This Week in Gardening & Nature

Plant of the Week: Broccoli. We grow both big head green broccoli and purple sprouting broccoli. For Fall planting, start seeds indoors now. If in St. Louis area, buy seedlings at August 15th Seed St. Louis Fall Seedlings Sale

Mosquito Bucket Challenge. Join thousands reducing mosquitoes without fogging—in your own yard using a bucket and Bti (Homegrown National Park)

Plan your garden with 2026 Seed St. Louis Planting Calendar, good for Zones 6a, 6b, 7a, maybe more. This week: Start Seeds Indoors for Fall Bok Choy, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chard, Collards, Kale

If you are just looking for St. Louis Area Plant and Seed Swaps and Sales, they are here. Added this week: Forest ReLeaf Project CommuniTree Fall Applications, Best of Missouri Market at Missouri Botanical Garden

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

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

Good Reads, Views, Listens —

July Gardening Tips, Tasks, & Problems (Missouri Botanical Garden)

June Native Plant News (Wild Ones)

What you needle to know about the Asian needle ant (University of Missouri Extension) Also see Painful stings, forest risks tied to ant now confirmed in Missouri (Columbia Daily Tribune via Wayback Machine)

Real estate deal gives a boost to New Hampshire’s imperiled state butterfly. A portion of Concord’s pine barrens, the only known home in all of New England for the iridescent, endangered Karner blue butterfly, is changing hands. (New Hampshire Bulletin)

Listen to Britain’s dawn chorus of 1976: the dramatic loss of birdsong in 50 years. Guardian recreates audio landscape of past filled by loud morning symphony before 73m wild birds were lost (The Guardian)

Missouri River Bird Observatory Past Webinars and Virtual Nature School for Kids

Deep Roots Kansas City Native Plant Gardening Videos

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

Shaw Nature Reserve Propagation Guide

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

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

Illinois Native Plants for the Home Landscape

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

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

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

Gardening and Nature Events —

—– ONGOING —–

Volunteers Wanted. STL Neighborhood Foresters Neighborhood Tree Care Blitzes
July 11th Tower Grove East. Register
July 12th Forest Park Southeast. Register
July 19th Shaw. Register

Apply for Forest ReLeaf Project CommuniTree: 3-gallon saplings are offered free of charge to public and nonprofit partners who plant and maintain the trees. Pick Ups in Cape Girardeau, Columbia, Hannibal, Kansas City, Republic, St. Louis County

July 15th Deadline to Enter Wild Ones Photo Contest. 2026 Categories: Connecting People & Native Plants, Native & Community Landscapes, Native Plants Year-Round, Fauna, Flora. Also see Through the Lens of Native Landscapes: A Q&A with Photographer David Silsbee

July 24th Deadline to Register for 1-3 pm July 28th-30th University of Illinois Extension Online Workshops: Which Grass is Which? Learn about Illinois’ common woodland grasses, common prairie grasses, common nuisance grasses. Register

August 23rd Deadline to Register for Fall University of Missouri Extension Master Gardener Online Course. $200

August 31st Deadline to Enter Missouri River Bird Observatory Photo Contest

September 1st Deadline to Enter Missouri Department of Natural Resources Photo Contest. 2026 Categories: Natural Resources, Unique Places, People Enjoying Missouri’s Outdoors

November 15th Deadline to Enter Missouri State Parks & Missouri Rural Electric Cooperatives Missouri Snapshots Photo Contest. 2026 Categories: Adventure & Recreation, On The Trail, Parks Less Traveled, Making Memories, Capture the Beauty

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

October Applications Open for Missouri Prairie Foundation’s 2027 Prairie Garden Grant Program for gardening and conservation groups, parks, school,

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

Thru March 31, 2027, Missouri Botanical Garden exhibit at Sachs Museum– The Literary Garden: The Cultivation of Plants and Gardens in Narratives. Garden Admission Free until Noon on Saturdays and Wednesdays to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents, except during MoBot special events, otherwise Garden Fee applies.

