Tag: Eatsern Red Columbine

This Week in Gardening & Nature

close up photo of columbine flower, red and yellow

Plant of the Week: native Eastern Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis). This is a beautiful hummingbird plant that looks great as a single plant or mass planting. Deadhead to produce more blooms. Please be aware that if different varieties of Columbine are planted in the same space, they may cross pollinate and volunteers may not be true to originals.

many columbine flowers on shrub, red and yellow

Plan your garden with 2026 Seed St. Louis Planting Calendar, good for Zones 6a, 6b, 7a, maybe more. This week: Transplant Basil, Eggplant, Melons, Peppers, Summer Squash, Tomatillo, Tomatoes; Direct Sow Basil, Beans, Cucumber, Melons, Okra, Summer Squash, Tomatillo, Tomatoes

If you are just looking for St. Louis Area Plant and Seed Swaps and Sales, they are here. Added this week: several St. Louis County Seed & Plant Swaps

St. Louis Master Gardeners Horticulture Answer Service: Monday-Thursday from 9 am to 2:30 pm

Find a Native Plant/Seed vendor in Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas, Kansas… (Grow Native)

Good Reads, Views, Listens —

June Gardening Tips, Tasks, Problems (Missouri Botanical Garden)

Gardeners often hear about supposed hacks and quick fixes. Here are some common ones debunked (Associated Press)

How to Make a Willow Obelisk (Mother Earth News)

Caring for Hellebores (University of Missouri Extension)

Prairie Pots Project (Wild Ones)

MU Extension recommends treating clothing to repel ticks. CDC reports increase in tick-related ER visits. (University of Missouri Extension)

Deep Roots Kansas City Native Plant Gardening Videos

Seed St. Louis Videos: Variety Trials, Virtual Classes, Starting Seeds Indoors, Orchard Tips, Gardening Tips & How To, In the Community Garden, Youth Garden Activities & Tips, Teachers in the Garden Tutorials.

Growing Vegetables Advice: Begin with a Plan, Seed Starting, Soil Management, Weed Management, Hardening Off Indoor Seedlings, Season Extension, Supporting Plants, Pest Management, Fertilizing Your Garden, Irrigation, Garden Tool Care, Container Gardens, more (University of Illinois Extension)

Shaw Nature Reserve Propagation Guide

Free Native Garden Designs @ Wild Ones. There’s one specific to St. Louis, one for Chicago, one for Denver, …

Native plant gardening in a pot. Missouri Botanical Garden has container designs for sun and shade.

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 —

—– ONGOING —–

July 15th Deadline to enter Wild Ones Photo Contest. 2026 Categories: Connecting People & Native Plants, Native & Community Landscapes, Native Plants Year-Round, Fauna, Flora

Volunteers Wanted. STL Neighborhood Foresters Neighborhood Tree Care Blitzes
June 2nd Forest Park Southeast. Register
June 20th St. Louis Place. Register
June 20th Benton Park West. Register
June 21st Shaw. Register

Now thru September 26th Missouri Botanical Gardens sculpture exhibit- Patterns in Nature: The Art of HYBYCOZO. Garden Admission Free until Noon on Saturdays and Wednesdays to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents, except during MoBot special events, otherwise Garden Fee applies.

Now thru December 31st Missouri Botanical Gardens photography exhibit- Gardenscapes: Patterns in Bloom. Garden Admission Free until Noon on Saturdays and Wednesdays to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents, except during MoBot special events, otherwise Garden Fee applies.

Thru March 27, 2027, Missouri Botanical Garden exhibit at Sachs Museum– The Literary Garden: The Cultivation of Plants and Gardens in Narratives. Garden Admission Free until Noon on Saturdays and Wednesdays to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents, except during MoBot special events, otherwise Garden Fee applies.

—– DAILY —–

5 Seats remaining. 10:30 am Thursday, May 28th, Missouri Conservation Department class at Rockwoods Reservation, Wildwood: Wild Edibles- Shoots and Stalks. Register

Volunteers Wanted. 11:30 am Thursday, May 28th, Piasa Palisades Sierra Club Service Day at Alton Cemetery & Lovejoy Monument, native planting and invasive plant removal. Register

2 pm Thursday, May 28th, Missouri Botanical Garden Conservancy Lecture with Thomas L. Woltz- A Feast of Edens: Nurturing the Bond Between People and Plants. $45 for Garden Conservancy and Missouri Botanical Garden members; $55 public. Wine Reception to follow. Tickets

5:30 pm Thursday, May 28th, Missouri Conservation Department Virtual Class: Nuisance Wildlife Control Trapping. Register

Volunteers Wanted. 9 am Friday, May 29th, The Nature Institute Restoration Work Day in Godfrey, Illinois: Invasive Species Removal at Mississippi Sanctuary Preserve. Register

8 am to 4 pm Saturday, May 30th, Missouri Wildflowers Nursery at Kirkwood Farmers Market. Order five days in advance for pick up at Market or purchase from what they bring.

8:15 am to Noon Saturday, May 30th, Brightside St. Louis Urban Gardening Symposium. $10

10 am Saturday, May 30th, Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum Spring Arboretum Trolley Tour with Horticulturist. $5 suggested donation. Register

9 Tickets remaining. 10 am Saturday, May 30th, Tower Grove Park Nee Kee Nee (East Stream) Tour. Register

1 pm Saturday, May 30th, Missouri Conservation Department Virtual Class: Stream Team Volunteers Orientation & Onboarding. Register

For ages 18+. 22 Seats remaining. 6 pm Saturday, May 30th, Missouri Conservation Department event with craft project at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center: Flowerpot Snakes- Who’s Slithering in Your Garden? Learn about backyard snakes and create a mini air-dry clay snake sculpture. Register

9 am Sunday, May 31st, Eastern Missouri Sierra Club Bicycle Ride on the paved bike trails of Madison County, Illinois. Register

8:30 pm Sunday, May 31st, The Nature Institute Moonlight Hike on trails of the Mississippi Sanctuary and Olin Nature Preserve, Godfrey IL. Register

Volunteers Wanted: 9:30 am Tuesday, June 2nd, Piasa Palisades Sierra Club Alton IL YWCA Pollinator Garden Work Day. Register

10 am Tuesday, June 2nd, St. Louis Herb Society Pot-A-Plant at PlantLab (adjacent to the Climatron), Missouri Botanical Garden: Learn about Basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Columnar’) and pot a plant to take home (while supplies last). Admission fee to MoBot applies.

9 am June 3rd Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum Wildwood Valley Garden Walk with Horticulturist. $5 suggested donation. Register

Volunteers Wanted. 9 am June 3rd The Nature Institute Restoration Work Day in Godfrey, Illinois: Invasive Species Removal at Mississippi Sanctuary Preserve. Register

1 pm June 3rd Missouri Conservation Department Virtual Class: Dragonflies of Missouri. Register

4 pm June 3rd Grow Native! Webinar: Oak Ecology and Diversity in the Midwest. Register

9 am June 4th Heartlands Conservancy event in Edwardsville, Illinois: Cactus Blossom Walk at Knoll Wildlife Sanctuary. Register

Noon June 4th Deep Roots Kansas City Webinar: Native Garden Maintenance. Register

4 pm June 4th Missouri Botanical Garden Lecture in Biology- Citrus: A World History with Dr. David Mabberley. Garden Admission Free until Noon on Saturdays and Wednesdays to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents, except during MoBot special events, otherwise Garden Fee applies.

