This Week in Gardening & Nature

Plant of the Week: native Rough Blazing Star

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

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

Fall Color Reports. Missouri and Illinois

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

Plan your garden with Seed St. Louis Planting Calendar

Good Reads & Views —

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

Five Fall Veggie Garden Basics (P Allen Smith)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Illinois Native Plants for the Home Landscape

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

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

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

Gardening and Nature Events —

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9 am October 5th Seed St. Louis Garlic Sale

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This Week in Gardening & Nature

Plant of the Week: very tall perennial sunflower, Helianthus ‘Lemon Queen’

If you are only looking for St. Louis Area Plant Sales (plant sales & swaps- plants, native plants, seeding + seed swaps + local discounts) here’s a page for them

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

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

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

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

Plan your garden with Seed St. Louis Planting Calendar

Good Reads —

Beekeeping 101 (P. Allen Smith)

Many homeowners associations don’t let people raise chickens in their backyards. But a new Missouri law going into effect this month says HOAs must allow it. (KCUR)

St. Louis University claiming it can’t afford the deal is absurd. Community garden uprooted in north St. Louis after SLPS, SLU deal gone wrong. Food equity non-profit UJIMA was one of several nonprofits sent an eviction notice by the school district (KSDK)

National Black Farmers Group Says Supporting GOP Ticket Is “Off the Table” After JD Vance’s Attack. “He owes us an apology.” (Mother Jones)

USDA to take ‘additional step’ in testing beef from former dairy cattle for bird flu (Missouri Independent)

Kids drink contaminated water at schools, but testing for lead isn’t required in most states (required in Missouri and Illinois). Despite aging pipes and vulnerable children, schools face no national requirement to test for lead. Gift article (Washington Post)

Invasive zebra mussels detected on aquarium Marimo moss balls. If established in local waters, zebra mussels would be capable of causing significant infrastructure and environmental damage. (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife)

Illinois Native Plants for the Home Landscape

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

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

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

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

Shakespeare in the Park, The Tempest: 6:30 pm Wednesday, August 21st at Fairground Park, Fairground Neighborhood; 6:30 pm Friday, August 23rd at Love Bank Park, Cherokee Neighborhood;

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

8 Tickets remaining. 10 am Tuesday, August 20th, Tower Grove Park Nee Kee Nee (East Stream) Tour. Register

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

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

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

Saturday-Sunday, August 24th-25th Festival of Nations at Tower Grove Park

9 am Saturday Missouri Conservation Department online class: Preparing for Monarchs. Register

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

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

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

4 pm August 28th Grow Native Webinar: Collecting Native Seeds and Winter Sowing. Register

6:30 pm August 28th Mid-Continent Public Library (Kansas City) Zoom Class: Native Plants for Pollinators. Register

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

September 1st On Line Ordering begins for Missouri Conservation Department annual Tree & Shrub Seedling Sale

2 pm September 3rd Missouri Conservation Department online class: Missouri Waterfowl Identification. Register

10:30 am September 4th Missouri Conservation Department online class: Magnificent Monarchs. Register

For Adults and Kids with Adults. 17 Seats remaining. 6 pm September 6th Missouri Conservation Department class at Forest Park Hatchery: Fishing Lesson 1- Equipment, Casting, & Proper Fish Handling. Register

3-7 pm September 6th Shaw Nature Reserve Fall Wildflower Market, Gray Summit, Franklin County. Order online for pick up event day or purchase onsite. Missouri Botanical Garden Members- Free. Non-members: $5 each or $10 per car

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

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

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

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

3:30-6:30 pm September 7th Missouri Prairie Foundation Native Plant Sale at World Bird Sanctuary, Valley Park, St. Louis County. Entry Fee $12 per car.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9 am September 17th

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9 am October 5th Seed St. Louis Garlic Sale

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

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

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

This Week in Gardening & Nature

Plant of the Week: Mexican Sunflowers, Tithonia rotundifolia. These will grow to 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide with many flowers that attract pollinators.