—– DAILY —–

Noon Monday, July 6th, Missouri Department of Conservation Virtual Class: Fireflies. Register

2 pm Monday, July 6th, Seed St. Louis class at Mid-County Branch, St. Louis County Library: Grapes and Kiwis- Trellises, Pruning and Care. Register

For Kids and their caregivers. 6-8 pm Tuesday, July 7th, Missouri Botanical Garden Sustainable STEM Night. Free bus transportation available from Central and Julia Davis Libraries. Register

Vounteers Wanted. 8 am Wednesday, July 8th, Heartlands Conservancy event at Clinton Hills Conservation Park, Swansea, Illinois: Exploration Garden Stewardship Day. Register

Volunteers Wanted. Brightside St. Louis North St. Louis Blitz Clean-up & Beautification, 4500 Block of St. Louis Ave.

8:15 pm Thursday, July 9th, Heartlands Conservancy Firefly Walk at Exploration Garden, Clinton Hills Conservation Park, Swansea, Illinois. Register

6 pm Thursday, July 9th, Seed St. Louis Zoom class: Vegetable Pest & Disease Management. Register

6 pm Friday, July 10th, Missouri Conservation Department event at Tower Grove Park: Invasive Crayfish Class, Session 1. Learn about native and invasive crayfish to Missouri and practice trapping for science Register

Volunteers Wanted. 8 am Saturday, July 11th, Heartlands Conservancy Arlington Wetlands Stewardship Day, Pontoon Beach, Illinois. Register

9 am Saturday, July 11th, Missouri Conservation Department event at Tower Grove Park: Invasive Crayfish Class, Session 2. Trap recovery and some citizen science. Register

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

Noon to 2 pm Saturday, July 11th, St. Louis Horticultural Society Plant MD at Kirkwood Public Library

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

2 pm July 11th St. Louis Public Library event at Schlafly Library: Forest Park Owls- Hunting and Feeding, presented by award winning naturalist Mark H.X. Glenshaw. Register

14 Tickets remaining. 7 am July 15th Missouri Conservation Department event at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center: Summer Morning Birding Hike on Broken Ridge, a 2/3 mile paved loop trail with multiple steep inclines. Binoculars provided. Register

4 pm July 15th Grow Native! Webinar: Greetings from the Prairie Garden Trust, a Grow Native! Garden of Excellence. Learn how this 240-acre old farm blossomed into a diverse native plant “nature garden” over the course of 30 years. Register

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

Volunteers Wanted. 9 am July 18th Forest ReLeaf O’Fallon Park Tree Watering Day. Help water 120 trees. Requires walking across uneven surfaces carrying 5-10 lbs of water.

6 pm July 20th Missouri Conservation Department Zoom class: Phenomenal Phenology, the study of seasonal changes such as when wildflowers bloom, insects emerge, tree’s leaf out and birds migrate. Register

Noon July 21st Missouri Conservation Department Zoom class: Phenomenal Phenology, the study of seasonal changes such as when wildflowers bloom, insects emerge, tree’s leaf out and birds migrate. Register

7 pm July 21st Missouri Conservation Department event at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, Kirkwood: Missouri Nature and Environmental Photographers 2025 Show set to music. Register

10 am to 5 pm July 22nd-26th Missouri Botanical Garden’s Little Shop Around the Corner Clearance Sale, Southwest Garden

6 pm July 22 Wild Ones Webinar: How to Talk to Your Neighbors (and Your HOA) About Your Garden. You planted native. Your neighbor has opinions. Maybe your HOA does too. If you’ve ever felt like the hardest part of native plant gardening is the conversations, not the gardening, you’re not alone. Register

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

8 Tickets remaining. 9 am July 24th Missouri Conservation Department event at Rockwoods Reservation, Wildwood: Hike Lime Kiln Trail Loop Trail, 3-mile guided hike. Register

9 am to 4 pm Saturday-Sunday, July 25th-26th, Shaw Cactus and Succulent Society Plant Sale at Jost Event Center, Overland

1:30 July 25th Grow Native! Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum Reconstructed Meadow Walking Tour with James Faupel, Director of Horticulture and Curator of Living Collections. Register

6 pm July 16th Dogtown Community Garden Open House. Register

6 Seats remaining. 10 am July 29th Missouri Conservation Department class at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center: DIY Hummingbird Feeders. Register

6 pm July 29th Missouri Conservation Department Virtual Class: Butterflies of Missouri. Register

17 Tickets remaining. 9 am July 30th Missouri Conservation Department’s Summer Morning Walk in Tower Grove Park. Register

16 Seats remaining. For Kids 7 year and younger. 10:30 am July 30th Missouri Conservation Department Conservation Kids program at Tower Grove Park: You and Me under the Canopy- Life in the Water! Register

