St. Louis Area Seed and Plant Swaps and Sales

Missouri Wildflowers Nursery returns to Kirkwood Farmers Market: 8 am to 4 pm Saturdays, April 5th, April 12th, April 19th, April 26th, May 31st, June 7th. Order online for pick up at Market or purchase from what they bring that day.

Now thru April 15th On Line Ordering for Missouri Conservation Department annual Tree & Shrub Seedling Sale.

9 am to 3 pm April 4th Missouri Botanical Garden Arbor Day Native Tree Seedling Giveaway. Garden Admission required.

8:15 am to 1 pm April 5th Partners for Native Landscaping Workshop & Plant Sale at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, Kirkwood

9 am April 5th Seed St. Louis Spring Seedling Sale at Carriage House, 3815 Bell: bok choy, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, misome

6 pm April 10th St. Louis County Library Plant Swap at Thornhill Branch

10 am April 12th Grow Native! Native Plant Sale at World Bird Sanctuary, Valley Park Mo

16 Seats remaining. 11 am April 12th St. Charles City-County Library Plant & Seed Swap at Spencer Road Branch. Register

10 am to 2 pm April 13th Riverlands Native Plant Festival at West Alton, Missouri: Speakers, workshops, native plant giveaway for attendees volunteering for sand prairie planting at event

6 pm April 17th St. Louis County Public Library Spring Gardening Swap at Prairie Commons Branch, Hazelwood. Bring plants, seeds, bulbs, gardening tools, gardening books to swap

9 am to 4 pm April 25th St. Louis Herb Society Herb Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden parking lot. Garden Admission Free to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents on Saturday and Wednesday mornings, otherwise Admission Fee applies.

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.

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

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

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

Noon to 3 pm April 26th Heartlands Conservancy Native Plant Sale & Order Pick Up at Clinton Hills Conservation Park Pavilion, Swansea, Illinois. Online Pre-Ordering March 20th to April 9th.

April 26th-27th Project Pollinator Native Plant Sale at Sachs Butterfly House, Chesterfield

May 2nd-3rd Shaw Nature Reserve Spring Wildflower Market

8:30 am to Noon May 3rd Webster Groves Women’s Garden Association Plant Sale at the First Congregational Church of Webster Groves parking lot

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

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

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

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.

May 10th Flora Conservancy Plant Sale @ Greenhouse, Forest Park – no link yet

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

9 am July 26th-27th Shaw Cactus & Succulent Sale at Jost Event Center, St. Louis County

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 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.

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.

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

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

Join us Sundays on Bluesky for #GardenSunday.

St. Louis Area Seed and Plant Swaps and Sales

Plant Swap graphic with hands sharing a seedling

Missouri Wildflowers Nursery returns to Kirkwood Farmers Market: 8 am to 4 pm Saturdays, April 5th, April 12th, April 19th, April 26th, May 24th, May 31st. Order online for pick up at Market or purchase from what they bring that day.

Now thru April 15th On Line Ordering for Missouri Conservation Department annual Tree & Shrub Seedling Sale.

Thursday, March 20th: Pre-ordering begins for April 26th Heartlands Conservancy Native Plant Sale & Order Pick Up at Clinton Hills Conservation Park Pavilion, Swansea, Illinois.

9 am to 2 pm Friday and 8 am to 2 pm Saturday, March 21st-22nd, 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 3 pm April 4th Missouri Botanical Garden Arbor Day Native Tree Seedling Giveaway. Garden Admission required.

8:15 am to 1 pm April 5th Partners for Native Landscaping Workshop & Plant Sale at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, Kirkwood

9 am April 5th Seed St. Louis Spring Seedling Sale at Carriage House, 3815 Bell: bok choy, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, lettuce

6 pm April 10th St. Louis County Library Plant Swap at Thornhill Branch

10 am April 12th Grow Native! Native Plant Sale at World Bird Sanctuary, Valley Park Mo

11 am April 12th St. Charles City-County Library Plant & Seed Swap at Spencer Road Branch. Register, registration opens March 15th

10 am to 2 pm April 13th Riverlands Native Plant Festival at West Alton, Missouri: Speakers, workshops, native plant giveaway for attendees volunteering for sand prairie planting at event

6 pm April 17th St. Louis County Public Library Spring Gardening Swap at Prairie Commons Branch, Hazelwood. Bring plants, seeds, bulbs, gardening tools, gardening books to swap

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

Noon to 3 pm April 26th Heartlands Conservancy Native Plant Sale & Order Pick Up at Clinton Hills Conservation Park Pavilion, Swansea, Illinois. Online Pre-Ordering March 20th to April 9th.

