This Week in Gardening & Nature

Yellow Cauliflower

Plant of the Week: Cauliflower. Photo of Romanesco Broccoli, actually a cauliflower, growing at Vegetable Garden, Las Vegas Botanical Garden.

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

Plan your garden with  Seed St. Louis 2025 Planting Calendar. Start Indoors This Week: Bok Choy, Eggplant, Lettuce

When to Plant in Illinois (University of Illinois Extension)

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

If you are just looking for St. Louis Area Plant and Seed Swaps and Sales, they are here. Added this week: More Plant Swaps at St. Louis County Library; Partners for Native Landscaping Wprkshop & Plant Sale at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center; Project Pollinator Native Plant Sale at Sachs Butterfly House; Rustic Roots Sanctuary Seed Swap

Sign up for Missouri Coalition for the Environment’s Legislative Bill Tracker

Visit a rainforest in St. Louis on a winter day: Climatron at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden Admission Free to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents on Saturday and Wednesday mornings, otherwise Admission Fee applies.

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

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

March 17th Registration Opens for Missouri Invasive Plant Council’s Callery (Bradford) Pear Buyback Program in 17 cities

April 15th Deadine to Nominate for Missouri Invasive Plant Council’s Invasive Plant Action Award

April 25th Deadline to Register community cleaning or greening Blitz Projects with Brightside St. Louis and get free Blitz Blooms annuals to plant in public spaces.

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

Good Reads/Views/Listens —

Missouri House debate shows GOP split over bill to protect pesticide makers. For the second year, lawmakers consider whether to side with Bayer, which faces thousands of lawsuits over failure to warn users that Roundup may cause cancer (Missouri Independent)

UMSL study will investigate pollinator activity at a roadside garden (St. Louis Public Radio)

Q&A with Bruce Morrison, Great Rivers Environmental Law Center (St. Louis Magazine)

Shaw Nature Reserve Turns 100 (KMOX Radio)

Trump’s cuts to federal wildfire crews could have ‘scary’ consequences (Stateline)

Egg prices soared after bird flu, but federal price controls kept milk prices steady — at farmers’ expense. While dairy farmers struggle with sick cows, shrinking herds, and lower milk yields, large dairy processors welcome federal price changes that allow them to take a bigger cut of farmers’ earnings. (Investigate Midwest)

Shaw Nature Reserve Propagation Guide

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

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 —

Now thru February 28th Photo Exhibit at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, Kirkwood:  Rugged Spirit, Photographs of Scott Lawrence Angus

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

6-8 pm Wednesdays, February 26th-April 2rd, Forest ReLeaf’s TreeKeepers Introductory Tree Course 2025. Register

6-8 pm Tuesdays, March 11 to April 15, Heartlands Conservancy free six-week course in Belleville, Illinois: Tree Stewards Training. Classes in Tree Biology & Benefits, Tree Identification, Insects & Diseases, Pruning & Maintenance, Forest Ecology, Urban Tree Community Advocacy. Register

6:30 pm Monday, February 24th, Missouri River Bird Observatory webinar: Plastics, Petrochemicals, and Communities on the Frontlines presented by Shiv Srivastana, Fenceline Watch. Register

9:30 am to 2 pm Wednesday, February 26th, Missouri Coalition for the Environment Advocacy Day in Jefferson City. Register

11 am Wednesday, February 26th, Missouri Conservation Department virtual class: Owls of Missouri. Register

4 pm Wednesday, February 26th, Missouri Prairie Foundation webinar: Horizon II- One Part Wildlife, One Part Ecosystem Services, and One Part Renewable Energy. Register

6:30 pm Wednesday, February 26th, Mid-Continent Library Kansas City Zoom class: Sap to Syrup. Learn the basics of tree selection, collection, and processing as the equipment needed to turn watery sap into delicious syrup. Register 

6 pm Thursday, February 27th, Missouri Conservation Department Virtual Class:  Mighty Aquatic Macroinvertebrates of Missouri. Register

Volunteers Wanted. 9 am Friday, February 28th, St. Louis Forestry Divison’s Natural Land Management Team’s Carondelet Park Tree Mulching Day. Register

6 pm Friday, February 28th, Missouri Conservation Department class at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, Kirkwood: Nature at Night, How Lights Affect Ecosystems. Register

8 am Saturday, March 1st, St. Louis Audubon Society event at Forest Park: Beginner Bird Walk. Register

9 am to Noon Saturday, March 1st, Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum Annual Garage Sale

10 am Saturday, March 1st, Missouri Conservation Department virtual class: Reflections vs Reality- Mitigating Bird Collisions. Learn why window collisions happen, the best strategies to prevent them. Register

1 pm Saturday, March 1st, St. Louis Public Library event at Central Library: Lore and Legend of Herbs with St. Louis Herb Society

Volunteers Wanted. 1:30 pm Saturday, March 1st, Hyde Park Restoration Project Clean Up Day. Register

3 pm Saturday, March 1st, St. Louis County Library event at Thornhill Branch: Grow Together: Gardening Tips & Techniques

2 Seats remaining. 5 pm March 3rd St. Louis Public Library event at Central Library: Worms at Work & DIY Composting Bins. Supplies provided. Register

6:30 pm March 3rd Missouri River Bird Observatory webinar: Effects of Oil Spills on Birds presented by Ben West, USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center. Register

10 Seats remaining. 10 am March 4th Missouri Conservation Department class at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, Kirkwood: Build a Bluebird House. Register

1:30 pm March 4th University of Illinois Extension webinar: Root Awakening- Spring Tree Tips. Register

March 5th University of Illinois Extension’s Gateway Green Conference at Collinsville, Illinois: Building Sustainable Landscapes, Conservation Stewardship, Tree Care. Fee applies.

9 am March 5th Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum event: Spring Bulb Walk with horticulturist. $5. Register

10 am March 5th Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum event: History & Horticulture Trolley Tour with Master Guide. $5. Register

12:30 pm March 5th Missouri Conservation Department Virtual Class: Rain Gardens and Native Plants. Register

2 pm March 5th St. Louis County Library Virtual Workshop: Native Garden Design Panel Discussion. Register

2 pm March 5th Partners for Native Landscaping and St. Louis County Library Zoom Class: Native Garden Design Panel Discussion. Register

March 7th-8th Midwestern Herb & Garden Show in Mount Vernon, Illinois. Plant & Merch Sales, Speakers/Workshops. 1 1/2 hour from St. Louis.