6 pm June 4th St. Louis County Public Library class at Prairie Commons Branch: Cultivating Carnivorous Plants, presented by St. Louis Carnivorous Plant Society. Register

Volunteers Wanted. 9 am June 5th Eastern Missouri Sierra Club Service Day at Castlewood State Park, Ballwin. Register

6 Seats remaining. For ages 8+. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. 9 am June 5th Missouri Conservation Department classes at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center: BB Gun Program. Learn how to safely use a BB gun for target practice. Register.

9:30 am June 5th Eastern Missouri Sierra Club Rock Quarry Trail Hike, Rockwoods Reservation, Wildwood. Register

4 Seats remaining. For ages 8+. Children under 16 must be accomplanied by an adult. 11 am June 5th Missouri Conservation Department classes at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center: BB Gun Program. Learn how to safely use a BB gun for target practice. Register.

June 6th-7th Lafayette Square Home & Garden Tour. Tickets $40

10 am to 1 pm June 6th Willoughby Farm Open House & Garden Tour in Collinsville, Illinois

June 6th-7th Hermann Garden Club Garden Tour, Hermann MO. Ticket $21.58

10 am June 8th St. Louis County Public Library class at Oak Bend Branch: Summer Care of Orchard Trees, Vines and Cane Fruit presented by Seed St. Louis. Register

10 am June 8th St. Louis County Public Library class at Eureka Hills Branch: Summer Care of Orchard Trees, Vines and Cane Fruit presented by Seed St. Louis. Register

8 Tickets remaining. 10 am June 9th Tower Grove Park Nee Kee Nee (East Stream) Tour. Register

10 am Tuesday, June 9th, St. Louis Herb Society Pot-A-Plant at PlantLab (adjacent to the Climatron), Missouri Botanical Garden: Learn about Windowsill chives (Allium schoenoprasum ‘Grolau’) and pot a plant to take home (while supplies last). Admission fee to MoBot applies.

1:30 pm June 9th University of Illinois Extension Webinar: Moth Gardening: Amazing Pollinators of the Night. Register

6:30 pm June 9th Piasa Palisades Sierra Cub Speaker Series at Old Bakery Beer, Alton IL: National Rivers Month, presented by Perry Whitaker, former Missouri State Director for the American Canoe Association. Register

9 am June 10th Missouri Botanical Garden’s EarthWays Center event at Education Center on Shaw: Unfolding Nature’s Calendar: Plants, Climate, and Phenology. Register

6 pm June 10th Missouri Coalition for Environment Session Wrap Up Webinar. Register

Volunteers Wanted. 8 am June 11th Heartlands Conservancy volunteer project in Edwardsville, Illinois: Poag Sand Prairie Restoration Stewardship Day. Register

6 pm June 11th St. Louis County Public Library class at Mid-County Branch: Cultivating Carnivorous Plants, presented by St. Louis Carnivorous Plant Society. Register

Volunteers Wanted. 8 am June 12th Eastern Missouri Sierra Club O’Fallon Park Tree Watering. Register

Volunteers Wanted. 8 am June 12th Heartlands Conservancy volunteer project at Clinton Hills Conservation Park, Swansea, Illinois: Exploration Garden Volunteer Stewardship Day. Register

June 12th-13th Madison County IL Extension Education Foundation Garden Tour, private gardens in Glen Carbon. Tickets $15

Volunteers Wanted. 9 am June 13th Heartlands Conservancy volunteer project in Bethalto, Illinois: Stream Cleanup at Steve Bryant Park. Register

10 am June 13th Piasa Palisades Sierra Club outing in Edwardsville, Illinois: Tenderloin Farms Tour, former hog and dairy farm now a lavender farm. Register

11 am June 13th St. Charles County Library Seed & Plant Swap at Spencer Road Branch, St. Peters. Register.

1 pm June 13th St. Louis Public Library Plant & Seed Swap at Thornhill Branch, Fenton. Register

2 pm June 13th St. Louis Public Library Plant & Seed Swap at Meramec Valley Branch, Fenton. Register

10 am Tuesday, June 16th, St. Louis Herb Society Pot-A-Plant at PlantLab (adjacent to the Climatron), Missouri Botanical Garden: Learn about Giant of Italy parsley (Petroselinum crispum) and pot a plant to take home (while supplies last). Admission fee to MoBot applies.

9 am to 5 pm June 17th Missouri Botanical Garden special event: The Freedom Seekers Project & Juneteenth Journey ZMD Collaboration. Garden Admission Fee applies.

4 pm June 17th Grow Native! Webinar: Living Roots & The Promise of Perennial Foods in the Prairie Region. Register

Volunteers Wanted. 8 am June 18th Heartlands Conservancy volunteer project in Edwardsville, Illinois: Knoll Family Wildlife Sanctuary Stewardship Day. Register

2 pm June 18th St. Louis County Public Library class at Rock Road Branch: Grapes and Kiwis- Trellises, Pruning and Care presented by Seed St. Louis. Register

5:30 am June 18th Eastern Missouri Sierra Club Evening Hike at Castlewood State Park, Ballwin. Register

6 pm June 11th St. Louis County Public Library class at Prairie Commons Branch: Cultivating Carnivorous Plants, presented by St. Louis Carnivorous Plant Society. Register

9 am to 5 pm June 20th Carnivorous Plant Society Show & Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden Admission Free until Noon on Saturdays and Wednesdays to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents, except during MoBot special events, otherwise Garden Fee applies.

10 am June 20th Missouri Conservation Department event at Forest Park Hatchery: Fishing for People with Disabilities. Fishing poles and bait provided. Registration not required.

7 pm June 20th Stargazing at Tower Grove Park with St. Louis Astronomical Society

For ages 18+. 1 pm June 21st Missouri Conservation Department event at Forest Park Hatchery: Learn to Fish with a Modern Cane Pole. Poles provided. Register

6 pm June 22nd Missouri Conservation Department Virtual Class: Discover Missouri’s Butterflies. Register

7 pm June 22nd Missouri Conservation Department Virtual Class: Stream Team Volunteers Orientation & Onboarding. Register

11 Tickets remaining. 9 am June 23rd Missouri Conservation Department class at Rockwoods Reservation, Wildwood: Beginner Birding. Register

10 am Tuesday, June 23rd, St. Louis Herb Society Pot-A-Plant at PlantLab (adjacent to the Climatron), Missouri Botanical Garden: Learn about Oregano (Origanum vulgare) and pot a plant to take home (while supplies last). Admission fee to MoBot applies.

