Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Why a Pincushion Garden?

The David B. Litchenstein Foundation

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 26, 2023

1. Why a Pincushion Garden? Marker

Inscription.
Pincushion gardens were first introduced in the 1850s at Putteridge Bury in Hertfordshire, England when an avenue of circular beds or "pincushions" were arranged symmetrically along a path. In the 1990s pincushion beds were featured here at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Two circular beds were planted just inside the main entrance at Spink Pavilion and contained cacti and succulents from the Garden's collection.

This type of garden most likely gets its name from its round, mounded shape and also because plants could be "stuck" into beds like pins in a pincushion. To maintain historical accuracy within the Victorian District, succulents have been chosen and planted in the intricate carpet bedding designs popular in Henry Shaw's time.

Erected by Missouri Botanical Garden.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas.

Location. 38° 36.673′ N, 90° 15.468′ W. Marker is in St. Louis, Missouri. It is in Missouri Botanical Garden. Marker can be reached from Shaw Boulevard west of Tower Grove Avenue, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4344 Shaw Boulevard, Saint Louis MO 63110, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other

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markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Frank H. and Julia Mohlman Piper Memorial Observatory (a few steps from this marker); Mazes (a few steps from this marker); Observatories (a few steps from this marker); Jennie Latzer Kaeser Memorial Maze (a few steps from this marker); Magnolia (within shouting distance of this marker); Shoenberg Administration Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Dyes (within shouting distance of this marker); Culinary Herbs (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Louis.

Additional keywords. landscape architecture

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 26, 2023

2. Why a Pincushion Garden? Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 18, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 31, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 66 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 31, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.