6:30 pm July 30th St. Louis County Library Plant & Seed Swap at Prairie Commons Branch, Hazelwood. Register

9 Seats remaining. 9 am July 31st Missouri Conservation Department Training at Howard Wood Urban Outreach Office, Southwest Garden: Discover Nature Fishing Educator Volunteer Instructor Training. Register

13 Tickets remaining. For Ages 9+. Ages 9-15 must be accompanied by an adult. 9 am July 31st Missouri Conservation Department class at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, Kirkwood: Beginner Archery for Families. Do not bring your own equipment. Register

10:30 am July 31st Missouri Conservation Department Virtual Class: Missouri Black Bears. Register

15 Tickets remaining. 11:30 am July 31st Missouri Conservation Department class at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, Kirkwood: Beginner Archery for Adults. Register

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

6:30 pm August 4th Shakespeare in the Park at Franz Park, St. Louis City: Two Gentlemen of Verona. Free

6:30 pm August 5th Shakespeare at Missouri Botanical Garden: Two Gentlemen of Verona. Free

9 Tickets remaining. For ages 7+. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. 6 pm August 6th Missouri Conservation Department class at Forest Park Hatchery: Fishing Lesson 1- Equipment, Casting, Proper Fish Handling. Register

6 pm August 6th Missouri Conservation Department Virtual Class: Black Bears in Missouri. Register

6:30 pm August 6th Shakespeare in the Park at Heman Park, University City: Two Gentlemen of Verona. Free

Volunteers Wanted. 9 am August 8th Forest ReLeaf O’Fallon Park Tree Watering Day. Help water 120 trees. Requires walking across uneven surfaces carrying 5-10 lbs of water.

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

Noon to 2 pm August 8th St. Louis Horticultural Society Plant MD at Kirkwood Public Library

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

6 pm August 8th Urban Harvest Plant Bingo at Urban Chestnut Grove Brewery. Tickets $23.18 – $50

6:30 pm August 8th Shakespeare in the Park at Blackburn Park, Webster Groves: Two Gentlemen of Verona. Free

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

6:30 pm August 9th Shakespeare in the Park at Love Bank Park, St. Louis City: Two Gentlemen of Verona. Free

5 pm August 10th St. Heck X Royale Non-alchololic Garden Inspiried Cocktail Competition at The Royale. Tickets $19.58

6:30 pm August 12th Shakespeare in the Park at Chesterfield Amphitheater: Two Gentlemen of Verona. Free

6 pm August 13th Seed St. Louis Zoom class: Fall Gardening Tips. Register

6:30 pm August 13th Shakespeare in the Park at Bellevue Park, Belleville IL: Two Gentlemen of Verona. Free

6:30 pm August 14th Shakespeare in the Park at Old North St. Louis City, next to Crown Candy: Two Gentlemen of Verona. Free

8 am to 12:30 pm August 15th River City Natives Native Plant Sale at Tower Grove Farmer’s Market

9 am August 15th Seed St. Louis Fall Seedling Sale at Carriage House: Bok Choy Chun Mei, Broccoli Burgundy, Broccoli Castle Dome, Cabbage Caraflex, Cabbage (Napa) Minuet, Cabbage Red Almero, Cauliflower Minuteman, Collards Southern Georgia, Kale Black Jack, Kohlrabi Azur Star, Lettuce Heat Tolerant Variety Pack, Lettuce Sierra, Misome Choho (Tatsoi Hybrid). Get in line early for best selection, bring your own box for plants.

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

5 pm August 15th Missouri Prairie Foundation Annual Dinner & Silent Auction in Columbia MO. August 4th Deadline for online Ticket sales. Keynote Speaker: Dr. Ian Thompson, the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer with the Choctaw Nation. His presentation- Connecting with Prairie Past and Present: The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

6:30 pm August 15th Shakespeare in the Park at Carondelet Park, St. Louis City: Two Gentlemen of Verona. Free

6:30 pm August 16th Shakespeare in the Park at South Grand Parking Lot, St. Louis City: Two Gentlemen of Verona. Free

6:30 pm August 20th Shakespeare in the Park at Washington University: Two Gentlemen of Verona. Free

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

6:30 pm August 20th Shakespeare in the Park at City Park, Edwardsville IL: Two Gentlemen of Verona. Free

8 am to 12:30 pm August 22nd River City Natives Native Plant Sale at Tower Grove Farmer’s Market