11 Tickets remaining. 10:30 am June 23rd Missouri Conservation Department Birding Hike on Rock Quarry Trail, Rockwoods Reservation, Wildwood. Register

5:30-7:30 pm June 24th Missouri Coalition for Environment Chat for Change at Schlafly Tap Room. As of 5/26 there are ten elected officials participating. Register

30 Seats remaining. 2 pm June 25th Tower Grove Park class: Beneficial Bugs, presented by Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House. Register

4 pm June 25th St. Louis County Public Library class at Bridgeton Trails Branch:
Summer Care of Orchard Trees, Vines and Cane Fruit presented by Seed St. Louis. Register

9 am to 2 pm Friday and 8 am to 2 pm Saturday, June 26th-27th, Flyleaf Market monthly pop up on 1st floor of Watson Terrace Christian Church, Watson @ Winnebago: Succulent & Tropical Plant Sale.

12 Tickets remaining. 9 am June 26th Missouri Conservation Department Hike on Lime Kiln Loop Trail, Rockwoods Reservation, Wildwood. Register

9 am to 5 pm June 27th-28th St. Louis Water Garden Society’s Pond-O-Rama

9 am to 5 pm June 27th Kimmswick Visitor Center Daylily Sale

10 am June 27th Tower Grove Park Nee Kee Nee (East Stream) Tour. Register

11:30 am – 4:30 pm June 27th Missouri Botanical Garden event at Sachs Museum- Literary Learning Day: Gardens & Grief in Victorian Literature. Garden Admission Free until Noon on Saturdays and Wednesdays to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents, except during MoBot special events, otherwise Garden Fee applies.

13 Seats remaining. 1 pm June 27th St. Louis Public Library Garden to Table Series at Central Library: Garden Party Strawberry & Basil Mocktails! Register

10 am Tuesday, June 30th, St. Louis Herb Society Pot-A-Plant at PlantLab (adjacent to the Climatron), Missouri Botanical Garden: Learn about  Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium) and pot a plant to take home (while supplies last). Admission fee to MoBot applies.

1Seat remaining. 10:30 am June 30th Missouri Conservation Department class at Rockwoods Reservation: Wild Edibles- Nature’s Salad Greens. Register

6 pm June 30th Missouri Conservation Department Virtual Class: Turtles of Missouri. Register

6 pm June 30th Missouri Conservation Department class at Carpenter Library, St. Louis City: The Birds Are Back in Town for beginner birdwatchers. Registration not required.

11 am July 11th St. Charles County Library Seed & Plant Swap at Spencer Road Branch, St. Peters. Register. Registration opens June 13th

20 Seats remaining. 1 pm July 11th St. Louis Public Library Garden to Table Series at Central Library: Tomato & Basil Health Clinic. Register

9 am to 4 pm July 18th Missouri Botanical Garden event: Funga Fair- A Mushroom Event Hosted by the Missouri Mycological Society. Garden Admission Free until Noon on Saturdays and Wednesdays to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents, except during MoBot special events, otherwise Garden Fee applies.

6 pm July 22 Wild Ones Webinar: How to Talk to Your Neighbors (and Your HOA) About Your Garden. Register

9 am to 2 pm Friday and 8 am to 2 pm Saturday, July 24th-25th, Flyleaf Market monthly pop up on 1st floor of Watson Terrace Christian Church, Watson @ Winnebago: Succulent & Tropical Plant Sale.

July 25th-26th Shaw Cactus and Succulent Society Plant Sale at Jost Event Center, Overland

9 am to 5 pm August 1st-2nd Greater St. Louis Iris Society Plant Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden Admission Free until Noon on Saturdays and Wednesdays to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents, except during MoBot special events, otherwise Garden Fee applies.

11 am August 8th St. Charles County Library Seed & Plant Swap at Spencer Road Branch, St. Peters. Register. Registration opens July 11th

12 Seats remaining. 1 pm August 8th St. Louis Public Library Garden to Table Series at Central Library: Garden Party Caprese Salad. Bring tomatoes & basil from your garden. Register

Noon to 5 pm August 9th Orchid Society of Greater St. Louis Auction at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden Fee applies.

9 am August 15th Seed St. Louis Fall Seedling Sale at Carriage House

9 am to 5 pm August 15th Missouri Botanical Garden Daylily Society Plant Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden Admission Free until Noon on Saturdays and Wednesdays to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents, except during MoBot special events, otherwise Garden Fee applies.

9 am to 2 pm Friday and 8 am to 2 pm Saturday, August 21st-22nd, Flyleaf Market monthly pop up on 1st floor of Watson Terrace Christian Church, Watson @ Winnebago: Succulent & Tropical Plant Sale.

September 5th Garden Club of Edwardsville, Illinois Plant Sale.

9 am to 5 pm September 12th Gateway West Gesneriad Society Show & Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden Admission Free until Noon on Saturdays and Wednesdays to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents, except during MoBot special events, otherwise Garden Fee applies.

September 12th Missouri Prairie Foundation Native Plant Sale at The Nature Institute, Godfrey, Illinois

11 am September 12th St. Charles County Library Seed & Plant Swap at Spencer Road Branch, St. Peters. Register. Registration opens August 15th

September 24th Missouri Prairie Foundation Native Plant Sale at Roeslein & Associates, St. Louis County

9 am to 2 pm Friday and 8 am to 2 pm Saturday, September 25th-26th, Flyleaf Market monthly pop up on 1st floor of Watson Terrace Christian Church, Watson @ Winnebago: Succulent & Tropical Plant Sale.

11 am October 10th St. Charles County Library Seed & Plant Swap at Spencer Road Branch, St. Peters. Register. Registration opens September 12th

9 am October 17th Seed St. Louis Garlic Sale at Carriage House

9 am to 2 pm Friday and 8 am to 2 pm Saturday, October 23rd-24th, Flyleaf Market monthly pop up on 1st floor of Watson Terrace Christian Church, Watson @ Winnebago: Succulent & Tropical Plant Sale.

11 am November 14th St. Charles County Library Seed & Plant Swap at Spencer Road Branch, St. Peters. Register. Registration opens October 17th

9 am to 2 pm Friday and 8 am to 2 pm Saturday, November 27th-28th, Flyleaf Market monthly pop up on 1st floor of Watson Terrace Christian Church, Watson @ Winnebago: Succulent & Tropical Plant Sale.

9 am to 2 pm Friday and 8 am to 2 pm Saturday, December 11th-12th, Flyleaf Market monthly pop up on 1st floor of Watson Terrace Christian Church, Watson @ Winnebago: Succulent & Tropical Plant Sale.

11 am December 12th St. Charles County Library Seed & Plant Swap at Spencer Road Branch, St. Peters. Register. Registration opens October 17th

This Week in Gardening & Nature

Eastern Red Columbine

Plant of the Week: Native Eastern Red Columbine, a hummingbird magnet, once used as a love potion

April 30th Deadline for Powder Valley Urban Nature Photo Contest

May 3rd Deadline for submissions to Soulard Art Gallery juried Exhibit: The Art of Nature

Seed St. Louis Raised Bed Plant Spacing Chart

Plan your garden with  Seed St. Louis 2025 Planting Calendar.
-> Start Indoors This Week: Basil, Eggplant, Peppers, Melons, Tomatillo, Tomato, Squash
-> Transplant This Week: Perennials, Trees, Cabbage, Chard, Collards, Kale, Lettuce
-> Sow Outdoors This Week: Beans, Beets, Carrots, Chard, Collards, Kale, Parsley, Peas, Radish, Spinach, Turnips

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

Free Garden Planners, most require a computer, will not work on a cell phone

If you are just looking for St. Louis Area Plant and Seed Swaps and Sales, they are here. Added this week: Collinsville IL Garden Club Plant Sale & Arbor Day Program, Plant Swap in Wentzville. Also did a lot of clean up.

