The Missouri Botanical Garden is proud to offer a variety of programs specifically tailored to senior living communities. We are pleased to bring the Garden to your community. Request a Therapeutic Horticulture team member and/or a trained volunteer to come to your community.

Please call (314) 577-9506 to make a reservation. See reservation procedures below. Please make sure that at least two staff members from your center are present during the program to assist participants with projects.

Below you will find a variety of engaging nature-based program options.

 

 

New Program Coming Soon!

What's in Bloom at Missouri Botanical Garden?

Each month a volunteer will come with a What's in Bloom cart and, through sensory exploration, share a variety of flowers and plants that are in bloom or have an interesting story. They will also share updates from Missouri Botanical Garden.

 

 

A Room with a Bloom

Experience the joy that flowers bring into your life! This program will provide participants with a hands-on experience that is therapeutic, sensory engaging and educational.

How it works:
Sign up for the “Room with a Bloom” program for one session or monthly. Each month we will provide seasonal fresh flowers and herbs for the participants to create their very own arrangement.

Closeup on hands arranging flowersTherapeutic benefits:

  • Provides joy and stress reduction
  • Fine motor skills
  • Social interaction
  • Memory recall
  • Increase self-esteem
  • Creative outlet

Presentation length: 45–60 minutes

Fee per participant:

  • $7 for small arrangement with 2–3 different flowers
  • $9 for medium arrangement with 4–5 different flowers

Participants: 10 participants minimum and 15 participants maximum

 

 

Garden Presentations

Request a PowerPoint presentation on the topics below. A trained volunteer will present on a topic while also providing sensory-rich materials to pass around to participants. IMPORTANT: Facility must have a Smart TV capable of displaying PowerPoint.

Presentation length: 45–60 minutes
Fee: $35
Participants: 10 participants minimum and 25 participants maximum

Please call (314) 577-9506 to make a reservation. See reservation procedures. Please make sure that at least two staff members from your center are present during the program to assist participants with projects.

Exploring the Trails of Shaw Nature Reserve

Trail at Shaw Nature ReserveTake a virtual sensory-rich walk through the Shaw Nature Reserve. Explore Missouri prairies, glades, and forests.

Global Spices

Variety of spicesDiscover the history of the world's most popular spices. Through a sensory experience that will awaken your senses, learn about cinnamon, nutmeg, star anise, cloves, allspice and cardamom.

Plants of the Bible

PomegranateBiblical references help us understand the plants of the eastern Mediterranean over thousands of years. Learn about biblical plants and their uses through the centuries.

The Wonder of Orchids

OrchidThe orchid family is one of the most diverse and fascinating in the plant kingdom. Get up close and personal with these exotic beauties. Learn about the history and legends of some of the world’s most beautiful flowers.

 

 

Hands-on Programs

The following hands-on programs have been developed for participants with a variety of ability levels. Each program is taught by a trained volunteer who introduces the group to the topic, followed by a hands-on activity for all participants.

Presentation length: 45–60 minutes
Fee: $55
Participants: 10 participants minimum and 15 participants maximum

Please call (314) 577-9506 to make a reservation. See reservation procedures. Please make sure that at least two staff members from your center are present during the program to assist participants with projects.

Color in Nature

Bright pink flowerExplore color in nature, the meaning of color and the color of various flowers. Each participant will make a nature globe filled with dried flowers of all colors.

Global Spices

Variety of spicesDiscover the history of the world's most popular spices. Through a sensory experience that will awaken your senses, learn about cinnamon, nutmeg, star anise, cloves, allspice and cardamom. Each participant will make a spice sachet of their very own.

 

 

Reservation Procedures

For All Senior Programs:
Call (314) 577-9506 at least two months before you would like to have the program presented.

  • As soon as a staff member and/or trained volunteer has been scheduled to present your program, a confirmation form will be mailed to you.
  • Payment must be received within 2 weeks of the presentation. Volunteers cannot collect payment at the time of the program.
  • Payment not received in a timely manner will result in future programs being removed from our schedule.
  • We ask that you notify us at least 5 business days prior if you must cancel. Not cancelling in a timely manner will reflect on the scheduling of future programs. A business day is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
  • If the Missouri Botanical Garden must cancel a program, you will be notified right away and the program will be rescheduled.
  • For liability reasons, please make sure that at least two staff members from your center are present during the program to assist participants.
 

 


Therapeutic Horticultural Programs at the Garden are made possible
through contributions by:

Friends and family of Dr. Samuel D. Soule
Dr. Oscar and Barbara Soule
Edward Chase Garvey Memorial Foundation
E. Reuben and Gladys Flora Grant Charitable Trust
Mary Anne Lucas Fund
International Paper Corporation
Trulaske Family
Bayer Foundation