About two weeks ago, I received the most thrilling and wonderful invitation from one of my true loves, the Missouri Botanical Garden. They had invited me – as a Social Media Influencer nonetheless – to come be a part of their Jingle In July event to kick off advance sales of their annual holiday light showcase, the Garden Glow. It was such an honor to bring Melissa, Nancy, and Erin along with me to celebrate the gardens in all their glorious summer time glory while helping them prepare for what will surely be a robust and well lit holiday season!
As a Garden Level Member of the Missouri Botanical Garden for several years now, you all know this is my place. I love it so much and love nothing more than how each visit is unique to itself. With thousands upon thousands of plants blooming at all different times of the year, you can visit everyday and never have the same experience twice. We’re truly blessed to have such a phenomenal place in our extraordinary city. So come take a look at all the fun we had at the Jingle In July event and also enjoy some photos I included from Garden Glow’s of years past!
Receiving this envelope at the front desk made me beyond happy. I immediately got Panic! At The Disco’s jam, Hey Look Ma, I Made It in my head and rightfully so!
Naively I thought there were only red poinsettia, but come to find out, they’re bloom in all kinds of other colors – including my beloved orange! Can’t wait to visit the Butterfly House this winter to see those tropical colored ones on display!
This artist was playing Christmas music on these Bongo Drums to set everyone in the holiday spirit. The sound illuminated the entire front part of the gardens and really elevated the atmosphere. We loved this.
Santa Claus even took a break from all his busy work at the North Pole to be here for this event! Always great to see the big guy!
The red, white, black, and grey color scheme I imposed upon us – winter colors, no green as the gardens are green enough – meant that I had to have my photo next to any flower or plant that was white or red! My poor wife and friends.
The Climatron has always been one of my favorite spots in the whole garden for photos. I also love coming here in the winter time when it is dreary and cold out and just sitting in here and soaking up the faux sun and warmth. Like I said, the gardens can be enjoyed anytime of the year.
We also got to meet the Ice Queen in the Children’s Garden!
The carriage was red and black, so you know what that meant!
The Chinese Garden is my favorite garden in the entire place. Unfortunately the water display hasn’t been operating lately, but nonetheless, this will forever be my serenity spot.
Over by the Backyard Gardens. Melissa had to get her photo taken by these yellow and orange flowers since those our the colours of our love.
The Japanese Garden is always mesmerizing.
Love that Shaw House – especially during the Garden Glow! The antique holiday decor they decorate the home with is just outstanding. Always something I look forward to seeing each winter.
That golden hour light hitting just right.
Yes I’ve been to the Missouri Botanical Garden probably a thousand times, but being here as their guest for this event was such a blessing and treat. July 2024 has been an amazing month.
This greenhouse is where plenty of poinsettia are on display come the holidays.
Now onto some photos from Garden Glow’s of years past. Like I said, each visit to the Garden’s is unique unto itself and the Garden Glow is no different. I feel like each year is a slightly elevated version of the last. I cannot even wait to experience this years!
Give me all the photo ops!
The use of different lights is another theming I love.
They could have a hundred of these photo opportunity spots and I’d wait for each one.
The dancing lights on the water here is something I always love seeing.
Like Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen sing, “whoa-oh-oh-oh, it’s always a good time!”
Whether you’ve never been before or you’ve gone a dozen times, the Garden Glow is one of the Saint Louis area’s NOT TO BE MISSED holiday events! It begins November 16 and runs till January 4, 2025. This event regularly sells out so be sure to get your Garden Glow Advanced Tickets as soon as possible! Don’t let yourself and your loved ones get left out in the cold!
Well, as always, THANK YOU so much for viewing! I appreciate you all always! Feel free to leave me a comment below as I LOVE reading and responding to them! I’ll return soon with another all-new post, so until then, I wish you all, all the best!
Working hard everyday towards achieving my goal of becoming an international best-selling author. Wrote the book, just need the agent and publisher. Received the ultimate endorsement when Britney Spears wrote me saying she'd be one of the first in line to buy my book! #FreeBritney
I can’t wait to go! Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome! You all will LOVE it!
Looks like another fun time was had for everyone how nice I really like seeing the garden pictures. They’re good.
Thank you! We had the best time! Like I said, I always love the gardens, anytime of the year!
That’s awesome they invited you as an influencer! Way to go, Ben
It was for sure an honor! I love my beloved Gardens & to be invited like I was made me beyond happy!