G-scale model trains travel through a mountainous, miniature landscape of living plants, small towns and rural dwellings along the re-created Appalachian Trail at Gardenland Express, open now through January 2, 2011, at the Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri.

Twinkling holiday trees, oversized snowflakes, more than 600 colorful poinsettias and other blooming plants surround the festively detailed scene. It’s open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but Gardenland Express closes early — at 4 p.m. — on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, and it’s closed Christmas Day.

Look for Gardenland Express in the Orthwein Floral Display Hall on the lower level of the Ridgway Visitor Center. Admission is $5 (in addition to regular botanical garden admission fee).

(Photo courtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden)