Community Outreach
Bring the Garden to You
Hands-on plant programs for schools, businesses, libraries, senior living communities, and special events throughout Central Iowa.
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden brings engaging plant experiences directly to your school, workplace, library, senior living community, or special event. Our outreach programs make it easy for people of all ages, abilities, and experience levels to learn, create, and connect through plants.
Ready to bring the Botanical Garden to your group?
Trusted by schools, businesses, libraries, and community organizations across Central Iowa, our outreach programs make it easy to bring the Botanical Garden experience to your group.
Why Choose Outreach Programs?
Choose the outreach experience that’s right for your group. Every program is led by Botanical Garden educators and staff and can be tailored to your audience whenever possible.
- We bring everything to you
- Programs for all ages and experience levels
- Flexible options for schools, businesses, and community groups
- Hands-on experiences that inspire curiosity and connection
Outreach Offerings
Interactive Lessons
Bring science and nature to life through engaging, hands-on learning.
Perfect for: Classrooms, libraries, youth groups
Length: 60 minutes
Description: Hands-on sessions combine stories, activities, and interactive learning to spark curiosity about plants and the natural world.
Popular Topics:
- Garden Exploration Story Time (Ages 1–K)
- The Seedy Side of Plants (K+)
- Unusual Pollinators (All Ages)
Pricing:
- Schools: $50 (up to 30 participants), $30/additional group
- Non-schools: $90, $70/additional group
Guided Potting Workshops
Interactive, beginner-friendly workshop to learn about plants.
Perfect for: Team building, employee appreciation, clubs, social groups, lifelong learners
Length: 60–90 minutes
Description: Create a living project to take home while learning basic plant care in a relaxed, hands-on workshop. Ideal for team building, clubs, and social gatherings.
Popular Topics:
- Air Plant Orbs
- Houseplants 101
- Terrariums (multiple sizes available)
Pricing:
- Schools: $50 base + materials
- Non-schools: $90 base + materials
Self-Guided Potting Bar
DIY self-guided potting bar – No experience required & all materials are ready when you arrive!
Perfect for: Open houses, parties, casual gatherings
Length: Up to 2 hours
Description: Guests can pot plants at their own pace during this drop-in experience. We provide the plants, containers, supplies, and simple instructions—your guests provide the creativity.
Popular Topics:
- Air Plant Orbs
- Houseplants 101
- Terrariums (multiple sizes available)
Pricing:
- $50 base + materials
Speaker Presentations
Bring the wonder of nature directly to your audience.
Perfect for: Garden clubs, workplaces, community groups, lifelong learners
Length: 60–90 minutes
Description: Our engaging presentations combine storytelling, beautiful photography, and horticultural knowledge to explore engaging plant topics for garden clubs, workplaces, and community organizations.
Popular Topics:
- The Botanical Garden: Past, Present & Future
- Houseplants Made Easy
- Crazy Carnivorous Plants
- Spring Ephemerals
- Fall Color Secrets
Pricing:
- $90 per program
Event Booths
Highlight the Botanical Garden at your event with information and activities.
Perfect for: Festivals, markets, community events
Description: Bring an interactive botanical experience to your festival, farmers market, fair, or community event. Guests can stop by to discover plants through fun, hands-on activities for all ages.
Pricing:
- Free, based on availability
Looking for Something Custom?
Have something in mind? Let’s make it happen.
Don’t see exactly what you’re looking for? We’ll work with you to design a customized experience that fits your audience, goals, and budget.
Ready to Get Started?
Tell us about your group, and we’ll help you plan the perfect Botanical Garden experience.
FAQs
Schools, businesses, libraries, senior living communities, nonprofits, and community organizations can book an outreach program.
We travel throughout the Greater Des Moines and much of Central Iowa. Programs more than 10 miles from the Botanical Garden include a mileage fee.
We recommend booking at least two weeks in advance.
Yes! We're happy to tailor many programs to your audience or event.
Most programs can accommodate groups of varying sizes. Contact us to discuss your group, and we'll recommend the best option of how many can participate.