If you are only looking for St. Louis Area Plant Sales, here’s a page for them. Updated this week with Brightside Daffodil & Tulip Sale and more info on next weekend’s Shaw Cactus & Succulent Society

Missouri Conservation Department invites public in St. Louis region to collect seed this summer for native tree propagation

Monday, July 15th Deadline to nominate a tree steward for Missouri Conservation Department Arbor Award of Excellence

August 11th to December 23rd University of Missouri Extension Online Master Gardener Core Training. $200

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

Plan your garden with Seed St. Louis Planting Calendar

Good Reads/Views —

Watering on the Garden (Seed St. Louis)

Forest ReLeaf developing City Tree Farm on the lot adjacent to the Scott Joplin House, Midtown

Can You Compost Bread? The Great Debate, Solved! Yes, you can compost bread, BUT there are some general rules of thumb to follow for best results. (Bob Vila)

Spongy moth caterpillars are very hungry and very invasive and may be on their way to Missouri (KSDK)

From burn scar to wetland. After wildfires destroyed Lahaina (Maui County, Hawaii), the battle to restore an ancient ecosystem will shape the town’s future. Gifted article (Washington Post)

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 —

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

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

5:30 pm Tuesday, July 16th, Bellefontaine Cemetery History & Horticulture Sunset Stroll with Master Guide. Register

4 pm Wednesday, July 17th, Missouri Prairie Foundation Online Master Class: The Magic of Swallowtails. Free to MPF members & Grow Native professional members. $15 nonmembers. Register

6 pm Thursday, July 18th, Willoughby Farm, Table to Garden, Seed St. Louis In Person Composting Series, Collinsville IL: Compost Tumblers. $12. Register

6 pm Thursday, July 18th, Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Common Caterpillars of Missouri. Register

7:30-10:30 am Friday, July 19th, Missouri Conservation Department and Wild Bird Sanctuary event at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, Kirkwood: Bird-Banding Demo. Also see Banding Together for Birds.

38 Seats remaining. 6 pm Friday, July 19th, Missouri Conservation Department event at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, Kirkwood: Conservation Trivia Night. Register

9 am-4 pm Saturday-Sunday, July 20th-21st, Shaw Cactus & Succulent Society Cactus & Succulent Sale at Jost Event Center, St. Louis County

10 am Saturday, July 20th, Bellefontaine Cemetery History & Horticulture Trolley Tour with Master Guide. $5. Register

1:30 pm July 23rd University of Illinois Extension Webinar: Companion Planting- Bountiful and Beautiful Together. Register

6 pm July 23rd St. Louis Public Library event at Buder Library: Urban Homesteading: ABC’s of Honey Bees

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

1 pm July 27th St. Louis Public Library event with River City Natives at Buder Library: Urban Homesteading- Using Native Plants in Your Urban Yard.

6 pm July 29th St. Louis County Library & Left Banks Book author event at Clark Family Branch: Nature Writer Amy Stewart, Author of “The Tree Collectors: Tales of Arboreal Obsession.” Register

6 pm July 30th St. Louis Public Library event at Buder Library: Urban Homesteading- Carnivorous Plants 101

3 pm August 1st Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Missouri Bees. Register

7:30-10:30 am August 2nd Missouri Conservation Department and Wild Bird Sanctuary event at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, Kirkwood: Bird-Banding Demo

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

For Kids ages 0-7. 10:30 am August 8th Missouri Conservation Department event at Tower Grove Park: You and Me under the Canopy- Splish, Splash. Register

2 pm August 9th St. Louis County Library class at Mid-County Branch: Homesteading- Windowsill Herbs. Register

9 am August 10th Seed St. Louis Fall Seedling Sale

8 Seats remaining. 10 am August 10th Missouri Conservation Department event at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, Kirkwood: Nature Art, Watercolor Painting: Summer Meadows. No experience necessary, all supplies provided. Register

11 am and 1 pm August 10th Missouri Botanical Garden event: Sachs Museum Performance Series- “A Corn-Fed Musical Comedy Performance” by Opera Bell Band. Seating first come, first served. Garden Admission is free to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents Saturday and Wednesday mornings.