Find a Native Plant/Seed vendor in Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas, Kansas,… (Grow Native)

St. Louis Master Gardeners Horticulture Answer Service: Monday through Thursday from 9 am. to 2:30 pm

River City Outdoors St. Louis now offers a Gear Lending Library for outdoor recreation equipment rentals to St. Louis City residents and St. Louis regional organizations that take children, families, and groups on outdoor trips.

Illinois School Teachers- March 2025 Application process begins for 2026 Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant Program

Good Reads/Views/Listens —

A Guide to Invasive Species and Their Native Look-Alikes (Nurture Natives)

Growing Minds and Gardens: The Mental Health Benefits of Gardening with Native Plants (Wild Ones)

Happy 4/20 Day. Useful information on growing cannabis

Missouri loses $1.2B as USDA cancels climate smart program (St. Louis Public Radio)

Federal appeals court temporarily freezes multibillion-dollar Biden climate fund (States Newsroom)

Ameren asks for coal plant air pollution reprieve from Trump — and gets it (St. Louis Public Radio)

Iowa Environmental Council launches project on relationship between cancer and environment. Harkin Institute’s wellness symposium focuses on the future of clean water (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

Commentary: Oklahoma has long undercharged oil and gas companies, creating an unplugged well crisis (Oklahoma Voice)

As demand for AI rises, so do power thirsty data centers (States Newsroom)

Seed St. Louis Videos: Variety Trials, Virtual Classes, Starting Seeds Indoors, Orchard Tips, Gardening Tips & How To, In the Community Garden, Youth Garden Activities & Tips, Teachers in the Garden Tutorials. I will continue promoting the online resources and activities of Seed St. Louis where appropriate. I will not, however, knowingly promote events at Maxine Clark’s school privatization campus named Delmar Divine. It is unfortunate that Seed St. Louis is now a tenant there.

Growing Vegetables Advice: Begin with a Plan, Seed Starting, Soil Management, Weed Management, Hardening Off Indoor Seedlings, Season Extension, Supporting Plants, Pest Management, Fertilizing Your Garden, Irrigation, Garden Tool Care, Container Gardens, More (University of Illinois Extension)

Shaw Nature Reserve Propagation Guide

Free Native Garden Designs @ Wild Ones. There’s one specific to St. Louis, one for Chicago, one for Denver, …

Native plant gardening in a pot. Missouri Botanical Garden has container designs for sun and shade.

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 —

ONGOING

Volunteers Wanted. Brightside St. Louis April Blitz events. Register your neighborhood clean up and/or beautification event and request bags/tools here.

Now thru April 25th, except Wednesdays and Sundays, St. Louis Public Library event at Central Library: St. Louis Watercolor Society 25th Annual Juried Exhibition. Bound to be some gorgeous flowers and nature submissions.

Now thru April 30th St. Louis Public Library event at Schlafly Library: Art Exhibit- Pressed, we flower, recent abstract works by Sean Duvahl Semones

May 3rd Deadline for submissions to Soulard Art Gallery juried Exhibit: The Art of Nature

Now thu July 28th Art Exhibit at Kemper Art Museum, Washington University- Seeds: Containers of a World to Come

DAILY

Monday, April 21st, Deadline to order native plants online from Missouri Wildflowers Nursery for pick up Saturday, April 26th, at Kirkwood Farmer’s Market

Volunteers Wanted. 10 am Monday, April 21st, Piasa Palisades Sierra Club event at Alton, Illinois: Earth Day Invasive Species Removal at Milton School House. Register

4 pm Monday, April 21st, St. Louis County Library event at Jamestown Bluffs Branch, Florissant: Pollinator Party. Register

Volunteers Wanted: 10 am Tuesday, April 22nd, Forest ReLeaf event: Pop Up Potting at Scott Joplin House,  help pot up some baby trees. Register

10 am Tuesday, April 22nd, Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum History & Horticulture Trolley Tour with Master Guide. $5 donation suggested. Register

15 Tickets remaining. 1 pm Tuesday, April 22nd, Missouri Conservation Department event at Emmenegger Nature Park, Kirkwood: Earth Day Hike & Nature Immersion. Two miles on Bluff Creek Trail. Register

6 pm Tuesday, April 22nd, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle… ReRun! 5k at Tower Grove Park to benefit Urban Harvest STL and Open Space STL

9 am Wednesday, April 23rd, Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum Spring Flowering Tree Walk with Horticulturist. Register

4 pm Wednesday, April 23rd, Grow Native! webinar: Wetlands for Native Bees. Register

6 pm Wednesday, April 23rd, St. Louis County Library event at Rock Road Branch, St. Ann:
Spring Seed Bombs. Register

Thursday-Saturday, April 24th-26th Southwest Illinois College Horticulture Club’s Annual Plant Sale at Belleville Campus Greenhouses (behind baseball fields), 2500 Carlyle: hanging baskets, perennials, annuals, herbs, succulants, houseplants, tropicals. Cash, check, credit card.

10 am Thursday, April 24th, Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum Springtime History & Horticulture Walking Tour with Master Guide. Register

5-8 pm Thursday, April 24th, Missouri Botanical Garden event: A Shakespearean Evening in the Garden. Shakespeare’s Connections with Nature, presented by Gerit Quealy, Author of Botanical Shakespeare. Performances in the Garden from STL Shakespeare Festival. Garden Admission Fee. 

6 pm Thursday, April 24th, Missouri Conservation Department Virtual class: Learning to Hunt- Mushrooms. Register

6 pm Thursday, April 24th, Seed St. Louis, Table to Garden, Willoughby Farm and Good Dirt Composting Collective class at Collinsville, Illinois:  Food Too Good to Waste Series- Outdoor Composting: Bins and Tumblers. $15. Register

8 am to 6 pm Friday, April 25th, and 8 am to Noon Saturday, April 26th, Webster Groves Garden Club Plant Sale at Webster Groves Recreation Complex

9 am to 2 pm Friday and 8 am to 2 pm Saturday, April 25th-26th, Flyleaf Market monthly pop up on 1st floor of Watson Terrace Christian Church, Watson @ Winnebago: Succulent & Tropical Plant Sale. This involves a very cool Citizen Growers program.

9 am to 4 pm Friday, April 25th, St. Louis Herb Society Herb Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden parking lot.

10:30 am Friday, April 25th St. Louis Public Library event at Central Library: EcoTones Ensemble Concert, Cross-Pollinating Music & Nature

5 pm Friday, April 25th U City in Bloom Opening Night Party and Plant Sale. $25

7 pm Friday, April 25th, Missouri Conservation Department event at Powder Valley Nature Conservation Center, Kirkwood: Multimedia Concert- Flute Journey by Katie Dancer. Register

8 am to 1 pm Saturday, April 26th, Lincoln County Mo Master Gardener Plant Sale @ University of Missouri Extension, Troy: Native Perennials, Perennials, Annuals, Vegetables, Herbs, Bulbs, Unique Garden Accessories. Cash Only.

