Flowers and festivals and succulents, oh my!

Sabrina Edwards, opinions writer| October 3, 2013

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Sabrina Edwards

On Labor Day weekend, the Missouri Botanical Gardens in St. Louis held their 35th annual Japanese Festival. This uniquely St. Louisan festival is a blast for all ages and blooms in our beautiful Botanical Garden.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5Cd7cpJZzs

I’m not going to lie, the Garden is one of my favorite places in St. Louis. While at first glance, it may seem like a couple of boring flower beds, the Garden is a constant hive of activity; and I’m not just talking about their bee houses.

lizard (SABRINA)

They have lizards too!

The Tower Grove house, owned by the founder Henry Shaw, is a Victorian house free to visitors of the Garden.

These little plants, called succulents, are so stinkin’ cool! I mean, miniature cacti that can be grown in all kinds of ways. They can even be used in place of flowers in corsages and the like.

If you missed the Japanese festival and you’re still looking for an excuse to visit our gorgeous garden, more celebrations are on their way:

The Best of Missouri Market on Oct. 4 – 6 is a fall festival featuring local produce, handmade crafts, and music.

Garden Glow Nov. 24 – Jan. 4. This winter, the Botanical Garden will host their first ever light show, but they’re no stranger to bright lights; last summer they hosted the Chinese Lantern festival which was a huge hit.

Don’t let anyone tell you the garden is boring- there’s always something new and interesting to do!

Afterwards, check out Crown Candy on Arsenal Street for a delicious malt, shake, or the best BLT on Earth.