club Speaker Series at Old Bakery Beer, Alton IL: Alton Works National Parks Proposal presented by Kiku Obata. Register

9 to 11 am February 14th Black History Month event at Missouri Botanical Garden: Learn about Edmond Albius, who discovered the technique still used today to pollinate vanilla when he was 12 years old but was never compensated for his contribution to this multi-million-dollar industry. The Garden’s Education team will share his story with engaging activities and takeaways. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

4 pm February 14th Missouri Prairie Foundation Webinar: Native Grassland Birds: Population Trends and Conservation. Register

February 15-16th Deep Roots Kansas City 2024 Plan It Native Landscapes Conference at Kauffman Foundation Conference Center, KC. $225. Register

9 am February 16th Missouri Department of Conservation In-Person event at Powder Valley Nature Conservation Center: Great Backyard Bird Count. 23 Seats remaining. Register. Also see Cornell Lab of Ornithology video on GBBC (YouTube)

February 17th Seed St. Louis Community Agriculture Conference. In-Person or Virtual. $10. Register

9:30 am February 19th Missouri Conservation Department In-Person event at Forest Park: Great Backyard Bird Count. 23 Tickets remaining. Register

7 pm February 20th Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: Native Plants for Native Pollinators with Dr. Ed Spevak, St. Louis Zoo. Register

9 am February 21st Black History Month at Missouri Botanical Garden. Tyrean “Heru” Lewis of Heru Urban Farming will share his latest endeavors to further his mission of transforming the community’s access to quality wholesome food. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

11 am February 21st Black History Month at Missouri Botanical Garden. Screening of High on the Hog, a documentary on the history of foods native to Africa and foods that came to the U.S. through the Transatlantic Slave Trade and are still part of our current food selections.  Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

2 pm February 21st Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: Native Plant Gardening 101 with Erin Goss, Shaw Nature Reserve. Register

6 pm February 22nd Table to Garden, Willoughby Heritage Farm, Seed St. Louis Class 1 of 4 core composting series at Willoughby Heritage Farm, Collinsville IL: Eat Your Compost. $12. Register

7:30 am to Noon February 23rd Southwest Illinois Grow Native! Workshop with breakfast @ Lewis and Clark Community College, Edwardsville IL: Southwest Illinois Landscape Challenges & Native Plant Solutions. $25 Grow Native! Members, $15 Students, $30 Non-members

3:30 pm February 23rd Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Native Plants- Planning and Prepping Your Garden. Register.

Ages 12+. 10 am February 24th Missouri Conservation Department event at Tower Grove Park, Stupp Center: Wildlife CSI- Conservation Scene Investigation. 16 seats remaining. Register

7 pm February 27th Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: The Social Benefits of Trees with Rebecca Hankins, Forest ReLeaf of Missouri. Register

2 pm February 28th Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: Native? Invasive? Exotic? Choose Eco-Logically with Jean Ponzi, Earthways Center. Register

6-8 pm Wednesdays, February 28th-April 3rd Forest ReLeaf 6 Week TreeKeepers Introductory Course at Renewable Energy Center, Maryland Hts. Register

6 pm February 29th Seed St. Louis Zoom Class: So You Want to Start a Garden: Our Favorite Things, & What You Don’t Need. Register

10 am March 1st Bellefontaine Cemetery History & Horticulture Walking Tour. Register

9 am to Noon March 2nd Bellefontaine Cemetery Garage Sale

10 am March 5th Bellefontaine Cemetery History & Horticulture Trolley Tour. $5. Register

2 pm March 5th Seed St. Louis and St. Louis County Public Library Webinar: Dormant Fruit Tree Pruning. Register

7 pm March 5th Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: Using iNaturalist in Your Garden with Dr. Nina Fogel, ShutterBee & Washington University. Register

10 am March 6th Bellefontaine Cemetery Springtime History & Horticulture Walking Tour. Register

1 pm March 6th St. Louis Public Library In Person Class @ Central Library: Alien Invasion! Plants with Betsy Alexander, Master Gardener from the Missouri Botanical Gardens Master Gardener Program. 35 Seats remaining. Register.

2 pm March 6th Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with Seed St. Louis and St. Louis County Public Libraryt: Native Plant Food Gardening Panel– Dr. Nadia Navarrete Tindall, Lincoln University; Matt Lebon, Custom Foodscaping; Dean Gunderson , Seed STL; Moderator Jean Ponzi, Earthways Center. Register

6 pm March 7th 6 pm February 22nd Table to Garden, Willoughby Heritage Farm, Seed St. Louis Class 2 of 4 core composting series at Willoughby Heritage Farm, Collinsville IL: Composting 101. $12. Register

March 8th-9th Midwestern Herb & Garden Show in Mount Vernon, Illinois (little over an hour drive from St. Louis City)

9 am to Noon March 9th Seed St. Louis Plant Sale: Potatoes, Strawberries, Asparagus, Mushroom Spawn, Onions.

Noon March 9th Piasa Sierra Club Seed Swap at Milton Schoolhouse, Alton IL. Register

Noon March 12th Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Native Plants- The Mints- Fresh Breath for Pollinators. Register

7 pm March 12th Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: Kill Your Lawn for the Birds with Emily Connor, Audubon Riverlands and Dan Pearson, St. Louis Audubon. Register

10 am March 13th Bellefontaine Cemetery Springtime History & Horticulture Walking Tour. Register

Noon March 13th Missouri Conservation Department Zoom event: Native Plants- Planting for Hummingbirds. Register

2 pm March 13th Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: Container Gardening with Native Plants with Joan Klingensmith, Shaw Nature Reserve. Register

7 pm March 19th Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: Planning for Future Drought with Native Plants with Shannon Callahan – St. Louis Audubon. Register

2 pm March 20th Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: Native Landscaping for Butterflies & Moths with Chris Hartley, Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House. Register

March 23rd Partners for Native Landscaping In-Person Workshop & Plant Sale, Maryland Heights Community Center

Noon March 24th St. Louis Audubon Society Beginner Bird Walk at Tower Grove Park. Register

6 pm March 28th Table to Garden, Willoughby Heritage Farm, Seed St. Louis Class 3 of 4 core composting series at Willoughby Heritage Farm, Collinsville IL: Pick Your System. $12. Register

Missouri Wildflowers Nursery returns to Kirkwood Market Saturdays 8 am – 4 pm April 6, 13, 20, 27 May 25 June 1 Order in advance for pick up at Market or select from what they bring

2 pm April 8th St. Louis Public Library program at Central Library: Plants, Pollen, and Allergies. 35 Seats remaining. Register.

April 9-11 Missouri Native Grasslands Summit, Jefferson City. $75. Register

6 pm April 18th Table to Garden, Willoughby Heritage Farm, Seed St. Louis Class 4 of 4 core composting series at Willoughby Heritage Farm, Collinsville IL: Soil Health. $12. Register

9 am to 5 pm April 26th St. Louis Herb Society Herb Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden, parking lot

8:30 am to 12:30 pm May 4th Webster Groves Women’s Garden Association Plant Sale, First Congregational Church, Webster Groves

9 am to 1 pm May 4th Shaw Nature Reserve Wildflower Market

9 am to 5 pm May 4th West County Daylily Club Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

9 am to 5 pm May 11th St. Louis Hosta Society Show and Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

9 am to 5 pm May 12th Greater St. Louis Iris Society Show at Missouri Botanical Garden

May 18th Wild Ones Illinois Prairie Chapter Native Plant Sale at Carlock, McLean County IL

9 am to 5 pm May 25th Metropolitan St. Louis African Violet Council Show and Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

9 am to 5 pm June 15th Carnivorous Plant Society Show and Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

July 20st-22nd Shaw Cactus & Succulent Society Cactus & Succulent Sale, St. Louis County

9 am to 5 pm August 3rd Greater St. Louis Iris Society Iris Sale at at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

9 am to 5 pm August 17th Missouri Botanical Garden Daylily Association Plant Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

Noon to 5 pm August 18th Orchid Society of Greater St. Louis Auction at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission fee required.

9 am to 5 pm September 7th Gateway West Gesneriad Society Show and Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

9 am to 5 pm September 28th Rose Society of Greater St. Louis Show at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

Join us Sundays on Twitter for #GardenSunday to interact with other outdoor and indoor gardeners and nature enthusiasts, ask questions, give answers, share photos.

This Week in Gardening & Nature

Plant of the Week: Rue, a nonnative that serves as a Black Swallowtail nursery plant and provides winter interest. Heads up. Wear gloves when planting or cutting Rue back. Some, but not all of us, have got nasty rashes working with them without gloves on. Lesson learned.

If you are only looking for St. Louis Area (Missouri and Illinois) Seed Swaps and Plant Sales, here’s a page for them. Plant Sales Added this week: African Violets, Carnivorous, Daylilies, Hosta

Start Indoors This Week: Cauliflower, Collards, Chard, Kale, Kohlrabi, Parsley
Plan your garden with NEW 2024 Seed St. Louis Planting Calendar

Want a tropical getaway this week? How about the 85°, lush, green tropical rainforest environment at Missouri Botanical Garden’s Climatron? Free admission to City and County residents Wednesday and Saturday mornings

Order your Grow Native! Free Resource Guide to Native Plants in Missouri– products, services, institutions

Keep Up To Date on Missouri Environmental Legislation at Missouri Coalition for the Environment’s Bill Tracker

Monarch Watch Free Milkweeds for Schools and Nonprofits Program

January 31st Deadline to apply for Missouri Native Plant Society Stan Hudson Research Grant for college student researching Missouri native plants (plant biology, including conservation, ecology, physiology, systematics and evolution, etc)

February 28th Deadline to apply for Missouri Coalition for the Environment High School Student Environmental Action Award

Good Reads —

Gardening by Month: February from Missouri Botanical Garden: Gardening Tips, Tasks, & Problems. In February, sow seeds of larkspur, sweet peas, poppies, and snapdragons outdoors.

February Garden To Do List from P. Allen Smith

Billions of cicadas will emerge in the U.S. this year in a rare double-brood event This year’s dual emergence is a rare, synchronized event that last occurred in 1803. (NBC News)

Native Plants for Renters: Container Gardening with Native Plants (Missouri Botanical Garden)

Wild Ones Native Garden Designs

Illinois Native Plants for the Home Landscape

Missouri Native Plant Top 10 Lists (Grow Native) Native Plants for Children, Poorly Drained Clay Soil, Sun, Shade, Half Sun & Half Shade, Under Utility Poles, Rain Gardens, Kitchen Gardens, Bees,  Pollinators in Winter, Hummingbirds, Wildlife, Butterflies, More

2023 Plants of Merit – Annuals, Bulbs, Edibles, Perennials, Shrubs, Trees, Vines (Missouri Botanical Garden)

2023 Plants of Demerit – Bamboo, Big Leaf Hydrangea, Blueberry, Burning Bush, Chameleon Plant,  Lavender, Pin Oak, Wintercreeper (Missouri Botanical Garden)

Gardening and Nature Events

Now thru February 25th at Missouri Botanical Garden: Orchid Show. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

6:30 pm Monday, January 29th, Missouri River Bird Observatory Zoom Winter Learning Series: Problems with Plastic, Worse Than You Think with Rebekah Creshkoff, Beyond Plastics. Register

4 pm Wednesday, January 31st, Grow Native! Webinar In Bloom- Successional Native Plantings for Continuous Blooms with Alix Daniel and Cydney Ross, Native Landscape Specialists at Gorman Conservation Center, Kansas City. Register

For Ages 5+. 10:30 am Friday, February 2nd, Missouri Conservation Department Class at Tower Grove Park, Stupp Center: Missouri’s Furbearers and the Fur Trade. 7 Seats remaining. Register.

9 am Saturday, February 3rd, Missouri Conservation event: Hiking- The Sights and Sounds of Emmenegger Nature Park, Kirkwood. 4 Tickets remaining. Register

10 am Saturday, February 3rd, Missouri Conservation Department event at Howard Wood Urban Outreach Office, Brightside Building, Southwest Gardens: Eagle Power. 5 Seats available. Register

7 pm Saturday, February 3rd, Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Birds- Hootin’ Hunters. Register

Noon Sunday, February 4th, Piasa Sierra Club Seed Swap at Alton YMCA, Alton IL. Register

1-4:30 pm Sunday, February 4th, Missouri Coalition for the Environment Wild and Scenic Film Festival at The Blue Note, Columbia MO. MCE members 20% Discount. $50 VIP, $20 General Admission, $10 16 and under. Register.

6:30 pm February 5th Missouri River Bird Observatory Zoom Winter Learning Series: Rare Insects of Missouri and Their Conservation with Steve Buback, Missouri Department of Conservation. Register

9 am to 3 pm February 10th Eagle Days at Audubon Center @ Riverlands (West Alton, Missouri). Register

Volunteers Wanted. 10 am to 1 pm February 10th Friends of Belleview Farm Park: Honeysuckle Removal Workday, St. Louis County. Also see

1 pm February 10th St. Louis Public Library Class @ Central Library: Top 10 Orchids for Home. 34 Seats remaining. Register.

11 am February 11th Missouri Conservation Department In-Person Event: Winter Bird Walk at Laumeier Sculpture Park. 8 Tickets available. Register

6 pm February 12th Missouri River Bird Observatory Zoom Winter Learning Series: Light Pollution and Birds presented by Travis Longcore, UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability. Register

2 pm February 13th Seed St. Louis and St. Louis County Public Library Virtual Class: Starting Seedlings. Register

5 pm February 13th Missouri Department of Conservation Zoom event: Introduction to Great Backyard Bird Count. Register. Also see Cornell Lab of Ornithology video on GBBC (YouTube)

4 pm February 14th Missouri Prairie Foundation Webinar: Native Grassland Birds: Population Trends and Conservation. Register

February 15-16th Deep Roots Kansas City 2024 Plan It Native Landscapes Conference at Kauffman Foundation Conference Center, KC. $225. Register

9 am February 16th Missouri Department of Conservation In-Person event at Powder Valley Nature Conservation Center: Great Backyard Bird Count. 23 Seats remaining. Register. Also see Cornell Lab of Ornithology video on GBBC (YouTube)

9 am February 17th Missouri Conservation Department In-Person event at Dresser Island Conservation Area, West Alton Mo: Dresser Island Hike – Great Backyard Bird Count. 1 Ticket remaining. Register. Also see Cornell Lab of Ornithology video on GBBC (YouTube)

February 17th Seed St. Louis Community Agriculture Conference. In-Person or Virtual. $10. Register

9:30 am February 19th Missouri Conservation Department In-Person event at Forest Park: Great Backyard Bird Count. 26 Tickets remaining. Register

7 pm February 20th Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: Native Plants for Native Pollinators with Dr. Ed Spevak, St. Louis Zoo. Register

2 pm February 21st Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: Native Plant Gardening 101 with Erin Goss, Shaw Nature Reserve. Register

6 pm February 22nd Table to Garden, Willoughby Heritage Farm, Seed St. Louis Class 1 of 4 core composting series at Willoughby Heritage Farm, Collinsville IL: Eat Your Compost. $12. Register

7:30 am to Noon February 23rd Southwest Illinois Grow Native! Workshop with breakfast @ Lewis and Clark Community College, Edwardsville IL: Southwest Illinois Landscape Challenges & Native Plant Solutions. $25 Grow Native! Members, $15 Students, $30 Non-members

3:30 pm February 23rd Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Native Plants- Planning and Prepping Your Garden. Register. Also see Cornell Lab of Ornithology video on GBBC (YouTube)

Ages 12+. 10 am February 24th Missouri Conservation Department event at Tower Grove Park, Stupp Center: Wildlife CSI- Conservation Scene Investigation. Register

7 pm February 27th Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: The Social Benefits of Trees with Rebecca Hankins, Forest ReLeaf of Missouri. Register

2 pm February 28th Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: Native? Invasive? Exotic? Choose Eco-Logically with Jean Ponzi, Earthways Center. Register

6-8 pm Wednesdays, February 28th-April 3rd Forest ReLeaf 6 Week TreeKeepers Introductory Course at Renewable Energy Center, Maryland Hts. Register

10 am March 1st Bellefontaine Cemetery History & Horticulture Walking Tour. Register

9 am to Noon March 2nd Bellefontaine Cemetery Garage Sale

10 am March 5th Bellefontaine Cemetery History & Horticulture Trolley Tour. $5. Register

7 pm March 5th Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: Using iNaturalist in Your Garden with Dr. Nina Fogel, ShutterBee & Washington University. Register

10 am March 6th Bellefontaine Cemetery Springtime History & Horticulture Walking Tour. Register

1 pm March 6th St. Louis Public Library In Person Class @ Central Library: Alien Invasion! Plants with Betsy Alexander, Master Gardener from the Missouri Botanical Gardens Master Gardener Program. 35 Seats remaining. Register.

2 pm March 6th Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with Seed St. Louis and St. Louis County Public Libraryt: Native Plant Food Gardening Panel– Dr. Nadia Navarrete Tindall, Lincoln University; Matt Lebon, Custom Foodscaping; Dean Gunderson , Seed STL; Moderator Jean Ponzi, Earthways Center. Register

6 pm March 7th 6 pm February 22nd Table to Garden, Willoughby Heritage Farm, Seed St. Louis Class 2 of 4 core composting series at Willoughby Heritage Farm, Collinsville IL: Composting 101. $12. Register

March 8th-9th Midwestern Herb & Garden Show in Mount Vernon, Illinois (little over an hour drive from St. Louis City)

9 am to Noon March 9th Seed St. Louis Plant Sale: Potatoes, Strawberries, Asparagus, Mushroom Spawn, Onions.

Noon March 9th Piasa Sierra Club Seed Swap at Milton Schoolhouse, Alton IL. Register

Noon March 12th Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Native Plants- The Mints- Fresh Breath for Pollinators. Register

7 pm March 12th Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: Kill Your Lawn for the Birds with Emily Connor, Audubon Riverlands and Dan Pearson, St. Louis Audubon. Register

10 am March 13th Bellefontaine Cemetery Springtime History & Horticulture Walking Tour. Register

Noon March 13th Missouri Conservation Department Zoom event: Native Plants- Planting for Hummingbirds. Register

2 pm March 13th Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: Container Gardening with Native Plants with Joan Klingensmith, Shaw Nature Reserve. Register

7 pm March 19th Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: Planning for Future Drought with Native Plants with Shannon Callahan – St. Louis Audubon. Register

2 pm March 20th Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: Native Landscaping for Butterflies & Moths with Chris Hartley, Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House. Register

March 23rd Partners for Native Landscaping In-Person Workshop & Plant Sale, Maryland Heights Community Center

Noon March 24th St. Louis Audubon Society Beginner Bird Walk at Tower Grove Park. Register

6 pm March 28th Table to Garden, Willoughby Heritage Farm, Seed St. Louis Class 3 of 4 core composting series at Willoughby Heritage Farm, Collinsville IL: Pick Your System. $12. Register

Missouri Wildflowers Nursery returns to Kirkwood Market Saturdays 8 am – 4 pm April 6, 13, 20, 27 May 25 June 1 Order in advance for pick up at Market or select from what they bring

2 pm April 8th St. Louis Public Library program at Central Library: Plants, Pollen, and Allergies. 35 Seats remaining. Register.

April 9-11 Missouri Native Grasslands Summit, Jefferson City. $75. Register

6 pm April 18th Table to Garden, Willoughby Heritage Farm, Seed St. Louis Class 4 of 4 core composting series at Willoughby Heritage Farm, Collinsville IL: Soil Health. $12. Register

9 am to 5 pm April 26th St. Louis Herb Society Herb Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden, parking lot

8:30 am to 12:30 pm May 4th Webster Groves Women’s Garden Association Plant Sale, First Congregational Church, Webster Groves

9 am to 1 pm May 4th Shaw Nature Reserve Wildflower Market

9 am to 5 pm May 4th West County Daylily Club Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

9 am to 5 pm May 11th St. Louis Hosta Society Show and Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

9 am to 5 pm May 12th Greater St. Louis Iris Society Show at Missouri Botanical Garden

May 18th Wild Ones Illinois Prairie Chapter Native Plant Sale at Carlock, McLean County IL

9 am to 5 pm May 25th Metropolitan St. Louis African Violet Council Show and Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

9 am to 5 pm June 15th Carnivorous Plant Society Show and Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

July 20st-22nd Shaw Cactus & Succulent Society Cactus & Succulent Sale, St. Louis County

9 am to 5 pm September 28th Rose Society of Greater St. Louis Show at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

Join us Sundays on Twitter for #GardenSunday to interact with other outdoor and indoor gardeners and nature enthusiasts, ask questions, give answers, share photos.

This Week in Gardening & Nature

Two photos of chamomile. Top photo is green foliage in raised wood garden bed in winter with snow. Bottom photo is chamomile in May with many white with yellow center daisy-like flowers.

Plant of the Week: Chamomile. Beautiful and tasty flowers in summer. Winter interest from self-sowing.

If you are only looking for St. Louis Area (Missouri and Illinois) Seed Swaps and Plant Sales, here’s a page for them

Start Indoors This Week: Broccoli, Cabbage, Leeks, Onions (if not already)
Start Indoors First Week February: Cauliflower, Collards, Chard, Kale, Kohlrabi, Parsley
Plan your garden with NEW 2024 Seed St. Louis Planting Calendar

Want a tropical getaway this week? How about the 85°, lush, green tropical rainforest environment at Missouri Botanical Garden’s Climatron? Free admission to City and County residents Wednesday and Saturday mornings

Order your Grow Native! Free Resource Guide to Native Plants in Missouri– products, services, institutions

Keep Up To Date on Missouri Environmental Legislation at Missouri Coalition for the Environment’s Bill Tracker

Monarch Watch Free Milkweeds for Schools and Nonprofits Program

January 31st Deadline to apply for Missouri Native Plant Society Stan Hudson Research Grant for college student researching Missouri native plants (plant biology, including conservation, ecology, physiology, systematics and evolution, etc)

February 28th Deadline to apply for Missouri Coalition for the Environment High School Student Environmental Action Award

Good Reads —

The Bird That Lives in St. Louis — and Pretty Much Only St. Louis. Germans brought the Eurasian Tree Sparrow to Lafayette Park and it never left (Riverfront Times)

Wild Ones Native Garden Designs

Illinois Native Plants for the Home Landscape

Missouri Native Plant Top 10 Lists (Grow Native) Native Plants for Children, Poorly Drained Clay Soil, Sun, Shade, Half Sun & Half Shade, Under Utility Poles, Rain Gardens, Kitchen Gardens, Bees,  Pollinators in Winter, Hummingbirds, Wildlife, Butterflies, More

2023 Plants of Merit – Annuals, Bulbs, Edibles, Perennials, Shrubs, Trees, Vines (Missouri Botanical Garden)

2023 Plants of Demerit – Bamboo, Big Leaf Hydrangea, Blueberry, Burning Bush, Chameleon Plant,  Lavender, Pin Oak, Wintercreeper (Missouri Botanical Garden)

Gardening and Nature Events

6:30 pm Monday, January 22nd, Missouri River Bird Observatory Zoom Winter Learning Series: Nearby nature- Trends in Urban Biodiversity From the Global to Local Scale with Trends in Urban Biodiversity Pittsburg State University. Register

Noon Wednesday, January 24th, Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Missouri Oak. Learn about the 21 Oak species found in various habitats across Missouri. Register

1 pm Wednesday, January 24th, Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Cavity Nesters and Nesting Boxes. Register

6 pm Thursday, January 25th, St. Charles Chapter Wild Ones Webinar: Cultivating Change with author and activist Lorraine Johnson. Register

7 pm Friday, January 26th, Missouri Conservation Department event at Powder Valley Nature Conservation Center, Kirkwood: An Evening with Raptors. Register

9 am to 5 pm Saturday-Sunday, January 27th-28th, Orchid Society of St. Louis Orchid Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden Admission is free to residents of St. Louis City and St. Louis County on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

9 am to 5 pm Saturday thru February 25th Orchid Show at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden Admission is free to residents of St. Louis City and St. Louis County on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

10 am Saturday, January 27th St. Louis County Library, Daniel Boone Branch Library, Ellisville: Seed Swap

10 am Saturday, January 27th, Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Winter Tree ID. Learn how to identify trees by their twigs, fruits, and bark. 29 Tickets remaining. Register

6:30 pm January 29th Missouri River Bird Observatory Zoom Winter Learning Series: Problems with Plastic, Worse Than You Think with Rebekah Creshkoff, Beyond Plastics. Register

4 pm January 31st Grow Native! Webinar In Bloom- Successional Native Plantings for Continuous Blooms with Alix Daniel and Cydney Ross, Native Landscape Specialists at Gorman Conservation Center, Kansas City. Register

10 am Saturday, January 27th, St. Louis County Public Library Seed Swap at Daniel Boone Branch, Ellisville

Noon to 5 pm Sunday, January 28th, gardening event at Steampunk Brew Works, Town & Country: STL Seeding Frenzy. Lots of companies have donated seeds. Bring seeds to share and/or donate non-perishable food, hygiene products. Mushroom growing class. Raffles.

6:30 pm January 29th Missouri River Bird Observatory Zoom Winter Learning Series: Problems with Plastic, Worse Than You Think. Register

4 pm January 31st Grow Native! Webinar: In Bloom- Successional Native Plantings for Continuous Blooms with Alix Daniel and Cydney Ross, Native Landscape Specialists at Gorman Conservation Discovery Center in Kansas City. Register

For Ages 5+. 10:30 am February 2nd Missouri Conservation Department Class at Tower Grove Park, Stupp Center: Missouri’s Furbearers and the Fur Trade. 19 Seats remaining. Register.