6:30 pm August 23rd Shakespeare in the Park at January-Wabash Park, Ferguson: Two Gentlemen of Verona. Free

6:30 pm August 25th Shakespeare in the Park at Brentwood Park: Two Gentlemen of Verona. Free

6:30 pm August 27th Shakespeare in the Park at Lion’s Amphitheatre, Kirkwood Park: Two Gentlemen of Verona. Free

6:30 pm August 28th Shakespeare in the Park at Dutchtown Commons, St. Louis City: Two Gentlemen of Verona. Free

11 am and 1 pm August 29th Missouri Botanical Garden event at Sachs Museum: The Opera Bell Band presents A Musical Romp Through the Marvelous World of Botanical Poetry

8 am to 12:30 pm August 29th River City Natives Native Plant Sale at Tower Grove Farmer’s Market

6:30 pm August 30th Shakespeare in the Park at Fairground Park, St. Louis City: Two Gentlemen of Verona. Free

6:30 pm September 1st Shakespeare in the Park at Saint Louis University, St. Louis City: Two Gentlemen of Verona. Free

6:30 pm September 4th Shakespeare in the Park at St. Louis Art Museum, St. Louis University, St. Louis City: Two Gentlemen of Verona. Free

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

6:30 pm September 5th Shakespeare in the Park at Maplewood Pocket Park: Two Gentlemen of Verona. Free

6:30 pm September 6th Shakespeare in the Park at Lafayette Park, St. Louis City: Two Gentlemen of Verona. Free

6 pm September 10th Seed St. Louis class at Bell Community Garden: Introduction to Growing Herbs. Register

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

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

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

Noon to 2 pm September 12th St. Louis Horticultural Society Plant MD at Kirkwood Public Library

8 am to 12:30 pm September 19th River City Natives Native Plant Sale at Tower Grove Farmer’s Market

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

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

2 pm September 26th St. Louis County Library Plant & Cuttings Swap at Grand Glaize Branch, Manchester. Register

4-7 pm September 26th Forest ReLeaf fundraiser: Arbormeisters 2026, ArborMeisters Homebrew + Craft Beer Festival at Nursery and Arboretum in Creve Coeur Park

9 am to 5 pm Friday-Sunday, October 9th-11th, Missouri Botanical Garden Best of Missouri Market includes Native Plant Vendors. Garden Admission Fee applies.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11 am to 4 pm January 30th, 2027, 16th Annual STL Seeding Frenzy Seed Swap at Sunset Hills Community Center, 3915 S Lindbergh. Prepackage your seeds and identify the seeds on package. Seed Swap 11 am to 12:30 pm for those who bring seeds to swap and who will receive an arm band to the Seed Room. After 12:30 pm people without an arm band may enter and select seeds from Seed Room. If you do not contribute seeds, bring a donation of either non-perishable food items, hygiene products or new kids socks and underwear. These items will be given to a local charity.

This Week in Gardening & Nature

Flowering Compass Plant, looks like small sunflowers

Plant of the Week: very tall native Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum). Looking for a perennial sunflower-like plant that doesn’t seed all over? This is it.

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

If you are just looking for St. Louis Area Plant and Seed Swaps and Sales, they are here. Added this week: Bowood Farms deep discounts; September 26th St. Louis County Library Plant & Cuttings Swap at Grand Glaize Branch

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

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

Good Reads, Views, Listens —

Grow healthier ecosystems at home this pollinator month (University of Illinois Extension)

Daylily: Big color without the fuss (University of Missouri Extension)

Five things to know about pesticides, cancer and a pending Supreme Court ruling (Investigate Midwest)

Go figure, figs are a great addition to home gardens (University of Illinois Extension)

Bear sightings in Columbia highlight growing population (University of Missouri Extension)

Lawmakers demand info on Trump use of national park fees to pay for D.C. repairs (Kansas Reflector)

Missouri River Bird Observatory Past Webinars and Virtual Nature School for Kids

Deep Roots Kansas City Native Plant Gardening Videos

Shaw Nature Reserve Propagation Guide

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

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

Illinois Native Plants for the Home Landscape

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

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

Gardening and Nature Events —

—– ONGOING —–

June 30th Deadline to Enter Missouri Prairie Foundation Prairie Photo Contest. 2026 Categories: Native Prairie Species (plants, animals, invertebrates, fungi), People on the Prairie, Prairie landscapes.

