Winter Wonders & Events

Visit Powell Gardens during the most wonderful time of the year! The Garden is open for exploring and creating memories all year long. Join us for a family-favorite festival, fresh air, and the quiet beauty of winter in the Midwest.

Festival of Lights 2021

November 11 –
December 30, 2021

Festival of Lights is open Thursday-Sunday (and select dates to accommodate seasonal holidays) from 4-10 p.m. Start a new family tradition and come experience the tranquil light display.

Explore The Gardens

PHOTO STREAM – #POWELLGARDENS

View

What's your favorite way to play in the Gardens?

Our summer exhibition, Fun & Games: Play in the Gardens, features thirteen new ways to enjoy Powell Gardens through discovery, exploration, and play. Get your tickets (link in bio) and let us know what you liked best.

#powellgardens #funandgameskc #kcbotanicalgarden #kansascitybotanicalgarden #botanicalgarden #playinthegardenskc #playinthegardens #summerexhibition #outdoorexhibition #playoutside #optoutside #explorekc

View

On #MembershipMondays, we want to share our membership program with you! Powell Gardens members are able to enjoy the Gardens all season long from a one-time purchase.

This week, we're highlighting a special discount for members! Did you know members receive 10% off classes at Powell Gardens? If you're thinking about signing up for Butterfly Garden Management, Organic Pest Management or another upcoming class (link in bio), make sure to join today to receive the member class discount!

Become a member by clicking the link in our bio. #powellgardens #botanicalgarden #kcbotanicalgarden #kansascitybotanicalgarden #membership #botanicalgardenmembership #ourgardensyourhome #grownative #plantsofinstagram

View

If April shows bring May flowers, what do May showers bring? (We're hoping these rainy days bring more summer blooms!)

📸: Bearded irises in the Fountain Garden. #powellgardens #botanicalgarden #iris #irisesofinstagram #plantsofinstagram #ourgardensyourhome #iriscollection #moreplants #optoutside #explorekc #kansascitybotanicalgarden #kcbotanicalgarden

View

🌳Welcome to the Stumping Grounds, part of Fun & Games: Play in the Garden! Here, you can hop, skip, climb, and balance upon tree stumps, logs, and a net climber.

(Want to hear something extra special? The materials for this new play area were harvested from Powell Gardens!)

#funandgameskc #powellgardens #botanicalgarden #playoutside #playinthegardens #optoutside #explorekansascity #kansascitykids #thingstodoinkansascity

View

Fun & Games: Play Outside is here! Climb, slide and leap on our new play structures celebrating pollinators and the woodland.

☀ We are thankful to our garden friends who supported this special project! Honeycomb Climber generously donated by Lon & Marcia Lane. Milkweed Climber generously donated by Debra S. Hahn.

View

Have you picked up a #PowellPassport from the Perennial Lounge yet? This pocket-sized field guide is perfect for jotting garden notes, art journaling, observing plants and wildlife and whatever else you can dream up. (Plus there's a place to add a stamp during each festival visit!)

We can't wait to see how you use your passport. Tag @powellgardens and use #powellpassport to share your creations online!

Swipe through to see our Marketing Coordinator's interpretation of Bloom Fest: Play Outside. #powellgardens #botanicalgarden #bloomfestkc #funandgameskc #springatpowellgardens #artjournal #fieldguide #ourgardensyourhome

View

Our Gardens have so much to explore this year! Join our mailing list (link in bio) to make sure you never miss a class, festival or update from Powell Gardens.

📸: David T. Beals III Woodland and Stream Garden at Powell Gardens. #powellgardens #woodlandgarden #botanicalgarden #ourgardensyourhome #grownative #plantsofinstagram #optoutside

View

Did you know Powell Gardens offers a variety of adult and family classes all year long?
Check out upcoming classes (like Work & Learn: Aquatic Gardening or Family Frolic: Nature's Playground) by clicking the link in our bio.