3:30 pm March 7th Missouri Conservation Department virtual class: Native Plants, Wild for Seeds. Register

9 am March 8th Seed St. Louis March Plant Sale at Carriage House, 3815 Bell: Potatoes, Onions, Strawberries, Asparagus, more

Volunteers Wanted. 9 am March 8th Great Rivers Greenway North Riverfront Park Mulching Day. Register

3:30 pm March 7th Missouri Conservation Department Virtual Class: Native Plants- Wild for Seeds. Naturalist Jordi Raos will discuss some important factors for success when it comes to native plants and seeds. Register

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

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

23 Tickets remaining. 6 pm March 8th Missouri Conservation Department event at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, Kirkwood. Register

6:30 pm March 10th Missouri River Bird Observatory webinar: Plastics and Public Health: the unsettling latest in medical research presented by Megan Wolff, Beyond Plastics. Register

1- 4 pm March 11th Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum horticulture class: Formal and Natural Garden Design Class. Register

4 pm March 11th Missouri Conservation Department online class: Early Butterflies. Register

9 am March 12th Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum event: Spring Bulb Walk with horticulturist. $5. Register

4 pm March 12th Missouri Prairie Foundation webinar: Grassland Grouse- Beauty, Biology, & Conservation. Join acclaimed nature photographer Noppadol Paothong for an unforgettable journey through 25 years of photographing grassland grouse. Register

5-7 pm March 12th Seed St. Louis Young Friends Happy Hour at 2nd Shift Brewing, The Hill

6 pm March 12th St. Louis Public Library event at Carpenter Library:  Welcoming Native Species into Your Garden. Registration opens 10 am February 12th.

5 pm March 12th Seed St. Louis Young Friends Spring Happy Hour at 2nd Shift Brewing, The Hill

Noon March 13th Missouri Conservation Department virtual class: Organic Gardening. Register

6 pm March 13th Seed St. Louis, Table to Garden, Willoughby Farm and Good Dirt Composting Collectiveclass at Collinsville, Illinois:  Food Too Good To Waste Series- Composting 101. $15. Register

7 pm March 14th Heartlands Conservancy Full Moon Hike at Bohm Woods State Nature Preserve in Edwardsville, Illinois. Register

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

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

1 pm March 16th Willoughby Farm event in Collinsville, Illinois: Sustainability Series- Urban Gardening. $15. Register

6:30 pm March 17th Missouri River Bird Observatory webinar: Missouri Water Policy- history and current legislation presented by Mary Culler, Missouri Stream Teams United. Register

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

2 pm March 19th Partners for Native Landscaping and St. Louis County Library Zoom Class: Monarchs and Mosquitoes – Control the Pests, Protect the Pollinators. Register

March 22nd Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum Fox Trot 5K and Kit Crawl 10K Run/Walk Fundraiser. Register

9 am to Noon March 22nd Webster Groves Herb Society Display at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden Admission Free to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents on Saturday and Wednesday mornings.

1 pm March 22nd St. Louis Public Library event at Central Library: Critical for Gardening- Get the Dirt on Soil, Missouri Botanical Gardens Master Gardener Speakers Bureau

6:30 pm March 24th Missouri River Bird Observatory webinar: The Migratory Bird Treaty Act- history, applications, and current status presented by Sarah Kendrick, US Fish & Wildlife Service. Register

Volunteers Wanted. 9 am March 29th Forest ReLeaf event at CommuniTree Gardens Nursery, Maryland Heights: March Open Nursery Potting Day. Help pot up 20,000 bare root tree seedlings. Register

7 pm March 29th Heartlands Conservancy event at Poag Sand Prairie, Edwardsville, Illinois: Frog Walk. Register

1 pm March 30th Willoughby Farm event in Collinsville, Illinois: Sustainability Series- Knowing & Growing the Native Garden. $15. Register

1-4:30 pm March 30th Wild & Scenic Film Festival at The Blue Note, Columbia MO

2 pm April 2nd Partners for Native Landscaping and St. Louis County Library Zoom Class: Transforming Vacant Lots into Neighborhood Greenspaces. Register

6 pm April 3rd Willoughby Farm event in Collinsville, Illinois: Composting Series- Indoor Compostin- Vermicomposting and Bokashi. $15. Register

8 am to 4 pm April 5th Missouri Wildflowers Nursery returns to Kirkwood Farmers Market. Order online for pick up at Market or purchase from what they bring that day.

9 am April 5th Seed St. Louis Spring Seedling Sale at Carriage House, 3815 Bell

Volunteers Wanted. 9 am April 5th Forest ReLeaf event at Old St. Marcus Cemetery: Christy Greenway Tree Planting. Register

1 pm April 6th Willoughby Farm event in Collinsville, Illinois: Composting Series- Container Gardening. $15. Register

April 6th & 7th Baker Creek Tulip Festival in Mansfield, Wright County, MO, about a 3 1/2 hour drive from St. Louis or Kansas City

Volunteers Wanted. 9 am April 10th Heartland Conservancy event at Edwardsville, Illinois: Poag Sand Prairie Restoration Stewardship Day. Register

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

7 am to 5 pm April 12th Veterans Free Fishing Day at Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon MO

8 am to 4 pm April 12th Missouri Wildflowers Nursery selling at Kirkwood Farmers Market. Order online for pick up at Market or purchase from what they bring that day.

9 am April 12th Missouri Conservation Department Virtual class: Learning to Hunt- Wild Edibles presented by Bo Brown. Register

Volunteers Wanted. 9 am April 12th Forest ReLeaf event at CommuniTree Gardens Nursery, Maryland Heights: March Open Nursery Potting Day. Help pot up 20,000 bare root tree seedlings. Register

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

11 am April 12th St. Louis Public Library class at Central Library: For the Birds. Learn about planting beautiful, bird-friendly plants, and providing supplemental food, water, and shelter.

1 pm April 12th St. Louis Public Library class at Central Library: Pest Control with Herbs. Register

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

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

8 am to 4 pm April 19th Missouri Wildflowers Nursery selling at Kirkwood Farmers Market. Order online for pick up at Market or purchase from what they bring that day.

9 am to Noon April 22nd Webster Groves Herb Society Display at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden Admission Free to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents on Saturday and Wednesday morning, otherwise Admission Fee applies.

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

2 pm April 16th Partners for Native Landscaping and St. Louis County Library Zoom Class: Pollinator Powerhouses and Keystone Plant Species. Register

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

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

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

8 am to 4 pm April 26th Missouri Wildflowers Nursery selling at Kirkwood Farmers Market. Order online for pick up at Market or purchase from what they bring that day.

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

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

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

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

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

19 Seats remaining. 10 am May 3rd St. Louis Public Library event at Central Library: Tomatoes 101. Register

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Join us Sundays on Bluesky for #GardenSunday.

This Week in Gardening & Nature

Englemann Prickly Pear

Plant of the Week: Prickly Pear Cactus. This is a photo of an Englemann Prickly Pear in Zion National Park, Utah. Eastern Prickly Pear is native to Missouri and most U.S. states as well as Ontario, Canada.

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

Plan your garden with  Seed St. Louis 2025 Planting Calendar. Start Indoors This Week: Boy Choy, Eggplant, Lettuce

When to Plant in Illinois (University of Illinois Extension)

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

If you are just looking for St. Louis Area Plant and Seed Swaps and Sales, they are here. Added this week: Plant Sale at Washington University, Grow Native! Plant Sale at Wild Bird Sanctuary, placeholder for Flora Conservancy Plant Sale 

Sign up for Missouri Coalition for the Environment’s Legislative Bill Tracker

Visit a rainforest in St. Louis on a winter day: Climatron at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden Admission Free to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents on Saturday and Wednesday mornings, otherwise Admission Fee applies.

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

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

March 17th Registration Opens for Missouri Invasive Plant Council’s Callery (Bradford) Pear Buyback Program in 17 cities

April 15th Deadine to Nominate for Missouri Invasive Plant Council’s Invasive Plant Action Award

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

Good Reads/Views/Listens —

‘Moss Appreciation Week’: a lot of celebration for a very little plant (NPR)

What Groundhogs Know About Seasonal Gardening That You Don’t (Wild Ones)

2023 Broccoli Variety Trial Results (Seed St. Louis)

Interest in ‘backyard chickens’ spikes in St. Louis area amid egg shortage, price hikes. Expert say, however, it likely isn’t a cost-effective way to combat rising prices at the grocery store. (KMOV, St. Louis)

Missouri’s grocery shelves feel impact of bird flu. Egg prices are expected to increase by 20% in 2025, largely due to the spread of a highly pathogenic avian influenza. (The Beacon, Kansas City)

Missouri House bill would tax ag land used for renewable energy (Columbia Missourian)

Arkansas’ Buffalo River watershed squabble a ‘long, hard battle,’ advocate says (Arkansas Advocate)

Study shows ash disposal at Iowa coal plants leads to contaminated groundwater. Environmental groups push for the closure of coal plants; MidAmerican disputes findings (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

Kentucky Senate approves bill removing state protections for wetlands, groundwater, small streams (Kentucky Lantern)

Missouri soybean research project shuts down as Trump cuts off funding. As part of the project, Missouri has been doing research on ways to help farmers combat diseases that can decimate soybean crops (Missouri Independent)

University of Illinois soybean lab’s pending closure due to USAID cuts hinders global disease research. Lab was part of network studying red leaf blotch, which could potentially decimate the crop (Capital News Illinois)

Shaw Nature Reserve Propagation Guide

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

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 —

Now thru February 28th Photo Exhibit at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, Kirkwood:  Rugged Spirit, Photographs of Scott Lawrence Angus

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

6-8 pm Wednesdays, February 26th-April 2rd, Forest ReLeaf’s TreeKeepers Introductory Tree Course 2025. Register

6-8 pm Tuesdays, March 11 to April 15, Heartlands Conservancy free six-week course in Belleville, Illinois: Tree Stewards Training. Classes in Tree Biology & Benefits, Tree Identification, Insects & Diseases, Pruning & Maintenance, Forest Ecology, Urban Tree Community Advocacy. Register

6:30 pm Monday, February 17th, Missouri River Bird Observatory webinar: Everything’s Connected- A closer look at the importance of predators and scavengers in their ecosystems presented by Jennifer Rader, Kansas Department of Parks and Wildlife. Register

2 pm Wednesday, February 19th, Partners for Native Landscaping and St. Louis County Library Zoom Class: Front Yard Raingardens. Register

2 pm Thursday, February 20th, St. Louis County Library Black History Month event at Meramec Valley Branch: Fannie Lou Hamer: Seeds of Change. Learn about Fannie Lou Hamer and her work for food justice and start some seeds for your garden. Register

6 pm Thursday, February 20th, Seed St. Louis, Table to Garden, Willoughby Farm and Good Dirt Composting Collective class at Collinsville, Illinois:  Food Too Good to Waste Series- Eating Away at Food Waste. $15. Register

6 pm Thursday, February 20th, Wild Ones virtual event: Bees Beyond Honey- Understanding Native and Managed Pollinators. Register

6:30 pm Thursday, February 20th, Missouri Conservation Department virtual class: Identifying Tracks in the Snow. Register

7:30 am to Noon Friday, February 21st, Grow Native! Southwest Illinois Workshop at Lewis & Clark Community College, Edwardsville, Illinois: Stormwater Challenges & Native Plant Solutions. $25 for MPF members and Grow Native! professional members, $15 for students with a valid student ID, and $30 for non-members. Includes breakfast. Register

Volunteers Wanted. 9 am Friday, February 21st, Heartlands Conservancy volunteer event at Belleville, Illinois: Signal Hill Outdoor Classroom Stewardship Day. Register

23 Tickets remaining. 1 pm Friday, February 21st, Missouri Conservation Department Virtual Class: Dragonflies in Missouri. Register

Volunteers Wanted. 9 am Saturday, February 22nd Heartlands Conservancy volunteer event at Edwardsville, Illinois: Knoll Family Wildlife Sanctuary Stewardship Day. Register

15 Tickets remaining. 9 am Saturday, February 22nd, Missouri Conservation Department event at Dresser Island Conservation Area, West Alton, Missouri: Dresser Island Hike. Register

26 Seats remaining. 10 am Saturday, February 22nd, Missouri Conservation Department event Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, Kirkwood: Backyard Birds. Register

1 pm Sunday, February 23rd, Willoughby Farm event in Collinsville, Illinois: Sustainability Series- Rainscaping. $15. Register

6:30 pm February 24th Missouri River Bird Observatory webinar: Plastics, Petrochemicals, and Communities on the Frontlines presented by Shiv Srivastana, Fenceline Watch. Register

February 26-28 Missouri Community Forestry Council’s ISA Certified Arborist Exam Preparation Class at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, Kirkwood. $75. Register

9:30 am to 2 pm February 26th Missouri Coalition for the Environment Advocacy Day in Jefferson City. Register

11 am February 26th Missouri Conservation Department virtual class: Owls of Missouri. Register

4 pm February 26th Missouri Prairie Foundation webinar: Horizon II- One Part Wildlife, One Part Ecosystem Services, and One Part Renewable Energy. Register

6:30 pm February 26th Mid-Continent Library Kansas City Zoom class: Sap to Syrup. Learn the basics of tree selection, collection, and processing as the equipment needed to turn watery sap into delicious syrup. Register 

6 pm February 27th Missouri Conservation Department Virtual Class:  Mighty Aquatic Macroinvertebrates of Missouri. Register

6 pm February 28th Missouri Conservation Department class at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, Kirkwood: Nature at Night, How Lights Affect Ecosystems. Register

8 am March 1st St. Louis Audubon Society event at Forest Park: Beginner Bird Walk. Register

9 am to Noon March 1st Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum Annual Garage Sale

10 am March 1st Missouri Conservation Department virtual class: Reflections vs Reality- Mitigating Bird Collisions. Learn why window collisions happen, the best strategies to prevent them. Register

1 pm March 1st St. Louis Public Library event at Central Library: Lore and Legend of Herbs with St. Louis Herb Society

3 pm March 1st St. Louis County Library event at Thornhill Branch: Grow Together: Gardening Tips & Techniques

9 Seats remaining. 5 pm March 3rd St. Louis Public Library event at Central Library: Worms at Work & DIY Composting Bins. Supplies provided. Register

6:30 pm March 3rd Missouri River Bird Observatory webinar: Effects of Oil Spills on Birds presented by Ben West, USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center. Register

1:30 pm March 4th University of Illinois Extension webinar: Root Awakening- Spring Tree Tips. Register

March 5th University of Illinois Extension’s Gateway Green Conference at Collinsville, Illinois: Building Sustainable Landscapes, Conservation Stewardship, Tree Care. Fee applies.

