Meetings, Classes, Entertainment and More

Give us the details of your upcoming gardening, lawn or landscaping event and we’ll add it here and include it in our next issue. Deadline for printing in the June issue is April 1st.

GARDEN CLUBS AND PLANT SOCIETY MEETINGS

Interested in Joining a Garden Club or Plant Society? We have meeting dates, locations and contact information on more than 50 area garden clubs on our website at www.GatewayGardener.com. Don’t have access to the internet? Just call us at (314) 968-3740, or write us at PO Box 220853, St. Louis, MO 63122, and we’ll get the information to you. So share your joy for gardening and join a garden club or favorite plant society today!

Fun For Kids

June 6^th

9am—Children’s Garden Club. Wind Chimes. FREE.  Queeny Park – CGC Nursery, 1675 S. Mason Rd. (Queeny Park East Entrance), St. Louis 63131. FREE. Pre-registration is required on the St. Louis County website at https://tinyurl.com/yc3v3pfj or by calling 314-615-4386.

August 1^st

9am—Children’s Garden Club. Summer Harvest. GC Nursery, 1675 S. Mason Rd. (Queeny Park East Entrance), St. Louis 63131. FREE. Pre-registration is required on the St. Louis County website at https://tinyurl.com/yc3v3pfj or by calling 314-615-4386.

Sept. 5^th

9am—Children’s Garden Club. Gratitude in the Garden. FREE.  Greenscape Gardens, 2832 Barrett Station Rd., Manchester, MO 63021. FREE. Pre-registration is required on the St. Louis County website at https://tinyurl.com/yc3v3pfj or by calling 314-615-4386.

Classes, Sales, Tours and More

June 6^th

11am—Tomato Companion Planter. Plant a tomato plant and its companions marigold and basil together in a container to take home. $45. Hoffmann Hillermann Nursery & Florist, 636-239-6729, www.hoffmannhillermann.com.

June 6^th and 7^th 

10am—31^st Annual Town and Country Garden Tour. The 31st Annual Garden Tour includes both a walking tour of gardens in downtown historic Hermann and a driving tour to country gardens. The $20 ticket price includes visits to at least five private gardens both in town and in the country, including a traditional four-square garden, vegetable gardens, a walled garden with a greenhouse, a lavender farm, and of course flower gardens. Garden Tour visits may be spread over Saturday and Sunday. Tickets will be sold online before the tour at Eventeny www.eventeny.com/events/hermann-garden-tours-2026-21861/ Tickets are available now online, and will also be sold during the tour at Topiaries (138 E 4th) in downtown Hermann from 10-5 on Saturday and 10-3 on Sunday. A self-guiding map to the tour gardens will be provided starting on Saturday June 6th at Topiaries, the Ticket Sale Site; those who pre-purchase tickets will pick up the map at that time as well.  The Hermann Garden Club’s website www.hermanngardentours.com provides up-to-date events, ticket prices, links to the online ticket sale site, a contact email, and photographs and descriptions of past tour gardens.  Visit the FAQS page on the website for answers to all your questions. “Like” us on Facebook at “Hermann Garden Tours.” Go to www.visithermann.com for information about lodging and dining.  The Garden Tour is always the first full weekend in June.
According to Garden Tour Chair Alice Calhoun, the gardens on the 2026 Garden Tour are unique: “We have a many new gardens among both the town and country gardens. Town Tour gardens are usually lovely cottage gardens hidden behind historic homes. This year they will include a traditional four-square garden, flower gardens, an in-town walled greenhouse/entertainment area designed by the gardener, and  small vegetable and flower gardens. Country Tour estate gardens tend to be much larger than Town Tour gardens and have different elements and features. This year’s gardens include a lavender farm as well as a large garden with interesting containers, bird houses, and structures.” Calhoun continues, “To get an overview of the beauty of Hermann’s gardens, visit www.hermanngardentours.com, our website.There you will see gardens that have been on previous tours. On this site are also descriptions of the 2025 gardens. You will be amazed.”

June 12^th-13^th

Madison County Garden Tour. Six beautiful, private residential gardens in Glen Carbon will be featured on the Madison County Garden Tour. A raffle of exceptional container gardens, assembled by area retailers and Master Gardeners, will be held at the Yanda Cabin in Glen Carbon.  Raffle tickets are $1.00 each or 6 tickets for $5.00. The Garden Tour, sponsored by University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners, benefits the Madison County Extension Education Foundation.  Tickets are $15.00; children 10 and under are free. Tickets are available at the following locations:  Creekside Gardens, Collinsville; Edwardsville Public Library; Glen Carbon Centennial Library; Market Basket, Edwardsville, Godfrey and Troy; and University of Illinois Extension offices,  901 Illinois Avenue, Waterloo and 900 Hillsboro Avenue, Edwardsville and on https://givebutter.com/MCEEF2026GardenTour. Tickets may also be purchased the day of the tour at the Yanda Cabin in Glen Carbon.  For more information, visit the Madison-Monroe-St. Clair Unit website at  https://givebutter.com/MCEEF2026GardenTour or call (618) 344-4230

June 13^th

11am—Closed Terrarium.  Create your own closed terrarium using leafy, green plants. A discussion on care tips for your new terrarium will be included. $40.00. Event location and registration: Hoffmann Hillermann Nursery & Florist, 636-239-6729,  www.hoffmannhillermann.com.