July 1st Submissions Open for Missouri Riverbird Observatory Photo Contest

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

August 23rd Deadline to Register for Fall University of Missouri Extension Master Gardener Online Course. $200

September 1st Deadline to Enter Missouri Department of Natural Resources Photo Contest. 2026 Categories: Natural Resources, Unique Places, People Enjoying Missouri’s Outdoors

Volunteers Wanted. STL Neighborhood Foresters Neighborhood Tree Care Blitzes
June 20th St. Louis Place. Register
June 20th Benton Park West. Register
June 21st Shaw. Register
July 5th Forest Park Southeast. Register

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

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

—– DAILY —–

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

For kids 7 years old or younger. 7 Tickets remaining. 10:30 Thursday, June 18th, Missouri Conservation Department kids event at Tower Grove Park: You and Me under the Canopy- One Fish, Two Fish! Register

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

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

6 pm Thursday, June 18th, St. Louis County Public Library class at Prairie Commons Branch: Cultivating Carnivorous Plants, presented by St. Louis Carnivorous Plant Society. Register

6 pm Thursday, June 18th, St. Louis City Public Library class at Schlafly Library: Plant Predators: An Introduction to Carnivorous Plants, presented by St. Louis Carnivorous Plant Society. Register

6:30 pm Thursday, June 18th, Heartlands Conservancy Third Thursday Group Bike Ride on St. Clair County IL Transit District Trails, 16 miles. Register

10 am Friday, June 19th, Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum event: History & Horticulture Trolley Tour. $5 Donation suggested. Register

Volunteers Wanted. 9 am Saturday, June 20th, Forest ReLeaf O’Fallon Park Tree Watering Day. Help water 120 trees. Requires walking across uneven surfaces carrying 5-10 lbs of water.

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

10 am Saturday, June 20th, Missouri Conservation Department event at Forest Park Hatchery: Fishing for People with Disabilities. Fishing poles and bait provided. No Registration required.

10 am Saturday, June 20th, Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum event: Summer Arboretum Trolley Tour. $5 Donation suggested. Register

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 pm Tuesday, June 23rd, Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum Horticulture Class: Summer Floriography, the Language of Flowers with make & take cut flower arrangement. $15 Donation suggested. Register

5:30-7:30 pm Wednesday, June 24th, Missouri Coalition for Environment Chat for Change at Schlafly Tap Room. As of 6/07 there are eleven elected officials participating. Register

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

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

6 pm June 25th Missouri Conservation Department Virtual Class: Hummingbirds. Register

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

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

9 am June 26th The Nature Institute Restoration Workday, Invasive Species Removal, Godfrey, Illinois. Register

6 pm June 26th Audubon Center at Riverlands Kayaking in Ellis Bay: Sunset Paddle. 2.5 hour beginner-friendly class will highlight Stream Team and how to get involved with river clean ups. $25. Register

9 am Jun 27th Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum Horticulture Class: Summer Floriography, the Language of Flowers with make & take cut flower arrangement. $15 Donation suggested. Register

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

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

20 Tickets remaining. 10 am June 27th Missouri Conservation Department Fishing & Walking Tour of Bellefontaine Conservation Area, Bellefontaine Neighbors, North St. Louis County. Register

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

10 am June 27th Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum event: History & Horticulture Trolley Tour. $5 Donation suggested. Register

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

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

2 pm June 27th The Nature Institute Class in Godfrey, Illinois: Ecology and Identification of Common Woodland Ferns in Illinois, presented by forester Christopher Evans, University of Illinois Extension. Optional hike afterward. Register

11 am June 28th Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum Picnic with Staff and Volunteers. Register

2:30 pm June 28th Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum History & Horticulture Tour with Master Guide. Register

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

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

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

9 am July 1st Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum Summer Wildflower Walk with Horticulturist. $5 Donation suggested. Register

5 -7:30 pm July 1st Willoughby Farm Ask a Master Gardener Garden Tour, Collinsville, Illinois

Noon July 2nd Missouri Department of Conservation Virtual Class: Plumology 101 – The Study of Feathers, hummingbirds to ostriches. Register

12 Tickets remaining. For 7 years old and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 6 pm July 2nd Missouri Conservation Department class at Forest Park Hatchery: Fishing Lesson 1- Equipment, Casting, & Proper Fish Handling. Register

Noon July 6th Missouri Department of Conservation Virtual Class: Fireflies. Register

For Kids and their caregivers. 6-8 pm July 7th Missouri Botanical Garden Sustainable STEM Night. Free bus transportation available from Central and Julia Davis Libraries. Register

Vounteers Wanted. 8 am July 8th Heartlands Conservancy event at Clinton Hills Conservation Park, Swansea, Illinois: Exploration Garden Stewardship Day. Register

17 Tickets remaining. For 7 years old and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 6 pm July 9th Missouri Department of Conservation Class at Forest Park Hatchery: Fishing Lesson 1- Equipment, Casting, & Proper Fish Handling. Register

8:15 pm July 9th Heartlands Conservancy Firefly Walk at Exploration Garden, Clinton Hills Conservation Park, Swansea, Illinois. Register

Volunteers Wanted. 8 am July 11th Heartlands Conservancy Arlington Wetlands Stewardship Day, Pontoon Beach, Illinois. Register

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

Noon to 2 pm July 11th St. Louis Horticultural Society Plant MD at Kirkwood Public Library

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

2 pm July 11th St. Louis Public Library event at Schlafly Library: Forest Park Owls- Hunting and Feeding, presented by award winning naturalist Mark H.X. Glenshaw. Register

17 Tickets remaining. 8 pm July 16th Missouri Conservation Department event at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, Kirkwood: Powder Valley Hike at Dusk. Register

Volunteers Wanted. 9 am July 18th Forest ReLeaf O’Fallon Park Tree Watering Day. Help water 120 trees. Requires walking across uneven surfaces carrying 5-10 lbs of water.

7 pm July 21st Missouri Conservation Department event at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center: Missouri Nature and Environmental Photographers 2025 Show set to music. Register

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

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

7 Seats remaining.10 am July 25th Missouri Conservation Department event at Howard Wood Urban Outreach Office, Southwest Garden neighborhood: Nature Crocheters- Dragonflies. Register

9 am to 4 pm Saturday-Sunday, July 25th-26th, Shaw Cactus and Succulent Society Plant Sale at Jost Event Center, Overland

6 pm July 29th Missouri Conservation Department Virtual Class: Butterflies of Missouri. Register

9 am July 30th Missouri Conservation Department’s Summer Morning Walk in Tower Grove Park. Register

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

Noon to 2 pm August 8th St. Louis Horticultural Society Plant MD at Kirkwood Public Library

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

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

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

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

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

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

Noon to 2 pm September 12th St. Louis Horticultural Society Plant MD at Kirkwood Public Library

2 pm September 26th St. Louis County Library Plant & Cuttings Swap at Grand Glaize Branch, Manchester. Register

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

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

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

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

This Week in Gardening & Nature

Garden bed with Curly Kale and Dinosaur Kale, beats, a sunflower

Plant of the Week: Kale, one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet; rich in vitamin A, C, K, B6, with large amounts of potassium, calcium, iron, and manganese. The ancient Greeks cultivated leafy greens like kale and boiled
them to eat as a cure for drunkenness, per Seed St. Louis.

If you are just looking for St. Louis Area Plant and Seed Swaps and Sales, they are here.

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

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

Good Reads, Views, Listens —

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

This month in your garden: June tips for St. Louisans (St. Louis Magazine)

Garden named for tornado victim continues Mrs. Pat’s legacy of feeding, cultivating community (St. Louis Public Radio)

St. Louis Mosquito Education (Brightside St. Louis)

‘This is not a hippy thing’: the startup recycling urine to make natural fertiliser. As recent conflicts expose vulnerability of fertiliser markets and its effect on food security, VunaNexus offers an alternative (The Guardian)

Summer wildflowers bring color to roadsides and backyards. Also see Wildflowers in the Home Landscape (University of Missouri Extension)

St. Peters man’s victory will give many more people the right to a jury trial. Chris Bank was prosecuted for his sunflowers. But his attorney Bevis Schock saw a bigger principle at stake. (St. Louis Magazine)

Missouri River Bird Observatory Past Webinars and Virtual Nature School for Kids

Deep Roots Kansas City Native Plant Gardening Videos

Shaw Nature Reserve Propagation Guide

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

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

Illinois Native Plants for the Home Landscape

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

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

Gardening and Nature Events —

—– ONGOING —–

July 1st Submissions Open for Missouri Riverbird Observatory Photo Contest

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

September 1st Deadline to Enter Missouri Department of Natural Resources Photo Contest. 2026 Categories: Natural Resources, Unique Places, People Enjoying Missouri’s Outdoors

