Destination Garden: Springfield, MO Botanical Center/Nathaniel Greene Park

I went to the Botanical Gardens in Springfield, Missouri yesterday. I attended the Butterfly Festival. It is an event focused around of course, butterflies. They have a small “Butterfly House” on the grounds and were conducting tours. There was a long waiting line and it was 100 plus degrees so I didn't actually get to go in. Another time for that, I hope. But they had a silent auction inside the Center, live music, and many vendors, and lots of activities for Butterfly lovers of all ages. I was happy that 1) I got to go and 2) that Springfield has such a wonderful Botanical Garden now.

Here is a view of the path that leads around to the Butterfly House. They have a number of “Feature Gardens” and “Themed Gardens” that grace the grounds here. The gardens, despite the withering heat, looked wonderful.

One of the themed gardens was centered around the kitchen and edible plantings. It was as beautiful as it was practical and, well, edible. It is a Master Gardener's Demonstration Garden.

There was a lily garden. Lilies of every height, color, and variety. These were in bloom.

And an Iris Garden! These of course, had long since bloomed, so there were other plantings to highlight the area. These are just a couple of the dozens of different area designations and features there are there. I was very impressed.

These are a type of sunflower. I think they are called “Teddy Bear”. At the very lease they are that type….I always thought they were sort of odd and never did plant any. However, I found their effect in a mass planting to be attractive and inspirational! Is it a sign that I'm obsessed that I'm already thinking about next year?

Just one more of the absolutely wonderful plantings. Someday I want to go back with my “fancy camera” and take some more. I am so glad this is now in Springfield. What a wonderful thing. Have a great week! ~JB was here.