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

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

22 Tickets remaining. 6 pm August 15th Missouri Conservation Department event at Forest Park Hatchery: Fishing Lesson 1- Equipment, Casting, & Proper Fish Handling. Register

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

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.

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

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

August 24th Soulard’s Art in the Garden Tour fundraiser for Beautification Committee, Soulard Restoration Group

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

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

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

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.

September 22nd Bring Conservation Home Native Plant Expo at Tower Grove Park

9 am October 5th Seed St. Louis Garlic Sale

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

This Week in Gardening & Nature

Plant of the Week: Liatris, Gayfeathers

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

Plan your garden with 2024 Seed St. Louis Planting Calendar

St. Louis Post-Dispatch Garden Contest

Check out the Butterfly Gardens at St. Louis Public Library branches

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

Thursday, June 20th, Deadline for your community organization to apply for Brightside St. Louis Neighbors Naturescaping Program to beautify a public or not-for-profit space, restore Missouri native plant communities, attract beneficial wildlife (butterflies, bees, birds), reduce stormwater runoff and protect drinking water

July 15th Deadline to nominate a tree steward for Missouri Conservation Department Arbor Award of Excellence

Good Reads/Views —

Oral History Project Preserves Black and Indigenous Food Traditions. The Heirloom Gardens Project records the stories of elders and honors both long-held expertise and culturally meaningful foods. (Civil Eats)

This word was rejected by geologists. But it’s already taken over the world. Yet for many activists, artists, and academics outside of geology, the Anthropocene, or “Age of Humans,” is here to stay. Gift article (Washington Post)

(YouTube)Tomato Trellising: 4 Methods (Seed St. Louis)

Dealing with Squash Bugs in a No Spray Garden and Advice on Squash Bugs from Missouri Botanical Garden

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

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 Monday, June 17th, Missouri Conservation Department Virtual Class: Folklore of Birds. Register

9 am to 5 pm Wednesday, June 19th, Missouri Botanical Garden Juneteenth at the Garden: Ethiopian Book Binding presentation, Pot-A-Plant, “In the Garden with Dr. Carver,” more. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

10 am Thursday, June 20th, Seed St. Louis and St. Louis County Library Zoom Class: Water for the Garden. Register

For Kids 0-7 years. 7 Seats remaining. 10:30 am Thursday, June 20th, Missouri Conservation Department event at Tower Grove Park: You and Me under the Canopy- Twinkle Firefly. Register

For Kids 7-14 years. 2 pm Thursday, June 20th, St. Louis County Library event at Oak Bend Branch: Summer Science- Explore the science of plants with guided, hands-on activities and experiments. Register

5:30-7:30 Thursday, June 20th, Feed the People Garden Project event at 3964 Walsh, Bevo Neghborhood: Queers in the Garden.. No gardening experience necessary. Stop by for community building, learning garden skills, harvesting food, have fun.

6 pm Thursday, June 20th, Willoughby Farm, Table to Garden, Seed St. Louis In Person Composting Series, Collinsville IL: Vermicomposting, aka Worm Composting. $12. Register

6:30 pm Thursday, June 20th, St. Louis County Library class at Mid-County Branch: Harvesting & Preserving Herbs. Presented by St. Louis Herb Society. Register

7 pm Thursday, June 20th, Missouri Conservation Department Virtual Class: Folklore of Birds Part 2. Register

5:30-7:30 pm Friday, June 21st, Bellefontaine Cemetery event: Beer Barons 2024: Barons of Beer and Distilling Chapter III. $30. Register

3 Ticckets remaining. 7:30 pm Friday, Junes 21st, Missouri Conservation Department event at Columbia Bottom Nature Conservation Area, St. Louiis County: Summer Solstice Walk to the Confluence. Register

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

9 am to to 5 pm Saturday-Sunday, June 22-23, St. Louis Water Garden Society Pond-O-Rama Tour

