Dark Forest
Midwest Foraging, Under a Harvest Moon and Dark Forest return to Powell Gardens
Midwest Foraging
While you wait for the much-anticipated return of Dark Forest, make sure to explore Powell Gardens during the day with our Midwest Foraging exhibition (now through Oct. 15, 2023).
Focused on forageable plants found along the Family Discovery Loop and Heartland Harvest Garden, this adventurous exhibition, created in collaboration with Education Manager Caitlin Eckard, Lead Horticulturist Lydia Brawner and Conservationist Julie Copley, showcases natural edibles found in the Midwest.
There are a variety of tools available for visitors to use in tandem with the exhibition. Connect more deeply with Midwest Foraging during your next visit by using one of the tools outlined below:
Plant Tags
- Look for blue plant tags with flower and leaf symbols that identify species that are part of the Midwest Foraging exhibition.
Digital Tour
- Accessible online at gardenexplorer.powellgardens.org/tours this updated digital tour allows Powell Gardens’ visitors to see where exhibition plants are growing in the Gardens.
Foraging Classes
- Check out powellgardens.org/calendar for any upcoming foraging classes.
For more locally harvested options, follow @powellgardens on social media and search for our featured foraging posts! Each month, the education and horticulture departments work together to feature a foraged item.
Please Note: Foraging is not permitted on Powell Gardens property. In the interest of public health, safety and respect of our conservation efforts, all participants are expected to appreciate this exhibition for the educational content provided.
Under a Harvest Moon
Experience a truly unique event while supporting Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s botanical garden.
Under a Harvest Moon (Oct. 1, 5:30-9 p.m.), a special al fresco dinner to benefit the Gardens, returns to the long tables under the eaves of the Missouri Barn.
The evening kicks off with a vibrant cocktail hour with live music followed by a beautiful four-course meal highlighting local and seasonal ingredients. Gather with friends old and new as we share a memorable evening in support of Kansas City’s Botanical Garden. This year, Powell Gardens celebrates milestones thus far and all of those who have made an impact on our Gardens such as Posthumous Honorary Chair Courtney Earnest.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit powellgardens.org/harvestmoon
Dark Forest
In 2021, Powell Gardens launched Dark Forest in partnership with Quixotic. This immersive, multimedia walk-through installation in the woods invites visitors to embrace a different side of nature. Journey along the mulched, one-mile path through the woods, and witness enthralling performances, captivating music and creative technology combine forces for an unforgettable experience.
This signature evening event sold out and mesmerized guests during its initial eight-day run. In 2022, Dark Forest once again garnered rave reviews. Now, back for its third year, Dark Forest has expanded the dates offered to include Oct. 13-15, 20-22, and 26-29, 2023 from 6 to 11 p.m.
Visit powellgardens.org/dark-forest for additional information.
Powell Gardens offers plenty of opportunities to explore the natural world in every season. Be sure to stay in the know by joining our subscribers list and following @powellgardens on social media.