9 am March 5th Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum event: Spring Bulb Walk with horticulturist. $5. Register

10 am March 5th Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum event: History & Horticulture Trolley Tour with Master Guide. $5. Register

12:30 pm March 5th Missouri Conservation Department Virtual Class: Rain Gardens and Native Plants. Register

2 pm March 5th St. Louis County Library Virtual Workshop: Native Garden Design Panel Discussion. Register

2 pm March 5th Partners for Native Landscaping and St. Louis County Library Zoom Class: Native Garden Design Panel Discussion. Register

March 7th-8th Midwestern Herb & Garden Show in Mount Vernon, Illinois. Plant & Merch Sales, Speakers/Workshops. 1 1/2 hour from St. Louis.

9 am March 8th Seed St. Louis March Plant Sale at Carriage House, 3815 Bell: Potatoes, Onions, Strawberries, Asparagus, more

Volunteers Wanted. 9 am March 8th Great Rivers Greenway North Riverfront Park Mulching Day. Register

3:30 pm March 7th Missouri Conservation Department Virtual Class: Native Plants- Wild for Seeds. Naturalist Jordi Raos will discuss some important factors for success when it comes to native plants and seeds. Register

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

11 am March 8th St. Charles City-County Library Plant & Seed Swap at Spencer Road Branch. Register, registration opens February 8th

6:30 pm March 10th Missouri River Bird Observatory webinar: Plastics and Public Health: the unsettling latest in medical research presented by Megan Wolff, Beyond Plastics. Register

1- 4 pm March 11th Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum horticulture class: Formal and Natural Garden Design Class. Register

9 am March 12th Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum event: Spring Bulb Walk with horticulturist. $5. Register

5-7 pm March 12th Seed St. Louis Young Friends Happy Hour at 2nd Shift Brewing, The Hill

6 pm March 12th St. Louis Public Library event at Carpenter Library:  Welcoming Native Species into Your Garden. Registration opens 10 am February 12th.

Volunteers Wanted. 9 am March 13th Heartlands Conservancy volunteer event in Edwardsville, Illinois: Poag Sand Prairie Restoration Stewardship Day. Register

Noon March 13th Missouri Conservation Department virtual class: Organic Gardening. Register

6 pm March 13th Seed St. Louis, Table to Garden, Willoughby Farm and Good Dirt Composting Collectiveclass at Collinsville, Illinois:  Food Too Good To Waste Series- Composting 101. $15. Register

Volunteers Wanted. 9 am March 14th Heartlands Conservancy volunteer event at Clinton Hills Conservation Park, Swansea, Illinois: Exploration Garden Stewardship Day. Register

7 pm March 14th Heartlands Conservancy Full Moon Hike at Bohm Woods State Nature Preserve in Edwardsville, Illinois. Register

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

1 pm March 16th Willoughby Farm event in Collinsville, Illinois: Sustainability Series- Urban Gardening. $15. Register

6:30 pm March 17th Missouri River Bird Observatory webinar: Missouri Water Policy- history and current legislation presented by Mary Culler, Missouri Stream Teams United. Register

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

2 pm March 19th Partners for Native Landscaping and St. Louis County Library Zoom Class: Monarchs and Mosquitoes – Control the Pests, Protect the Pollinators. Register

Volunteers Wanted. 9 am March 21st Heartlands Conservancy volunteer event at Belleville, Illinois: Signal Hill Outdoor Classroom Stewardship Day. Register

March 22nd Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum Fox Trot 5K and Kit Crawl 10K Run/Walk Fundraiser. Register

9 am to Noon March 22nd Webster Groves Herb Society Display at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden Admission Free to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents on Saturday and Wednesday mornings.

Volunteers Wanted. 9 am March 22nd Heartlands Conservancy volunteer event at Pontoon Beach, Illinois: Arlington Wetlands Volunteer Stewardship Day. Register

1 pm March 22nd St. Louis Public Library event at Central Library: Critical for Gardening- Get the Dirt on Soil, Missouri Botanical Gardens Master Gardener Speakers Bureau

6:30 pm March 24th Missouri River Bird Observatory webinar: The Migratory Bird Treaty Act- history, applications, and current status presented by Sarah Kendrick, US Fish & Wildlife Service. Register

Volunteers Wanted. 9 am March 29th Forest ReLeaf event at CommuniTree Gardens Nursery, Maryland Heights: March Open Nursery Potting Day. Help pot up 20,000 bare root tree seedlings. Register

1 pm March 30th Willoughby Farm event in Collinsville, Illinois: Sustainability Series- Knowing & Growing the Native Garden. $15. Register

1-4:30 pm March 30th Wild & Scenic Film Festival at The Blue Note, Columbia MO

2 pm April 2nd Partners for Native Landscaping and St. Louis County Library Zoom Class: Transforming Vacant Lots into Neighborhood Greenspaces. Register

8 am to 4 pm April 5th Missouri Wildflowers Nursery returns to Kirkwood Farmers Market. Order online for pick up at Market or purchase from what they bring that day.

9 am April 5th Seed St. Louis Spring Seedling Sale at Carriage House, 3815 Bell

Volunteers Wanted. 9 am April 5th Forest ReLeaf event at Old St. Marcus Cemetery: Christy Greenway Tree Planting. Register

April 6th & 7th Baker Creek Tulip Festival in Mansfield, Wright County, MO, about a 3 1/2 hour drive from St. Louis or Kansas City

7 am to 5 pm April 12th Veterans Free Fishing Day at Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon MO

8 am to 4 pm April 12th Missouri Wildflowers Nursery selling at Kirkwood Farmers Market. Order online for pick up at Market or purchase from what they bring that day.

9 am April 12th Missouri Conservation Department Virtual class: Learning to Hunt- Wild Edibles presented by Bo Brown. Register

Volunteers Wanted. 9 am April 12th Forest ReLeaf event at CommuniTree Gardens Nursery, Maryland Heights: March Open Nursery Potting Day. Help pot up 20,000 bare root tree seedlings. Register

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

11 am April 12th St. Louis Public Library class at Central Library: For the Birds. Learn about planting beautiful, bird-friendly plants, and providing supplemental food, water, and shelter.

1 pm April 12th St. Louis Public Library class at Central Library: Pest Control with Herbs. Register

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

8 am to 4 pm April 19th Missouri Wildflowers Nursery selling at Kirkwood Farmers Market. Order online for pick up at Market or purchase from what they bring that day.

9 am to Noon April 22nd Webster Groves Herb Society Display at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden Admission Free to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents on Saturday and Wednesday morning, otherwise Admission Fee applies.

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

2 pm April 16th Partners for Native Landscaping and St. Louis County Library Zoom Class: Pollinator Powerhouses and Keystone Plant Species. Register

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

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

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

8 am to 4 pm April 26th Missouri Wildflowers Nursery selling at Kirkwood Farmers Market. Order online for pick up at Market or purchase from what they bring that day.

April 26th Heartlands Conservancy Native Plant Sale

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

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

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

19 Seats remaining. 10 am May 3rd St. Louis Public Library event at Central Library: Tomatoes 101. Register

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Join us Sundays on Bluesky for #GardenSunday.

This Week in Gardening & Nature

Rainbow Chard growing in raised garden bed

Plant of the Week: Rainbow Chard

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

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

Become a Master Naturalist at St. Louis Community College: Complete 5 Credit courses (choose from Biology, Geology, Horticulture, Physical Science) + Attend 6 Continuing Education Master Naturalist classes + Volunteer 25 Hours

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

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

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

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

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

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

Plan your garden with  Seed St. Louis Planting Calendar

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

Good Reads/Views —

Gardening by Month: December (Missouri Botanical Garden)

Container Gardening with Keystone Species. Find your Ecoregion. Missouri is a part of four regions- Southeastern Plains, Ozark Ouachita Appalachian Forest, Mississippi Alluvial, Temperate Prairies. Illinois is a part of Central Plains and Southeast Plains. (Homegrown National Park) Fall/Winter edition of Meanderings (Heartlands Conservancy, Belleville IL)

Overwintering Potted Plants (University of Illinois Extension)

One tree at a time: A plan for reviving Kansas City’s urban forest. Trees cool cities, soak up greenhouse gases and make people healthier. Scientists say even one tree can make a difference, and Kansas City is planting thousands (Missouri Independent)

Manufacturer setting up shop along North Riverfront faced legal action for ‘disastrous’ chemical spill overseas. The latest home for global mineral giant ICL Group is raising red flags for Missouri Coalition for the Environment. St. Louis City’s Planned Industrial Expansion Authority approved $8M+ in tax breaks for the company. (KMOV St. Louis)

Missouri DNR’s $640M loan for St. Louis wastewater upgrades the largest in state history. The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District will receive the low-interest loan from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to upgrade its wastewater treatment system (Missouri Independent)

Restoring Ecosystems, One Yard at a Time: A Conversation with Doug Tallamy (Wild Ones)

Millipedes and Centipedes (University of Missouri Extension)

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

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

You can do native plant gardening in a pot. Missouri Botanical Garden has container designs for sun and shade.

Illinois Native Plants for the Home Landscape

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

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

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

Gardening and Nature Events —

6 pm Wednesday, December 4th, Missouri Coalition for Environment’s Holiday Party, University City. Register

7 Tickets remaining. 9-11 am Thursday, December 5th, Missouri Conservation Department event at Forest Park Hatchery: Learn to Fish- All About Trout! Lessons 1 & 2. Register

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6:30 pm December 10th Sierra Club Piasa Palisades event at Old Bakery Beer, Alton IL: Climate Change and Environmental Justice. Register

6:30 pm December 10th Illinois Sierra Club Virtual event: Herbicide Drift and Impacts to Pollinators. Register

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

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

6 Tickets available. 9-11 am December 12th, Missouri Conservation Department event at Forest Park Hatchery: Learn to Fish- All About Trout! Lessons 1 & 2. Register

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

6 pm December 12th Wild Ones webinar:  Neonics & Advocacy- Protecting Pollinators and Influencing Policy” featuring Lucas Rhoads, Senior Attorney with Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)’s Pesticides & Pollinators Team. Register

11 am December 13th Missouri Conservation Department Zoom class: Night Gliders- Flying Squirrels in Missouri. Register

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

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

1 pm December 14th Missouri Conservation Department event at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, Kirkwood: Pine Cone Bird Feeders. Registration is not required.

3:30 pm December 14th Eastern Missouri Sierra Club St Louis Hills Twilight Walking Tour. Register

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

8:30 am December 17th Missouri Conservation Department Zoom class: Winter Backyard Bird Watching. Register

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

4 pm December 18th Missouri Prairie Foundation webinar: Prairie Planting Establishment & Stewardship, includes Q & A with Jerod Huebner. Register

6 pm December 18th Missouri Conservation Department Zoom class: Outdoor Survival- Useful Knots for the Outdoors. Register

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

32 Tickets remaining. 3 pm December 20th Missouri Conservation Department virtual class: Owls of Missouri. Register

19 Seats remaining. 11 am December 21st St. Charles City-County Library event at Spencer Road Branch: Plant & Seed Swap. Register

1 pm December 21st Missouri Conservation Department event at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, Kirkwood: Conservation Matinee- Flight of the Snow Geese

9 Seats remaining. 5 pm December 21st Missouri Conservation Department event at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, Kirkwood: Nature Art- Paint & Sip, Upcycled Art. Painting a winter nature scene featuring two northern cardinals. Materials provided. Hot tea and cider served. Register

13 Tickets remaining. 4:30 pm December 31st Missouri Conservation Department event at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area: New Year’s Eve Stroll to the Confluence. Register

25 Tickets remaining. 9 am January 4th Missouri Conservation Department event at West Alton, Missouri: Dresser Island Hike. 5-7 mile hike along the Mississippi River. Register

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

6:30 pm January 9th St. Charles City-County Library event at Spencer Road Branch: Maintaining Native Plant Gardens

10 Seats remaining. 8-10 am January 11th Missouri Conservation Department event at Forest Park Hatchery: Learn to Fish- All About Trout! Lessons 1 & 2. Register

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

19 Seats remaining. 8-10 am January 18th Missouri Conservation Department event at Forest Park Hatchery: Learn to Fish- All About Trout! Lessons 1 & 2. Register

2 pm January 22nd St. Louis Public Library event at Central Library: Plants that Changed the Course of History-Volume 2, Missouri Botanical Garden Speakers Bureau.