10 am to 3 pm Saturday, June 22nd, University of Missouri Extension Butterfly Festival at Jefferson Farm & Garden, Columbia MO

1 pm Saturday, June 22nd, St. Louis City Public Library event at Buder Library: Urban Homesteading– Chicken Tending 101

5 Seats remaining. 8 pm Saturday, June 22nd, Missouri Conservation Department event at Powder Valley Nature Conservation Area, Kirkwood: Owl Prowl. Register

11 am to 1 pm June 23rd Piasa Sierra Club event at La Vista Park, Godfrey, IL: Pollinator Party. Register

2 pm June 25th St. Louis County Library class at Eureka Hills Branch: Cooking with Herbs. Presented by St. Louis Herb Society. Register.

9 am June 26th Tower Grove Park event at Lily Pond Shelter: Water Plants of Tower Grove Park. Presented by Horticulture Supervisor, Steve Hogenmiller, and Community Engagement Manager, Tara Morton. Register

2 pm June 26th Tower Grove Park event: Nee Kee Nee (East Stream) Tour. Register

5:30 pm June 27th Belleftonaine Cemetery event: Sunset Stroll. Register

6:30 June 28th Missouri Conservation Department event at Powder Valley Nature Conservation Center: Planting Native, presented by horticulturist Scott Woodbury + tour of the native plant gardens at the nature center. Register

June 30th Greater St. Louis Sustainable Backyard Tour

6 pm July 2nd St. Louis County Library Indoor Plant Swap at Prairie Commons Branch

4 pm July 3rd Missouri Prairie Foundation Webinar: Native Bees of Missouri’s Ozark Woodlands and Glades. Register

2 pm July 6th St Louis County Library In-Person Class at Mid-County Branch: Planning Your Tea Garden. Register

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

1 pm June 29th St. Louis City Publiuc Library event at Buder Library: Urban Homesteading- Advanced Chicken Tending

2 pm July 11th Seed St. Louis and St. Louis County Library Zoom Class: Fall Gardening. Register

7:30 pm July 13th St. Louis Astronomical Society Stargazing at Tower Grove Park

6 pm July 18th Willoughby Farm, Table to Garden, Seed St. Louis In Person Composting Series, Collinsville IL: Compost Tumblers. $12. Register

7 Tickets remaining. 10 am to 2 pm July 20th Missouri Department of Conservation Camp Hellbender, Summer Camp for Adults at Tower Grove Park: learn tree ID and put new skills to the test on a tree ID geocaching adventure. After lunch, learn about native plants and insects and do a flower pounding craft. Register

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.

August 10th Seed St. Louis Fall Seedling Sale

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

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.

August 24th Soulard’s Art in the Garden Tour fundraiser for Beautification Committee, Soulard Restoration Group

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

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

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

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.

September 22nd Bring Conservation Home Native Plant Expo at Tower Grove Park

October 5th Seed St. Louis Garlic Sale

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

This Week in Gardening & Nature

Plant of the Week: Spiderwort, Tradescantia ohiensis

Plan your garden with 2024 Seed St. Louis Planting Calendar

St. Louis Post-Dispatch Garden Contest

Check out the Butterfly Gardens at St. Louis Public Library branches

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

June 20th Deadline for your community organization to apply for Brightside St. Louis Neighbors Naturescaping Program to beautify a public or not-for-profit space, restore Missouri native plant communities, attract beneficial wildlife (butterflies, bees, birds), reduce stormwater runoff and protect drinking water

July 15th Deadline to nominate a tree steward for Missouri Conservation Department Arbor Award of Excellence

Good Reads/Views —

(YouTube)Tomato Trellising: 4 Methods (Seed St. Louis)

Dealing with Squash Bugs in a No Spray Garden and Advice on Squash Bugs from Missouri Botanical Garden

(YouTube) Native Species Spotlight: Dragonflies. How to attract Dragonflies: Install a water feature at least 2 ft deep, Add submerged plant, emergent plants & floating plants to aid dragonflies throughout their life cycle, Include native plants such as water lilies & irises. (Wild Ones)