8 am to 4 pm Saturday, April 26th, Missouri Wildflowers Nursery sells native plants at Kirkwood Farmers Market. Order online by previous Monday for pick up at Market or purchase from what they bring that day.

9 am to Noon Saturday, April 26th, Collinsville IL Garden Club event at parking lot of historic DD Collins House: Plant Sale & Arbor Day Program

9 am to 1 pm Saturday, April 26th, Seven Pines Garden Club Plant Sale at Maryland Heights: annuals, perennials, vegetables

9 am until sold out Saturday, April 26th, Olivette in Bloom Native Plant Sale at Five Oaks on Warson

9 am to 1 pm Saturday and 11 am to 1 pm Sunday, April 26th-27th, U City in Bloom Pant Sale

9 am to 3 pm Saturday-Sunday, April 26th-27th, Project Pollinator Native Plant Sale at Sachs Butterfly House, Chesterfield  

9 am to 4 pm Saturday, April 26th-27th, Three Rivers Community Farm Plant Sale in Elsah, Illinois: native perennials, herbs, annual bedding plants, cutting flowers, veggie seedlings

10 am Saturday, April 26th, St. Louis County Library event at Daniel Boone Branch, Ellisville: Seed & Plant Swap

Volunteers Wanted. 10 am Saturday, April 26th, STL Urban Foresters event: Bevo Neighborhood Tree Care Blitz. Register

10 am to 4 pm Saturday, April 26th, Missouri River Bird Observatory Birds, Bees & Blooms Festival at Arrow Rock, Missouri. This is a 2 1/2 hour drive from St. Louis and a 1 1/2 hour drive from Kansas City.

Noon to 3 pm Saturday, April 26th, Heartlands Conservancy Native Plant Sale at Clinton Hills Conservation Park Pavilion, Swansea, Illinois.

Noon to 2 pm Sunday, April 27th, St. Charles County Master Gardener Plant Sale at Missouri University Extension, St. Peters

10 am Sunday, April 27th to 6 pm May 4th Missouri River Bird Observatory Fundraiser: Online Auction

1 pm Sunday, April 27th,  Madison County Extension Education Foundation fundraiser at Madison County Farm Bureau Building,  900 Hillsboro Ave, Edwardsville, Illinois: Plant Bingo. $20 donation suggested. Win Plants.

1:30 pm April 29th University of Illinois Extension Webinar: Nature’s Uninvited Guests: The Impact of Invasive Plants. Properly dealing with invasive plants can lessen environmental impact. Register

6 pm April 29th Willoughby Farm event in Collinsville, Illinois- Fence Picket Planter Workshop. $40 – all materials, tools, instruction included. Register

10 am April 30th, Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum Springtime History & Horticulture Walking Tour with Master Guide. Register

2 pm April 30th Partners for Native Landscaping and St. Louis County Library Zoom Class: Oh, Deer – Dealing with Unwanted Guests in Your Landscape. Register

6 pm May 1st St. Louis Public Library event at Schlafly Library: Plant Predators- An Introduction to Carnivorous Plants with Carnivorous Plant Society. Register

10 am May 2nd Missouri Botanical Garden virtual event: Landscape Therapy with Edwina von Gal. Free. Register

9 am to 1 pm May 3rd Shaw Nature Reserve Spring Wildflower Market. $5 per person or $10 per vehicle.

9 am to 2 pm May 3rd-4th Tower Grove East Community Garden Annual Plant Sale, 3301 Sidney: veggies, annuals, perennials, hostas, ground covers, herbs

9 am to 4 pm May 3rd-4th Three Rivers Community Farm Plant Sale in Elsah, Illinois: native perennials, herbs, annual bedding plants, cutting flowers, veggie seedlings

10 am May 3rd Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum Springtime History & Horticulture Walking Tour with Master Guide. Register

11 am to 3 pm May 3rd Rustic Roots Sanctuary event at Spanish Lake: Spring Dandelion Festival

1 pm May 3rd St. Louis Public Library event at Buder Library: Meet the Pack: Animals of the Endangered Wolf Center

1 pm May 3rd St. Louis Public Library class at Central Library: Growing Herbs in Containers.

1 pm May 3rd St. Louis Public Library event at Buder Library: Meet the Pack- Animals of the Endangered Wolf Center. No live animals tho.

1-4 pm May 3rd Missouri Prairie Foundation Field Trip at Hillsboro, Jefferson County MO: Valley View Glades Natural Area Hike. Register

3 pm May 3rd St. Louis Public Library movie event at Central Library: Green City Life Film Showing & Project. More on the documentary

7-10 pm May 3rd St. Louis Astronomical Society event at Tower Grove Park: Stargazing

May 4th-5th Baker Creek Spring Planting Festival in Mansfield, Wright County, MO, about a 3 1/2 hour drive from St. Louis or Kansas City

7 Seats remaining. 6:30 pm May 5th St. Louis Public Library cooking class at Cabanne Library: Make Your Own Fresh Spring Rolls. Register

4 pm May 7th Grow Native! Webinar: Native Plants & Neotropical Bird Migration. Register

May 8th-9th Jeanette Goldfarb Plant Growth Facility Spring Plant Sale at Washington University

3 pm May 8th St. Louis Public Library event at Baden Library: Mocktails and Garden Party. enjoy refreshing mocktails while crafting your own potted plant to take home.

2 pm May 9th St. Louis County Library class at Meramec Valley Branch, Fenton: Growing Herbs in Containers presented by St. Louis Herb Society. Register

8 am to 1 pm May 10th Flora Conservancy Plant Sale @ Greenhouse, Forest Park

9 am May 10th Seed St. Louis Summer Seedling & Sweet Potato Slip Sale at Carriage House, 3815 Bell

Volunteers Wanted. 9 am May 10th Piasa Palisades Sierra Club event at Alton, Illinois: Wadlow Restoration Volunteer Day. The former site of a municipal gold course is being restored to native plants. Register

9 am to Noon May 10th Webster Groves Herb Society Display at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden Admission Free to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents on Saturday and Wednesday morning, otherwise Admission Fee applies.

9 am to 5 pm May 10th St. Louis Hosta Society Show & Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden Admission Free to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents on Saturday and Wednesday mornings, otherwise Admission Fee applies.

9 am to Noon May 10th Illinois Native Plant Society’s Native Plant Sale at Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield. It’s only an hour and a half drive or train ride from St. Louis.

10 am May 10th St. Louis County Library event at Meramec Valley Branch, Fenton: Seed & Plant Swap. Register

11 am May 10th St. Charles City-County Library Plant & Seed Swap at Spencer Road Branch. Register, registration opens April 12th

9 am to 5 pm May 11th Greater St. Louis Iris Society Show at Missouri Botanical Garden. Included with Garden Admission Fee.

2-6 pm May 14th Spring Plant Swap at LINC St. Charles County Community Center, 9 Love Park Lane, Wentzville MO

5 pm May 15th St. Louis Public Library event at Walnut Park Library: Wild Hearts- Understanding Animal Behavior in the Wild with St. Louis Zoo

7 pm May 15th St. Louis County Library Virtual Class: Houseplant Propagation 101. Register

9 am to 5 pm May 17th Metropolitan St. Louis African Violet Council Show and Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden Admission Free to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents on Saturday and Wednesday mornings, otherwise Admission Fee applies.

