Why Become a Powell Gardens Member?

At Powell Gardens, plants are at the heart of everything we do … but people are just as important! As a member-supported botanical garden, Powell Gardens depends on the generosity and enthusiasm of members who believe in the power of plants to inspire, educate, and connect our community.

When you become a Powell Gardens member, you’re doing more than gaining access to beautiful gardens. You’re helping support plant conservation, horticultural education, and a welcoming place where people can slow down, learn, and experience the #MidwestSpiritOfPlace.

Membership also comes with a variety of benefits that make visiting the Gardens even more rewarding.

Member Benefits

A Powell Gardens membership makes it easy to return again and again. With unlimited admission, members can experience the Gardens through every season, from the first signs of spring blooms to the glow of Evergy Festival of Lights.

Free unlimited general admission and festival admission for as many as your membership allows (excluding Dark Forest) and free parking means you can visit Powell Gardens as often as you like without worrying about tickets. Many members stop by just to take a walk, enjoy a quiet lunch outdoors, or see what’s newly blooming. Because the Gardens change throughout the year, each visit offers something different to discover.

Membership also connects you to a larger community of botanical gardens through the reciprocal program offered by the American Horticultural Society*, which provides admission benefits at nearly 400 gardens and arboretums across North America. Whether traveling across the country or exploring closer to home, members can experience other remarkable plant collections while representing Powell Gardens.

Explore Participating Gardens

*Reciprocal benefits ae subject to the guidelines of participating gardens.

Members also receive one complimentary potted plant during scheduled pickup times (while supplies last). These plants allow members to take a small piece of the Gardens home. It’s a fun way to add a new plant to the landscape, start a container garden, or share a gift with a fellow plant lover.

To stay connected throughout the year, members receive a digital subscription to Garden View, Powell Gardens’ member magazine. Each issue shares behind-the-scenes stories, horticultural insights, and updates about projects and collections throughout the Gardens.

Members also receive The Leaflet, a monthly digital newsletter that highlights upcoming events, seasonal blooms, and opportunities to explore the Gardens in new ways.

For those looking to deepen their knowledge, members enjoy 10% off educational workshops, classes, and special events. From gardening techniques to nature-based learning experiences, these programs invite participants to expand their understanding of plants and the natural world.

And of course, members receive 10% off purchases in The Marketplace, the garden gift shop located in the Visitor Center. The shop offers plants, gardening tools, books, and nature-inspired gifts that help visitors bring a bit of the garden experience home.

Together, these benefits encourage members to engage with the Gardens not just once, but throughout the year. We invite you to take advantage of member benefits at Powell Gardens and build a deeper relationship with plants, the landscape, and the community that supports it.

New Member Benefits at Colonial Farms

Members also receive special perks at Powell Gardens Colonial Farms, a beloved agritourism destination in Blue Springs, MO that recently joined the Powell Gardens family.

Powell Gardens members enjoy:

• 10% off purchases at Colonial Farms
• First pick for u-pick and u-cut experiences, giving members early access to seasonal harvests
• 10% Discount at Whistle Stop Coffee (Lee’s Summit and Colonial Farms locations)

These new benefits expand the Powell Gardens experience beyond the botanical garden, offering members even more ways to connect with plants, food, and the local landscape.

Member-Only Experiences in 2026

Throughout the year, Powell Gardens hosts special days just for members. These events offer unique opportunities to explore the Gardens, enjoy peaceful moments, and celebrate the seasons together.

Here are a few highlights from the 2026 member calendar:

March 4 | Member-Only Preview Day
Kick off the season with an exclusive preview of Orchid Delirium and spring blooms, complete with complimentary cookies and refreshments.

April 3 | Members Bring a Friend Day
Members are invited to share the beauty of spring blooms with a guest … on us! Each named member on a membership may bring one complimentary friend.

May 17 | Nature Play Day for Members
Open lawns and a seasonal scavenger hunt encourage families and kids to explore, play, and discover the plants currently in bloom.

June 23 | Quiet Garden Day
A calm, low-sensory day designed for visitors seeking a peaceful experience. Sensory bags are available at The Marketplace to support comfortable exploration.

July 15 | Festival of Butterflies Member-Only Preview Night
Members get the first look at the 30th Annual Festival of Butterflies before it opens to the public.

August 1 | Members-Only Morning Hour
The Gardens open one hour early. This morning is perfect for photographers, early risers, and anyone who enjoys a peaceful walk before the day begins.

September 17 | Members-Only Evening Stroll
Stay late and enjoy golden-hour views during a relaxed evening in the Gardens.

October 11 | Nature Journaling Day
Slow down, observe, and reflect with journaling prompts that encourage deeper connections with the landscape.

November 18 | Festival of Lights Member-Only Preview Night
Celebrate the holiday season with early access to the magical Evergy Festival of Lights, along with a cozy hot cocoa station.

December 17 | Member Holiday Shopping Day
Members enjoy special Marketplace discounts and complimentary coffee while finding the perfect holiday gifts.

Growing Something Together

Membership helps sustain the mission of Powell Gardens. It cultivates meaningful connections between people and plants. Every membership supports the care of the Gardens and its plant collections, conservation initiatives, and educational programs that inspire visitors of all ages.

But membership is also about belonging. It’s about watching the seasons change in the Gardens, discovering new plants, walking with family and friends, and becoming part of a community that values the natural world.

When you become a Powell Gardens member, you’re helping grow something that benefits the entire region. Thank you!

Become a Powell Gardens Member