University of Missouri launches 5 year climate-smart farming projects with $25M in Federal funds (Columbia Missourian)

Mo communities divided over spreading meatpacking sludge. “Turner is a member of a local activist group, Citizens of Randolph County Against Pollution, or CRAP, which filed a lawsuit that prevented Denali from filling the lagoon.” (Columbia Missourian, Missouri Independent)

Retired Missouri conservation director plans to enjoy the areas she oversaw (St. Louis Public Radio)

Tornadoes shifting east in the U.S., study finds, putting more people at risk. Researchers have pointed to parts of the Deep South and Tennessee Valley as being the modern-day Tornado Alley. Gift article. (Washington Post)

(YouTube) Missouri Botanical Garden Corpse Flower Cam

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

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 —

Day Trip for Lavender: It’s You Pick season at Missouri’s largest lavender farm- Battlefield Lavender in Centralia, Boone County

1:30 pm Tuesday University of Illinois Extension Online Class: Understanding and Supporting Lady Beetles in Illinois. Register

5:30-7:30 pm Tuesday, June 11th, Missouri Coalition for the Environment Chats for Change at MCE office, University City. Sounds like a happy hour for environmentalists and conservationists. Register

6:30 pm Tuesday, June 11th, Piasa Palisades Sierra Club June Speaker at Old Bakery Beer, Alton IL: Our Wetlands Cooperative in Metroeast presented by Dr. Jenny Mullikin, National Great Rivers Research and Education Center. Register

For Ages 4-12. 2 pm Wednesday, June 12th, St. Louis County Library event at Samuel C. Sachs Branch: Garden Adventure- decorate a pot and plant a flower or vegetable to take home. Register

2:30 pm Wednesday, June 12th, St. Louis County Library class at Florissant Valley Branch: Cooking with Herbs. Presented by St. Louis Herb Society. Register

5:30 pm Wednesday, June 12th, Bellefontaine Cemetery History & Horticulture Sunset Stroll with Master Guide. Register.

6 pm Thursday, June 13th, St. Louis City Public Library event at Buder Library: Urban Homesteading– Composting 101

2 pm Friday, June 13th, St. Louis County Library class at Thornhill Branch: Cooking with Herbs. Presented by St. Louis Herb Society. Register

6:30 pm Friday, June 14th, event at The Garden Shop on Hampton: Sip & Soil, an evening of painting, planting, cocktail making. $35. Register

9 am to 5 pm Saturday, 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.

10 am Saturday, June 15th, Bellefontaine Cemetery History & Horticulture Trolley Tour with Master Guide. $5. Register

10 am and 11:30 am Saturday, June 15th, Missouri Botanical Garden event: Sentimental Symbols of the Garden Tour. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

7:30 pm Saturday, June 15th, St. Louis Astronomical Society Stargazing at Tower Grove Park

Noon June 17th Missouri Conservation Department Virtual Class: Folklore of Birds. Register

9 am to 5 pm June 19th Missouri Botanical Garden Juneteenth at the Garden: Ethiopian Book Binding presentation, Pot-A-Plant, “In the Garden with Dr. Carver,” more. Garden admission free to St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

10 am June 20th Seed St. Louis and St. Louis County Library Zoom Class: Water for the Garden. Register

For Kids 0-7 years. 10:30 am June 20th Missouri Conservation Department event at Tower Grove Park: You and Me under the Canopy- Twinkle Firefly. Register

For Kids 7-14 years. 2 pm June 20th St. Louis County Library event at Oak Bend Branch: Summer Science- Explore the science of plants with guided, hands-on activities and experiments. Register

6 pm June 20th Willoughby Farm, Table to Garden, Seed St. Louis In Person Composting Series, Collinsville IL: Vermicomposting, aka Worm Composting. $12. Register

6:30 pm June 20th St. Louis County Library class at Mid-County Branch: Harvesting & Preserving Herbs. Presented by St. Louis Herb Society. Register

