Herb Garden

The St Louis Herb Society Herb Garden is located on the south side of the historic Tower Grove House, the country home of Henry Shaw at the Missouri Botanical Garden. While the St Louis Herb Society was formed in 1941, it was not until 1963, that an actual plot for a large herb garden was designated on garden grounds. Construction of this new area began in 1963 behind the Tower Grove house and by the spring of 1964 it was ready to be planted. After almost 40 years, the Herb garden was in need of some major upgrades and repairs. So in September 2002, the dig-out was started. Improvements were made to the drainage and irrigation system, brick paths repaired and some of the old, patched ironwork fencing was removed and replaced with matching ornate Victorian design fence. The work was completed and by May 2003, planting had begun. The 19 large Italian-made containers, bought by the Herb Society, were also added just outside the original herb garden wall. They display beautiful fruit trees, like Meyer lemons for visitor enjoyment. Of course, there are many herbs grown in this area as well.

This Herb garden is devoted to growing herbs valued for their fragrance, utility, medicinal and culinary use. The layout design was inspired by a symmetrical Victorian-era style, making it an interesting, educational, and relaxing place to view the herbs that can be grown in the midwest. The quaint courtyard is divided into geometric quadrants that focus on these specific herb types. Of note, this garden is located in proximity to the Tower Grove House kitchen- a hint to all future herb growers! Sculpture areas include a ‘Thyme-boy’ sundial statue surrounded by a bed of creeping thyme and a millstone fountain surrounded by various herbs. Two benches were also added to relax and enjoy the view of bathing birds.

The St Louis Herb Society was the first volunteer organization given access to work in the garden. Continuing the tradition today, society members plant and maintain this garden on select Tuesday mornings from April to October, from 8-10 am. Herb Society members are available to answer questions from any any visitor wandering through. They have even been known to have a tea party there from time to time.