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

11 am to 4 pm January 25th St. Louis Seeding Frenzy Seed Swap & Homesteading Showcase at Sunset Hills Community Center, 3915 S Lindbergh. Also, will be an unused equipment/tool/supply exchange. If you do not have seeds to share, please bring a donation of either non-perishable food items, hygiene products, new kids socks, underwear for local charity.

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

14 Seats remaining. 9-11 am February 4th Missouri Conservation Department event at Forest Park Hatchery: Pond to Plate, All About Trout! Register

15 Seats remaining. 8-10 am February 8th Missouri Conservation Department event at Forest Park Hatchery: Pond to Plate, All About Trout! Register

9 am to 3 pm February 8th Eagle Days at Audubon Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary in West Alton, Missouri

11 am February 8th St. Charles City-County Library Plant & Seed Swap at Spencer Road Branch. Register, registration opens January11th

1 pm February 15th St. Louis Public Library event at Divoll Library: What’s All the Buzz About Natives? presented by Sue Leahy from Wild Ones.

2 pm February 15th St. Louis Public Library Seed Swap at Carpenter Library in partnership with Urban Harvest STL

1 pm March 1st St. Louis Public Library event at Central Library: Lore and Legend of Herbs with St. Louis Herb Society

11 am March 8th St. Charles City-County Library Plant & Seed Swap at Spencer Road Branch. Register, registration opens February 8th

1 pm March 22nd St. Louis Public Library event at Central Library: Critical for Gardening- Get the Dirt on Soil, Missouri Botanical Gardens Master Gardener Speakers Bureau

7 am to 5 pm April 12th Veterans Free Fishing Day at Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon MO

9 am April 12th Missouri Conservation Department Virtual class: Learning to Hunt- Wild Edibles presented by Bo Brown, First Earth Wilderness School. Register

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

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

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

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

20 seats remaining. 10 am May 3rd St. Louis Public Library event at Central Library: Tomatoes 101. Register

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

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

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

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

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

This Week in Gardening & Nature

Plant of the Week: Native New England Aster

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

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

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

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

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

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

Plan your garden with  Seed St. Louis Planting Calendar

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

Good Reads/Views —

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

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

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

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

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

You can do native plant gardening in a pot. Missouri Botanical Garden has container designs for sun and shade.

Illinois Native Plants for the Home Landscape

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

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

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

Gardening and Nature Events —

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This Week in Gardening & Nature

Stonecrop 'Autumn Joy'

Plant of the Week: Stonecrop ‘Autumn Joy’

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. Additions this week: School Gardeners Plant Swap, Stark Brothers Fruit Tree Sale with pick up at Seed St. Louis, Garlic Sale also Shallot Sale, 2025 Herb Society Sale

Fall Color Reports. Missouri andIllinois

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 —

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

Like some of you, I have Powdery Mildew on my zinnia. Here’s some advice on this problem (Missouri Botanical Garden)

What to do when wildlife treats your garden like a buffet. (University of Missouri Extension)

I am told this is a great winter project for kids. How to start an indoor garden with scraps from your dinner plate (Gift article at Washington Post)

Prairie home companions: Why more farmers are planting native landscapes in their crop fields (KCUR)

Mum Madness. North America has had flowers that bloom in the fall far before anyone brought over the mum from Asia. The case for native Fall color from New England Asters, Ox-Eye Daisies, American Starthistle instead of mums. (Wild Ones)

Mizzou researchers design filter to remove microplastics from tap water (KBIA)

California accuses ExxonMobil of lying about plastics being recyclable. State alleges that the oil company deceived “the public to convince us that plastic recycling could solve the plastic waste and pollution crisis.” (Gift article at Washington Post)

Walden Pond: An endangered treasure. National Trust for Historic Preservation has listed Walden Pond and Walden Woods, where Henry David Thoreau wrote his 1854 classic “Walden,” one of “America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.” (CBS)

Had never heard of this until the article. Fridgescaping is everywhere. But is it safe? The social media trend is taking refrigerator organization to a whole new level. Here are pros and cons. (Gift article at Washington Post)

Listen to lessons from the Kansas ground, advises Haskell author in recent book. “Western hierarchy places humans at the top, plants at the bottom. With Indigenuity, humans are seen as the younger brothers of creation. A cure for what’s ailing us is to spend more time outdoors learning our place in nature…” (Kansas Reflector)

Seed Saving Class available on YouTube (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 —

Deadline to order has passed but often they extend the ordering, so check because as of this posting day there was no such notice. 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.

October 5th-26th, St. Louis Public Library daily event at Schlafly Library: River Life: Landscape Photography exhibit by Rita Chu

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

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

Volunteers wanted. Tower Grove Park Plant It Forward: Help dig cannas, elephant ears, other plants; clearing display beds of debris; aid in planting 10,000+ bulbs for Spring season. 9 am Tuesday, October 1st Register. 9 am Thursday, October 3rd Register. 9 am Thursday, October 10th Register

1:30 pm Tuesday, October 1st, Bellefontaine Cemetery History & Horticulture Tour with Master Guide: Fall Tour. Register

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

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

6 pm Friday, October 4th, Missouri Conservation Department event at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, Kirkwood: WildHeart Concert and Scout/Family Event

8 am Saturday, October 5th, St. Louis Audubon Society Beginner Bird Walk at Forest Park. Register

9 am to 5 pm Saturday, October 5th, St. Louis Public Library event at Schlafly Library: Opening Day for River Life: Landscape Photography exhibit by Rita Chu

9 am Saturday, October 5th, Seed St. Louis Garlic & Shallot Sale. $0.60 per clove. Hardneck Garlic ‘Music,’ Softneck ‘Inchelium Red,’ Shallots ‘Red French’

Volunteers Wanted. 9 am Saturday, October 5th, Open Space Council workday at St. Vincent Park, Normandy: Honeysuckle Hack & Native Planting. Register 

For our crafty gardeners & nature lovers. 10 Seats remaining. 10 am Saturday, October 5th, Missouri Conservation Department event at Howard Wood Urban Outreach Office, Southwest Garden: Nature Crocheters Fall Fun! Register

6:30-9 pm Saturday, October 5th, The Garden Shop’s Sip & Soil, Fall Edition. Tickets $45 includes houseplant of your choosing, 6″ planter, supplies to paint, and at least two Fall themed cocktails

Noon October 8th University of Illinois Extension Webinar, Thriving Communities series: Current Funding Opportunities for Energy and the Environment Explore grants available for community environmental projects. Register

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

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

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

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

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

5 pm October 9th Missouri Conservation Department Online Class: Native Yards, Getting Started. Register

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Volunteers Wanted. October 26th River de Peres Trash Bash

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

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

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

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

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

This Week in Gardening & Nature

Plant of the Week: native Rough Blazing Star

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

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

Fall Color Reports. Missouri and Illinois

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

Plan your garden with  Seed St. Louis Planting Calendar

Good Reads & Views —

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

Five Fall Veggie Garden Basics (P Allen Smith)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Illinois Native Plants for the Home Landscape

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

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

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

Gardening and Nature Events

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9 am October 5th Seed St. Louis Garlic Sale

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This Week in Gardening & Nature

Plant of the Week: native and very tall Curly Top Ironweed

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. Say Hi to the new Shop Cat: Astilbe, aka Queen Bebe, Bee.

