A new perspective
The transition of winter to spring is a beautiful time to walk through the Missouri Botanical Garden. Daffodils are in bloom and other bulbs are sprouting. Trees and shrubs are starting to flower. Browse the Linnean House and see the citrus beginning to produce. Follow the outer path through the irises and daylilies toward the English Woodland Garden: a forest of trees hidden in the city.
Without the canopy of leaves, you can see the massive tree trunks, deep roots, and variety of bark: like the paper bark tree, continuing to shed its soft layers for use in medicinal remedies and associated healing products – even bandages.
The spread of trees like the bald cypress and amur cork are wide and complex. Branches seem to climb into the sky but also into the ground, where they continue to grow and re-emerge out of the ground in a few feet.
The intertwining branches can be as thick as a human being or as brittle as a toothpick, twisting into a beautiful mess. Without leaves, these bubble-like knobs can be seen where the tree has self-healed, or open gaps now occupied by birds and other wildlife. The gaps aren’t indications of decay. The ability to grow around the gaps is a reason why the branches can be used for items like canoes.
The human eye may recognize faces in the knob clusters, or shapes in the branches that look like an animal or a human form. More intricate designs can only be noticed when you zoom into a captured image.
What do you see? View the image gallery.
Meditation like this is also referred to as forest bathing.
Get involved with the Missouri Botanical Garden
As of March 2026, tickets are $16 per person, which may be expensive for some. But discounts are available for St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents, and some free entry hours are available.
Take a tour. You’ll learn and it provides a small group opportunity to talk to the other attendees and the tour guide.
The Garden offers classes throughout the year. Some events have a cost, but members usually can enroll for free or at a discounted rate. Explore your interests and meet new people.
Do you love to garden? Have a passion for history? Are interested in science? Skills in construction and maintenance?
You meet a lot of new people by volunteering. Expand your network.
The Garden also has a young professionals network.
Use this opportunity to explore employment areas based on your interests: areas that you may not have considered before.
Full-time positions are available as well as part-time, especially moving into the busy season.
