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The Missouri Botanical Garden is a beautiful and famous garden considered one of the top three botanical gardens in the world. It contains 79 acres of horticultural displays and is certainly not to be missed if you have a chance to go to St. Louis. Information can be found here.
History
The Missouri Botanical Garden was founded in 1859 when philanthropist Henry Shaw donated the land to start the garden. Even today many residents still call it Shaw’s Garden. It is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the United States and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Mr. Shaw was director of the gardens until his death in 1889. See here for information about City Museum in St. Louis, Missouri.
Gardens
With 79 acres available, there are many gorgeous gardens to visit. Many folks begin at the Tower Grove House and Herb Garden. This Italianate-style Victorian home was built in 1849 and was Mr. Shaw’s home for years.
The Linnean House was built in 1882 and is believed to be the oldest continually operated greenhouse west of the Mississippi. Today you can see mostly camellias in this garden.
The Selwa-en Japanese Garden is a 14-acre garden surrounding a 4-acre lake. This is the largest Japanese Garden in North America.
The Strassenfest German Garden showcases plants native to Germany and Central Europe.