Fall Foliage & Events
Fall provides colorful changes and a time to reflect the changing season. Use this guide to experience seasonal fall highlights in the Gardens.
Peak times will vary depending on weather.
Best Fall Views
Missouri Barn Silo
LOCATION: The Heartland Harvest Garden
Climb the stairs to take in a birds-eye view of distant fall-color treetops and the bountiful Villandry Garden.
The Visitor Center Terrace
LOCATION: The Visitor Center
The beds and containers around the Visitor Center feature many colorful fall displays. Enjoy a variety of mums in many colors and sizes.
The Prairie
LOCATION: The Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel & Meadow Pavilion Landscapes
The meadow features grasses such as little and big bluestem that often change color with the occurrence of cooler weather. Look for interesting seed pods clinging to various prairie plants as they transition into fall.
The Pirate Ship
LOCATION: Small Island to the left of the Marlese Lowe Gourley Island Garden
Take the short woodchip path to the left before you cross the bridge to the Marlese Lowe Gourley Island Garden. Climb the tower on the Pirate Ship for a gorgeous 360 degree garden view.
Millstone Plaza
LOCATION: Upper Fountain Garden
The Fountain Garden features seasonal favorites.
Fall Showstoppers
Bob and Sally West Arbor Garden in The Perennial Garden
PLANTS: Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica)
PEAK TIME: October
This native Missouri tree offers wonderful fall color in red hues.
PLANTS: Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
PEAK TIME: November
A shrub native to Missouri, beautyberry showcases violet to magenta-colored fruits in the fall.
PLANTS: Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)
PEAK TIME: mid-October to early-November
This tree provides spring flowers and summer fruit, but in the fall features orange/red/purple fall foliage.
PLANTS: June Snow Dogwood (Cornus controversa)
PEAK TIME: September to November
This flowering tree showcases red and purple fall foliage followed by red branches in the winter.
Harvest Fest
Coming 2021
Our inaugural Harvest Fest is in the works! This fall festival will explore the Heartland Harvest Garden. Stay tuned for more information.