—– DAILY —–

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3 Tickets reamining. 11:30 am Friday, June 12th, Missouri Conservation Department Class at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, Kirkwood: Beginner Archery for Adults. DO NOT bring your own equipment. Register

4-8 pm Friday and 9 am to 1 pm Saturday, June 12th-13th, Madison County IL Extension Education Foundation Garden Tour, private gardens in Glen Carbon. Tickets $15

5:30-7:30 pm Saturday, June 12th, Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum event: Sips, Souls, and Strolls- 1880-90 Decades. Enjoy beer, wine, and light hors d’oeuvres as you stroll through the beautiful grounds. $15 suggested donation. Register

6 pm Friday, June 12th, Missouri Conservation Department Virtual Class: Fireflies. Register

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

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

10 am to 2 pm Saturday, June 13th, Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum events: Summer Garden Tours- three Garden Design Walking Tours; Flowering Plants Walking Tour; Tree Walking Tour; Trolley Tour; more. Register

11 am Saturday, June 13th, Missouri Conservation Department class at Buder Library: Introduction to Urban Fishing. No Registration required.

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

Noon to 2 pm Saturday, June 13th, St. Louis Horticultural Society Plant MD at Kirkwood Public Library

1 pm Saturday, June 13th, Missouri Department of Conservation Virtual Class: Companion Planting with Native Plants. Register

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

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

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

9 am to 5 pm June 17th Missouri Botanical Garden special event: The Freedom Seekers Project & Juneteenth Journey ZMD Collaboration. 11 am St. Louis Black Authors, Story Time, Spoken Word, and Book Giveaway; 1 pm Film Screening: Annie Malone Turnbo: The Untold Story. Garden Admission Fee applies.

9 am June 17th Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum event: Wildwood Valley Garden Walk with Horticulturist. $5 Doantion suggested. Register

3:30 June 17th Missouri Conservation Department Virtual Class: Summer Wildflower Identification. Register

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

6 pm June 17th Carondelet Food Patch Paint & Sip. Register

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

For kids 7 years old or younger. 18 Tickets remaining. 10:30 June 18th Missouri Conservation Department kids event at Tower Grove Park: You and Me under the Canopy- One Fish, Two Fish! Register

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

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

6 pm June 18th St. Louis County Public Library class at Prairie Commons Branch: Cultivating Carnivorous Plants, presented by St. Louis Carnivorous Plant Society. Register

6 pm June 18th St. Louis City Public Library class at Schlafly Library: Plant Predators: An Introduction to Carnivorous Plants, presented by St. Louis Carnivorous Plant Society. Register

10 am June 19th Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum event: History & Horticulture Trolley Tour. $5 Donation suggested. Register

Volunteers Wanted. 9 am June 20th Forest ReLeaf O’Fallon Park Tree Watering Day. Help water 120 trees. Requires walking across uneven surfaces carrying 5-10 lbs of water.

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

10 am June 20th Missouri Conservation Department event at Forest Park Hatchery: Fishing for People with Disabilities. Fishing poles and bait provided. No Registration required.

10 am June 20th Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum event: Summer Arboretum Trolley Tour. $5 Donation suggested. Register

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 pm June 23rd Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum Horticulture Class: Summer Floriography, the Language of Flowers with make & take cut flower arrangement. $15 Donation suggested. Register

5:30-7:30 pm June 24th Missouri Coalition for Environment Chat for Change at Schlafly Tap Room. As of 6/07 there are eleven elected officials participating. Register

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

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

6 pm June 25th Missouri Conservation Department Virtual Class: Hummingbirds. Register

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

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

9 am Jun 27th Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum Horticulture Class: Summer Floriography, the Language of Flowers with make & take cut flower arrangement. $15 Donation suggested. Register

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

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

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

10 am June 27th Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum event: History & Horticulture Trolley Tour. $5 Donation suggested. Register

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

11 am June 28th Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum Picnic with Staff and Volunteers. Register

2:30 pm June 28th Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum History & Horticulture Tour with Master Guide. Register

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

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

9 am July 1st Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum Summer Wildflower Walk with Horticulturist. $5 Donation suggested. Register

19 Tickets available. For 7 years old and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 6 pm July 2nd Missouri Conservation Department class at Forest Park Hatchery: Fishing Lesson 1- Equipment, Casting, & Proper Fish Handling. Register