April 26th-27th Project Pollinator Native Plant Sale at Sachs Butterfly House, Chesterfield

May 2nd-3rd Shaw Nature Reserve Spring Wildflower Market

8:30 am to Noon May 3rd Webster Groves Women’s Garden Association Plant Sale at the First Congregational Church of Webster Groves parking lot

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

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

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

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.

May 10th Flora Conservancy Plant Sale @ Greenhouse, Forest Park – no link yet

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

9 am July 26th-27th Shaw Cactus & Succulent Sale at Jost Event Center, St. Louis County

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

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.

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

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

Join us Sundays on Bluesky for #GardenSunday.

St. Louis Area Seed and Plant Swaps and Sales

Now thru April 15th On Line Ordering for Missouri Conservation Department annual Tree & Shrub Seedling Sale.

March 7th-8th Midwestern Herb & Garden Show in Mount Vernon, Illinois

9 am March 8th Seed St. Louis March Plant Sale at Carriage House, 3815 Bell: bare root Asparagus, Leeks, Mushroom spawn, Onion sets, seed Potatoes, bareroot Strawberries, Water Chestnuts. See link, scroll to bottom, for varieties, prices, planting instructions. You can also purchase seeds and gardening supplies online and pick them up on Sale Day.

8 Seats remaining. 11 am March 8th St. Charles City-County Library Plant & Seed Swap at Spencer Road Branch. Register

Noon to 2 pm Saturday, March 8th, Piasa Pallisades Sierra Club Seed Swap at Hayner Public Library, Alton, Illinois. Bring your quality seeds, seedlings, cuttings, and bulbs to swap with fellow farmers and gardeners. Nothing to swap, not a problem.

10 am to 2 pm March 15th Rustic Roots Sanctuary 5th Annual Seed Swap in Spanish Lake. Register

2 pm March 15th St. Louis Public Library event at Divoll Library: Seed Swap

8:15 am to 1 pm April 5th Partners for Native Landscaping Workshop & Plant Sale at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, Kirkwood

6 pm April 10th St. Louis County Library Plant Swap at Thornhill Branch

10 am April 12th Grow Native! Native Plant Sale at World Bird Sanctuary, Valley Park Mo

11 am April 12th St. Charles City-County Library Plant & Seed Swap at Spencer Road Branch. Register, registration opens March 15th

10 am to 2 pm April 13th Riverlands Native Plant Festival at West Alton, Missouri: Speakers, workshops, native plant giveaway for attendees volunteering for sand prairie planting at event

6 pm April 17th St. Louis County Public Library Spring Gardening Swap at Prairie Commons Branch, Hazelwood. Bring plants, seeds, bulbs, gardening tools, gardening books to swap

Noon to 3 pm April 26th Heartlands Conservancy Native Plant Sale & Order Pick Up at Clinton Hills Conservation Park Pavilion, Swansea, Illinois. Online Pre-Ordering March 20th to April 9th.

April 26th-27th Project Pollinator Native Plant Sale at Sachs Butterfly House, Chesterfield

May 2nd-3rd Shaw Nature Reserve Spring Wildflower Market

8:30 am to Noon May 3rd Webster Groves Women’s Garden Association Plant Sale at the First Congregational Church of Webster Groves parking lot

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

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

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

May 10th Flora Conservancy Plant Sale @ Greenhouse, Forest Park – no link yet

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

9 am July 26th-27th Shaw Cactus & Succulent Sale at Jost Event Center, St. Louis County

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

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.

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

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

Plant of the Week: Native New England Aster

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

Now thru January 1st at Missouri Botanical Garden: Holiday Flower and Train Show. Garden admission is free to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

Now thru January 4th Missouri Botanical Garden’s Garden Glow. Purchase Tickets.

