Water Garden

The half-acre water garden is the first significant outdoor garden space that engages visitors with the Botanical Garden experience, offering a panoramic view of the Des Moines skyline from the boardwalk and the precipitating sound of water falling from a rill along the terrace. The water garden showcases three islands of seasonal and tropical plantings, in addition to over 100 water lilies, 300 Iris fulva (copper irises)and numerous other aquatic perennials that populate the perimeter ledges.

As a permanent, year-round feature, the water garden contains over 700,000 gallons of water and visually connects with the surface of the Des Moines River in the distance, a reminder of the Garden’s unique location in downtown.