For Kids and their caregivers. 6-8 pm July 7th Missouri Botanical Garden Sustainable STEM Night. Free bus transportation available from Central and Julia Davis Libraries. Register

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

Noon to 2 pm July 11th St. Louis Horticultural Society Plant MD at Kirkwood Public Library

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

2 pm July 11th St. Louis Public Library event at Schlafly Library: Forest Park Owls- Hunting and Feeding, presented by award winning naturalist Mark H.X. Glenshaw. Register

Volunteers Wanted. 9 am July 18th Forest ReLeaf O’Fallon Park Tree Watering Day. Help water 120 trees. Requires walking across uneven surfaces carrying 5-10 lbs of water.

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

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

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

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

Noon to 2 pm August 8th St. Louis Horticultural Society Plant MD at Kirkwood Public Library

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Noon to 2 pm September 12th St. Louis Horticultural Society Plant MD at Kirkwood Public Library

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

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

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

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

This Week in Gardening & Nature

Plant of the Week: Basil. Why use dried basil or pay for grocery fresh basil when you can grow basil in a pot nearly anywhere. We grow Big Leaf Italian (for general culinary uses), Thai Siam Queen (for Pho and its so pretty), and Letruce Leaf (for wraps).

If you are just looking for St. Louis Area Plant and Seed Swaps and Sales, they are here. Added this week: A third June 13th St. Louis County Library Plant & Seed Swap
and January 30th, 2027, 16th Annual STL Seeding Frenzy Seed Swap at Sunset Hills Community Center

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

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

Good Reads, Views, Listens —

May Native Plant News (Wild Ones)

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

Fragrant plants invite pollinators to your garden (University of Missouri Extension)

Here’s how to grow your own food with less water, even in a drought (Associated Press)

Stink Bugs 101 (Missouri Botanical Garden)

Missouri River Bird Observatory Past Webinars and Virtual Nature School for Kids

Deep Roots Kansas City Native Plant Gardening Videos

Shaw Nature Reserve Propagation Guide

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

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

Illinois Native Plants for the Home Landscape

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

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

Gardening and Nature Events —

—– ONGOING —–

July 1st Submissions Open for Missouri Riverbird Observatory Photo Contest

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

September 1st Deadline to Enter Missouri Department of Natural Resources Photo Contest. 2026 Categories: Natural Resources, Unique Places, People Enjoying Missouri’s Outdoors

Volunteers Wanted. STL Neighborhood Foresters Neighborhood Tree Care Blitzes
June 7nd Forest Park Southeast. Register
June 20th St. Louis Place. Register
June 20th Benton Park West. Register
June 21st Shaw. Register

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

—– DAILY —–

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

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

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

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

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

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

5:30 pm Wednesday, June 3rd, Missouri Riverbird Observatory Community Workshop in Wentzville: Show-Me Less Plastic. Register

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10 am to 5 pm Saturday-Sunday, June 6th-7th Lafayette Square Home & Garden Tour. Tickets $40

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

10 am Saturday and 10 am to 4 pm Sunday, June 6th-7th, Hermann Garden Club Garden Tour, Hermann MO. Ticket $21.58

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Noon to 2 pm June 13th St. Louis Horticultural Society Plant MD at Kirkwood Public Library

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

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

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

6 pm June 17th Carondelet Food Patch Paint & Sip. Register

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Noon to 2 pm July 11th St. Louis Horticultural Society Plant MD at Kirkwood Public Library

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

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

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

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

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

Noon to 2 pm August 8th St. Louis Horticultural Society Plant MD at Kirkwood Public Library

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Noon to 2 pm September 12th St. Louis Horticultural Society Plant MD at Kirkwood Public Library

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

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

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

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

This Week in Gardening & Nature

close up photo of columbine flower, red and yellow

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

many columbine flowers on shrub, red and yellow

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

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

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

Good Reads, Views, Listens —

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

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

How to Make a Willow Obelisk (Mother Earth News)

Caring for Hellebores (University of Missouri Extension)

Prairie Pots Project (Wild Ones)

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

Deep Roots Kansas City Native Plant Gardening Videos

Shaw Nature Reserve Propagation Guide

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

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

Illinois Native Plants for the Home Landscape

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

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

Gardening and Nature Events —

—– ONGOING —–

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

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

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

—– DAILY —–

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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