#powellgardens #botanicalgarden #planteducation #optoutside #ourgardensyourhome #springinkansascity #workshop #adultclass

View

It's time for a Garden Q&A! If you have a question about your home garden, what's blooming at Powell Gardens, or Fun & Games: Play in the Gardens, drop it in the comments below. Our team will select a few to answer soon. ☀

📸: Kerria japonica, commonly called Japanese rose. #powellgardens #gardenqanda #askagardener #botanicalgarden #botanicalgardensofinstagram #plantsofinstagram #rosesofinstagram #rose #roses #japaneserose #springblooms

View

Thank you supporting our botanical garden during #GoPublicGardenDays! What do you enjoy most about visiting Powell Gardens?

Plan your next visit by clicking the link in bio.

📸: Geum aurantiacum. #powellgardens #flowersofinstagram #plantsofinstagram #botanicalgarden #ourgardensyourhome #grownative #plantmoreplants #avens #geumaurantiacum

View

Happy #ScreenFreeSaturday! This weekend, commit to logging off and spending intentional time away from devices. Looking for an idea? Try going on a hike!

☀At Powell Gardens, we invite you to build nature boats, search the pond for seasonal residents, play nature games, and construct gnome and fairy homes among fallen trees and waterways on the new Discovery Trail. This one-mile hike meanders through wooded and aquatic ecosystems with five trail stops and 16 hands-on activities for groups, families, and individuals.

🌳For a longer adventure, consider the 3.25 mile Byron Shutz Trail. Hikers will pass through woods of Osage orange and honeylocust into a field of meadow flowers.

We want to pass along tremendous thanks to @rockhursths! With the help of several senior students, our trails are ready to welcome you this season. We are thankful for their hard work.

Remember to dress appropriately for the trail. Pack water, snacks and insect repellent if needed. #powellgardens #screenfreesaturday #optoutside #funandgameskc #botanicalgarden #urbanhiking #botanicalgardentrails #trailhead #discoveryloopkc

View

This May, we're thankful for students from @rockhursths who helped our horticulture team care for our Gardens.

Student projects included working in the Marlese Lowe Gourley Island Garden, repairing fence in the Heartland Harvest Garden, and helping maintain the Discovery Trail. Thanks to their hard work and service, our Gardens are ready to welcome summer visitors!

If you are interested in becoming a Powell Gardens volunteer, please reach out to volunteer@powellgardens.org. #powellgardens #botanicalgarden #gardenvolunteers #rockhursthighschool #thankyoustudents

View

Are you looking for a summer full of sunshine and exploration? We're got it! Fun & Games: Play in the Gardens, our summer exhibition, will introduce thirteen new ways to play at Powell Gardens.

Make sure to follow @PowellGardens and sign up for our emails through the link in our bio so you don't miss an update!

#powellgardens #funandgameskc #playinthegardenskc #botanicalgarden #thingstodothissummer #summerbucketlist #grownative #trees #botanicalgardensofinstagram

View

Are you a Powell Gardens member? Don't miss the Fun & Games: Play in the Gardens member preview tonight! The Gardens are open 4-8 p.m. for this members-only event.

The transformative power of play, combined with the benefits of fresh, midwestern summer air are the focus of our summer exhibition, Fun and Games: Play in the Garden.

Spend your summer playing outside in the Gardens, where new games and activities are popping up across every inch of the Gardens throughout the season. Keep an eye on @PowellGardens on social media for details about each activations and to find out what’s new in the Gardens. You’ll want to visit throughout the summer to experience all this exhibition has to offer!

View

At Powell Gardens, we value the Midwest spirit of place and want to help our community understand and appreciate the importance of plants in our lives. 🌿

This week we're celebrating #GoPublicGardensDays (May 7-16, 2021) alongside all of our friends at the American Public Gardens Association. If you love botanical gardens, tell us why in the comments!

#powellgardens #botanicalgarden #gopublicgardens #gopublicgardensdays #americanpublicgardenassociation #botanicalgarden #gooutside #explorekc #kansascity

View

Last month, @ruralmissouri published a Best of Rural Missouri list. Powell Gardens won the "Place to Take the Kids" category. We couldn't agree more!

This summer, join us for Fun & Games: Play in the Gardens. We're launching thirteen new ways to play. Stay tuned!

#powellgardens #playingthegardenskc #funandgameskc #botanicalgarden #garden #summerexhibition #playoutsidekc #playoutside

View

🌿💐☀️It's the last day to visit Bloom Fest: Play Outside! Grab your loved ones and soak up some sunshine. We're open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. for you to enjoy spring in the Gardens.

