Friends of the Garden

Backpack Buddy Adventure: Water!
2025-08-23 11:00 - 11:45 (America/Chicago) | Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S Scenic, Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
This month we’re studying the flow and use of water, as well as its accessibility in different countries. Designed for kids 5-12. Free event, no registration required. Activity begins in botanical center atrium before heading outside.
Call 891-1515 ext. 4 for more info.

Garden Walk & Talk: Peter Longley English Garden
2025-08-23 13:00 - 13:30 | Peter Longley English Garden, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
This month we’ll walk through the English Garden. Come learn about the original designer of the space, and his designs. We will also learn about the plant selections the garden adopter chooses for this cottage-style garden. Free event, no registration needed.
Talk begins at the south side of the English Garden. Call 891-1515, ext. 4 for more info.

Story Times at the Roston Native Butterfly House
2025-09-03 10:30 - 11:00 | Springfield Botanical Gardens, 2400 S Scenic Ave, Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
Butterfly House Docent Lindsey leads a new butterfly-focused story time this summer! Each story time will include reading a butterfly-themed book, followed by a walk through the caterpillar cafe. Designed for toddlers to children 7 years old. Each story time will begin near the butterfly house.
The stories chosen are:

7/9: The Little Butterfly That Could
7/23: If You Want to be a Butterfly
8/6: Pete the Cat and the Cool Caterpillar
8/20: Caterpillars and Butterflies
9/3: I Wish I Were a Butterfly
9/17: Where Butterflies Grow

Free event, no registration required. For more information, call Friends of the Garden, 417-874-2952

2025 Japanese Fall Festival
2025-09-05 17:00 - 22:00, 2025-09-06 11:00 - 22:00, 2025-09-07 11:00 - 18:00 | 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 29th Japanese Fall Festival at the beautiful Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden in Springfield, Mo.
The 2025 headliner is Samurai Sword Soul, a New York-based theater company that demonstrates traditional Japanese sword fighting in contemporary and artistic performances mixing comedy, drama and thrilling techniques.
Learn more HERE.

Pursuing Mindfulness Water Color Class
2025-09-11 18:00 - 20:00 | Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S Scenic, Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
Practice the art of watercolor in a creative, relaxing way. Ryan McClain leads this simple watercolor activity to engage your mind and remove distractions. $35/person registration includes all materials, with a limit of 15 people. Registration online only. Call 891-1515, ext. 4 for more information.

Annual Fall Iris Sale
2025-09-13 09:00 - 12:00 | Sensory Garden, 2400 S. Scenic, Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
Don’t miss out on the stunning irises that are sure to brighten up your garden! Arrive early, as these beautiful blooms sell out fast! The sale will take place just north of the Botanical Center Building in the enchanting Sensory Garden—look for the vibrant tables under the tents.
There will be a fantastic selection of iris varieties at prices that won’t break the bank.
If you have any questions or need more details, feel free to reach out to Susan Sims-Giddens at ssg062f@mchsi.com or 417-877-0763.

Garden Story Time
2025-09-18 10:00 - 10:30, 2025-09-20 10:00 - 10:30, 2025-10-16 10:00 - 10:30, 2025-10-18 10:00 - 10:30, 2025-11-15 10:00 - 10:30, 2025-11-20 10:00 - 10:30, 2025-12-18 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 on the third Thursday of the month and the following Saturday. Age: All ages
Time: 10-10:30 a.m.
Fee: Free

FLOWER POWER - A Garden Gala
2025-09-18 18:00 - 21:00 | Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S Scenic, Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
Step back into the groovy era at our far-out ticketed benefit event supporting Friends of the Garden! This psychedelic soirée brings together garden lovers and community changemakers for a night of peace, love, and giving to nurture Springfield’s botanical treasures.
Expect an evening blooming with delights: craft mocktails, select beer and wine, a delicious dinner, and dancing under the stars to the soulful grooves of 7D FUNK Allstars. Take a twilight tour through the gardens, bid on rare finds in the live auction, and snap keepsake photos in our vintage photo lounge.
Whether you’re coming with your mod squad or flying solo, this is your chance to connect, give back, and celebrate all things green, groovy, and good.
Every dollar raised helps fund our volunteer-maintained gardens — living spaces that educate, inspire, and provide natural sanctuaries for all.
Click HERE for more information!

Paul Robertson's Celebration of Life
2025-09-21 13:00 - 14:00 | Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S Scenic, Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
Paul Robertson was the lead volunteer, visionary and curator of the Succulent Garden skirting the Botanical Center. All are welcome to celebrate among the gardens he loved. Casual garden attire is welcome.

Native Plant Sale
2025-10-04 10:00 - 13:00 | Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S Scenic, Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
Autumn is the best time to plant native perennials, trees, shrubs and vines. The cooling nighttime air temperatures with still warm soils initiate root growth in plants. Gardens establish much easier with these conditions. Get a jump on next year’s garden by planting this autumn!
Shop from a large diversity of regional native perennials, trees, shrubs and vines at the Springfield Botanical Gardens. This sale event will be on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4th from 10:00am-1:00pm at the Botanical Center Rooftop Plaza.
Special Guest Pollen to Petal will be available to answer all your garden questions. Begin the process of beautifying your space, reducing your time and resource commitments, and increase your pollinator activity by booking a consultation with Pollen to Petal!
We are accepting pre-orders for this event until Wednesday, October 1st at 5:00pm.

Access our ONLINE ORDER FORM: https://preorder.OzarkSoul.com/
For all other inquires visit our website: https://OzarkSoul.com/

2025 Gardens Aglow - Members Night
2025-11-24 17:30 - 20:30 | Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
If you are a member of Friends of the Garden or Springfield Sister Cities, you can enjoy exclusive early access to Gardens Aglow. Simply present your membership card at the front gate to get a sneak peek before the event opens to the public. This is a valuable benefit of your FOG membership. You’ll be among the first to experience Gardens Aglow, and you’ll also enjoy a less crowded environment! Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!
Not a member? Sign up HERE!

Gardens Aglow 2025
2025-11-28 17:00 - 20:30, 2025-11-29 17:00 - 20:30, 2025-11-30 17:00 - 20:30, 2025-12-05 17:00 - 20:30, 2025-12-06 17:00 - 20:30, 2025-12-07 17:00 - 20:30, 2025-12-12 17:00 - 20:30, 2025-12-13 17:00 - 20:30 and 2 more dates | Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
Stroll through a dazzling winter wonderland at the 7th Annual Gardens Aglow, with more than 225,000 festive lights accenting unique Japanese structures and landscaping. Cozy up to a fire pit with hot beverages and treats, available for purchase from local food vendors

Select Dates: Nov. 28-Dec. 28, 2025 (Full calendar online) 5-8:30 p.m.

Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden within the Springfield Botanical Gardens in Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park (2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, MO).

ADMISSION:• Presale Tickets: $6/Adult; $4/Ages 3-12 yrs. (Purchase online at FriendsoftheGarden.org/aglow starting Fri., Oct. 31)• At the Gate: $8/Adult; $5/Ages 3-12 yrs.• FREE for FOG and SSCA members, and ages 2 yrs. and under.

Presented by the Friends Of The Garden and the Springfield-Greene County Park Board. Sponsored by Rosalie O’Reilly Wooten, All About Trees and LeafFilter Gutter Protection.
Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden sponsored by Simmons Bank.

Special Thanks to: Gray/Campbell Farmstead and Springfield Sister Cities Association

Sip & Stroll at Gardens Aglow 2025
2025-12-04 17:00 - 20:30 | Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, MO, 65807, United States
Don’t miss out on this exclusive, ages 21 yrs. and up ONLY evening. Sip & Stroll at Gardens Aglow 2025 on Thurs., Dec. 4, 5-8:30 p.m. in the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden in the Springfield Botanical Gardens

SOLD OUT!

$30/Ticket. Includes complimentary individual charcuterie boxes, hot cocoa and cider Beer and wine available for purchase (cash or card, ID required)

Proceeds benefit next year’s Gardens Aglow event. Please note: For food safety, no dogs or other pets allowed at this special evening. Leashed animals are welcome on other Gardens Aglow dates. Thank you for understanding!