10 am February 3rd Missouri Conservation Department event at Howard Wood Urban Outreach Office, Brightside Building, Southwest Gardens: Eagle Power. 9 Seats available. Register

Noon February 4th Piasa Sierra Club Seed Swap at Alton YMCA, Alton IL. Register

1-4:30 pm February 4th Missouri Coalition for the Environment Wild and Scenic Film Festival at The Blue Note, Columbia MO. MCE members 20% Discount. $50 VIP, $20 General Admission, $10 16 and under. Register.

6:30 pm February 5th Missouri River Bird Observatory Zoom Winter Learning Series: Rare Insects of Missouri and Their Conservation with Steve Buback, Missouri Department of Conservation. Register

9 am to 3 pm February 10th Eagle Days at Audubon Center @ Riverlands (West Alton, Missouri). Register

Volunteers Wanted. 10 am to 1 pm February 10th Friends of Belleview Farm Park: Honeysuckle Removal Workday, St. Louis County. Also see

1 pm February 10th St. Louis Public Library Class @ Central Library: Top 10 Orchids for Home. 35 Seats remaining. Register.

2 pm February 13th Seed St. Louis and St. Louis County Public Library Virtual Class: Starting Seedlings. Register

7 am to Noon February 14th Missouri Conservation Department class at Forest Park Hatchery: All About Trout, Lesson #1 and #2. 4 Seats remaining. Register

February 15-16th Deep Roots Kansas City 2024 Plan It Native Landscapes Conference at Kauffman Foundation Conference Center, KC. $225. Register

February 17th Seed St. Louis Community Agriculture Conference. In-Person or Virtual. $10. Register

7 pm February 20th Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: Native Plants for Native Pollinators with Dr. Ed Spevak, St. Louis Zoo. Register

2 pm February 21st Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: Native Plant Gardening 101 with Erin Goss, Shaw Nature Reserve. Register

6 pm February 22nd Table to Garden, Willoughby Heritage Farm, Seed St. Louis Class 1 of 4 core composting series at Willoughby Heritage Farm, Collinsville IL: Eat Your Compost. $12. Register

7:30 am to Noon February 23rd Southwest Illinois Grow Native! Workshop with breakfast @ Lewis and Clark Community College, Edwardsville IL: Southwest Illinois Landscape Challenges & Native Plant Solutions. $25 Grow Native! Members, $15 Students, $30 Non-members

3:30 pm February 23rd Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Native Plants- Planning and Prepping Your Garden. Register

Ages 12+. 10 am February 24th Missouri Conservation Department event at Tower Grove Park, Stupp Center: Wildlife CSI- Conservation Scene Investigation. Register

7 pm February 27th Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: The Social Benefits of Trees with Rebecca Hankins, Forest ReLeaf of Missouri. Register

2 pm February 28th Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: Native? Invasive? Exotic? Choose Eco-Logically with Jean Ponzi, Earthways Center. Register

6-8 pm Wednesdays, February 28th-April 3rd Forest ReLeaf 6 Week TreeKeepers Introductory Course at Renewable Energy Center, Maryland Hts. Register

10 am March 1st Bellefontaine Cemetery History & Horticulture Walking Tour. Register

9 am to Noon March 2nd Bellefontaine Cemetery Garage Sale

10 am March 5th Bellefontaine Cemetery History & Horticulture Trolley Tour. $5. Register

7 pm March 5th Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: Using iNaturalist in Your Garden with Dr. Nina Fogel, ShutterBee & Washington University. Register

10 am March 6th Bellefontaine Cemetery Springtime History & Horticulture Walking Tour. Register

1 pm March 6th St. Louis Public Library In Person Class @ Central Library: Alien Invasion! Plants with Betsy Alexander, Master Gardener from the Missouri Botanical Gardens Master Gardener Program. 35 Seats remaining. Register.

2 pm March 6th Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with Seed St. Louis and St. Louis County Public Libraryt: Native Plant Food Gardening Panel– Dr. Nadia Navarrete Tindall, Lincoln University; Matt Lebon, Custom Foodscaping; Dean Gunderson , Seed STL; Moderator Jean Ponzi, Earthways Center. Register

6 pm March 7th 6 pm February 22nd Table to Garden, Willoughby Heritage Farm, Seed St. Louis Class 2 of 4 core composting series at Willoughby Heritage Farm, Collinsville IL: Composting 101. $12. Register

March 8th-9th Midwestern Herb & Garden Show in Mount Vernon, Illinois (little over an hour drive from St. Louis City)

9 am to Noon March 9th Seed St. Louis Plant Sale: Potatoes, Strawberries, Asparagus, Mushroom Spawn, Onions.

Noon March 9th Piasa Sierra Club Seed Swap at Milton Schoolhouse, Alton IL. Register

Noon March 12th Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Native Plants- The Mints- Fresh Breath for Pollinators. Register

7 pm March 12th Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: Kill Your Lawn for the Birds with Emily Connor, Audubon Riverlands and Dan Pearson, St. Louis Audubon. Register

10 am March 13th Bellefontaine Cemetery Springtime History & Horticulture Walking Tour. Register

Noon March 13th Missouri Conservation Department Zoom event: Native Plants- Planting for Hummingbirds. Register

2 pm March 13th Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: Container Gardening with Native Plants with Joan Klingensmith, Shaw Nature Reserve. Register

7 pm March 19th Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: Planning for Future Drought with Native Plants with Shannon Callahan – St. Louis Audubon. Register

2 pm March 20th Partners for Native Landscaping Zoom Speaker Series with St. Louis County Public Library: Native Landscaping for Butterflies & Moths with Chris Hartley, Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House. Register

March 23rd Partners for Native Landscaping In-Person Workshop & Plant Sale, Maryland Heights Community Center

Noon March 24th St. Louis Audubon Society Beginner Bird Walk at Tower Grove Park. Register

6 pm March 28th Table to Garden, Willoughby Heritage Farm, Seed St. Louis Class 3 of 4 core composting series at Willoughby Heritage Farm, Collinsville IL: Pick Your System. $12. Register

Missouri Wildflowers Nursery returns to Kirkwood Market Saturdays 8 am – 4 pm April 6, 13, 20, 27 May 25 June 1 Order in advance for pick up at Market or select from what they bring

2 pm April 8th St. Louis Public Library program at Central Library: Plants, Pollen, and Allergies. 35 Seats remaining. Register.

6 pm April 18th Table to Garden, Willoughby Heritage Farm, Seed St. Louis Class 4 of 4 core composting series at Willoughby Heritage Farm, Collinsville IL: Soil Health. $12. Register

9 am to 5 pm April 26th St. Louis Herb Society Herb Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden, parking lot

8:30 am to 12:30 pm May 4th Webster Groves Women’s Garden Association Plant Sale, First Congregational Church, Webster Groves

9 am to 1 pm May 4th Shaw Nature Reserve Wildflower Market

May 18th Wild Ones Illinois Prairie Chapter Native Plant Sale at Carlock, McLean County IL

July 20st-22nd Shaw Cactus & Succulent Society Cactus & Succulent Sale, St. Louis County

Join us Sundays on Twitter for #GardenSunday to interact with other outdoor and indoor gardeners and nature enthusiasts, ask questions, give answers, share photos.

This Week in Gardening & Nature

Photo of green onions growing in raised wood garden been, January 2024, Missouri

Plant of the Week: Onions. You can start seeds indoor now or buy sets from Seed St. Louis Sale on March 9th and plant

Start Indoors This Week: Broccoli, Cabbage, Leeks, Onions (if not already)
Start Indoors First Week February: Cauliflower, Collards, Chard, Kale, Kohlrabi, Parsley
Plan your garden with NEW 2024 Seed St. Louis Planting Calendar

Garden Tasks to do indoors this week (paywall, St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

Want a tropical getaway this week? How about the 85°, lush, green tropical rainforest environment at Missouri Botanical Garden’s Climatron? Free admission to City and County residents Wednesday and Saturday mornings

Missouri Wildflowers Nursery returns to Kirkwood Market Saturdays 8 am – 4 pm April 6, 13, 20, 27 May 25 June 1 Order in advance for pick up at Market or select from what they bring

Order your Grow Native! Free Resource Guide to Native Plants in Missouri– products, services, institutions

Keep Up To Date on Missouri Environmental Legislation at Missouri Coalition for the Environment’s Bill Tracker

Monarch Watch Free Milkweeds for Schools and Nonprofits Program

January 31st Deadline to apply for Missouri Native Plant Society Stan Hudson Research Grant for college student researching Missouri native plants (plant biology, including conservation, ecology, physiology, systematics and evolution, etc)

February 28th Deadline to apply for Missouri Coalition for the Environment High School Student Environmental Action Award

Good Reads & Views —

The Bird That Lives in St. Louis — and Pretty Much Only St. Louis. Germans brought the Eurasian Tree Sparrow to Lafayette Park and it never left (Riverfront Times)

Controlled Burning in Forest Park, St. Louis City. Enjoy a front seat to see the park deploy this natural land management tool. (Channel 9 PBS YouTube channel)

Seed St. Louis YouTube Channel, lots of helpful videos on gardening

Wild Ones Native Garden Designs

Illinois Native Plants for the Home Landscape

Missouri Native Plant Top 10 Lists (Grow Native) Native Plants for Children, Poorly Drained Clay Soil, Sun, Shade, Half Sun & Half Shade, Under Utility Poles, Rain Gardens, Kitchen Gardens, Bees,  Pollinators in Winter, Hummingbirds, Wildlife, Butterflies, More

2023 Plants of Merit – Annuals, Bulbs, Edibles, Perennials, Shrubs, Trees, Vines (Missouri Botanical Garden)

2023 Plants of Demerit – Bamboo, Big Leaf Hydrangea, Blueberry, Burning Bush, Chameleon Plant,  Lavender, Pin Oak, Wintercreeper (Missouri Botanical Garden)

Gardening and Nature Events

4 pm Wednesday, January 17th, Grow Native! Webinar: Native Plants & Public Art, A Conversation with Kansas City Artist Julie Farstad. Register

Noon Thursday, January 18th, Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Native Plants- Winter Wonderland. Learn about some beautiful showy winter native plants, how to plant them effectively, and winter garden care. Register

