Ever visit a place and realize you've been able to explore only a fraction of it? Cool, rainy weather meant umbrellas and indoor destinations during our family's Spring Break visit to the Missouri Botanical Garden. We still managed to have a delightful time in three main areas over two days.
Nestled in the heart of St. Louis, the main 79-acre green space is the nation's oldest continuously operating botanical garden and a National Historic Landmark. Weather did not permit us to view but a few acres of this thoughtfully planned showcase of plant and water features.
On our way to the historic Linnean House we realized that picnicking is not allowed on the grounds, so we quickly finished off our YoKids Smoothies. Our trip was made possible in part by Stonyfield Organic, and we appreciated the courtesy tickets from the Missouri Botanical Garden.
Greek goddess Amphitrite watches over the Linnean House, which was originally created in 1882 to be an orangery. Orange, lime and kumquat trees thrive inside. The scent of camelia and jasmine fills the air.
We dodged raindrops to reach the tropical Climatron conservatory, where adventurous paths wind along under cover of trees.
Water lettuce, aluminum plant and Duff's sword fern adorn a pond where artist Dale Chihuly's "Sunset Herons" sculpture adds a pop of orange color.
We're reminded of all the wonderful things plants do for us, from providing shade and food to clearing the air as demonstrated by the peace lily that we can adapt for our own homes.
Finally, we explored the Temperate House, where we saw examples of plants that grow throughout much of the world. The Moorish Garden is influenced by Spanish culture, fragrant with oleander.
As spring draws open more buds, the garden grounds will burst with even more floral colors. On drier days, the Children's Garden will also be a popular playground.
Where else did we take Stonyfield Smoothies on the Moo-ve? Later this week: expert perspective on the garden's top floral display, and capturing nature's flashy but fleeting light show.
(The author was compensated by Stonyfield for this Smoothies on the Moo-ve series.)