Iowa Gardens to Visit
Pack up the kids and take the afternoon to go visit a beautiful Iowa garden!
By Veronica Lorson Fowler
The Iowa Gardener
There are a lot of gorgeous, fascinating gardens in Iowa. Take part of a day with a garden friend or the family and motor out of town for a great visit. Pack a picnic lunch or stop at a small-town cafe for the perfect, inexpensive mini-getaway.
Below is a listing of some of the best Iowa gardens to visit, assembled for us by Kelly Norris, owner of Rainbow Iris Farms in Bedford, Iowa. (Rainbow Iris Farms is worth a visit in and of itself the last week of May and first week of June when the irises are at their peak. That's also the same time as the Bedford in Bloom, the sweet local town festival.)
Kelly is also the author of The Iowa Gardener's Travel Guide, a must for any Iowa garden-lover with a car and a valid driver's license.
Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden, Des Moines
Outside the offices of the corporate headquarters of Better Homes and Gardens in the heart of downtown, lies an urban oasis. It contains 22 garden rooms and beds; 2,500 trees, shrubs, and perennials; 17,000 bulbs; and a changing palette of 500 annuals.
Bickelhaupt Arboretum, Clinton
The Bickelhaupt Arboretum is a 14-acre outdoor museum of select labeled trees, shrubs, ground covers, perennials and annuals offered to visitors free of charge. Its mission is "to serve as a connection between people and plants through a better understanding of horticulture by developing and maintaining a well-documented collection of plants for education and enjoyment."
Des Moines Botanical Center
The Des Moines Botanical and Environmental Center is one of the most popular cultural attractions in Iowa, providing educational, recreational, and community resources to thousands. Besides its famous "dome" housing a tropical paradise, complete with waterfall, it has other display gardens indoors and out. It is located on 14 acres along the east bank of the Des Moines River, close to downtown. Newly developed paths along the river make for a great walk.
Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Garden
This 52-acre landscape, staffed entirely by volunteers, includes a formal rose garden, a collection of Bausman old garden roses, an English knot garden, a formal English garden, an herb garden, "Mr. McGregor's children's garden," a hosta garden, a Japanese garden, a children's flower and vegetable garden, Iowa State and All-American test gardens, various annual and perennial gardens, and a collection of dwarf conifers
Central Gardens of North Iowa, Clear Lake
Nestled in the heart of Clear Lake on the site of a former school, this 2.75-acre public garden is home to 22 small theme gardens, two beautiful lawns, and a gorgeous ceremonial arch and pavillion. Lovely water features, well-maintained beds, and beautiful little bridges make for a wonderful stroll. Free admission and handicapped/stroller accessible. Make time to walk through Clear Lake’s charming downtown and walk (or bike) along the lake.
The FranMara Garden
Home of Gary Whittenbaugh, Oelwein
Considered one of the best conifer gardens in Iowa.
This private garden is available for tours on a by-appointment basis. 319-283-3050 or franmara@mchsi.com.
Iowa Arboretum, Madrid
A visit to the Iowa Arboretum's 378-acre facility located in scenic, rural Boone County is an experience you won't want to miss. This site offers 40 acres developed as a "Library of Living Plants" showcasing hundreds of species of trees, shrubs and flowers in a tranquil scenic setting. The Iowa Arboretum displays the largest and most diverse display of plants that can be successfully grown in Iowa.
A wonderful place to take a long, beautiful walk!
The Prairie Pedlar, Odebolt
The Prairie Pedlar sprouted as a backyard business in 1985, growing in every direction for more than a decade. In the mid-1990s, an extensive relocation project began by securing an adjoining seven-acre farmstead and transforming the tumble-down property into a country garden retreat. A Sears & Roebuck barn and a country schoolhouse were rescued and refurbished in an effort to preserve the antiquity of rural Iowa.
Reiman Gardens, Ames
Now one of the largest public gardens in Iowa, Reiman Gardens creates a striking entrance to Iowa State University and the city of Ames. Situated on a 14-acre site, the year-round facility features distinct gardens throughout the indoor and outdoor areas, an indoor conservatory, 2,500-square-foot indoor butterfly wing, butterfly emergence cases, a gift shop, and five supporting greenhouses.
Seed Savers, Decorah
This unique heritage farm attracts visitors from all over the world. It maintains 20,000 rare vegetables and 2,000 traditional varieties, as well as over 650 varieties of 19th century apples and hardy grapes which are grown at the farm. This farm is also the home of 50 rare, ancient wild White Park cattle.
Vander Veer Park Botanical Garden, Davenport
Since its establishment in 1885 these gardens and floral displays have been a tradition at this beautiful 33-acre park. Inviting visitors to stroll from the conservatory to the stone fountain, the park grounds are home to an extensive collection of gardens and trees, including many planted during the early 1890s.
Willowglen Nurseries, Decorah
One of Veronica's favorite gardens in Iowa, this meandering collection of primarily perennial beds includes a variety of interesting cultivars not commonly found in other gardens.
Willowglen is closing its plants retail business to focus on its garden design work, but wonderful and varied garden will be available for visits on a by-appointment basis.
