Events

Garden Gatherings

Join Mizzou Botanic Garden for Garden Gatherings, a series of evening programs that explore plants, wildlife and the natural world around us. From trees and birds to bugs and beautiful container gardens, these engaging programs combine expert knowledge with hands-on experiences, perfect for curious learners of all ages.

Small Trees for Home Landscapes

Thursday, April 2 at 6 p.m.   

Benefits of planting trees on your property are well-documented, including cooling shade, increased property values, more bird song and the fact that spending time under a tree can improve your mental health. Not every home landscape can support a majestic oak, but one or two beautiful mid-Missouri-friendly smaller trees might fit right in. In celebration of Arbor Day, Mizzou Botanic Garden is partnering with MU Landscape Service’s Urban Forester Sam Wright for a presentation on some possibilities and a stroll outside to look at a few. Participants will receive a map of the MU campus — now designated as an arboretum! — for a more extensive self-guided tour of the possibilities.  

  • Location: Presentation begins in Gwynn Lounge, enter through the doors across from Memorial Union on the north side of the building. Tour follows in courtyard on north side of building. 

Parking: University Avenue Garage, 1115 University Avenue, free after 5 p.m.  

An Introduction to Birdwatching for Families 

Thursday, June 11 at 6 p.m. 

Join Mizzou Botanic Garden and the Columbia Audubon Society (CAS) on the beautiful and bird-friendly A. L. Gustin Golf Course for an introduction to a fun and easy outdoor activity for families with children 8 years and older. Lottie Bushmann, CAS president, will lead the golf-cart assisted birding tutorial tour. 

Please bring binoculars if you have them. If you would like to borrow CAS binoculars, plan to arrive at 5:45 p.m. for a tutorial on using them. 

  • Location: A.L. Gustin Golf Course • 18 N. Stadium Blvd. 
  • Limit 30. Registration required. Registrants: Please let us know if you are unable to attend so that someone on the waiting list can.  

Cosponsored by the Columbia Audubon Society and A.L. Gustin Golf Course. 

Things that Bug You

Thursday, July 9 at 6 p.m. 

A dive into the world of insects — learning how to identify the six-legged critters that help the world go ‘round by Emily Althoff, assistant extension professor of Urban Entomology at the University of Missouri and Lincoln University. Althoff, whose passion for bugs began as a child, will discuss the roles insects serve in our ecosystem and how to help them thrive.  

  • Location: Friends Room at the Daniel Boone Regional Library, 100 W. Broadway 

Co-sponsored by Daniel Boone Regional Library 

Big and Beautiful Container Gardens

Mizzou Botanic Garden’s spectacular container plantings — with their never-the-same annual designs — is planned by Jenna Sommer, Landscape Services Assistant Director of Horticulture. Sommer will lead two walking tours — take your pick! — of this year’s offerings and discuss what she takes into consideration when deciding what to plant as well as sharing information about her favorites from past years. 

  • Location:Meet at steps on the south side of Jesse Hall 
  • Limit 20 — Registration required. There is a waiting list. If you are unable to attend, please let us know.