Now thru April 15th On Line Ordering for Missouri Conservation Department annual Tree & Shrub Seedling Sale. They still have Redbud, Elderberry, Witchhazel, and lots more.

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

Spring 2025 University of Missouri Extension Master Gardener Online Core Training. $200. Register

Plan your garden with Seed St. Louis Planting Calendar

University of Missouri Extension online Food Preservation Course. $30. Register

Good Reads/Views —

Atmospheric rivers aren’t new. Why does it feel like we’re hearing about them more? (National Public Radio)

Alleged ‘potato cartel’ accused of conspiring to raise price of frozen fries, tater tots across U.S. Canadian companies named in lawsuits claiming shoppers have been overcharged (Canadian Broadcasting Corp)

Pass on the Pesticides and Boost Biodiversity at Home (Wild Ones)

Seed St. Louis Videos: Variety Trials, Virtual Classes, Starting Seeds Indoors, Orchard Tips, Gardening Tips & How Tos, 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.

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

You can do 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 —

Noon Tuesday, November 26th, University of Illinois Extension Services online class: From Flour to Ferment: Sourdough Starter Essentials. Register

2 pm Wednesday, November 27th, Missouri Conservation Department Zoom class: American Beaver. Register

Thursday, November 28th to January 1st Heartlands Conservancy event in Southern Illinois: 2024 Jingle Hike Challenge. Register

16 Tickets remaining. 1 pm Friday, November 29th, Missouri Conservation Department event at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area: Walk off the Turkey and Pumpkin Pie Hike. Register

2 pm Friday, November 29th, Missouri Conservation event at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, Kirkwood: Bird Feeders- Seed to Suet. Register

10 am to 4 pm Saturday, November 30th, Green Gift Bazaar in Alton IL

1:30 pm Saturday, November 30th, Missouri Conservation Department event at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, Kirkwood: Pinecone Bird Feeders. Registration not required.

6 pm December 4th Missouri Coalition for Environment Holiday Party. Register

7 pm December 5th Missouri Prairie Foundation webinar: An Evening with Owls of Both Prairies and Parks with naturalist Mark H.X. Glenshaw. Register

Noon December 6th University of Illinois Extension Services online class: Rise and Shine- Sourdough Bread-Making Essentials. Register

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

Volunteers Wanted. 9 am December 7th Forest ReLeaf Tree Planting at North Riverfront Park. Register

10 am December 7th Deep Roots Kansas City webinar: Planning Your Garden for Winter Interest. Register

3 pm December 7th Forest ReLeaf Chestnut Roast at Fairground Park

15 Seats remaining. 1:30 pm December 7th Missouri Conservation Department event at Tower Grove Park: Holiday Nature Ornaments and Cocoa. Register

6 pm December 7th Missouri Sierra Club’s Eastern Missouri Group Potluck Holiday Party at Ethical Society, Clayton. Register

10 am December 9th St. Louis County Public Library event at Meramec Valley Branch, Fenton: Holiday Decorating with Herbs. Register

7 pm December 10th Missouri Coalition for Environment & SLACO Extreme Urban Heat Policy Plan Listening Session @ Habitat for Humanity. Register

6:30 pm December 11th Missouri Conservation Department webinar: Endangered Species- The Ozark Chinquapin. Register

2 pm December 12th St. Louis County Public Library event at Mid-County Branch, Clayton: Holiday Decorating with Herbs. Register

3 pm December 13th Missouri Conservation Department webinar: Missouri Black Bears. Register

9:30 am December 14th Missouri Coalition for Environment & SLACO Extreme Urban Heat Policy Plan Listening Session @ SLACO. Register

December 15th Tower Grove Park Frosted 5k & Fun Run fundraiser. Register

2 pm December 18th Missouri Conservation Department Zoom class: Missouri Foxes. Register

9 am December 20th Missouri Sierra Club’s Easterm Missouri Group Service Day at Castlewood State Park, Ballwin. Register

1 pm January 4th St. Louis Public Library event at Central Library: Plants that Changed the Course of History-Volume 1, Missouri Botanical Garden Speakers Bureau.

