The days are getting longer, the afternoons feel warmer and spring seems to have finally arrived. This is a perfect time to start venturing outside again, such as paying a visit to the Missouri Botanical Garden. 

The Botanical Garden offers a veritable maze of plant life from all different parts of the world. It showcases areas such as the Japanese Garden, Ottoman Garden and Climatron, which contains hundreds of tropical plants. 

However, a specific destination isn’t required to enjoy the Missouri Botanical Garden. With 79 acres available, it’s easy to spend hours in the many gardens and not see the same thing twice. In addition to the obvious plant life, there are numerous fountains, statues, architecture and even a maze.

As spring approaches, the Botanical Garden will also be hosting an increasing number of classes and events. These include lessons on how to create a bird-friendly garden, the threaputic benefits of a garden, and the 2010 Orchid Show, showing through March 28. The Orchid Show includes French-style gardens, a flower shop and a bistro.  

The Missouri Botanical Garden is located at 4344 Shaw Boulevard, St. Louis, MO, off of South Kingshighway Blvd. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with morning walking hours available Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7 to 9 a.m. Adult admission is $8, and and extra $5 for the Orchid Show.