This Calendar of Gardening Events includes those published in each issue of The Gateway Gardener magazine, plus updated listings received after the publication deadline. Give us the details of your upcoming gardening, lawn or landscaping event and we’ll add it to our website and include it in our next issue. See Contact Us page. Deadline for printing in the first of each month prior to the month of your event. Please note that the current issue is a combined Jan/Feb issue, so the next available issue is March 2012. The deadline for that issue is February 1st. However, if you’ve missed the deadline for a January or February event, send them to us and we’ll post them on this online calendar.
FUN FOR KIDS
January 7th
9 am—Flower Arranging—Children’s Garden Club. Baisch & Skinner, Inc., 2721 LaSalle St., St. Louis, MO. FREE.
January 14th – February 11th
Saturdays, 9am-11am—Junior Master Gardeners—Wildlife Gardening. For ages 4-14 (4-6 yrs. must be accompanied by parent). As Wildlife Gardeners, children will gain an understanding and strengthen their appreciation for the wildlife that is part of their local community. Hands-on project-based learning to garden for wildlife, building components of wildlife habitat, and taking part in an integrated curriculum that will strengthen skills in math, science, language and social studies. $55 (includes book). Greensfelder Recreation Complex, 550 Weidman Rd., Ballwin, MO. (314) 615-8482.
February 4th
9am—Fun Things in the Garden- Children’s Garden Club. Sappington Garden Shop. 11530 Gravois, St. Louis County, MO. FREE.
CLASSES, LECTURES AND EVENTS
Jan. 1st-31st
Return of the Poinsettia. Bring your tired holiday poinsettia back to Bowood Farms, and get 10% off any houseplant in the shop! Also, bring a clean, capped gallon jug and fill it — free — with our organic plant food. Bowood Farms, 4605 Olive Street in the Central West End. Call (314) 454-6868 for more information or go to www.bowoodfarms.com for winter hours.
Jan. 5th-8th
Great Plains Vegetable Growers Conference
St. Joseph, MO—Fulkerson Center at Missouri Western State U. An all-day track focusing on Urban Farming and Community Gardens in the sponsoring states of IA, KS, NE, MO & SD. Urban farming will be the initial focus with the lead off presenter Katherine Kelly of the non-profit Cultivate KC, which helps people grow and eat healthy, quality food in city neighborhoods. Other areas of focus being youth gardening and techniques associated with growing edibles in community gardens. For more information contact Katie Cook at cookkm@missouri.edu or (816) 279-1691 or visit GreatPlainsGrowers.org.
January 8th
1pm— Native Plants. Learn about native plants from Jefferson County Master Gardener Ozzie Ostdiek. Kress Farm Garden Preserve, 5137 Glade Chapel Rd., Hillsboro, Missouri, 63050. Public welcome. Contact Jo Ferguson, (636) 296-9306, for more information.
Jan. 8th & 9th
National Green Centre
Overland Park Convention Center, Kansas City, MO. The National Green Centre will feature the 2nd Annual Sweet Melissa Fashion Show: the hottest new plants in horticulture, a trade show showcasing international, national and regional green industry suppliers and world-class education. Educational programs for professionals will include acclaimed national guest speakers such as Dr. Michael Dirr, speaking on what’s new in plants; workshops exploring sustainable horticulture topics like green-roof technology, water management and green walls; panel discussions, and other programs to help professionals maximize their business in today’s environment. And don’t miss the MLNA Silent Auction Reception on January 8 from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm, in the Sheraton Convention hotel. For more information and to register, visit NationalGreenCentre.org.
Jan. 23rd
1:30-6:30pm—Nature Education Workshop. Keynote speaker Claire Warden, founder of Mindstretchers, plus a panel of educational experts conduct an afternoon of programs designed to help parents and teachers get children more involved and learn from outdoor experiences. FREE. Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. B Bernard Birger Hall, Edwardsville, IL. Register at sarakreiss@groundsforplay.com or call (708) 404-7272.
Jan. 28th through Mar. 25th
9am-5pm— Annual Orchid Show. Features 800 blooming orchids from one of the world’s premier orchid collections. In celebration of the Garden’s “Year of China” and 25th year of work on the Flora of China project, Orthwein Floral Display Haool will be adorned with suspended silk lanterns and infused with Chinese-themed accents. Orthwein Floral Display Hall. Garden admission plus $5; free for Garden members.