January 25th thru March 4th event at Sachs Butterfly House, Faust Park, Chesterfield: Morpho Mardi Gras- Bugs, Rhythm, & Blues. Fee applies

February 1st thru March 9th at Missouri Botanical Garden: Orchid Show. Garden admission is free to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

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

Join us Sundays on Bluesky for #GardenSunday. No longer on Twitter thanks to Elon Musk turning it into a dumpster fire.

This Week in Gardening & Nature

bluish violet aromatic aster flowers with yellow centers on shrub

Plant of the Week: native Aromatic Aster

Fall Color Reports. Missouri and Illinois

Free Trees for University City residents via Forest Releaf Missouri’s Community Canopy program. Order now for Saturday, October 19th pick up at The Green Center, 8025 Blackberry. Available Trees: Bald Cypress, Buttonbush, Redbud, River Birch, Swamp White Oak, Vernal Witchhazel, Washington Hawthorn

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.

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

Plan your garden with Seed St. Louis Planting Calendar

Good Reads & Views —

Energy and climate: Where do Harris and former guy stand? (States Newsroom)

Rural Missouri groups- S.L.U.D.G.E. and C.R.A.P. threaten lawsuit over PFAS in meatpacking sludge. Meatpacking waste sludge is spread as fertilizer on farmland and can wash into waterways (Missouri Independent)

Regenerative farming practices require unlearning past advice (Columbia Missourian)

Earth’s wildlife populations have disappeared at a ‘catastrophic’ rate in the past half-century, new analysis says. The Living Planet Index found the worst declines were in Latin America and the Caribbean. (Gift article at Washington Post)

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

Illinois Native Plants for the Home Landscape

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 October 26th, St. Louis Public Library daily event at Schlafly Library: River Life: Landscape Photography exhibit by Rita Chu

Going on Now- On Line Ordering for Missouri Conservation Department annual Tree & Shrub Seedling Sale. Don’t delay. Items are selling out fast, such as Beautyberry, Blackberry, Concordia Oak, Flowering Dogwood, Hazelnut, PawPaw, Spicebush.

October 23rd Deadline to Order Fruit Trees from Stark Brothers for pick up November 2nd at Seed St. Louis Carriage House. $20 each: Apple, Asian Pear, Elderberry, Nectarine, Peach, Pecan, Persimmon

Volunteers wanted. Tower Grove Park Plant It Forward: Help dig cannas, elephant ears, other plants; clearing display beds of debris; aid in planting 10,000+ bulbs for Spring season. 9 am Tuesday, October 15th Register; 9 am Thursday, October 17th Register

Volunteers Wanted. Brightside St. Louis Blitz events (clean ups & beautification). October events. November events.

9 am to 3 pm Monday, October 14th Indigenous Peoples’ Day at Missouri Botanical Garden: Storytelling; Art; Herbal Education; FryBread Cooking Demonstration; Braiding Sweetgrass, Kin Relationality, and Native Science

9 am Tuesday, October 15th, Missouri Sierra Club Hikes at Dogwood and Mustang Trails, Greensfelder Park, St. Louis County. Register

9 Tickets remaining. 9 am Tuesday, October 15th, Missouri Conservation Department event at Emmenegger Nature Park, Kirkwood: Fall Colors Hike. Register

2 pm Tuesday, October 15th, Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Little Brown Birds- Sparrow ID. Register

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

For 3rd-5th Graders. 4:45 pm Wednesday, October 16th, Missouri Conservation Department event at Tower Grove Park: Nature Explorers After School Club- Fall Leaves. Register

1:30 pm Thursday, October 17th, Bellefontaine Cemetery history & horticulture tour with master guide: Fall Tour. Register

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

6 pm Thursday, October 17th Seed St. Louis, Table to Garden, Willoughby Farm event in Collinsville IL: Compost Swap & Potluck Meal. Register

6:30 pm Thursday, October 17th, Missouri Sierra Club event at Thomas Dunn Learning Center: Energy Justice Team Meeting. Register

8 am Friday, October 18th, Heartlands Conservancy Volunteer Day in Belleville IL: Signal Hill Outdoor Classroom Volunteer Workday. Register

1 Ticket remaining. 6 pm Friday, October 18th, Missouri Conservation Department event at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area: Full Hunter’s Moonrise Over the Confluence Hike. Register

8 am Saturday, October 19th, St. Louis Audubon Society Beginner Bird Walk at Fee Fee Greenway, Maryland Heights. Register

9-11 am Saturday, October 19th Seed St. Louis Extended Garlic & Shallot Sale at Carriage House, 3815 Bell. Available hardneck garlic, softneck garlic, shallots, and overwintering cover crop seed packets.

Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. 16 Seats remaining. Saturday, October 19th, Missouri Conservation Department event at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, Kirkwood: Nature Art- Carve a Snack-o-Lantern for wildlife. 11 Seats remaining for 9 am- Register. 16 Seats remaining for 1 pm- Register.

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

Noon to 4 pm Saturday, October 19th, Benton Park Neighborhood Association’s Benton Park Tunes on Tap – A Musical Garden Tour. Tickets $35-$65

Noon to 5 pm Saturday, October 19th, Mary Meachum Celebration at Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing, Mississippi Greenway

10 Seats remaining. 3 pm Saturday, October 19th Missouri Conservation Department event at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, Kirkwood: Fishing Lure Painting. All supplies provided. Register

13 Tickets remaining. 8 am Sunday, October 20th, St. Louis Audubon Society Beginner Bird Walk at Tower Grove Park. Register

9 am Sunday, October 20th, Bellefontaine Cemetery horticulture tour with horticulturist: Arboretum Tour- Fall Tree Walk. Register

Noon Sunday, October 20th, Missouri Prairie Foundation event in Lincoln County MO: Friends of Cuivre River State Park Grasslands Work Day. Register

1-5 pm Sunday, October 20th, Tower Grove Park Fall Frolic

6 pm October 21st St. Louis Public Library event at Machacek Library: Carnivorous Plants presented by Shaw Cactus & Succulent Society. Register

10 am October 22nd Bellefontaine Cemetery history & horticulture tour with master guide: Trolley Tour. $5. Register

Noon October 23rd Missouri Conservation Department Zoom class: Bats of Missouri. Register

4 pm October 23rd Missouri Prairie Foundation Webinar: Exploring Moss Diversity. Register

6 pm October 23rd Monthly Neighborhood Foresters Public Meeting at Americorps, Soulard. Register

For Kids ages 0 -7 years. 8 Seats remaining. 10:30 am October 24th Missouri Conservation Department event at Tower Grove Park: You and Me under the Canopy- Pumpkins for Wildlife. Register

6 pm October 24th Wild Ones Natives webinar: Matrix Landscape Design with Benjamin Vogt. Register

1:30 pm October 25th Bellefontaine Cemetery history & horticulture tour with master guide: Fall Tour. Register

6 pm October 25th Urban Harvest Raise the Roof Fundraiser at .ZACK, Kranzburg Arts, Grand. Tickets $50.

Volunteers Wanted. October 26th River de Peres Trash Bash

9 am October 26th Missouri Conservation Department event at Weldon Spring Conservation Area, St. Charles: Lewis Trail Hike, Fall Colors. Register

Volunteers wanted. 10 am October 26th STL Neighborhood Foresters event: Bevo Neighborhood Tree Care Blitz. Register

1:30 pm October 28th Bellefontaine Cemetery history & horticulture tour with master guide: Fall Tour. Register

28 Seats remaining. 5:30 pm October 28th St. Louis Public Library event at Central Library: Cacti & Succulents- A Beginner’s Guide to Thriving Plants. Register

6 pm October 28th Missouri Conservation Department Zoom class: Owls of Missouri. Register

Volunteers wanted. 9 am October 29th Heartlands Conservancy Volunteer Workday, Swansea IL: Coneflower Planting at Exploration Garden, Clinton Hills Conservation Park. Register

10 am October 30th Missouri Conservation Department event at Howard Wood Urban Outreach Office: Neighborhood Tree Hike, Southwest Garden to Tower Grove Park. Register

1 pm October 30th Missouri Conservation Department Zoom class: Owls of Missouri. Register

1:30 pm November 1st Bellefontaine Cemetery history & horticulture tour with master guide: Fall Tour. Register

7 pm November 1st Missouri Conservation Department Zoom event: A Chickadee’s Guide to Gardening presented by author Doug Tallamy. Register

