Wednesday Wanderings -- Reiman Gardens

With summer approaching, I am going to start covering some of the best places to go in and around Central Iowa.  If you want more information about a particular place, you can contact me through the comments here and place a request.  If you have more information to share about a particular place, let me know and I will get it added.  Look for a new post every Wednesday, unless I get too busy or forget. 

Reiman Gardens is one of my favorite local attractions.  Located in Ames, Iowa, right near the football stadium, this is worth more than a one-time visit.  Some ask what the draw is to a garden, especially for people who have children to entertain, but we love it because it is constantly changing.

What changes?

• Different flowers are in bloom every time we go, so the color and landscape are constantly in flux.

• There are always different butterflies in the front window and also in the butterfly wing.  

• Every year the gardens get a little larger, with more areas to explore.  It's a pretty large place (14 acres) so you can spend several hours exploring the entire garden.  OR, you can go when you have a spare hour and just visit a small area.
• Each year, there is a new theme to the garden, and it carries through the entire place.  They kick it off with a couple of displays, and it grows throughout the summer.
• Just in the past few years: 2009 The Landscape Before Time had dinosaurs all over the garden.

• 2010,Celebration of Garden Ornamentation, with the Giant Gnome!

• 2011 is all about insects!  We've already been to see the conservatory all decked out with a giant picnic and a display of leafcutter ants, but May 7 is the kickoff for the giant insect statues.

• This year, the cost to be a member has gone up to $55 (but that's for your whole family) though it now includes reciprocity for many other gardens.  Read about becoming a Co-Hort HERE.

What stays the same?

• The best part about the butterflies is that no matter what the weather is like OUTSIDE, inside it's always tropical.  It's a bit of heaven to visit in the winter.

• The rose gardens are wonderful, with so many varieties.
• The staff is friendly and helpful.
• Your admission is always free if you're a Co-hort. 
• Lots and lots of great activities, including story time.  They're twice a month between April-September, and FREE for co-horts.

Check out Reiman Gardens today!  Or, check them out on May 6, with a free ticket.  (Check my calendar or the previous Reiman Gardens post.  Or May 7, when they start the new display.