Friends of the Garden

Gray/Campbell Farmstead Open House
2021-09-05 13:30 - 16:30 (America/Chicago) | Gray Campbell Farmstead, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
Visit with volunteer docents to look inside historic buildings and learn more about life in the Ozarks in the 1860s. Open weather permitting.

Japanese Fall Festival
2021-09-10 17:00 - 22:00 | Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
Springfield Sister Cities Association, in partnership with the Springfield- Greene County Park Board, proudly presents the 25th Japanese Fall Festival on Friday-Sunday, September 10-12, 2021, in the beautiful Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden located within the extraordinary Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, Mo.
Uzumaru, a yosakoi dance ensemble from San Jose’s Japantown, headlines the festival. Yosakoi is an energetic style of dance that blends traditional and modern Japanese movements and music.
Yasu Ishida, storyteller and magician originally from Ube, Japan, returns to the festival for an encore performance. Ishida combines traditional Japanese theatre, music, origami, magic and storytelling to bring the enchanting land of Japan to his audiences.
Favorite performers returning to the festival include St. Louis Osuwa Taiko, ensemble drummers; Kizuna, Springfield’s Japan America Friendship Club; and Tracy’s Kenpo Karate Studios of Southwest Missouri, martial arts demonstrators.
In addition to numerous vendor and artisan booths featuring wares authentic to Japanese culture, guests will enjoy the Nihon bunka taiken tent (Japanese culture experience tent), the omiyage and dagashi tent (souvenirs and snacks tent), and concessions.
The festival offers many cultural opportunities geared toward children including an activity area featuring traditional Japanese games and crafts led by Japanese language students from Kickapoo High School and Japanese art activities led by the Springfield Regional Arts Council.
Bring your glow sticks and enjoy a hologram projected concert, Miku Matsuri, organized by Springfield Cosplay on Saturday, September 11 at 9 p.m. Cosplay Day is Sunday, September 12; come to the festival in your cosplay (costume role play) to receive $3 admission. In celebration of its 6th anniversary, Springfield Cosplay presents a cosplay showcase featuring Shiny Dreamers at 5 p.m.
Beginning at dusk on Friday and Saturday, September 10 and 11, hundreds of torches light the garden pathways and soft Japanese music fills the air to create a romantic strolling atmosphere. Purchase a wishing lantern and set your dreams afloat on one of the koi ponds.
Festival hours are 5 p.m.-10 p.m. on Friday, September 10; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturday, September 11; and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday, September 12.
Admission for adults is $10 on Saturday, September 11 and $7 on Friday and Sunday, September 10 and 12. Children 12 and younger are $3 on any day. People dressed in cosplay (costume role play) receive a $3 admission price on Sunday, September 12.
Face coverings are strongly encouraged at interaction points.
Members of Springfield Sister Cities Association receive free entry all weekend. An annual membership ranges in price from $5 for a student to $50 for a family; join and view additional membership benefits at peacethroughpeople.org/membership.
Hundreds of volunteers are needed to work the Japanese Fall Festival; volunteers receive free entry to the festival on the day of their shift. For more information and to sign up, please click here.
New vendor applications are welcome; proposed booths must be authentic to Japanese culture for consideration. For more information and to apply, please click here.
Support for the Japanese Fall Festival is provided by Queen City Real Estate Company, Tony and Linda Shalloup, Tom Finnie and Chase. Sponsorship opportunities are available; learn more at peacethroughpeople.org/sponsorship.
The Japanese Fall Festival is a celebration of authentic Japanese culture highlighting Springfield’s 35-year-old sister city relationship with Isesaki, Japan. In typical years, Springfield and Isesaki exchange performers to entertain and share culture at each other’s festivals. These exchanges were cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19.
Springfield Sister Cities Association donates half of the Japanese Fall Festival’s admission proceeds to the maintenance and development of the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, sponsored by Simmons Bank. The remaining proceeds benefit cultural programs which further Springfield Sister Cities Association’s mission of “Peace through People.”
For more information regarding the Japanese Fall Festival or Springfield Sister Cities Association, please visit peacethroughpeople.org/jff or call 417-874-2962.

Astronomy Class
2021-09-11 20:00 - 22:00 | Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S Scenic, Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
Join members of the Springfield Astronomical Society as they walk us through the basics of star gazing and moon phases. Telescopes provided. Held on the Botanical Center roof. For ages 12 and up.
Questions? Call 891-1515, ext. 4

Fall Bulb Planting
2021-09-15 18:30 - 19:30 | Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S Scenic, Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
Success for Spring!
Learn about all the different varieties of spring-blooming bulbs and how to have a successful spring showing.

Garden Story Time
2021-09-16 10:00 - 11:30 | Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S Scenic, Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
Johnny Appleseed
This month we’ll read a story about Johnny Appleseed and make an apple-themed craft!