7:45 am November 2nd Bellefontaine Cemetery fundraiser: Coyote Crawl 5K & Head for the Hills 10K Run/Walk. Fees vary. Register

1:30 pm November 5th Bellefontaine Cemetery history & horticulture tour with master guide: Fall Tour. Register

9 am November 6th Bellefontaine Cemetery horticulture tour with horticulturist: Arboretum Tour- Fall Tree Walk. Register

4 pm November 6th Missouri Invasive Plant Council Webinar: Common General Use Herbicides & How They Relate to Aquatic Use Sites. Register

Volunteers Wanted. 9 am November 8th Heartlands Conservancy Volunteer Day in Edwardsville IL: Poag Sand Prairie Restoration Volunteer Day. Register

7 pm November 8th Missouri Conservation Department Zoom class: Hiking with your Hound presented by Recreation Specialist Bridget Jackson and Veterinarian Dr. Pipkin. Register

Volunteers Wanted. 9 am November 9th Forest ReLeaf Tree Planting at Fairground Park. Register

9 am November 9th Heartlands Conservancy event, location to be announced: Woods Walk – Winter Tree ID. Register

10 am November 9th Bellefontaine Cemetery history & horticulture tour with master guide: Trolley Tour. $5. Register

3 pm November 9th Missouri Conservation Department class at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, Kirkwood: Fall Wild Edibles. Register

10 am November 12th Bellefontaine Cemetery history & horticulture tour with master guide: Trolley Tour. $5. Register

4:30 pm November 12th The Royale & Missouri Botanical Garden Show Me Your Garden: Harvest Round Cocktail Competition. Tickets $45. Prizes 1st place $300 Garden Glow ticket bundle and 2nd place $150 People’s Choice Award Garden Glow ticket bundle + Royale Gift card.

6:30 pm November 12th Piasa Sierra Club event at, probably Old Bakery Beer, Alton IL: What is happening to our smaller spring-breeding frog species in the STL-Metro Area? Presented by Mike Dawson, Educator/Conservationist at St. Louis Zoo. Register

1:30 pm November 13th Bellefontaine Cemetery history & horticulture tour with master guide: Fall Tour. Register

9 am November 14th Heartlands Conservancy Volunteer Day in Swansea IL: Exploration Garden Volunteer Workday. Register

For Kids ages 0 -7 years. 12 Seats remaining. 10:30 am November 14th Missouri Conservation Department event at Tower Grove Park: You and Me under the Canopy- Preparing for Winter. Register

9 am November 15th Heartlands Conservancy Volunteer Day in Belleville IL: Signal Hill Outdoor Classroom Volunteer Workday. Register

9 am November 16th Bellefontaine Cemetery horticulture tour with horticulturist: Arboretum Tour- Fall Tree Walk. Register

10 am November 16th Missouri Conservation Department event at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area: Dutch Oven Cooking. Register

12 Tickets remaining. 4:30 pm November 16th Missouri Conservation Department event at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area: Full Beaver Moonrise at the Confluence Hike. Register

8:30 am November 17th St. Louis Audubon Society Beginner Bird Walk at Tower Grove Park. Register

1:30 pm November 21st Bellefontaine Cemetery history & horticulture tour with master guide: Fall Tour. Register

6:30 pm November 21st Missouri Sierra Club event at Thomas Dunn Learning Center: Energy Justice Team Meeting. Register

9 am November 23rd Heartlands Conservancy Volunteer Day near Granite City IL: Arlington Wetlands Volunteer Workday. Register

2 pm November 27th Missouri Conservation Department Zoom class: American Beaver. Register

November 28th, 2024 to January 1st, 2025 Heartlands Conservancy event in Southern Illinois: 2024 Jingle Hike Challenge. Register

1 pm November 29th Missouri Conservation Department event at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area: Walk off the Turkey and Pumpkin Pie Hike. Register

2 pm December 18th Missouri Conservation Department Zoom class: Missouri Foxes. Register

Volunteers Wanted. 9 am December 7th Forest ReLeaf Tree Planting at North Riverfront Park. Register

9 am to 4 pm April 29th St. Louis Herb Society Herb Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden parking lot.

