Dating back to 1859, the Missouri Botanical Garden in Saint Louis is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the US. There are quite a few things to see and do in Saint Louis, and together with the world famous arch this was definitely one of the highlights in my very short visit in the city with a weekend trip away from Champaign in Illinois. My favorite part, it would come as no surprise, were the Asian gardens, especially the Japanese. I caught it at a good time with the autumn colorful trees reflecting onto the lake. With 79 acres, this is a very large area, and you can spend half a day strolling around the different gardens and enjoying the flora and vegetation.
The official website introduces:
"To discover and share knowledge about plants and their environment in order to preserve and enrich life." – Missouri Botanical Garden mission
Founded in 1859, the Missouri Botanical Garden is the nation’s oldest botanical garden in continuous operation and a National Historic Landmark.
The Garden is a center for botanical research and science education, as well as an oasis in the city of St. Louis. The Garden offers 79 acres of beautiful horticultural display, including a 14-acre Japanese strolling garden, Henry Shaw’s original 1850 estate home, and one of the world’s largest collections of rare and endangered orchids.
For over 154 years, the Garden has been an oasis in the city, a place of beauty and family fun—and also a center for education, science, and conservation.
Flowers? sure…
Wonderful gardens and quiet paths for reflection? you got it…
Location:
My type of place. Absolutely charming.