Nature for All. Nature Forever.
Since 1925, Shaw Nature Reserve has offered unparalleled opportunities to experience the natural landscapes of Missouri. In 2025 the Nature Reserve is celebrating its centennial year with specialized events, tours, and programs.
In 1987, Blanton J. Whitmire presented his wife, Peg, with a very special gift for her 70th birthday. The couple shared a love for Shaw Nature Reserve (called Shaw Arboretum at that time), and unbeknownst to Peg, her husband had worked with the Nature Reserve to plan a new wildflower garden in her honor.
Now known as the Whitmire Wildflower Garden, Blanton’s gift to his wife still captures the hearts of visitors and holds the honor of being one of the largest and oldest native plant gardens in the area.
Creation of the Whitmire Wildflower Garden
From the start, the Whitmire Wildflower Garden was designed to educate visitors on the importance and beauty of native plants. This was in line with the larger master plan to establish the Nature Reserve as a beacon for environmental education and conservation.
Construction of the wildflower garden began in the summer of 1992. Environmental Planning and Design of Pittsburgh designed the landscape and incorporated two reflecting ponds, a boardwalk and gazebos.
Plants came from native sources such as the Nature Reserve itself, nearby counties, nurseries, and through seed exchange programs.
In spring of 1993, the 51/2 – acre Whitmire Wildflower Garden opened to the public with a formal dedication. Blanton and Peg, surrounded by their friends and family, were able to celebrate the realization of this extraordinary gift.
The Whitmire Wildflower Garden Today
Since its opening in 1993, the wildflower garden has doubled in size. It is now 10 acres and home to over 600 species of Missouri native plants.
Dynamic Trails
The wildflower garden includes accessible trails through five distinct plant community areas: a woodland, wetland, glade, savannah, and prairie.
The path includes several rest areas and gazebos designed to give visitors a space to relax and enjoy the scenery.
The Nature Reserve’s education team can often be found traversing the trails with young children in tow. Located near the Bascom House and the Carriage House, the wildflower garden offers a wealth of exploration opportunities.
A Shining example of native gardening
The Whitmire Wildflower Garden is designed to be a demonstration garden and is maintained by expert horticulturists and volunteers.
The home gardening area displays examples of a native perennial garden, rock garden, prairie garden, water garden, woodland garden, and rain garden. Visitors can explore these areas to enjoy the aesthetic designs and find inspiration for their own homes.
The plants in this garden are native to Missouri and useful for home gardening and small outdoor school classrooms. Native plants offer an excellent, low-maintenance choice for home gardener. They adapt to local conditions and provide habitat and food for hundreds of species of native insects, birds, and mammals.
Green Rooftop
As you enjoy the lovely displays of the Whitmire Wildflower Garden, be sure to look up. The green rooftop constructed in 2012 is a wonderful example of innovative, botanical solutions.
The green rooftop is located on top of the restrooms near the picnic pavilions. This building was specifically designed to hold the extra weight of water for the garden.
Whitmire Wonderlights
During the holiday season, the Whitmire Wildflower Garden transforms into a winter wonderland for a few special nights.
The Whitmire Wonderlights are a beloved tradition for many in the St. Louis area, offering a luminary-lit stroll through the quiet garden. It is a great experience for those wanting to find some “peace on earth” during the busy holiday rush.
Jessika Eidson | Public Information Officer
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