Volunteers Wanted. St. Louis City Forestry Dept needs help watering trees

Volunteers Wanted. Brightside St. Louis August Blitz events in Fountain Park and Penrose Neighborhoods

If you are only looking for St. Louis Area Plant Sales, here’s a page for them. Updated this week with Plant & Seed Swaps @ STL County Libraries, Missouri Wildflowers Nursery returns to Kirkwood Farmers Market, Plant Vendors @ Weldon Spring Pollinator Festival, More

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

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

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

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

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

Plan your garden with  Seed St. Louis Planting Calendar

Good Reads —

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

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

July Native Plant News from around the country (Wild Ones)

The lawyer who fights for people’s right to grow ‘weeds.’ She used to enforce local weed ordinances. Now she helps native plant enthusiasts combat them. Gift article (Washington Post)

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)

It’s grain country now, but western Kansas used to be awash in watermelons. (KMUW)

River Otters Were Once Nearly Extinct In Illinois — But Now They Roam Chicago Waterways. River otters have made a remarkable comeback in Chicago’s waterways, signaling improved water quality, showcasing successful conservation efforts (Block Club Chicago)

Who would win gold in the bird Olympics? We simulated a race between the fastest fliers to find out. Gift article (Washington Post)

One idea to curb the invasive Asian carp: Eat them. Anyone in St. Louis region serving Asian carp? (Louisianna Illuninator)

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

Go see the Sunflowers Fields at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area

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.

Shakespeare in the Park this Week, The Tempest: Free performances 6:30 pm Tuesday @ Tower Grove Park, Roman Pavilion and 6:30 pm Saturday @ Crown Square, Old North, 1400 St. Louis Ave

6 pm Tuesday, August 6th, St. Louis Public Library and Seed St. Louis class at Buder Library: Urban Homesteading- Winter Gardening and Overwintering Crops.

Noon Wednesday, August 7th, Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Cooking and Cleaning Catfish. Register

Volunteers Wanted. 8 am Thursday, August 8th Heartland Conservancy event at Clinton Hills Conservation Park in Swansea, IL: Exploration Garden Volunteer Day. Register

Volunteers Wanted. 8 am Friday, August 9th, Heartland Conservancy event at Edwardsville, IL: Poag Sand Prairie Restoration Volunteer Day. Register

9 am Friday, August 9th, Online Ordering Begins for Pick Up at 3 am to 7 pm Friday, September 6th, Shaw Nature Reserve Fall Wildflower Market in Gray Summit, Franklin County.

9:30 am Friday, August 9th, St. Louis County Public Library event at Sachs Branch: Bird Walk. Register

1 pm Friday, August 9th, St. Louis City Public Library class at Buder Library: Urban Homesteading- Best Gardening Practices

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

2 pm Friday, August 9th, St. Louis City Public Library class at Buder Library: Urban Homesteading- Canning and Preservation 101

9 am Saturday, August 10th, Seed St. Louis Fall Seedling Sale: 4-packs for $3.50 each- Bok Choy, Broccoli (purple & green), Cabbage (red & green), Cauliflower, Collards, Lettuce (red & green), Misome (Tatsoi Hybrid). Edible, perennial Hosta $6.

11 am and 1 pm Saturday, 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.

2 pm Saturday, August 10th, St. Louis City Public Library class at Buder Library: Urban Homesteading: Intro & Advanced Chicken Tending

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Noon to 5 pm 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9 am October 5th Seed St. Louis Garlic Sale

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

This Week in Gardening & Nature

Plant of the Week: Texas Green Eyes, Berlandiera texana

Volunteers Wanted. St. Louis City Forestry Dept needs help watering trees

Volunteers Wanted. Brightside St. Louis August Blitz events in Fountain Park and Penrose Neighborhoods

If you are only looking for St. Louis Area Plant Sales, 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 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

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

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

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

Plan your garden with  Seed St. Louis Planting Calendar

Good Reads/Views —

Pollinator gardens – going beyond the plant lists to create a robust habitat. (Wild Ones)

Having Japanese Beetle problems? A good article on To Trap or Not to Trap- The Ever Controversial Japanese Beetle Trap (Seed St. Louis and Giving Grove)

Refrigerating produce in jars looks great, but it can breed bacteria. Fresh produce has various needs, including air circulation, that a sealed jar won’t provide. Gift article (Washington Post)

The Great Salt Lake isn’t just drying out. It’s warming the planet. The lake released 4.1M tons of carbon dioxide & other greenhouse gases in 2020… more evidence that dried-out lakes are a significant source of emissions. Gift article (Washington Post)

Hilarious. ‘Mystic Veg’ psychic who uses asparagus to predict the future reveals who she thinks will win the US Presidential Election in November (Daily Mail, UK)

Raising & Harvesting Okra (University of Illinois Extension)

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

Go see the Sunflowers Fields at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area

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

6 pm Monday, 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.” More Info on event

10 am Tuesday, July 30th, Bellefontaine Cemetery History & Horticulture Trolley Tour with Master Guide. $5. Register

1 pm Tuesday, July 30th, Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Snakes of Missouri. Register

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

4 pm Wednesday, July 31st, Missouri Prairie Foundation Webinar: Dark Sky as a Natural Resource presented by Dr. Vayujeet Gokhale. Learn about the problem and solutions to light pollution. Register

5:30 pm Wednesday, July 31st, Bellefontaine Cemetery History & Horticulture Sunset Stroll with Master Guide. Register

9 Tickets remaining. 9 am Thursday, August 1st, Missouri Conservation Department event at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center: Guided Nature Walk with Naturalist. Register

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

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

8 am Saturday, August 3rd, St. Louis Audubon Society event at Forest Park: Beginner Bird Walk. Register

9 am to 5 pm Saturday, 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.

10 am Saturday, August 3rd, Bellefontaine Cemetery History & Horticulture Trolley Tour with Master Guide. $5. Register

For K-3rd Grade Kids. 10:30 am Saturday, August 3rd, St. Louis Public Library event at Carpenter Library: Creatures of the Night with Missouri State Parks.

10 am Sunday, August 4th Heartlands Conservancy event at Clinton Hills Conservation Park, Swansea, St. Clair County, Illinois: Bee Walk @ Exploration Garden.

6 pm August 6th St. Louis Public Library and Seed St. Louis class at Buder Library: Urban Homesteading- Winter Gardening and Overwintering Crops.