1:30 pm May 20th University of Illinois Extension Webinar: Managing Common Squash and Pumpkin Pests. Register

10 am May 21st St. Louis County Library class at Weber Road Branch: Growing Herbs in Containers presented by St. Louis Herb Society. Register

2 pm May 21st Partners for Native Landscaping and St. Louis County Library Zoom Class: Cultivating Native Seeds in the Landscape. Register

9 am to 2 pm Friday and 8 am to 2 pm Saturday, May 23rd-24th, Flyleaf Market monthly pop up on 1st floor of Watson Terrace Christian Church, Watson @ Winnebago: Succulent & Tropical Plant Sale. This involves a very cool Citizen Growers program.

3 pm May 23rd St. Louis County event at Clark Branch: Seed & Plant Swap. Register

8 am to 4 pm May 24th Missouri Wildflowers Nursery selling at Kirkwood Farmers Market. Order online for pick up at Market or purchase from what they bring that day.

9 am to 5 pm May 24th-25th Rose Society of Greater St. Louis Show at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden Admission Free to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents on Saturday and Wednesday mornings, otherwise Admission Fee applies.

18 Tickets remaining. 8:30 am May 25th St. Louis Audubon Beginner Bird Walk at Tower Grove Park. Register

May 26th Deadline to order native plants online from Missouri Wildflowers Nursery for pick up Saturday, May 31st, at Kirkwood Farmer’s Market

May 31st Urban Gardening Symposium at Brightside St. Louis Demonstration Garden. $10. Register

8 am to 4 pm May 31st Missouri Wildflowers Nursery selling at Kirkwood Farmers Market. Order online by previous Monday for pick up at Market or purchase from what they bring that day.

9 am to Noon May 31st Northside Workshop event in Old North: Decolonize the Garden- From Seeds to Bees. Register

10 am June 5th Gratree Farm event in Wentzville, St. Charles County: U-Cut Lavender Grand Opening. Register

8 am to 4 pm June 7th Missouri Wildflowers Nursery selling at Kirkwood Farmers Market. Order online by previous Monday for pick up at Market or purchase from what they bring that day.

11 am June 14th St. Charles City-County Library Plant & Seed Swap at Spencer Road Branch. Register, registration opens May 17th

1 pm June 14th St. Louis Public Library class at Central Library: Herbs in the Civil War!

9 am to Noon June 21st Webster Groves Herb Society Display at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden Admission Free to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents on Saturday and Wednesday morning, otherwise Admission Fee applies.

9 am to 5 pm June 21st Carnivorous Plant Society Show and Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden Admission Free to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents on Saturday and Wednesday mornings, otherwise Admission Fee applies.

June 21-22 St. Louis Water Garden Society Pond-A-Rama tour. Tickets

9 am to 5 pm June 25th Kimmswick Visitor Center 25th Annual Daylily Sale. 35 Minute drive from St. Louis. Go early for best selection.

9 am to 2 pm Friday and 8 am to 2 pm Saturday, June 27th-28th, Flyleaf Market monthly pop up on 1st floor of Watson Terrace Christian Church, Watson @ Winnebago: Succulent & Tropical Plant Sale. This involves a very cool Citizen Growers program.

11 am July 12th St. Charles City-County Library Plant & Seed Swap at Spencer Road Branch. Register, registration opens June 14th

9 am to 5 pm August 2nd-3rd Greater St. Louis Iris Society Plant Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden Admission Free to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents on Saturday and Wednesday mornings, otherwise Admission Fee applies.

11 am August 9th St. Charles City-County Library Plant & Seed Swap at Spencer Road Branch. Register, registration opens July 12th

Noon to 5 pm August 10th Orchid Society of Greater St. Louis Auction at Missouri Botanical Garden. Admission Fee applies. Garden Admission Free to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents on Saturday and Wednesday mornings, otherwise Admission Fee applies.

9 am August 16th Seed St. Louis Fall Seedling Sale at Carriage House, 3815 Bell

9 am to Noon August 16 Webster Groves Herb Society Display at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden Admission Free to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents on Saturday and Wednesday morning, otherwise Admission Fee applies.

9 am to 5 pm August 16th Missouri Botanical Garden Daylily Association Plant Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden Admission Free to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents on Saturday and Wednesday mornings, otherwise Admission Fee applies.

9 am to 5 pm September 6th Gateway West Gesneriad Society Show and Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden Admission Free to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents on Saturday and Wednesday mornings, otherwise Admission Fee applies.

2 pm September 17th Partners for Native Landscaping and St. Louis County Library Zoom Class: Missouri Native Trees and Shrubs for Urban Landscapes. Register

10 am to 2 pm September 22nd Bring Conservation Home Expo at Tower Grove Park. Missouri Wildflower Nursery and other vendors will be selling but you can also order plants for pick up at the event.

9 am to Noon September 27th Webster Groves Herb Society Display at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden Admission Free to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents on Saturday and Wednesday morning, otherwise Admission Fee applies.

2 pm October 1st Partners for Native Landscaping and St. Louis County Library Zoom Class: St. Louis Native Plants in a Changing Climate. Register

October 3rd-5th Best of Missouri Market at Missouri Botanical Garden. Missouri Wildflowers Nursery is usually a vendor and this is last opportunity to purchase native plants in St. Louis City for the year. Admission Fee applies.

October 5th-6th Baker Creek Fall Harvest Festival in Mansfield, Wright County, MO, about a 3 1/2 hour drive from St. Louis or Kansas City

2 pm October 15th Partners for Native Landscaping and St. Louis County Library Zoom Class: Native Gardening Maintenance Tips, Tricks and Hacks. Register

9 am October 18th Seed St. Louis Garlic Sale at Carriage House, 3815 Bell

Join us Sundays on Bluesky for #GardenSunday.

This Week in Gardening & Nature

Two photos of Eastern Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis).

Plant of the Week: Eastern Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis). Time to get out the hummingbird feeders.

Start Indoors This Week: Peppers, Tomatillo, Tomatoes
Sow Outdoors This Week: Arugala, Beans, Beets, Chard, Collards, Kale, Parsley, Peas, Potatoes, Radish, Spinach, Turnips
Transplant This Week: Perennials + Cabbage, Chard, Collards, Kale, Leeks, 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. Add this week: lots of Master Gardener Plant Sales in nearby counties, Seed St. Louis Summer Veggie Seedlings Sale, Tower Grove East Community Garden Sale, more

May 1st to August 31st 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.