June 20^th

11am—Pollinator Container Garden. Create a beautiful combination planter that will attract and support beneficial pollinators. Butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, moths and more are some of the visitors you may see at your pollinator garden. $35.00. Hoffmann Hillermann Nursery & Florist, 636-239-6729, www.hoffmannhillermann.com.

June 20^th  

9am-5pm—St. Louis Carnivorous Plant Society Annual Show and Sale. Missouri Botanical Garden. Open to the public unless sold out early. Proceeds go to organizations and preserves in the United States to help promote education and protect the habitat of carnivorous plants.  We will have an educational section with show plants and members available to answer questions. The Orchid Society, MASI, and Gesneriad Society, Flytrap Store, Danger Lettuce and The Ping Guy will all have sale tables as well.    

June 27^th

11am—Succulent Tower. Create a unique succulent tower using 2 terracotta pots. A discussion on care tips for your succulent tower will be included. Hoffmann Hillermann Nursery & Florist, 636-239-6729, www.hoffmannhillermann.com. 

June 27^th

9am-5pm—Annual Kimmswick Day Lily Sale. Sale to be held at the state inspected garden of Mr. Carrol Wrather, #6005 4^th Street, Kimmswick, MO 63053.
Offering over 1300 freshly dug & bagged plants, featuring over 95 different varieties. This is a great opportunity to purchase new and older varieties not available in nurseries or garden centers. The sale often sells out, so be sure to arrive early for best selection. Early Bird Specials are in short supply. Proceeds benefit the Kimmswick Visitor Center.  For information call (636) 464-6464.

June 27^th-28^th

8am-noon—Karen’s Garden Tour. Beautiful daylilies, hostas, hydrangeas, water feature and more. 2 Bridgers Pass Court, St. Peters, MO 63376.

June 27^th-28^th

Pondorama Garden Tour. The St. Louis Water Garden Society (SLWGS) celebrates 36 years of fostering water gardening through education, community service, and resource sharing. This year, the tour presents a unique opportunity to explore 23 of the region’s most captivating private water gardens on a self-guided tour, with different gardens featured each day, 11 on Saturday and 12 on Sunday, organized by geographic location throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area.

Discover gardens ranging from intimate backyard retreats to expansive landscapes. Each garden is unique—some are newly created, while others have matured over years, showcasing the evolution of water gardening in St. Louis.

See koi and goldfish ponds of all sizes, from small bubbling pools to large, multi-level water habitats. Experience the soothing sounds and sights of cascading waterfalls, gentle streams, and bubbling brooks integrated into lush plantings. Walk over charming bridges and relax in gazebos nestled among flowering aquatic plants and vibrant greenery. Admire artistic touches—statues, fountains, and ornamental features that add character and whimsy to each garden. Explore gardens certified by the Audubon Society’s Bring Conservation Home program, featuring native Missouri plants alongside exotic water lilies, lotus, and rare aquatic specimens. Many gardens are designed to attract birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects, creating thriving habitats for local wildlife. And finally, meet hosts who are Master Gardeners, conservation advocates, and passionate water garden designers. Many have been featured in St. Louis Homes and Lifestyle magazine and local publications. They are eager to share their expertise, answer questions, and offer tips for creating your own water feature.

Tickets include a full-color guidebook with photos, garden descriptions, directions, accessibility notes, and QR codes for easy navigation. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just beginning, you’ll find inspiration and practical ideas for every space and budget.

July 4

Grilling Garden – (11:00 am) Join us and create your own herb container garden that will elevate the seasoning of your outdoor cooking. $45.00. Event location and registration: Hoffmann Hillermann Nursery & Florist, 636-239-6729, www.hoffmannhillermann.com.

July 11

Kokedama – (11:00 am) Transform an ordinary houseplant into a sculptural statement piece! We will also discuss care tips for your kokedama planter. $25.00. Event location and registration: Hoffmann Hillermann Nursery & Florist, 636-239-6729, www.hoffmannhillermann.com.

