The lush, fragrant, colorful and regal Ottoman garden is essentially the last surviving Turkish garden of its kind and is right in St. Louis's Missouri Botanical Garden. The Ottoman garden is located near the 40 degree latitude, which is the same as the latitude of Istanbul, the capital of the Ottoman Empire. As a result of this geographical coincidence, many of the same types of Turkish plants can be cultivated here. Upon entrance into this immaculate courtyard, a fountain sets the stage for the imperial throne that serves as the garden's centerpiece. In every direction, visitors can enjoy serene sitting spaces, fruitful and thick bushes full of sweet smells, and a plethora of photo opportunities.
The Gladney Rose Garden is one of two rose gardens in the magnificent Missouri Botanical Garden. Visitors can find this rose garden on their left after exiting the main pavilion. Blown glass sun sculptures accent the east and west sides and several benches sit along the perimeter for easy enjoyment, meditation, or photo opportunities. The path enables visitors to walk about, through the aisles of rose bushes. The Gladney Rose Garden features over 100 varieties of roses and during peak rose season, the area is filled with their sweet scent. Bees enjoy the rose garden as much as humans do, so be careful where you stick your nose.
Nakajima, the Sacred Tea House Island, is a special place in Japanese culture. The hut-style tea house was assembled by Japanese craftsmen at the Missouri Botanical Garden in the heart of the Japanese Garden. Private tours can be booked at this location and there have been private ceremonies and weddings on the island, but this attraction is generally closed to the public. However, for the Japanese Festival that occurs annually during Labor Day Weekend, the Sacred Tea House Island is open for special exhibitions. If you're visiting, make a plan to visit the island and afterward, walk about the Japanese Garden taking in the sights and smells of the culture of Japan in the Midwest.
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