Click the link in bio to purchase tickets online. #powellgardens #bloomfestkc #springfestival #botanicalgarden #blooms #kansascityfestival #kansascity #plantsofinstagram #mothersdayweekend

View

💐☀️We couldn't have asked for a better day at Bloom Fest: Play Outside!

Want to learn more about the plants you see during your visit? Look for these signs along the Magnolia Walk (near the Visitor Center) to learn more about these favorite flowering trees.

Visitors may also enjoy PlantSnap (a mobile app that identifies plants from photos) or Garden Explorer (Powell Garden's digital plant database and locator). Click the link in bio to learn more about these digital tools.

#powellgardens #bloomfestkc #botanicalgarden

View

This family knows how to explore the Gardens. Check out those matching hats and hydration backpack! We're obsessed. 🌿☀

Tickets are still available for Bloom Fest: Play Outside this weekend. Moms get in free on May 8-9, 2021. See you soon!

📸: @townsendr36. #powellgardens #bloomfestkc #playoutsidekc #botanicalgarden #optoutside #explorekc #familiesbelongoutside #kansascity #playoutsidekc

View

Bearded irises are starting to bloom ... just in time for this week's festivities! Tag a friend who needs to visit with you. 💐

Reserve your Bloom Fest: Play Outside tickets by clicking the link in bio. Moms receive free admission May 89, 2021. #bloomfestkc #powellgardens

View

We're celebrating the start of #GoPublicGardenDays at Bloom Fest: Play Outside! Purchase advance tickets online to explore your botanical garden. We have plenty of sunshine to spare. 💐☀️

(Still making Mother's Day plans? Click the link in bio to reserve a picnic to pick-up and enjoy in the Gardens. Mothers receive free festival admission on May 8 & 9, 2021.)

Festival tickets linked in bio. Visit @americanpublicgardens for more information on Go Public Gardens Days (May 7-16, 2021). #powellgardens #bloomfestkc #botanicalgarden #grownative #ourgardensyourhome #mothersday

View

💐 Bloom Fest: Play Outside is here for four more days! Purchase your tickets online by clicking the link in bio.

Still making plans for Mother's Day? Moms receive free admission on May 8 & 9, 2021. Reserve your picnic brunch at https://powellgardens.shopsettings.com/. (Bubbly, bouquets and cake add-ons are available!)

#powellgardens #bloomfestkc #playoutsidekc #botanicalgarden #springblooms #bloomfest #supportyourbotanicalgarden #mothersday2021 #picnicbrunch #picnicinthegardens

View

Seasons of Sunsets | Jennifer DeBacker of @awesomeblossomsshop

Inspiration struck Jennifer DeBacker when she viewed Thomas Hart Benton’s Persephone. “Persephone spoke through the romantic lines, the drapery and the rich colors. The vision is to mirror the image within the colors of the piece.”

DeBacker has been in floral design for over 35 years, since she was just 16 years old. Prior to finding inspiration in Persephone, DeBacker was inspired in 2014 to join forces with Gina Carlyle and open Awesome Blossoms. Awesome Blossoms is a full-service, family-owned and op-erated florist in Warrensburg, MO.

Bloom Fest: Play Outside tickets are linked in bio. Visit 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Thursday - Sunday, until May 9 to see the display. #powellgardens #bloomfestkc

View

Elements of Spring | Will Brown of @willbrowninteriors

Will Brown has always had a deep appreciation for Greek mythology. “I found the stories an escape. When I came across [Persephone], I had never connected the name of the piece with Greek mythology. I’m enjoying taking another look from a different filter.”

In Greek mythology, Persephone is the Goddess of spring. In Brown’s display, Persephone bursts forth from the dark underworld, from where she had been held captive by Hades – escaping as Brown did when reading these stories as a child. Just as spring comes out of the darkness of winter, Brown uses plants to represent the fire of Hades and mixed media materials to represent the earth from which Persephone was born.

Brown is an interior designer, certified feng shui consultant and owner of Will Brown Interiors in Kansas City. He incorporates elements of feng shui into how he designs spaces to highlight balance and mindfulness.

