ST. LOUIS - Annual traditions are in full bloom at the Missouri Botanical Garden as a one-of-a-kind event returns later this month.

Set-up for the 12th annual Garden Glow began back in July as it takes months to transition every garden into a bulb garden with more than two million lights on display.

“We are really trying to bridge that connection between our holiday light show and the work we’re doing here every single day at the botanical garden when it comes to plant conservation and research,” said Jessika Eidson of the Missouri Botanical Garden.

The dry fall weather has been beneficial to the staff.

“We’ve had a lot of really nice days here in St. Louis lately, so that really helps when it comes to garden glow set up. Not having to work in the rain really makes it a lot more of an enjoyable experience,” Eidson said.

Visitors are impressed with the final outcome.

“The way it looks when they’re done is really amazing to me because there’s so much work that goes into it and it ends up a beautiful thing,” Garden Member Bob Echelmeyer said.

“You can take your time and stop wherever you want and observe. It’s nice,” said Pat Echelmeyer.

The crew puts their hearts and souls into the event up until the very last minute and even throughout the entire garden glow season.

“We want people to have a consistent experience if you come when we first open in mid-November to the beginning of January it’s the same experience every time,” said Eidson.

The Garden Glow opens up on November 15th for Garden Members and on the 16th for the general public. Organizers recommend getting your tickets ahead of time because some dates sell out well in advance.