(ST. LOUIS): Gardenland Express, the Missouri Botanical Garden's beloved miniature railroad and plant display, is a rustic "Wilderness Escape" to the mountains, forests and great lodges of America's western national parks. It launches the Garden's 2007 holiday season of activities.

"Gardenland Express" opens on Wednesday, Nov. 21 and continues through Tuesday, Jan. 1 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; and until 8 p.m. Dec. 26 through 28. (Closed Dec. 25.)

The smallest of trees and plants grow along model railway tracks carrying G-scale trains throughout the 5,000 square-foot Orthwein Floral Display Hall at 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis. Hundreds of blooming plants and poinsettias flower beneath tall ficus trees twinkling with lights.

A favorite family destination, the holiday show this year is inspired by the scenery, historic lodges and inns of the national parks and railways, said Pat Scace, floral display designer.

Visitors are often amazed to learn that Gardenland Express is temporary and created mostly of living plant material. Scace and her design team use dwarf conifers and evergreens, succulents and moss to create a landscape of forests, valleys and mountains. Daily watering and maintenance keeps everything fresh and vibrant throughout the six-week show. Artists and volunteers use their talents year round to create replicas of park features and a mini-mountain range of Yosemite.

"This year's show conveys the character of the grand lodges and splendor of the western national parks," said Scace. "It's inspired by the natural beauty of our national treasures."

A ten-by-three-foot replica of Yellowstone National Park's Old Faithful Inn and the Old Faithful "geyser" anchors the display's center. Trains travel past a model of Belton Chalet and historic images of Glacier National Park the elegant El Tovar Hotel in Grand Canyon. Another train chugs through a tunnel made from a hollow log.

Gardenland Express is known for its intricate detail and this year is no exception. Visitors can spot campers, Native Americans, moose, deer, bears and buffalo among the cabins, inns and tents. A stone fireplace and pine benches in the lobby provide a nice backdrop for snapshots. Native American-inspired tapestries add more rustic décor.

Starting in early November, catch a glimpse of the railroad garden installation in progress on www.mobot.org/hort. Click on "Activities and Events."

"Gardenland Express: Wilderness Escape" is sponsored by The Container Store, CBIZ Accounting, Tax & Advisory/Mayer Hoffman McMann P.C., Miss Marian L. Herr; and Fifth Third Bank.

Entry is $3 plus Garden admission ($8 adults, free for children age 12 and under. St. Louis City and County residents pay $4 adults, $2 seniors.) Members get in free to the Garden and the holiday show.

From Nov. 20 through Dec. 31, Tower Grove House - the country home of Garden founder Henry Shaw - is decked out with wreaths, garlands, floral centerpieces and greenery. Mr. Shaw's Christmas tree is dressed with timepieces and roses, his favorite flower. Younger visitors can be on the lookout for a house cat in hiding. The house is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday 1 to 4 p.m. Entry is included with Garden admission.

Through New Year's Day, florists' wreaths line the second floor walls of Monsanto Hall in the Ridgway Center. In December, a 15-foot balsam fir in the Kemper Center for Home Gardening is decorated with gourd birdhouses made from natural and recycled materials, suitable for wrens and purple martins.

"Christmas Carols in the Garden" presents Santa in his sleigh, musicians and carolers, roasting chestnuts and gingerbread houses from 1 to 5 p.m. on Dec. 8 and 9. Special event admission rates apply after noon: $10 adults, $7 seniors, $3 members and children.

"Chanukah: Festival of Lights" is a traditional Jewish holiday celebration that includes Israeli music and dance, a menorah-lighting ceremony, and merchandise on Dec. 2 from noon to 4 p.m.

"Kwanzaa: Festival of the First Fruits" is a contemporary African-American holiday that features storytelling, crafts, jewelry, drumming and music from noon to 4 p.m. on Dec. 28.

General information about the Missouri Botanical Garden is available at http://www.mobot.org/ or on a 24-hour recording at (314) 577-9400; 1-800-642-8842 toll free.

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