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

Sweet Potato flower, white petals and raspberry center

Plant of the Week: Sweet Potatoes, nutritious, beautiful flowers, easy to grow in a garden bed, pot, or grow bag

Fall Color Reports. Missouri and Illinois

Free Trees for University City residents via Forest Releaf Missouri’s Community Canopy program. Order now for October 19th pick up at The Green Center, 8025 Blackberry. Available Trees: Bald Cypress, Buttonbush, Redbud, River Birch, Swamp White Oak, Vernal Witchhazel, Washington Hawthorn

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

Plan your garden with Seed St. Louis Planting Calendar

Good Reads & Views —

How to protect plants from frost (University of Missouri Extension)

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

October Gardening Tips: Outdoor Flowering Plants & Ornamentals, Vegetable Gardening, Fruits & Nuts, Lawns (University of Missouri Extension)

Missouri Prairie Foundation weighs in on Artificial Intelligence

Farming among the trees: How perennial crops can help breathe life into depleted soil (Columbia Missourian)

Midwest states are spending millions to manage invasive carp in rivers and lakes. If left unchecked, conservation experts say the fish could wreak havoc on local ecosystems and fishing industries. (KCUR)

Tribes celebrate end of Klamath dam removal, largest in US history. “the structures halted the natural flow of the waterway that was once known as the third-largest salmon-producing river on the West Coast” (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

Have black plastic in your home? It could expose you to toxic chemicals. Study raises concerns recycled plastic containing flame retardants are being reused in manufacturing of consumer products (Gift article at Washington Post)

The Hidden Harm in Feeding Your Local Wildlife. Why feeding wild animals is harmful for them and us. Tidy bird feeders are the exception (US Fish & Wildlife Service)

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

Illinois Native Plants for the Home Landscape

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 October 26th, St. Louis Public Library daily event at Schlafly Library: River Life: Landscape Photography exhibit by Rita Chu

Volunteers wanted. Tower Grove Park Plant It Forward: Help dig cannas, elephant ears, other plants; clearing display beds of debris; aid in planting 10,000+ bulbs for Spring season. 9 am Thursday, October 10th Register; 9 am Tuesday, October 15th Register; 9 am Thursday, October 17th Register

Noon Tuesday, October 8th, University of Illinois Extension Webinar, Thriving Communities series: Current Funding Opportunities for Energy and the Environment Explore grants available for community environmental projects. Presenters will explore funding opportunities for three different needs: stormwater management, clean energy projects for rural areas, and the revitalization of polluted brownfields. Register

10 am Tuesday, October 8th, Bellefontaine Cemetery History and Horticulture Tour with Master Guide: Trolley Tour. $5. Register

6:30 pm Tuesday, October 8th, Piasa Palisades Sierra Club event at Old Bakery Beer, Alton IL: Missouri Stream Team program. Register

9 am Wednesday, October 9th, Bellefontaine Cemetery tour with Horticulturist: Fall Tree Walk. Register

1:30 pm Wednesday, October 9th, Bellefontaine Cemetery History & Horticulture Tour with Master Guide: Fall Tour. Register

4 pm Wednesday, October 9th, Grow Native Zoom Class: Native Ferns in Missouri and their Potential as Specialty Crops. Register

Thursday, Friday, Saturday, October 10th-12th University of Missouri @ St. Louis Indigenous Knowledge and Sustainability Event Series, The Buffalo Treaty

Volunteers Wanted. 9 am Thursday, October 10th, Heartlands Conservancy event in Belleville IL: Volunteer Training- Native Seed Collection. Register

For School Gardeners. 4:30 pm Thursday, October 10th, Seed St. Louis Fall School Gardener Meet-Up & Perennial Plant Swap at Pershing Elementary School Garden, University City. Register

6 pm Thursday, October 10th, Seed St. Louis event at DIG Annuals and Perennials, Benton Park West: Food for Years- Best Perennial Vegetables for a Fall & Winter Harvest. Register

Volunteers Wanted. 9 am Friday, October 11th, Heartlands Conservancy event in Edwardsville IL: Poag Sand Prairie Restoration Volunteer Day. Register

Volunteers Wanted. 9 am Friday, October 11th, Missouri Sierra Club Volunteer Day at Don Robinson State Park, Cedar Hill, Jefferson County MO. Register

12 Tickets remaining. 6 pm Friday. October 11th, Missouri Conservation Department event at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, Kirkwood: Powder Valley at Dusk Hike with Naturalist. Register

9 am to 1 pm Saturday, October 12th, Seed St. Louis, Forrest Keeling Nursery, Greenscape Gardens event in Manchester: Tree Sale & Fall Festival– vegan harvest soup, fresh apple cider, music by Hillary Fitz. Order trees. Apple (5 gallon Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious; Chinese Chestnut (3 gallon Grafted Peach, Grafted Qing, Grafted Sleeping Giant); Chokeberry (3 gallon Viking Black); Elderberry (3 gallon Bob Gordon, Pocahontas, Ranch); Hazelnut (3 gallon The Beast, Grand Traverse); Pawpaw (3 gallon Grafted Allegheny, Grafted Mango, Grafted Rappahannock, Grafted Susquehanna); Pecan (3 gallon Grafted Kanza, Grafted Pawnee); Plum (3 gallon American Plum); Persimmon (3 gallon Grafted Meader, Grafted Nikita’s Gift); Serviceberry (3 gallon Grafted Downy)

10 am Saturday, October 12th, Bellefontaine Cemetery History and Horticulture Tour with Master Guide: Trolley Tour. $5. Register

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

2 pm Saturday, October 12th Missouri Botanical Garden event: Indigenous Knowledge and Sustainability, The Buffalo Treaty collaborative event series, two presentations. 1) Keystone Species & Sovereignty = Rejuvenation, Innovation and Wonder, presented by Jonny BearCub Stiffarm, JD (Assinaboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, Montana). 2) The Ecological Buffalo: On the Trail of a Keystone Species, a talk and book-signing with author Wes Olson and photographer Johane Janelle. Garden Admission fee required. Event is free with Garden Admission but Registration required by October 10th.

3 pm Saturday, October 12th, St. Louis Public Library event at Schlafly Library: Gallery Talk- Rita Chu and River Life: Deconstructing the Images. More on photographer Rita Chu.

6 pm Saturday, October 12th, St. Louis Astronomical Society event at Tower Grove Park: Stargazing

Volunteers wanted. 9 am Sunday, October 13th, STL Neighborhood Foresters Tower Grove East Neighborhood Tree Care Blitz. Register

9 Tickets remaining. Must be at least 6 years of age. Noon Sunday, October 13th, Missouri Conservation Department event at Forest Park Hatchery: Cane Pole Fishing. Pole provided and you get to take one home. Register

9 am October 15th Missouri Sierra Club Hikes at Dogwood and Mustang Trails, Greensfelder Park, St. Louis County. Register

9 Tickets remaining. 9 am October 15th Missouri Conservation Department event at Emmenegger Nature Park, Kirkwood: Fall Colors Hike. Register

2 pm October 15th Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Little Brown Birds- Sparrow ID. Register

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

For 3rd-5th Graders. 4:45 pm October 16th Missouri Conservation Department event at Tower Grove Park: Nature Explorers After School Club- Fall Leaves. Register

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

6:30 pm October 17th Missouri Sierra Club event at Thomas Dunn Learning Center: Energy Justice Team Meeting. Register

8 am October 18th Heartlands Conservancy Volunteer Day in Belleville IL: Signal Hill Outdoor Classroom Volunteer Workday. Register

8 am October 19th St. Louis Audubon Society Beginner Bird Walk at Fee Fee Greenway, Maryland Heights. Register

Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. 16 Seats remaining. October 19th Missouri Conservation Department event at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, Kirkwood: Nature Art- Carve a Snack-o-Lantern for wildlife. 11 Seats remaining for 9 am- Register.16 Seats remaining for 1 pm- Register.

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

Noon to 4 pm October 19th Benton Park Neighborhood Association’s Benton Park Tunes on Tap – A Musical Garden Tour. Tickets $35-$65

14 Tickets remaining. 8 am October 20th St. Louis Audubon Society Beginner Bird Walk at Tower Grove Park. Register

Noon October 20th Missouri Prairie Foundation event in Lincoln County MO: Friends of Cuivre River State Park Grasslands Work Day. Register

1-5 pm October 20th Tower Grove Park Fall Frolic