Queen of the Night

by Delaney Lynch | Sep 4, 2026 | Bloom Extra, Horticulture

The Magic of a Night Blooming Cactus Imagine waiting months, or even years, for a flower that opens for just one extraordinary night. That’s part of the magic of Queen of the Night. While most flowers put on their show during daylight hours, these remarkable night...

See the Beauty in Our Edible Border

by Delaney Lynch | Aug 7, 2026 | Activities, Horticulture, Things to Do

Where the Vegetable Garden is a Feature Can a vegetable garden be just as beautiful as it is productive? Absolutely. If you’ve ever thought vegetable gardens belong behind the fence while flower beds took center stage, think again. This season at the Greater Des...

How to Make a Mini Water Garden

by Delaney Lynch | Jul 24, 2026 | Horticulture, How To

Grow & Tell: Create a Peaceful Focal Point Imagine stepping onto your patio and hearing the gentle sound of water while dragonflies dart overhead and water lilies bloom just a few feet away. It may sound like something reserved for large botanical gardens, but...

Made in the Shade

by Delaney Lynch | Jul 10, 2026 | Activities, Horticulture, Things to Do

Why Shade Gardens May Be the Most Relaxing Place to Spend Summer When summer temperatures climb, most of us instinctively look for shade. Fortunately, shady spaces can offer much more than relief from the heat. They can become some of the most beautiful, peaceful, and...

Rainbow of Coleus Colors in the Garden

by Delaney Lynch | Jun 4, 2026 | Activities, Horticulture, Things to Do

How to Add this Vibrant Foliage Favorite to Your Life Did you know the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is home to one of the largest coleus collections in North America, featuring nearly 400 different varieties? Coleus is one of the easiest and most impactful ways...

How to Do Maximalist Gardening

by Delaney Lynch | May 22, 2026 | Horticulture, How To

Grow & Tell: Designing Abundance in Every Corner Step into a maximalist garden and you feel it instantly—color layered upon color, textures weaving together, and life thriving in every inch. Unlike minimalist landscapes that emphasize restraint and open space,...