ADA, Okla. – In early Oct., East Central University’s Plant Ecophysiology class, alongside Dr. Leah Dudley and myself, embarked on an unforgettable journey to one of the world’s most renowned herbaria, the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis.

We departed early Wednesday morning, at 6 a.m., embracing the crisp fall air for an 8-hour drive from southeastern Oklahoma to St. Louis, Missouri, once known as the “Gateway to the West,” arriving around 2:30 p.m.

The Missouri Botanical Garden (MoBot) hosts two charming old brick buildings that serve as accommodations for visiting researchers from around the world. The apartments were spacious and comfortable, each fully equipped with a working kitchen, perfect for longer stays. Conveniently located within walking distance of both the herbarium and the garden itself, these dorms offer easy access to the heart of MoBot.

Day One

Around 3 p.m., we set out for our first scientific stop: the behind-the-scenes tour of the herbarium and Library. However, we took a wrong turn and ended up making a full circle, only to discover that the Bayer Center had been right in front of us the whole time!

At the Bayer Center, we were warmly welcomed by Lauren Boyle, the collection manager, our very own Virgil, guiding us through the fascinating journey behind the scenes of the herbarium and library.

For any plant lover, taxonomist or biologist, visiting this herbarium is like stepping into a dream. Home to a breathtaking collection of over 7,000 plant specimens from every corner of the globe, the herbarium is a treasure trove of botanical diversity. Each sample is meticulously curated, labeled, and preserved under ideal conditions of temperature and humidity. The accompanying library is equally impressive, housing rare botanical books, some dating back more than 400 years, offering a glimpse into centuries of scientific exploration and discovery.

Among the most awe-inspiring moments of the visit was seeing, firsthand, a specimen collected in Chile by Charles Darwin himself, and another gathered from the Congo Basin by Dr. Jane Goodall. With her recent passing, standing before her contribution was a poignant reminder of how scientific legacies endure, preserved not only in books and memories, but in the very specimens that continue to inspire generations of researchers.

But it’s not only plant specimens, books, and scientific knowledge that hold a special place at the Peter H. Raven Library and Archives, named after one of the institution’s most influential directors, which houses over 250,000 items. This vast collection also preserves the intellectual roots of plant taxonomy, reflecting centuries of accumulated knowledge and cultural exchange from around the world.

As we explored, it became clear that the history of plant science is deeply intertwined with global traditions and discoveries. Consulting original sources is not only essential for resolving taxonomic discrepancies, but also for appreciating the evolving value of plants throughout human history.

We also learned about the vital and often overlooked work of book restoration. Many of the documents housed in the herbarium are centuries old, and some have suffered the effects of time and poor storage conditions. On the fourth floor, there is an entire room dedicated to the preservation and restoration of these ancient texts, a space where craftsmanship meets conservation.

The meticulous, almost artisanal work carried out here is essential to safeguarding the integrity of this priceless collection. It’s a quiet but powerful reminder that preserving knowledge is just as important as discovering it.

On the third floor, we had the privilege of meeting Dr. Charlotte Taylor. Over her distinguished career, she has named more than 500 new plant species, making her the most prolific living female plant taxonomist in the world. Despite her towering achievements, she graciously took time to speak with us.

Taylor shared insights into her ongoing work, which still focuses on identifying plant specimens from South America. She even opened several cabinets filled with what appeared to be hundreds of unprocessed samples, each one a potential new discovery. Her deep love for plants radiated through every word and gesture, and she encouraged the students to reconnect at a future conference, leaving them inspired by her passion and dedication.

Day Two

After a much-needed night of sleep -well-earned after eight hours of travel and an inspiring first day exploring the herbarium and library- we were ready to dive into the heart of our botanical adventure. At 8 a.m., we gathered with fresh energy and eager anticipation to visit the crown jewel of the itinerary: the botanical garden.

Even though it's fall, and perhaps not the peak of the flowering season, the Missouri Botanical Garden still offers a remarkable experience. The sheer diversity of plant species, the meticulously maintained gardens, and the captivating water features make this visit truly unique. Spanning 79 acres, the garden showcases stunning horticultural displays and features top attractions such as the Climatron, the Japanese and Chinese gardens, the Arid House, the historic Sachs Museum and the elegant Tower Grove House.

Long before it became one of the most celebrated botanical gardens in the country, the Missouri Botanical Garden was the private estate of philanthropist and botanist Henry Shaw. In 1859, Shaw generously opened his garden to the public, sharing his passion for plants and education with the city of St. Louis.

After his death, Shaw was laid to rest within the grounds of the garden he loved so deeply. More than a century later, his legacy continues to bloom.

The Climatron features a stunning geodesic design, reminiscent of our Kerr Activities Center at ECU. Inside, you'll find over 2,800 plants representing 1,400 different species. Vividly colored flowering epiphytes and orchids create striking contrasts, while cascading waterfalls enhance the immersive atmosphere. This tropical oasis is maintained by a computer-controlled climate system, keeping temperatures between 64°F and 85°F, even during winter. It's a true rainforest experience, right in the core of the U.S. Midwest.

Can you imagine walking into a cactarium that feels like a quiet village tucked away in the middle of the Sonoran, the Atacama, or even the Moroccan Desert? The Shoenberg House was truly remarkable, a living museum where cacti and succulents from every arid place of the world thrived together. Even the rocks played their part, becoming the stage where both the tiniest and most majestic plants revealed their unique beauty.

The phrase “stop and smell the roses” invites us to pause, breathe, and find peace amid the chaos of everyday life. But here, beneath the towering Ginkgo, surrounded by the shifting greens of hostas, the quiet elegance of the Japanese garden, or the lush path through a slice of tropical forest in northeastern Missouri, that idea becomes something deeper. Plants offer more than food or decoration -they are the living face of nature, woven into culture, memory, and identity. They continue to inspire curiosity and research. That’s what this botanical garden does: it reminds us of the beauty, meaning, and knowledge that plants bring-and encourages us to explore even more.

-ECU-