For the Kids. Download Free Bobber, The Water Safety Dog #EarthDay Coloring Sheet & Poster from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Hey, grades 6th thru 12th Teachers. Missouri Environmental Education Association has great resources for an Invasive Species Mock Trial Unit that combines Ecology and Civic Engagement. Also see Trial of Bush Honeysuckle

Brightside St. Louis Blitz Project Registration Open (neighborhood clean up and beautification). Free Blitz Blooms available this year for your public spaces project: gomphrena, dianthus, marigolds, celosia and vinca

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

Good Reads —

‘The water wars are coming’: Missouri looks to limit exports from rivers, lakes. (Missouri Independent)

Death Valley is alive this year. A super bloom is the latest sign. “This is climate chaos… A lake forming in Death Valley after the wettest six months on record, followed by this bizarre bloom that is unlike anything we’ve observed before. If you want the picture of climate change, this is it.” Gifted article at Washington Post

Corals are bleaching in every corner of the ocean, threatening its web of life. It’s possible the overall percentage of reefs experiencing heat stress may soon pass a record. Gifted article at Washington Post

Attracting Pollinators to Your Garden pdf (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)

Container Gardening Tips
Native Plants: Grow Native!
Veggies: Missouri Botanical Garden
5 Tips For Successfully Growing Plants In Containers: P. Allen Smith

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 —

Missouri Wildflowers Nursery is at Kirkwood Farmers Market 8 am to 4 pm Saturdays, April 20th & 27th, May 25th, June 1st. Order by Monday before Saturday for pick up or shop from what they bring.

Volunteers Wanted. Check out upcoming Brightside St. Louis Neighborhood Clean Up & Beatification events. Some Blitz events offer Cardinals tickets to volunteers.

6 pm Thursday, 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

7 pm Thursday, April 18th, Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Where Can I Mushroom Hunt? Register

11 am to 1 pm Thursday-Saturday, April 18-20, Southwestern Illinois College @ Belleville Horticulture Club Plant Sale, Belleville campus Greenhouse, southeast corner of campus behind the baseball fields. . Cash only. The only info I could find is here 

10 am Thursday, April 19th, Bellefontaine Cemetery History and Horticulture Walking Tour with Master Guide. Register

1 Ticket remaining. 9 am Friday, April 19th, Missouri Stream Team Volunteer Level 1 Water Quality Monitoring Part 2 Field Certification at Castlewood State Park, Ballwin. Requires Part 1 virtual learning completion. Register

2 pm Friday, April 19th, Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Earth Week- Effects of Artificial Light on Wildlife. Register

7 am to 3 pm Saturday, April 20th, Veterans Free Fishing Day at Bennett Spring State Park, west of Lebanon, about a 2 1/2 hour drive from St. Louis

9 am to Noon Saturday, April 20th, Green Center Plant Sale, University City

3 Tickets remaining. 9 am Saturday, April 20th, Missouri Stream Team Volunteer Level 1 Water Quality Monitoring Part 2 Field Certification at Babler State Park, Wildwood. Requires Part 1 virtual learning completion. Register

9 am to Noon, Saturday, April 20th, Native Plant & Native Plant Seed Swap in St. Charles MO at 10 Number One Green Dr

2 pm Saturday, April 20th, Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Earth Week- Helper Plants. Learn about Bioremediation- how plants, fungi, and even animals clean up the environment. Register

8 Tickets remaining. 1 pm April 22nd Missouri Conservation Department Earth Day Hike & Nature Immersion at Emmenegger Nature Park, Kirkwood. Register

10 am April 23rd Bellefontaine Cemetery History and Horticulture Trolley Tour with Master Guide. $5. Register

1 pm April 24th Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Hummingbird Season. Register

4 pm April 24th Grow Native! Zoom Master Class: Restoring Remnant Woodlands in a Sea of Bush Honeysuckle. Free to Missouri Prairie Foundation members and Grow Native! professional members, $15 nonmembers. Register

5 Seats remaining. For Kids Age 7 and under. 10:30 am April 25th Missouri Conservation Department In-Person Event at Tower Grove Park: You and Me under the Canopy: Rain, Rain Go Away. Register

6 pm April 25th Seed St. Louis In-Person Class: Food for Years- Best Perennial Vegetables for an Early Spring Harvest at DIG Annuals and Perennials. Learn about edible greens, shoots, flowers, and stems that are ready to harvest before annual vegetables. Some plants discussed will be available for purchase. Register

9 am to 4 pm April 26th St. Louis Community College’s Meramec Botanical Society Plant Sale. Herbs, natives, annuals, perennials and vegetables. $3 to $12. Cash or check. Parking Lot K @ 11333 Big Bend Road, Kirkwood.

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

10 am April 26th Bellefontaine Cemetery Arbor Day Trolley Tour with cemetery’s Horticulture Director. $5. Register

12 Tickets remaining. 2 pm April 26th Tower Grove Park Nee Kee Nee (East Stream) Tour. Register

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

8 am to 1 pm April 27th Lincoln County Mo Master Gardeners Plant Sale, University of Missouri Extension, 880 W College, Troy. Annuals, Perennials, Natives, Vegetables, Herbs, Bulbs, Garden Accessories. Cash only.

8:30 am April 27th Webster Groves Herb Society Herb Sale at Congregational Church of Webster Groves

9 am April 27th Olivette In Bloom Native Plant Sale

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.

11 am April 30th Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Native Plants- Wonderful Wildflower ID. Register

May 1st to August 31st Missouri Conservation Department Busch Conservation Area (St. Charles Mo) Wildlife Photography Contest. Submit photos of native Missouri wildlife, trees, or plants at Busch Conservation Area or neighboring Weldom Spring Conservation Area.

10 am May 2nd Bellefontaine Cemetery History and Horticulture Walking Tour with Master Guide. Register

6 pm May 2nd Seed St. Louis Zoom Class: School Garden Maintenance Strategies for Summer & Beyond. Register

Ages 3+. 18 Seats remaining. Children must be accompanied by adult. 6 pm May 2nd Missouri Conservation Department in-Person Class at Forest Park Hatchery: Fishing Lesson 1- Equipment, Casting, & Proper Fish Handling. This class is required before Lesson 2. Register

9 am to 1 pm May 3rd Montgomery County IL Master Gardener Plant Sale @ Mt. Moriah Lodge 51, Hillsboro IL

May 4th Missouri Conservation Department Spring Bird Walk at Forest Park. 8 am Session 1 (4 Tickets remaining) Register. 10 am Session 2 (6 Tickets remaining) Register.

May 3rd, 4th, 5th Earth Dance Organic Farm Plant Sale, Ferguson

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 2 pm May 4th-5th Tower Grove East Community Garden Plant Sale at 3303 Sidney

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.

10:30 am May 4th EcoTones Concert at Nee Kee Nee Stream, Tower Grove Park

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

2 pm May 7th Seed St. Louis and St. Louis County Library Zoom Class: Summer Crops & Cover Crops. Register

4 pm May 8th Missouri Prairie Foundation Virtual Walk on the Prairie, Spring Edition @ Pettis County. Register

8 am to Noon May 11th Mississippi Valley Garden Club Plant Sale at Alton-Wood River Sportsmen’s Club, 3109 Godfrey, Godfrey IL

9 am May 11th Seed St. Louis Summer Seedling Sale: Veggies, Herbs, Annuals $3.50 each: Basil, Egglplant, Helenium Amarum, Jalapenos, Parsley, Sweet Pepper, Tomatillo, Tomatoes. Perennials $6 each: Lavender Munstead, Mountain Mint, Rhubarb, Sea Kale, Sorrel, Wild Arugula.

