Bowood Farms

Just three years ago, this spot was an abandoned auto-repair building in the middle of a residential neighborhood. Now it's a must-see destination for skilled gardeners and those who aspire to be. Bowood caters to those looking for house plants, summer flowers, large trees and shrubs, gardening books, planters, spades, decorative items and anything else needed to transform a home into a lush, green oasis. Don't know an annual from a perennial? Worry you may be overwatering or not fertilizing enough? Can't get that begonia to grow no matter what you try? Bowood prides itself on a staff trained to answer any question, and they offer special classes on topics such as dragonfly gardening and heirloom seeds. Plus, Bowood practices what it preaches. The produce served at Caf Osage--a bright, sunny restaurant open for breakfast and lunch--comes from the farm across the street. The herbs are grown in a rooftop garden. Bison used for burgers and sausage comes from the Bowood farm in Clarksville, Missouri. While there are several pork, chicken and fish items on the Osage menu, vegetarians will delight in the options here. The Mediterranean plate of eggplant caponata, couscous salad, hummus, herbed goat cheese, olives and pita points ($9) is worth checking out, as are the fruit and gardener plates, which combine seasonal produce with such items as honey-infused yogurt, fresh-baked muffins and artisan cheese (both $9).