Backpack Buddy Adventures
2021-09-18 11:00 - 12:00 | Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S Scenic, Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
Grab a fully stocked Explorer Backpack and join us on third Saturdays to look more closely at the wild things in the garden.
Botanical Center 891-1515
Age: 4-12 yrs.
Time: 11a.m.-12p.m.
Fee: Free program,$15/backpack FOG members,$18/backpack non-members

30th Annual 1860’s Lifestyle Expo
2021-09-18 11:00 - 16:30 | Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S Scenic, Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
Rediscover pioneer life at the Gray/Campbell Farmstead, with apple-butter making, horseshoes, hearth cooking, fiber arts, crafts,wood carving and more. Tour the barn, kitchen, Liberty Schoolhouse, and the oldest house in Springfield. Concessions available.
Gray/Campbell Farmstead 891-1515
Age: All ages
Time: Sat., 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sun., 12-4:30 p.m.
Fee: Free

Garden Walk & Talk
2021-09-18 13:00 - 14:30 | Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S Scenic, Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
Audubon Garden
Join us as we venture to the Audubon Garden. We will learn about the plants that provide food and habitat for birds. We’ll also view the birds that utilize this favorite spot. Tram available for transport.

Native Plant Sale
2021-09-25 10:00 - 14:00 | Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S Scenic, Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
Fall is the perfect time to plant! Join our vendors on the Botanical Center roof and shop a variety of trees, shrubs, and perennials.
Hang around for monarch butterfly tagging afterwards!

Monarch Tag and Release
2021-09-25 14:00 - 15:00 | Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S Scenic, Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
Be a part of one of the most remarkable natural events on the planet! Join Friends of the Garden and Monarch Watch to tag and release migratory monarch butterflies.
Botanical Center 891-1515
Age: All ages, 7 yrs. and up to tag
Time: 2 p.m.
Fee: Free

Orchid Show and Sale
2021-10-01 17:00 - 20:00 | Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S Scenic, Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
The Springfield Orchid Society brings a juried show of rare, beautiful and exotic orchids to the Botanical Center. Plants available for purchase. Most years, this event is the 3rd weekend in March.

Butterfly House Closes for Season
2021-10-03 10:00 - 18:00 | Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S Scenic, Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
The Roston Native Butterfly House closes for the season on Sunday, October 3.
Stop by before then to enjoy Missouri’s first native butterfly house.
Hours are Monday-Friday, 10am-7:30pm and Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm (hours vary based on volunteer availability – please call the Botanical Center at 417-891-1515 to confirm).

Gigs in the Garden
2021-10-03 14:00 - 15:00 | Peace through People Pavilion, 2400 S Scenic, Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
About
Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and social distance to listen to live, local music in an extraordinary setting! Beverages available for purchase from Shakers Mobile Bartending Service.
The concerts are free to attend; a $10 donation is suggested to support garden projects (cash or card accepted). In the case of inclement weather, the concerts will move inside the adjacent Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center.
Location
Peace through People Pavilion
in the Kay Cummins Finnie Memorial Dogwood Garden
at the Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park
2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, MO
Performers

Sun., Oct. 3 at 2 p.m. - Brandon Moore

Singer/songwriter Brandon Moore kicks the series off on Sunday, October 3 at 2 p.m. with his high-spirited, barefoot-in-the-grass-under-funky-stars, feel-good songs with danceable grooves.

Sun., Oct. 10 at 2 p.m. - Magnolia Wind

The ladies of Magnolia Wind perform on Sunday, October 10 at 2 p.m. The trio combines folk, bluegrass, gospel and old-time music to create a unique Ozarkian sound.

Sun., Oct. 17 at 2 p.m. - 83 Skidoo

83 Skidoo performs on Sunday, October 17 at 2 p.m. With vocals, guitar and a bass, they work 80s and 90s pop hits into different genres to give new life to old favorites.

Sun., Oct. 24 at 2 p.m. - Auntie Em and the Tornadoes

On Sunday, October 24 at 2 p.m., Auntie Em and the Tornadoes perform their original songs with special guest David Wilson. The dobro, mandolin, fiddle, guitar, and bass complement their tight harmonies.

Sun., Oct. 31 at 2 p.m. - Hamburger Cows

Hamburger Cows rounds out the season on Sunday, October 31 at 2 p.m. with a healthy mix of original and cover material ranging from blues to country to bluegrass to rock’n’roll.

Organizers
Gigs in the Garden is organized by Ric Mayer, maintainer of the Kickapoo Edge Prairie, and Linda Chorice, former  Springfield Conservation Nature Center Manager. The series is managed by Friends of the Garden and Springfield Sister Cities Association in cooperation with the Springfield-Greene County Park Board.
Sponsors
Funding for the concert series is made possible through Central Bank and Central Trust’s sponsorship of the Dogwood Garden. Though the concerts are free to attend, donations are accepted to benefit and improve the Springfield Botanical Gardens.
About the PTP Pavilion
The Peace through People Pavilion was constructed in late 2016 to encourage more cultural performances and community events in the Springfield Botanical Gardens. The Pavilion furthers the Friends of the Garden mission to bring people, nature, and gardens together as well as the Springfield Sister Cities Association mission of Peace through People.
More Information
For more information, please call 417-874-2952 or e-mail info@friendsofthegarden.org.

Proper Pruning Techniques
2021-10-13 18:30 - 19:30 | Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S Scenic, Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
Learn how best to prune trees, taught by a certified arborist. Each attendee will be able to practice on provided material.