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 3 pm May 11th Franklin County Mo Master Gardeners Plant Sale at JC Penny Parking Lot, Washington MO

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

7:30 pm May 18th St. Louis Astronomical Society Stargazing at Tower Grove Park

Ages 8+. 8:30 am May 19th St. Louis Audubon Society Beginner Bird Walk at Tower Grove Park. Register

4 pm May 22nd Missouri Prairie Foundation Webinar: EDDMapS Training- Learning How to Document Invasive Plants. Register

8:30 am to 1 pm May 25th Macoupin County IL Master Gardener Plant Sale @ Macoupin County Historical Society, Carlinville 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

9 am to Noon June 1st Brightside St. Louis Urban Gardening Symposium. Native Plant & Design Experts, Workshops, Plant Sale. $10. 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

Eastern Red Columbine, April 2023, Pomme de Terre Lake, Hickory County, Missouri.

Sign up for Gardening for Wildlife newsletter to enter Garden for Wildlife’s Wildlife Garden drawing

Plant of the Week: Eastern Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

This week in the garden: Transplant- Basil, Melons, Parsley. Seed Outdoors- Basil, Cucumbers, Melons, Squash Plan your 2023 Garden with Seed St. Louis Planting Calendar

Gardening by Month – May – Tips & Tasks, Pests & Problems from Missouri Botanical Garden

Just looking for this weekend’s St. Louis Region Plant Sales List, May 6th-7th? Franklin County Master Gardeners, Webster Groves Women’s Garden Assn, Wildflower Market @ Shaw Nature Reserve, Tower Grove East Community Garden, West County Daylily Club @ Missouri Botanical Garden

Saturday-Sunday Volunteers wanted for Brightside St. Louis Blitz Next Weekend, May 6-7: Clean Ups and beautification on Gano Ave and in McKinley Heights, Old North, Patch Neighborhoods

Shade Gardening Ideas
From Grow Native Missouri: Shady Haven with Native Plants
Missouri Botanical Garden: Plants for Dry Shade Gardens and Plants for Heavy Shade

10 Easy to Grow Spring Edible Native Plants class on Missouri Prairie Foundation YouTube

Missed attending one of Seed St. Louis Online gardening classes? Check out the recorded classes on Seed St. Louis YouTube channel

———-

10 am Tuesday, May 2nd Bellefontaine in Bloom at Bellefontaine Cemetery. 2 Hour walking tour with master guide. Register

5 pm Tuesday, May 2nd Missouri Conservation Department Online Program: Discover Nature- The Sights & Sounds of Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center. Register

10:30 am Wednesday, May 3rd Missouri Conservation Department Online Class: Butterfly Survey Training for Missouri Butterfly Monitoring Network training, Kansas City area. Register

5 pm Thursday, May 4th Horticulture Hike @ Wildwood Valley Gardens, Bellefontaine Cemetery. Register

6 pm Thursday, May 4th Seed St. Louis Zoom Class: Summer Crops & Cover Crops. Register

7 pm Friday, May 5th Missouri Conservation Department event at Powder Valley Nature Conservation Center, Kirkwood: Concert by John Nilsen. Register

Saturday, May 6th is World Naked Gardening Day. Pro Tips: 8 ways to celebrate this “cheeky occasion”

6:30 am to 3 pm Saturday, May 6th Kids Free Fishing Day @ Bennett Spring State Park, Dallas & Laclede Counties

8 am to 5 pm Saturday, May 6th Franklin County Master Gardeners Plant Sale at J.C. Penny Parking Lot, Washington MO

9 am to 1 pm Saturday, May 6th Wildflower Market @ Shaw Nature Reserve. $5

9 am to 1 pm Saturday, May 6th Nature in Your Neighborhood Family Fun Day @ O’Fallon Park. Sponsored by Missouri Conservation Department, Young Friends of earthday365, North Newstead Assn, YMCA.

May 6th-7th Saturday-Sunday Tower Grove East Community Garden Plant Sale, 3303 Sidney

May 6th Sunday Webster Groves Women’s Garden Association Plant Sale at First Congregational Church

9 am to 5 pm Sunday May 6th West County Daylily Club Sale @ Missouri Botanical Garden. Entrance included with Garden Admission. Garden Admission is free to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents 7 am to Noon Wednesdays and Saturdays.

4 pm May 10th Missouri Prairie Foundation Zoom Class: Invasive Plant ID and Control Methods. Register

10:30 am May 13th Missouri Conservation Department Online Class: Wildflower Identification. Register

9 am to Noon May 13th Seed St. Louis Summer Plant Sale @ Carriage House, 3815 Bell. Arrive early for best selection. Bring a box lid to carry your plants. $4 seedling 6-packs. Available at this Sale: Basil, Eggplant, Sweet & Hot Peppers, Tomatoes, Mint, Lavender, Rhubarb, Sorrel, more

9 am to 5 pm May 13th Metropolitan St. Louis African Violet Council Show and Sale @ Missouri Botanical Garden. Entrance included with Garden Admission. Garden Admission is FREE to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents 7 am to Noon Wednesdays and Saturdays.

10 am May 13th World Bird Sanctuary Native Plant Sale. Preorder from vendors for pick up or shop from what is available that day.

8:30 am May 20th Brightside St. Louis Downtown Planting Day around City Hall. Volunteers wanted. Register

9 am to 5 pm May 20th & 21st St. Louis Hosta Society Show and Sale @ Missouri Botanical Garden. Entrance included with Garden Admission. Garden Admission is FREE to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents 7 am to Noon Wednesdays and Saturdays.

1 pm May 20th St. Louis Public Library In Person Class @ Buder Library, St. Louis Hills: City Tree Care

6 pm May 23rd St. Louis Public Library & Missouri Conservation Dept. In Person Class @ Carpenter Library, Tower Grove South: Winged Wonders- Beginner Birding

9 am to 5 pm May27th Rose Society of Greater St. Louis Show and Sale @ Missouri Botanical Garden. Entrance included with Garden Admission. Garden Admission is FREE to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents 7 am to Noon Wednesdays and Saturdays.

10 am to 5 pm June 3rd Lafayette Square Garden Tour & Antique Fair

9 am to Noon Brightside St. Louis Urban Gardening Symposium.

9 am to 5 pm June 10th Carnivorous Plant Society Show and Sale @ Missouri Botanical Garden. Entrance included with Garden Admission. Garden Admission is FREE to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents 7 am to Noon Wednesdays and Saturdays.

11 am to 4 pm June 11th St. Louis Sustainable Backyard Tour. Free. Register

9 am to 5 pm June 24th Kimmswick Daylily Sale to benefit Kimmswick Visitor Center, Jefferson County.

9 am to 5 pm August 5th & 6th Greater St. Louis Iris Society Plant Sale @ Missouri Botanical Garden. Entrance included with Garden Admission. Garden Admission is FREE to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents 7 am to Noon Wednesdays and Saturdays.

9 am to 5 om September 9th Gateway West Gesneriad Society Sale @ Missouri Botanical Garden. Entrance included with Garden Admission. Garden Admission is FREE to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents 7 am to Noon Wednesdays and Saturdays.

9 am to 5 pm September 16th & 17th Greater St. Louis Daylily Society Sale @ Missouri Botanical Garden. Entrance included with Garden Admission. Garden Admission is FREE to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents 7 am to Noon Wednesdays and Saturdays.


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