July 18

Fall Seed Starting – (11:00 am) Get prepared for the fall gardening season as we help you plant fall veggies or flowers from seed. $15.00. Event location and registration: Hoffmann Hillermann Nursery & Florist, 636-239-6729, www.hoffmannhillermann.com.

July 25

Combo Pot Refresh – (11:00 am) Bring in your fading container garden (combo pot) to refresh it with new plants for the coming fall season! Bring in your favorite container – or start from scratch. $40.00. Event location and registration: Hoffmann Hillermann Nursery & Florist, 636-239-6729, www.hoffmannhillermann.com.

July 25^th-26^th    

9am-4pm  both days—Henry Shaw Cactus and Succulent Society Annual Cactus and Succulent Sale and Show. Don’t miss the largest cactus and succulent event in the Midwest! Multiple vendors will offer an unmatched selection of thousands of plants and pots for sale in a range of prices. Novice gardeners can start with small, easy-to-grow plants, while collectors and serious plant enthusiasts will find unusual and hard-to-find cacti and succulents. HSCSS members will be on hand to answer questions. Before you leave, be sure to check out the show, where HSCSS members will stage their best specimens to share with visitors. These plants will include strange shapes, odd textures, varied colors and other surprising features that cacti and succulents have developed to address their arid natural environments. FREE admission and FREE Kids Corner. Jost Event Center. I-170 Business Center, 8195 Lackland, 63114. Visit hscactus.org/ for more information.

August 1st

11am–Gallon Jar Terrarium. Design and build a miniature world inside a one-gallon jar terrarium. We will also discuss care tips for your new terrarium. $45.00. Event location and registration: Hoffmann Hillermann Nursery & Florist, 636-239-6729, www.hoffmannhillermann.com.

August 8th

11am–Beaded “String of Things” Decoration. Create a pretty “String of Things” plant using a terracotta pot, foam, wire and beads. A cute decoration that does not need sunlight or water and can be placed anywhere! $25.00. Event location and registration: Hoffmann Hillermann Nursery & Florist, 636-239-6729, www.hoffmannhillermann.com.

August 15th

11am–Flower & Herb Drying Rack. Create a unique and decorative hanging rack for drying flowers and herbs using twigs and string. $15.00. Event location and registration: Hoffmann Hillermann Nursery & Florist, 636-239-6729, www.hoffmannhillermann.com.

August 22nd

11am–Window Frame & Flower Wall Décor. Create your own unique window frame & flower wall decoration using twigs and permanent botanicals. $45.00. Event location and registration: Hoffmann Hillermann Nursery & Florist, 636-239-6729, www.hoffmannhillermann.com.

August 29th

11am–Fall Porch Pot. Pot up your own container garden using colorful fall plants. Bring it home to decorate your porch, patio or deck for the wonderful season of fall! $45.00. Event location and registration: Hoffmann Hillermann Nursery & Florist, 636-239-6729, www.hoffmannhillermann.com.

August 29th

Annual Harvest and Home Marketplace and Home Grown Farm Tour. Activities include Farmers Market, Vendors, Food Trucks and self-paced farm tours with maps (Free entry). Potosi Town Square, Potosi, MO 63664. Free self-guided tour 10am-noon of 12 farms, ranches and venues in Washington County, each showcasing the region’s diverse agricultural practices, stunning landscapes and dedication to sustainability. Enjoy hands on experiences, learn about farming techniques and connect with passionate growers and producers. The Harvest and Home marketplace takes place from 8am-noon, featuring local vendors offering fresh produce, homemade goods and handcrafted items.  The Farm-of Field self-guided tours take place from 10-4. And a Field Dinner follows, featuring locally sourced ingredients served family style in a picturesque vineyard setting. Visit washcomochamber.com/farm-tour for more information.

Sept. 18^th-20^th

24th Annual Northern Midwest ZNA Koi Show & Pond  Expo. Hosted by The Gateway Koi and Pond Club of St. Louis The event will be held at Timberwinds Nursery in Ellisville, MO and is open to the public with free admission. Hours are Friday 3-5pm, Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 10am-2pm. There will be raffles, attendance prizes, koi judging and speakers on various topics of ponding and gardening Saturday, along with the judges’ talk and tour of the winners’ tanks on Sunday. Show koi will be removed from tanks for transport home on Sunday at noon. Koi, goldfish and pond & garden-related vendors will be open all three days. Timberwinds Nursery carries a wide variety of high-quality plants, shrubs and trees along with decorative garden and gift items. Show schedule is available on www.gatewaykoiandpondclub.org and www.nmzna.net. Come enjoy the beautiful living jewels of Japan! Fun for the whole family! Outdoor event-rain or shine! Gateway Koi and Pond Club hosts monthly educational meetings and fun pond and garden events. Check us out on our website above and on Facebook! Contact Pamela Jokerst at 314-276-9461.