See his container displayed on the Visitor Center Terrace for the duration of Bloom Fest: Play Outside. Purchase tickets by clicking the link in bio. #powellgardens #bloomfestkc #willbrowninteriors

View

Glass and Flowers 1.0 | Kristopher Dabner of The Greensman

Kristopher Dabner is most creative when working within a framework. Vasily Kandinsky’s abstract, Rose with Gray, provided inspiration for Dabner’s mixed media display by allowing him to have room for interpretation. Dabner’s selection of plant material parallel the strong lines, colors, shapes and patterns of the artwork. The hand-blown glass sculptures reflect his love and personal interest in the artform.

Dabner is the president and creative director of The Greensman and designs local gardens in the Kansas City area.

See the continer displayed on the Visitor Center Terrace during Bloom Fest: Play Outside. Purcahse tickets by clicking the link in bio. #powellgardens #bloomfestkc

View

Victorian Garden: A Homage to Prince Phillip | Craig Sole of @craigsoledesigns

Sole felt a personal connection to The Sonata by Childe Hassam when he first encountered the painting over 20 years ago when visiting the @artinstitutechi. Sole later learned it once belonged to the parents of a family friend. His friend remembered it fondly as the painting that sat above her mother’s writing desk. She would gaze upon it while she paid bills and wrote thank you notes.

Sole’s container design touches on a quiet Victorian moment represented in The Sonata with the creation of a miniature Victorian garden. It is an homage to the recent death of Prince Philip, the husband of reigning Queen Elizabeth II and great-great grandson of Queen Victoria, in which the era was named.

Sole has owned and operated Craig Sole Designs for over 39 years, and creates and designs floral arrangements for clients in the Kansas City area.

Purchase tickets to Bloom Fest: Play Outside by clickign the link in our bio. #powellgardens #bloomfestkc #craigsoledesigns

View

Spring Colors | David Bird of @birdsbotanicals & Tara Karaim of @tarakaraimart

Inspiration for this container came from Tree by Arthur Garfield Dove. “Plants inspire me - the colors and the textures. It’s hard for me to look at a piece of art and make it living. It’s easier for me to make living material into art. This is backwards for me but I enjoy the challenge.”

David Bird worked closely with his niece Tara Karaim, a local Kansas City artist, to design his container, using the colors and textures of living art to reflect the atmosphere of the painting.

Bird is a horticulturist specializing in the production of orchids, succulents, carnivorous plants, tropicals and other unusual plants. David can be found most weekends at the City Market and Overland Park farmers markets.

View his container on the Visitor Center Terrace during Bloom Fest: Play Outside. Purchase tickets by clicking the link in bio. #powellgardens #bloomfestkc

View

Spring in the Dead Wood | Duane Hoover of @kauffmangarden

Duane Hoover found his inspiration when looking at Winter in the Dead Wood by Albert Bloch and felt the sense of coming alive as the season turns from winter to spring. His display makes a strong statement with driftwood he personally sourced from the Missouri River in downtown Kansas City.

Hoover joined #powellgardens in the fall of 1999 to focus on the @kauffmangarden. During his almost 40 years in Kansas City, he has given many garden talks, received numerous gardening awards, been in many publications and news spots, and has appeared on HGTV. Hoover hopes all who visit the Kauffman Memorial Gardens enjoy its beauty and tranquility and leave with a peaceful spirit.

To purchase tickets to Bloom Fest: Play Outside, click the link in bio. #bloomfestkc

View

Place your bids! There's still time to win an unforgettable private dinner in the conservatory. Click the link in bio to place your bid.

Bidding closes at 4 p.m. on Monday, May 3, 2021. #powellgardens #bloomfestkc #auction #privatedinnerinthegardens

View

Six regional artists have created magical spring containers for Bloom Fest: Play Outside! Each container is inspired by artwork from collections at the @nelsonatkins and made using natural materials. This week we’re highlighting each creation on our feed. Stay tuned!

Bloom Fest: Play Outside is open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thursday - Sunday, through May 9, 2021. Purchase tickets by clicking the link in bio. #powellgardens #bloomfestkc #playoutsidekc #artinthegardens #botanicalgarden #outdoorexhibition #plantart #makeart

This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

There has been a problem with your Instagram Feed.