ST. LOUIS – The glories of spring at the Missouri Botanical Garden are blossoming nearly unseen as many of us stay home to slow the spread of the coronavirus. But although the Garden, like our other beloved cultural institutions, is closed to the public right now, we can cruise through its beauty on virtual tours.

The tours are hosted by Garden staff members Kristina DeYong and Cassidy Moody, who provide a running commentary on what visitors are seeing.

The Garden assures fans on its website that “all plants and animals in our living collections on and off-grounds will be maintained as normal.” But without its usual full staff and volunteers on site, things may have to be done a bit differently.

Derek Lyle, Senior Nursery Manager at the Missouri Botanical Garden, is seen holding down the fort in April during the coronavirus pandemic. He’s trying to do alone work that is usually done by dozens of staff and volunteers. Photo courtesy Missouri Botanical Garden
For instance, Senior Nursery Manager Derek Lyle is on his own, “pushing forward to keep the plants thriving despite the challenges,” the Garden said via Twitter.

In addition to the Garden itself at 4344 Shaw Blvd., the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House and Shaw Nature Reserve are also temporarily closed, as are the Litzsinger Road Ecology Center and the Little Shop Around the Corner.

All events and programs are suspended through at least May 1. Refunds will be given for general admission and event tickets, but the Garden has a special plea: “Please consider making your purchase a donation to help the Garden during this time.”

More information is available at missouribotanicalgarden.org