2 Seats remaining. 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

9 am August 9th Online Ordering Begins for Pick Up at September 6th Shaw Nature Reserve Fall Wildflower Market

9:30 am August 9th St. Louis County Public Library event at Sachs Branch: Bird Walk. Register

1 pm August 9th St. Louis City Public Library class at Buder Library: Urban Homesteading- Best Gardening Practices

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

2 pm August 9th St. Louis City Public Library class at Buder Library: Urban Homesteading- Canning and Preservation 101

9 am August 10th Seed St. Louis Fall Seedling Sale: 4-packs for $3.50 each- Bok Choy, Broccoli (purple & green), Cabbage (red & green), Cauliflower, Collards, Edible Hosta, Lettuce (red & green), Misome (Tatsoi Hybrid)

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.

2 pm August 10th St. Louis City Public Library class at Buder Library: Urban Homesteading: Intro & Advanced Chicken Tending

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

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

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

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

14 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

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

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

Noon to 5 pm 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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9 am October 5th Seed St. Louis Garlic Sale

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

This Week In Gardening & Nature

Photo of American Beautyberry in Fall/Winter splendor- hot pink berries on leafless stems waiting for birds and wildlife to enjoy.

Plant of the Week: American Beautyberry

Walk off your Thanksgiving dinner. Take a drive and hike at one of Missouri Prairie Foundation’s Prairies.

Want a front yard native landscape makeover? Enter Grow Native! and Wild Ones St. Louis Chapter 2024 Landscape Challenge

January 15th Deadline for Missouri community gardens, conservation groups, parks, schools to apply for Missouri Prairie Foundation Prairie Garden Grants

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

The perfect holiday or birthday gift for the person who has everything: Adopt a Regal Fritillary Butterfly via Missouri Prairie Foundation

It’s never too early to start planning your 2024 Garden: Seed St. Louis Planting Calendar

Good Reads & Views—

November Gardening Tips: Outdoor Flowing Plants & Ornamentals, Vegetable Gardening, Fruits & Nuts, Indoor Plants, Turfgrass (University of Missouri Extension)

10 Fall Gardening Tips & Recipes video (P. Allen Smith)

Fall Leaves for the Garden (Seed St. Louis)

Pecans: A Whole Lot of Shakin’ Goin’ On (University of Missouri Extension)

Donation to Missouri AG riles plaintiffs in lead-poisoning suit against St. Louis company. The parent company for Doe Run cut at $50,000 check to a PAC supporting Andrew Bailey three months after he filed a brief in support of the lead smelter in federal court (Missouri Independent)

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 —

5:30 pm Monday, November 13th, St. Louis Public Library In Person Class at Central Library: DIY Worm Bins and Vermicomposting. Register

10 am Tuesday, November 14th, Bellefontaine Cemetery Trolley Tour: 2 Hour Horticulture & History guided tour. $5. Register.

6:30 pm Tuesday, November 14th, Sierra Club Piasa Speaker Series: Great Camps of the Adirondacks @ Old Bakery Beer, Alton IL. Register

10 am Wednesday, November 15th, Seed St. Louis & St. Louis County Library Zoom Class: Edible Landscaping. Register

For Kids 0-7 years. 10 am Thursday, November 16th, Missouri Conservation Department Conservation Kids event at Tower Grove Park, Stupp Center: You and me under the Canopy: Talkin’ Turkeys. Learn about some common backyard birds, then create felt ornaments to take home. Must be at least age 16. Only 1 Seat remaining. Register

1:30 pm Thursday, November 16th, Bellefontaine Cemetery Leaf Walk. 2 Hour Horticulture & History guided tour. Register

4 pm Thursday, November 16th, Missouri Conservation Department Virtual Class: Backyard Bird Feeding. Register

10 am Saturday, November 18th, Bellefontaine Cemetery Trolley Tour: 2 Hour Horticulture & History guided tour. $5. Register.

2 pm Saturday, November 18th, St. Louis Public Library In Person Class at Buder Library: Introduction to Chickens with Second-Hen’d. Learn the benefits of adopting “spent” hens.

Saturday, November 18th, thru January 6th Garden Glow at Missouri Botanical Garden. Tickets

10 am Sunday, November 19th, Missouri Conservation Department In Person Class at Tower Grove Park, Stupp Center: The Science & Art of Soapmaking. Class is full but Register for Waiting List

1:30 pm November 22nd Bellefontaine Cemetery Leaf Walk. 2 Hour Horticulture & History guided tour. Register

4 pm November 22nd Missouri Prairie Foundation Webinar: Ecology & Management of Missouri’s Woodland Communities. Register

November 24th to December 31st Sachs Butterfly House event: Winter Jewels- An Enchanted Celebration, Chesterfield, St. Louis County. Tickets

1 pm November 24th Missouri Conservation Department Walk off the Turkey and Pumpkin Pie Hike at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area, St. Louis County. 9 Tickets remaining. Register

Volunteers Wanted. 10 am November 25th Missouri Coalition for the Environment Honeysuckle Removal Day @ historic Greenwood Cemetery, Hillsdale, St. Louis County. Register

10 am November 28th Bellefontaine Cemetery Trolley Tour: 2 Hour Horticulture & History guided tour. $5. Register.

6 pm November 29th Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Whacky Woodpeckers. Register

1 pm November 30th Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Black Bears of Missouri. Register

1:30 pm November 30th Bellefontaine Cemetery Leaf Walk. 2 Hour Horticulture & History guided tour. Register

6 pm November 30th Seed St. Louis Zoom Class: Tree Saps & Syrups. Register

6:30 November 30th Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Attracting Backyard Birds. Register

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

9 am December 2nd Forest ReLeaf Christy Greenway Tree Planting, Old St. Marcus Cemetery Park. Register

10 am December 7th Seed St. Louis and St. Louis County Library Zoom Class: Tree Saps & Syrups. Register

6-8:30 pm December 7th Missouri Coalition for the Environment Holiday Party, University City, St. Louis County. Register

1 pm December 9th St. Louis Public Library In Person Event @ Carpenter Library: All About Eagles with World Bird Sanctuary. Register.

Noon December 13th Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Winter Woodpeckers. Register

10 am December 16th Missouri Conservation Department event at Tower Grove Park: Nature Art- Felt Bird Ornaments. Registration Opens November 1st. Register

2 pm December 19th Missouri Conservation Department Zoom Class: Creature Feature- River Otter. Register

10 am December 20-29th Missouri Botanical Garden holiday break fun for kids: Budding Scientist- Celebrate Urban Birds.  $3 each child. Register

1 pm December 20-29th Missouri Botanical Garden holiday break fun for kids: Budding Scientist- Celebrate Urban Birds.  $3 each child. Register

2 pm January 13th St. Louis Public Library In Person Class @ Carpenter Library: Intro to Plant-spotting- Common St. Louis Flowers & Weeds.

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

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

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. Register.

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


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