Jan. 28th
2-4pm—The Orchid Bar is Open! Experts will guide you through the repotting process, answer your orchid care questions, provide all of the supplies and clean up the mess! $10 repotting fee includes a new pot, Espoma organic orchid mix and our organic plant food – please bring a clean, capped gallon jug. Bowood Farms, 4605 Olive Street, 63108 in the Central West End. Call (314) 454-6868 or visit BowoodFarms.com for more information.
Jan. 14th
10am—Beginning Beekeeping for Gardeners. Gardening classes for adults, ages 16+ offered by University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners at Willoughby Farm, 631 Willoughby Lane in Collinsville, IL.The cost is $5 per class. Call (618) 346-7529 at least one week before the session to register.
Feb. 4th
9am-3pm—Seventh Annual Backyard Bird Festival. Join fellow bird watchers of all ages for a day filled with guided birding walks, live exhibits, identification tips and hands-on activities. Designed for children and adults of all experience levels. (bird walks at 9, 10 and 11 a.m.) Ridgway Visitor Center. Included with Garden admission; guided bird walks are an additional $8 adults, $6 children (ages 3 to 12).
Feb. 4th-18th
Orchids for Everyone! Whether you’re a casual admirer or avid collector, come enjoy the beauty and elegance of orchids. A different grower or expert each Saturday. Garden Heights Nursery, 1605 S. Big Bend Blvd., Richmond Heights. (314) 645-7333.
Feb. 10th
10am – Below Ground Earth Friendly Products – Soils & Amendments. Learn why it is necessary to amend your soil and which products work best for certain conditions. Learn about the right micronutrients, minerals, and organic fertilizers below ground to achieve healthier plants without impacting the health of the environment. Bowood Farms, 4605 Olive Street, 63108 in the Central West End. Call 314-454-6868 or visit BowoodFarms.com for more information.
5-7pm—Native Plant School: Book Review—Bringing Nature Home/Tallamy (Chs. 1-7). Bring your questions, comments, photos, drawings, and plant specimens for discussion. Session includes hands-on tours and demonstrations. Audience participation encouraged. Registration is required by visiting online at www.shawnature.org or calling (636) 451-3512 x0. $15 ($12 Garden members).
Feb. 10th-12th
25th Annual Midwestern Herb and Garden Show. Times Square Mall, Mt. Vernon, IL. Hosted by the Herbs for Health and Fun Club and Mt. Vernon’s Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, this 25th Annual Show is the largest event of its type in the area. Featured speaker Deborah Lee, an herbal educator, has conducted 4,000 classes and workshops throughout the US and Europe over the last 30 years, and will conduct several classes and programs on various aspects of growing herbs. A variety of other talented class speakers will host presentations geared for everyone from the novice to the master gardener. Plus, exhibitors display a variety of herbal and gardening items. Proceeds from the herb club’s resale booth are used for horticulture scholarships for local students. All indoors. For details, visit www.midwesternherbandgardenshow.com or call Visitors Bureau (800) 252-5464. Free. Fri-Sat hours 10am– 9pm, Sunday Noon – 5pm.
Feb. 11th
10am—Pruning of Woody Plants. Gardening classes for adults, ages 16+ offered by University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners at Willoughby Farm, 631 Willoughby Lane in Collinsville, IL.The cost is $5 per class. Call (618) 346-7529 at least one week before the session to register.
2pm—Bonsai for Beginners. Learn about about starting with the right plant stock and materials as well as how to trim and prune your bonsai so that you can enjoy it for many years to come. Bowood Farms, 4605 Olive Street, 63108 in the Central West End. Call 314-454-6868 or visit BowoodFarms.com for more information.
Feb. 12th
1pm—Hoop Houses and Cold Frames. Parkland Master Gardener Linda A. Williams will discuss how to build inexpensive hoop houses and cold frames to extend your growing season. Kress Farm Garden Preserve, 5137 Glade Chapel Road, Hillsboro, Missouri 63050. Public welcome. Contact Jo Ferguson (636) 296-9306, for more information.
Feb. 21st-22nd
Gateway Green Industry Conference & Trade Show. Features two keynote speakers and 18 additional breakout sessions, plus larger commercial trade show. Gateway Convention Center, Collinsville, IL.
February 23rd-26th
35th Annual Builders Home and Garden Show. America’s Center & Edward Jones Dome. The St. Louis Builders Home & Garden Show is the largest consumer home show in North America. More than 500 exhibitors and 1,800 booths fill more than 400,000 square feet of America’s Center and Edward Jones Dome in downtown St. Louis! The show has been in existence for more than 30 years and is the place for area consumers to see, touch, compare and buy everything they need for their homes and gardens.
The Builders Home and Garden Show is actually 6 complete shows in one – Lawn and Garden, Pool and Spa, Green Products, Kitchen & Bath, Interior Design and Building Products. This year’s show features five beautiful display gardens, each highlighting the show’s “Gardens of the World” theme. You can also register to win a Belgard paver package in the Belgard Landscapers Challenge. And don’t miss this year’s “Diana—The People’s Princess” exhibit featuring her fascinating story and several of her dresses. Gardeners and DIYers will also benefit from the full schedule of presentations by local and national celebrity speakers, featuring nationally recognized garden author and speaker Melinda Myers. Visit www.stlhomeshow.com for ticket prices, hours, special offers and parking information.
Feb. 24th
10am—Above Ground Earth Friendly Products. Learn how to target specific pests without harming the beneficial insects, discover natural animal repellants to help deter the rabbits and deer. Achieve healthier plants without impacting the health of the environment. Bowood Farms, 4605 Olive Street, 63108 in the Central West End. Call 314-454-6868 or visit BowoodFarms.com for more information.
Feb. 25th
10am—Getting Started with your Spring Vegetable Garden. Gardening classes for adults, ages 16+ offered by University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners at Willoughby Farm, 631 Willoughby Lane in Collinsville, IL.The cost is $5 per class. Call (618) 346-7529 at least one week before the session to register.
2pm— Saturday, February 25th at 2:00 p.m. – Know Maintenance Natives. Learn about the unique characteristics of native plants and how to integrate them into your landscape with proper plant selection. Bowood Farms, 4605 Olive Street, 63108 in the Central West End. Call 314-454-6868 or visit BowoodFarms.com for more information.
Mar. 3rd
St. Louis Garden Blitz: Solve, Grow, Enjoy.
Missouri Botanical Garden. Through the education and understanding of healthy local ecosystems, you can solve many common garden problems in your own garden space. Join nationally and locally recognized horticulture professionals for an informative and inspiring day of classes, demonstrations, exhibits and workshops. The keynote speaker is Doug Tallamy, author of Bringing Nature Home. Also featured will be Diane Ott Whaley, founder of Seed Savers Exchange. Produced by Missouri Botanical Garden and the Horticulture Co-op of Metro St. Louis in association with the St. Louis Master Gardeners. Missouri Botanical Garden, 8am to 4pm; members $70; non-members $85 ; registration opens February 1st, 2012 at www.mobot.org/adulteducation.
Parkland Master Gardeners Symposium
Mineral Area College, Park Hills, MO. For gardeners of all levels of interest and ability. The keynote speaker is Elizabeth Wahle, U of I Extension specialist, who will speak on Tomatoes. Plus 5 breakout sessions on other topics of gardening interest. Something for everyone. $18 includes catered lunch (advance registration Jan. 10th-Feb. 20th only. Fee must be paid with registration and are non-refundable.). For more information, contact Ginny Smith at (573) 756-2284.
6th Annual Native Plant Seminar
Conservation Center, Cape Girardeau, MO. Dave Tylka, respected native plant enthusiast and author of “Native Landscaping for Wildlife and People” will be our featured guest speaker. There will also be Grow Native vendors on hand so you can purchase native plants for your landscape. Ages 18 and up. Registration required and begins February 1–register early to secure your class preferences. Hosted by The Missouri Department of Conservation and the Cape Girardeau County Master Gardeners. For more information call (573) 290-5218.
Mar. 17th
Weekend Gardener
Gateway Convention Center, Collinsville, IL. Get rejuvenated and ready for spring at this event sponsored by University of Illinois Extension. A variety of class topics to appeal to novice and experienced gardeners alike. Registration information along with the complete program with description will be available at www.extension.illinois.edu/madisonstclair by January 15. For additional information or a brochure contact Denise at Madison-St Clair Unit, (618) 236-4172.