Homeschool Horticulture
2021-10-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S Scenic, Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
Fabulous Fungi!
The month of October we’re studying fungi. There’s more to them than just toadstools. We’ll dissect edible mushrooms and learn why they are so important for our world. $5 per student, for students age 5-12, registration required. Call 891-1515 to register.

Homeschool Horticulture Series
2021-10-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S Scenic, Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
School-age kids are invited to a variety of classes about nature. Second Thursday of the month. Registration required.
Botanical Center 891-1515
Age: 5-12yrs.
Time: 10-11a.m.
Fee: $5/student

Garden Story Time
2021-10-21 10:00 - 11:00 | Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S Scenic, Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
Pre-schoolers and family are invited to listen to a garden-themed story followed by a fun craft or activity. Held third Thursdays and the following Saturday.
Botanical Center 891-1515
Age: All ages
Time: Thurs. or Sat.,10-10:30a.m.
Fee: Free

Garden Walk and Talk
2021-10-23 13:00 - 14:00 | Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S Scenic, Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
Master Gardener Demonstration Garden

Houseplant How-To
2021-11-17 06:30 - 07:30 | Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S Scenic, Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
Houseplants are more popular than ever. Learn how to care for their individual needs so they can thrive.
Botanical Center 891-1515
Age: 18 yrs. and up
Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Fee: Free

Garden Walk and Talk
2021-11-20 13:00 - 14:00 | Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S Scenic, Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
Lake Drummond
A guided garden tour where we learn about history and gardening techniques and how to incorporate aspects in your own yard.
Botanical Center 891-1515
Age: 18 yrs. and up
Time: 1-2p.m.
Fee: Free

Christmas at the Farmstead
2021-12-04 13:00 - 15:00 | Gray Campbell Farmstead, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
An old-fashioned holiday celebration. Help decorate with handmade vintage ornaments and enjoy hot cocoa, cookies and carols.
Gray/Campbell Farmstead 891-1515
Age: All ages
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Fee: Free

Poinsettia After-Christmas Care
2021-12-15 18:30 - 19:30 | Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S Scenic, Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
Poinsettias require unique growing requirements to thrive. Learn how to maintain these beautiful plants year after year.
Botanical Center 891-1515
Age: 18 yrs. and up
Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Fee: Free

Gardens Aglow 2021-22 (Canceled due to weather)
2021-12-17 17:00 - 20:30 | MO
Gardens Aglow 12/17/21 is canceled due to weather. Pre-purchased tickets for 12/10 & 12/17 will be honored at the remaining event dates.

Garden Walk and Talk
2021-12-18 13:00 - 14:00 | Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S Scenic, Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
Winter Garden
A guided garden tour where we learn about history and gardening techniques and how to incorporate aspects in your own yard.
Botanical Center 891-1515
Age: 18 yrs. and up
Time: 1-2p.m.
Fee: Free

Gardens Aglow Craft Nights
2021-12-22 17:00 - 20:00 | Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S Scenic, Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
Children make an ornament to take home for a small fee, during Gardens Aglow. Specific dates only.
Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden 891-1515
Age: 3-12 yrs.
Time: 5-8 p.m.
Fee: $1/Child

Winter Wonder Craft Night
2022-01-19 18:00 - 19:00 | Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S Scenic, Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
Chase the winter blues away as we build a plant terrarium. Bring a clear container to transform into a tiny greenhouse environment. Registration required. Fee covers the cost of materials — container not included.
Springfield Botanical Center 417-891-1515
Age: 18 yrs. and up
Time: 6-7 p.m.
Fee: $10/person

Garden Story Time
2022-01-22 10:00 - 10:30 | Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S Scenic, Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
Pre-schoolers and family are invited to listen to a garden-themed story followed by a fun craft or activity. Held the third Thursday and the following Saturday.
Springfield Botanical Center 417-891-1515
Age: All ages
Date: Jan. 20, 22, Feb. 17, 19, March 17, 19, April 21, 23
Time: 10-10:30 a.m.
Fee: Free

Volunteer Orientation: Garden Adopt a Spot and Garden Committee
2022-03-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S Scenic, Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
If you have a heart for your park and want to share it with others, learn more about our wide variety of volunteer opportunities! Green thumbs are not required — but registration is! 417-891-1515
Age: 18 yrs. and up
Time: 10 a.m.
Fee: Free

Spring Break Scavenger Hunt
2022-03-14 - 2022-03-18 | Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S Scenic, Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
For one week only, take part in our self-led scavenger hunt that explores the entire park. Prizes for each hunt completed. Scavenger hunt pages available at the Botanical Center front desk starting March 13. 417-891-1515
Age: 12-18 yrs.
Time: Sunrise to sunset
Fee: Free

Spring Break Horticulture Camp: Trees Structure, Dormancy and Bud Break
2022-03-14 08:00 - 16:00 | Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S Scenic, Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
A week-long horticulture day camp with a different focus each day. Register per day or for the whole week. Registration required, limited to 8 students. 417-891-1515
Age: 5-12 yrs.
Time: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Fee: $20/day, $100/week
