Hi Y'all!

I had a lovely day again at our MOBOT event of the Best of Missouri Market. If you read my writings at all, you know how much I enjoy this city attraction. There's always something "happening" at the Garden. This time it was the 16th Annual Market. They had over 130 vendors and artists showing and selling their wares.

This was my first time to attend this event and it was just great, as the weather co-operated with sunshine and a nice breeze! You'll see a bit of what was offered in my slideshow, but they had so much to see and buy, you'll just have to make some time in your busy schedule to come here and see it too!

There was fresh produce from Soulard Market, flowers and plants, herbs, nuts, candies, meats (mmmm, brats!), seasonings baked goods and of course our famous Missouri wines and Cheeses. So many tastings! Yum.

Artists brought their hand-crafted furniture, wooden birds, ironwork, sculptures, baskets, pottery and so much more! Most of the items there were unique and not the same old thing we see at the craft shows that are so popular here in St. Louis County.

I was there early as I'd been warned about the crowds being huge. They were and increased as the day wore on. I wore out from the walking and stopped near the fountain to rest and enjoy people watching. I just had the best time talking with folks and taking photos, which I hope you'll enjoy viewing. Add this event to the list of things you want to do here in St. Louis in October. Links to some of the artists/vendors can be seen in the following slideshow!

I finally figured out how to upload from Picasa to the web! I'd taken these photos at the Japanese Festival. I couldn't figure how to get them where I could easily share them with you.  It's a yearly event that is so much fun and draws a huge crowd for the 3 days it's here! We viewed the Bonsai and Ikebana exhibit (photos follow) and then headed to see the SUMO Wrestlers! We had such a good time! Laughing and wondering too, how anyone (or WHY?!)  would want to get so big! It was pretty hot here in St. Louis. Wait til you see the big vs little guy competion. Actually the little guy was pretty well built and good looking too! We'd had several weeks of above 90 degree temps, but funny thing. When you're at the Gardens, it never seems too hot!  I hope you enjoy the photo's as much as I did taking them! The festival took place Sept. 1- Sept. 3, 2007. Be sure to schedule a trip here when you can!

Once again, I've taken a ride into the city of St. Louis, heading for the Missouri Botanical Gardens. This time it was to view the orchids and camillias that are in bloom.

What a great way to shed the hard freeze and cold of Winter and get a breath of Spring! The colors and varieties of the orchids are amazing. I took so many photos that my camera batteries gave up! Lucky too, that I had some spares. I was off and running again.

One of the great things about being a member of the Garden is that I had free entry to the show AND a 20% off ticket for any purchase in the Garden Gate gift shop. Parking is free too! Kids of all ages enjoy the gardens.

Upon leaving the orchid exhibit, I headed outside to the Linnean green house where all the camillia's are in bloom. Some of those were disappointing though, as their heads drooped after having been watered. Still, some had such large flowers, they could easily fit in your hand.   
Then, since it was such a nice day, I headed to the Climatron, where all the jungle type plants are located. Mostly it was greenery in here, and just a few flowers. Right away, my glasses steamed up and I had to take those off to see anything! It's nice here too, as they have benches where you can sit and watch the people or bird watch too. Just plain enjoy the warmth and soothing green colors.

After the tour (by myself), I went back in to the main building. They had some special paintings on the walls that were of different types of plants. Some were so realistic that you thought at first that they were real. I especially liked the ones of the dried fall flowers. The leaves looked as though you could easily crumble them! Just inside the building they also had the Boehm porcelain sculptures of birds and flowers. They are amazing to view. They had a huge life size eagle and then the tiniest of bird, the humming bird, lots in between. What a talent that man had for seeing the details!

As you may surmise, I had a great time there and can barely wait to go again. They do change out the orchids and add new ones. You can also purchase them here as well as purchase some of the artists botanical paintings. 

Come to visit! We have one of the best Botanical Gardens around.