Planting for Pollinators

Pollinators are generating lots of “buzz” these days. Who are they and why should we care? In this class, explore a variety of pollinators and the reasons they’re important to our gardens and world. Registration required. Registration required.

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Garden Design for Beginners

Want to get into garden design but don’t know where to start? Learn from an expert at the Botanical Garden! This beginner-level class will show you how to plan and plant a beautiful garden perfect for your skill level. Learn how to plan out your space, research and sele......More

Want to get into garden design but don’t know where to start? Learn from an expert at the Botanical Garden! This beginner-level class will show you how to plan and plant a beautiful garden perfect for your skill level. Learn how to plan out your space, research and select the right plants, and create a color scheme like the pros! Registration required.

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Story Sprouts

Join us for this fun, interactive story time tailored toward children ages two to five that explores nature and plants. During each program, participants enjoy stories and an activity based on the week’s theme. Preregistration not required.

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Toast to Terrariums

Enjoy a glass of wine while learning to design and care for terrariums, then build your own in this hands-on workshop. All materials are provided —just bring your creativity. All participants must be at least 21 years of age. Registration required.

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Volunteer Orientation

Volunteer contributions are valued and support every aspect of activities and programming offered by the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. The orientation is open to any volunteer, strongly encouraged to all new volunteers, and required for some volunteer roles. It p......More

Volunteer contributions are valued and support every aspect of activities and programming offered by the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. The orientation is open to any volunteer, strongly encouraged to all new volunteers, and required for some volunteer roles. It provides an overview of the organization, its mission, gardens, events, and programs. The session also incorporates a short tour, a review of volunteer basics, and an opportunity to talk about current openings. Preregistration is required, and an application should be completed before attending. To register for the orientation, email [email protected] or call 515.323.6293.

Botany Book Club

What is better than books and botany? Each month January through June, read a book with us about or involving plants. Escape the Iowa weather and join other botanical book lovers for discussions and refreshments while immersed in the beauty and warmth of the Garden. Reg......More

What is better than books and botany? Each month January through June, read a book with us about or involving plants. Escape the Iowa weather and join other botanical book lovers for discussions and refreshments while immersed in the beauty and warmth of the Garden. Registration includes onsite book club meetings in the lush conservatory and refreshments. Registration does not include books. We encourage participants can purchase books from local bookstores: Beaverdale Books Racoon River Press Reading in Public Bookstore + Cafe Storyhouse Bookpub  January 29Brave the Wild River: The Untold Story of Two Women Who Mapped the Botany of the Grand Canyonby Melissa Sevigny February 19Soil: The Story of a Black Mothers GardenBy Camille T. Dungey March 25The Seed KeeperBy Diane Wilson April 29The Botany of Desire: A Plants Eye View of the Worldby Michael Pollan May 20Purple Hibiscusby Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche June 24Gardening Can Be Murderby Marta McDowell

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Bringing Birds to Your Backyard

Explore the types of landscaping that attract a large variety of nesting birds to your yard, no matter its size. Learn how native Iowa vegetation and proper bird feeding practices can help stabilize or even increase native bird populations. Registration required.

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden