Photo by Holly Higgins
Most people in St. Louis have visited the Missouri Botanical Garden. They understand the beauty and value it adds to our hometown. However, the Missouri Botanical Garden's importance expands far beyond the city of St. Louis.
I reached out to Holly Berthold, the Garden's Public Information Officer, who was kind enough to answer my questions about the Missouri Botanical Garden's impact in St. Louis, as well as in scientific research.
Tell us a little about yourself and your role at the Missouri Botanical Garden.
My official title is Public Information Officer. I plan and coordinate all of the public relations and media engagements for the Missouri Botanical Garden. My job overall, is to enhance Garden visitors' experiences at our sites and to create and maintain the Garden's public image as a premier cultural institution and a global leader in educating the public about plant science, conservation, and sustainability and all the Garden has to offer the public in terms of education, tours, and much more.
Why do you feel your mission important?
The Missouri Botanical Garden’s mission is “to discover and share knowledge about plants and their environment in order to preserve and enrich life.” Today, 155 years after opening, the Missouri Botanical Garden is a National Historic Landmark and a center for science, conservation, education and horticultural display. While it’s easy to see the success of world-renowned events and exhibits such as the Lantern Festival, Garden Glow, Japanese Festival and so many others, our guests are not always aware of our critical work as a world leader in science, research and conservation.
Photo by Holly Higgins
The Missouri Botanical Garden focuses its work on areas that are rich in biodiversity yet threatened by habitat destruction, and operates the world’s most active research and training programs in tropical botany. Garden scientists collaborate with local institutions, schools, and indigenous peoples to understand plants, create awareness, offer alternatives, and craft conservation strategies. The Missouri Botanical Garden is striving for a world that can sustain us without sacrificing prosperity for future generations, a world where people share a commitment to managing biological diversity for the common benefit.
What part does the Missouri Botanical Garden play in the culture of St. Louis?
We’re proud to be considered one of the top three botanical gardens in the world. Last year, the main campus along with the Shaw Nature Reserve and the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House opened our doors to 1,134,671 visitors! We collaborate and share best practices and resources with the other institutions in the Zoo Museum District, the St. Louis Convention and Visitor Commission, the Regional Arts Commission, the American Arts Experience, and many tourism associations.
Photo by Holly Higgins
What are some upcoming events?
Too many to name here! Our signature events are the Orchid Show, Chinese Culture Days, Whitaker Music Festival, Japanese Festival, the Best of Missouri Market, and the Holiday Flower and Train Show. Our special exhibit this year is “Nature Connects, Art with LEGO® Bricks” through September 7th. This nationally recognized, hand-made exhibit is designed by renowned artist Sean Kenney. You’ll see larger-than-life plants and animals made entirely of Lego bricks, as they take up summer residence in our world-famous Climatron.
Within the Brookings Interpretive Center and Children’s Garden, visitors of all ages will be invited to make and create their own masterpieces. For the gardener – there are plant sales and shows, classes and workshops. For families – there is the Children’s Garden, our festivals, even those concerts – kids really love to let loose and dance to the music! Teachers, those interested in green living, there’s truly something for everyone!
What’s the best way for people to get involved?
Visit our website at www.mobot.org to take a preview trip. You’ll find a huge array of offerings all year. If you’re looking for suggestions – use the MyGuide to the Garden feature found on the home page to help plan your trip. This is a new way for you to explore Garden grounds through customized tours tailored to your interests — from what's in bloom and inspiring landscapes to art and history and plant research. You can download this on your smartphone and let the fun begin.
I’d also suggest visiting the calendar of events to see what’s occurring here the day you are planning to come.
The Botanical Garden is on several media platforms, so pick whichever you prefer. Like them on Facebook or Google+, follow them on Twitter, Instragram, Pinterest, Flickr, or subscribe to their Youtube channel!
One on One with Holly Berthold: Missouri Botanical Garden by Liz Carroll