9 am Friday, January 19th, Eastern Missouri Sierra Club Volunteer Day at Castlewood State Park, Ballwin. Register

1 pm Sunday, January 21st, Eastern Missouri Sierra Club Forest Park Park Hike #2. Register

Noon January 24th Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Missouri Oak. Learn about the 21 Oak species found in various habitats across Missouri. Register

1 pm January 24th Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Cavity Nesters and Nesting Boxes. Register

6 pm January 25th St. Charles Chapter Wild Ones Webinar: Cultivating Change with author and activist Lorraine Johnson. Register

7 pm January 26th Missouri Conservation Department event at Powder Valley Nature Conservation Center, Kirkwood: An Evening with Raptors. Register

10 am January 27th Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Winter Tree ID. Learn how to identify trees by their twigs, fruits, and bark. Register

January 27th thru February 25th Orchid Show at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden Admission is free to residents of St. Louis City and St. Louis County on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

Noon to 5 pm January 28th gardening event at Steampunk Brew Works, Town & Country: STL Seeding Frenzy. Lots of companies have donated seeds. Bring seeds to share and/or donate non-perishable food, hygiene products. Mushroom growing class. Raffles.

February-March Partners for Native Landscaping 2024 Spring Series Workshops

For Ages 5+. 10:30 am February 2nd Missouri Conservation Department Class at Tower Grove Park, Stupp Center: Missouri’s Furbearers and the Fur Trade. 19 Seats remaining. Register.

10 am February 3rd Missouri Conservation Department event at Howard Wood Urban Outreach Office, Brightside Building, Southwest Gardens: Eagle Power. 19 Seats available. Register

1-4:30 pm February 4th Missouri Coalition for the Environment Wild and Scenic Film Festival at The Blue Note, Columbia MO. MCE members 20% Discount. $50 VIP, $20 General Admission, $10 16 and under. Register.

9 am to 3 pm February 10th Eagle Days at Audubon Center @ Riverlands (West Alton, Missouri). Register

1 pm February 10th St. Louis Public Library Class @ Central Library: Top 10 Orchids for Home. 35 Seats remaining. Register.

2 pm February 13th Seed St. Louis and St. Louis County Public Library Virtual Class: Starting Seedlings. Register

7 am to Noon February 14th Missouri Conservation Department class at Forest Park Hatchery: All About Trout, Lesson #1 and #2. 4 Seats remaining. Register

February 15-16th Deep Roots Kansas City 2024 Plan It Native Landscapes Conference

February 17th Seed St. Louis Community Agriculture Conference. In-Person or Virtual. $10. Register

7:30 am to Noon February 23rd Southwest Illinois Grow Native! Workshop with breakfast @ Lewis and Clark Community College, Edwardsville IL: Southwest Illinois Landscape Challenges & Native Plant Solutions. $25 Grow Native! Members, $15 Students, $30 Non-members

3:30 pm February 23rd Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Native Plants- Planning and Prepping Your Garden. Register

Ages 12+. 10 am February 24th Missouri Conservation Department event at Tower Grove Park, Stupp Center: Wildlife CSI- Conservation Scene Investigation. Register

6-8 pm Wednesdays, February 28th-April 3rd Forest ReLeaf 6 Week TreeKeepers Introductory Course at Renewable Energy Center, Maryland Hts. Register

10 am March 1st Bellefontaine Cemetery History & Horticulture Walking Tour. Register

9 am to Noon March 2nd Bellefontaine Cemetery Garage Sale

10 am March 5th Bellefontaine Cemetery History & Horticulture Trolley Tour. $5. Register

10 am March 6th Bellefontaine Cemetery Springtime History & Horticulture Walking Tour. Register

1 pm March 6th St. Louis Public Library In Person Class @ Central Library: Alien Invasion! Plants with Betsy Alexander, Master Gardener from the Missouri Botanical Gardens Master Gardener Program. 35 Seats remaining. Register.

2 pm March 6th Partners for Native Landscaping Series with Seed St. Louis and St. Louis County Public Library- Virtual Event: Native Plant Food Gardening Panel. Register

March 8th-9th Midwestern Herb & Garden Show in Mount Vernon, Illinois (little over an hour drive from St. Louis City)

9 am to Noon March 9th Seed St. Louis Plant Sale: Potatoes, Strawberries, Asparagus, Mushroom Spawn, Onions.

Noon March 12th Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Native Plants- The Mints- Fresh Breath for Pollinators. Register

10 am March 13th Bellefontaine Cemetery Springtime History & Horticulture Walking Tour. Register

Noon March 13th Missouri Conservation Department Zoom event: Native Plants- Planting for Hummingbirds. Register

2 pm April 8th St. Louis Public Library program at Central Library: Plants, Pollen, and Allergies. 35 Seats remaining. Register.

9 am to 5 pm April 26th St. Louis Herb Society Herb Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden, parking lot

9 am to 1 pm May 4th Shaw Nature Reserve Wildflower Market

May 18th Wild Ones Illinois Prairie Chapter Native Plant Sale at Carlock, McLean County IL

Join us Sundays on Twitter for #GardenSunday to interact with other outdoor and indoor gardeners and nature enthusiasts, ask questions, give answers, share photos.