7 pm June 20th Missouri Conservation Department Virtual Class: Folklore of Birds Part 2. Register

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

9 am to to 5 pm June 22-23 St. Louis Water Garden Society Pond-O-Rama Tour

10 am to 3 pm June 22nd University of Missouri Extension Butterfly Festival at Jefferson Farm & Garden, Columbia MO

1 pm June 22nd St. Louis City Public Library event at Buder Library: Urban Homesteading– Chicken Tending 101

12 Seats remaining. 8 pm June 22nd Missouri Conservation Department event at Powder Valley Nature Conservation Area, Kirkwood: Owl Prowl. Register

11 am to 1 pm June 23rd Piasa Sierra Club event at La Vista Park, Godfrey, IL: Pollinator Party. Register

2 pm June 25th St. Louis County Library class at Eureka Hills Branch: Cooking with Herbs. Presented by St. Louis Herb Society. Register.

June 30th Greater St. Louis Sustainable Backyard Tour

6 pm July 2nd St. Louis County Library Indoor Plant Swap at Prairie Commons Branch

2 pm July 6th St Louis County Library In-Person Class at Mid-County Branch: Planning Your Tea Garden. Register

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

1 pm June 29th St. Louis City Publiuc Library event at Buder Library: Urban Homesteading- Advanced Chicken Tending

2 pm July 11th Seed St. Louis and St. Louis County Library Zoom Class: Fall Gardening. Register

7:30 pm July 13th St. Louis Astronomical Society Stargazing at Tower Grove Park

6 pm July 18th Willoughby Farm, Table to Garden, Seed St. Louis In Person Composting Series, Collinsville IL: Compost Tumblers. $12. Register

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.

August 10th Seed St. Louis Fall Seedling Sale

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

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.

August 24th Soulard’s Art in the Garden Tour fundraiser for Beautification Committee, Soulard Restoration Group

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

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

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

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.

September 22nd Bring Conservation Home Native Plant Expo at Tower Grove Park

This Week in Gardening & Nature

Plant of the Week: Alliums

Sow Outdoors This Week: Basil, Beans, Corn, Cucumber, Melons, Okra, Summer Squash, Tomatillo, Tomato, Winter Squash
Transplant This Week: Perennials + Basil, Eggplant, Melons, Peppers, Summer Squash, Tomatillo, Tomato
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 & Swaps, here’s a page for them.

Want to buy food in St. Louis Area grown with environmentally responsible and ethical practices? Check out Missouri Coalition for the Environment Known & Grown Farm Directory

Grow Native Professional Certification Program

Good Reads —

Why you should let your grass grow. See what happens when you stop mowing your lawn. Gifted article (Washington Post)

May Gardening Tips from University of Missouri Extension

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

Care of Spring bulbs after flowering (University of Missouri Extension)

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

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

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

Gardening and Nature Events —

Volunteers Wanted. Check out upcoming Brightside St. Louis Neighborhood Clean Up & Beatification events.

11:30 am to 4:30 pm thru March 31st, 2025 Missouri Botanical Garden multimedia exhibit at Sachs Museum- Kernels of Culture: Maize Around the World. Garden Admission is Free to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

10 am every Monday St. Louis Public Library Outdoor Storytime in Forest Park, Albrecht Nature Playscape.

10 am Tuesday, May 14th, Bellefontaine Cemetery History & Horticulture Trolley Tour with Master Guide. $5. Register

6:30 pm Tuesday, May 14th, Piasa Palisades Sierra Club May Speaker: Kill Your Lawn for the Birds at Old Bakery Beer, Alton IL. Register

10 am Wednesday, May 15th, Bellefontaine Cemetery Springtime History & Horticulture Tour with Master Guide. Register

6 pm Wednesday, May 15th, Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Outdoor Survival, Bushcraft Skills Series- Knife, Axe, Saw. Register

Noon Thursday, May 16th, The Giving Grove Zoom Class: Spring Orchard Care- Timely Tasks for a Healthy Space. Register

8 am to 1 pm Saturday, May 18th, Wild Ones Illinois Prairie Chapter Native Plant Sale at Carlock, McLean County IL

9 am Saturday, May 18th, Seed St. Louis Summer Seedling & Sweeet Potato Slip Sale Part II: 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. Bring a box lid for your purchases. Get in line early for best selection.

9 am to 4 pm Saturday, May 18th, St. Louis Audubon and St. Louis Wild Ones Native Plant Garden Tour. $20

10 am to 3 pm Saturday, May 18th, Plant America Garden Expo at Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center, St Charles MO.

10 am Saturday, May 18th, St. Louis County Library Plant Swap @ Meramec Valley Branch- Register

Volunteers Wanted. 11 am to 3 pm Saturday, May 18th, Peace Park Partners and Green City Coalition event: Planting Blitz at Peace Park, Grand @ Strodtman, College Hill Neighborhood. Register

Noon Saturday, May 18th, Missouri Conservation Department Online Class: Blooming Wildflowers. Register

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

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

6:30 pm May 21st KC Area Mid Continent Public Library Zoom Class: Hummingbirds 101. Register

10 am May 22nd Bellefontaine Cemetery Springtime History & Horticultutre Tour with Master Guide. Register

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

6 pm May 22nd Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Naturalist Notes- Hummingbirds. Register

6 Seats remaining. Ages 0-7 years. 10:30 am May 23rd Missouri Conservation Department event at Tower Grove Park: Conservation Kids- You and Me under the Canopy: Get a Life Cycle! Register

3 pm May 23rd Tower Grove Park Nee Kee Nee (East Stream) Tour. Register

6 pm May 23rd Seed St. Louis Zoom Class: Building a Healthy Garden & Orchard Ecosystem. Register

5:30-7:30 pm May 24th support beautiful Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum at Beer Barons Tour: Beer Barons Chapter II – Suppliers to Brewers. Tickets $30. Register

17 Tickets remaining. 7:30 pm May 24th Missouri Conservation Department hiking event at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area: Off the Beaten Trail Evening Nature Walk. Register

10 Tickets remaining. 7:30 pm May 24th Missouri Conservation Department hiking event at Powder Valley Nature Conservation Area: Dusk Hike. 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.

10 am May 25th Bellefontaine Cemetery History & Horticulture Trolley Tour with Master Guide. $5. Register

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

11 am May 28th Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Snakes of Missouri. Register

6 Tickets remaining. 3 pm May 29th Missouri Conservation Department In-Person Class at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area: Beginning Archery. Register

1 pm May 30th Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Landscaping with Native Plants. Register

1 pm May 31st Missouri Conservation Department hiking event at Powder Valley Conservation Area: Wildflower Walk . Register

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

10 am June 1st St. Louis County Library Plant Swap @ Samuel C. Sachs Branch- Register

June 1st (not confirmed) Lafayette Square Neighborhood Garden Tour & Antique Fair

27 Seats remaining. 2 pm June 1st Missouri Botanical Garden Speaker Series at Central Library: Plants that Changed the Course of History. 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.

4 pm June 3rd St. Louis County Library Plant Swap @ Thornhill Branch- Register

3 pm June 5th St. Louis County Library Plant Swap @ Prairie Commons Branch- Register

4 pm June 5th Missouri Prairie Foundation Webinar: Documenting Multiple Types of Pollinators Through Photography. Register

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

5:30-7:30 June 11th Missouri Coalition for the Environment Chat for Change at MCE office, University City. Sounds like a happy hour for environmentalists and conservationists. Register

6:30 pm June 11th Piasa Sierra Club June Speaker at Old Bakery Beer, Alton IL: Our Wetlands Cooperative in Metroeast presented by Dr. Jenny Mullikin, National Great Rivers Research and Education Center. Register

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.

10 am June 20th Seed St. Louis and St. Louis County Library Zoom Class: Water for the Garden. Register

6 pm June 20th Willoughby Farm, Table to Garden, Seed St. Louis In Person Composting Series, Collinsville IL: Vermicomposting, aka Worm Composting. $12. Register

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

9 am to to 5 pm June 22-23 St. Louis Water Garden Society Pond-O-Rama Tour

11 am to 1 pm June 23rd Piasa Sierra Club event at La Vista Park, Godfrey, IL: Pollinator Party. Register

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

June 30th Greater St. Louis Sustainable Backyard Tour

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.

August 10th Seed St. Louis Fall Seedling Sale

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

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

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.

September 22nd Bring Conservation Home Native Plant Expo at Tower Grove Park

Upcoming St. Louis Area Plant Sales

Art: three potted plants in dark green. Text: Plant Sale

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

8 am to 1 pm Saturday, 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 am to Noon Saturday, April 27th, Webster Groves Garden Club Plant Sale at Webster Groves Recreation Center, 33 E Glendale

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

9 am Saturday, April 27th, Olivette In Bloom Native Plant Sale

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

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

10 am to 2 pm Sunday, April 28th, Partners for Native Landscaping Native Plant Fair at Beyond Housing, Pine Lawn.

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

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

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

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

May 4th Edwardsville IL Garden Club Spring Plant Sale at St. Mary’s Church parkign lot, 1802 Madison.

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

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

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

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

8 am May 6th Kress Farm Garden Preserve Plant Sale in Hillsboro, Jefferson County MO. Native plants, shrubs, trees; nonnative plants, annuals, vegetable seedlings.

8 am to 1 pm May 11th Flora Conservancy of Forest Park Plant Sale at St. Louis City Greenhouse

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

8 am to Noon May 11th O’Fallon Garden Club Plant Sale at 2606 Riley Paul Ct, O’Fallon, MO

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 Noon May 11th Kirkwood Garden Club Plant Sale at Kirkwood Train Station

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

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

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

10 am to 3 pm May 18th Plant America Garden Expo at Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center, St Charles MO.

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

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 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 20th-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.

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

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

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.

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

Upcoming St. Louis Area Plant Sales

9 am to 4 pm Friday, April 26th, St. Louis Community College’s Meramec Botanical Society Plant Sale (see link for catalog). 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 Friday, April 26th, St. Louis Herb Society Herb Sale at Missouri Botanical Garden, parking lot

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

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

9 am Saturday, April 27th, Olivette In Bloom Native Plant Sale

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

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

10 am to 2 pm Sunday, April 28th, Partners for Native Landscaping Native Plant Fair at Beyond Housing, Pine Lawn.

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

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

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

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

May 4th Edwardsville IL Garden Club Spring Plant Sale at St. Mary’s Church parkign lot, 1802 Madison.

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

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

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

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

8 am May 6th Kress Farm Garden Preserve Plant Sale in Hillsboro, Jefferson County MO. Native plants, shrubs, trees; nonnative plants, annuals, vegetable seedlings.

8 am to 1 pm May 11th Flora Conservancy of Forest Park Plant Sale at St. Louis City Greenhouse

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

8 am to Noon May 11th O’Fallon Garden Club Plant Sale at 2606 Riley Paul Ct, O’Fallon, MO

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

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

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

10 am to 3 pm May 18th Plant America Garden Expo at Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center, St Charles MO.

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

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 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 20th-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.

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

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

This Week in Gardening & Nature

Photo collage: Blue Dwarf Iris and Purple Dawrf Iris

Plant of the Week: Dwarf Iris

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

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

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

March Garden To Do List from P. Allen Smith

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

Good Reads & Views —

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

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

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

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

Illinois Native Plants for the Home Landscape

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

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

Gardening and Nature Events —

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7 pm April 13th Stargazing at Tower Grove Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This Week in Gardening & Nature

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good Reads —

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

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

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

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

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

Illinois Native Plants for the Home Landscape

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

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

Gardening and Nature Events —

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9 am to Noon March 2nd Bellefontaine Cemetery Garage Sale

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7 pm April 13th Stargazing at Tower Grove Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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