Impact & History
Our Impact
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is proud to be part of an organization that stands at the forefront of community engagement and horticultural education. Together with our members we have created a haven of tranquility, knowledge, and inspiration for so many individuals who sought beauty, fun, solace, and connections in nature.
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden remains dedicated to continuing our mission, expanding our outreach, and making even greater strides in the impact we have in Des Moines and beyond in the years to come.
Every achievement we celebrate is a testament to the strong sense of community and support by our loyal members. You can read more about our latest year in our annual Impact Report.
Diversity Commitment
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden stands as one team devoted to learning and practicing anti-racism, inclusion, diversity, equality and accessibility, such that the Garden can be a vital resource and advocate for our diverse community. Public gardens and community green spaces have an essential role in bringing our diverse community together. We believe the Garden is a platform for a hopeful and peaceful future. Together we will dedicate ourselves to the active work of listening, learning and breaking down barriers and inequities.
History of the Botanical Garden
1929
1929
The Des Moines Garden Club and the Des Moines Founders Garden Club plant seeds in the spring. The stock market crashes in October halted progress.
1956
1956
Members of the same garden clubs revive the idea of a botanical garden which was tied to the construction of two new swimming pools. The pools are built but the garden remains a dream.
1960 & 1964
1960 & 1964
False starts continue.
1966
1966
The City of Des Moines secures a 14-acre brickyard that will eventually become the site of the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.
1969
1969
October 1
Friends of the Des Moines Botanical Center, the facility’s first governing group, is officially incorporated.
1971-1977
1971-1977
The Friends raise $85,000.
1977
1977
August
Economic Development Work Project donates $2,577,000 to build the domed conservatory and the City of Des Moines contributed $700,000 to build the production greenhouses.
October 29
Ground is broken for the geodesic domed conservatory.
1979
1979
October
The conservatory receives a truckload of tropical and subtropical plants, a gift from Longwood Gardens.
December 15
Grand opening day is bitterly cold — the poinsettias in the lobby are frozen stiff from the doors being opened so many times.
1988-1991
1988-1991
A capital fund drive by the Friends funded the construction of the North Wing, new meeting rooms, additional production greenhouses, a reorganized entrance, and gardens along the river.
2003
2003
Declining revenues and increasing expenses lead the City of Des Moines to consider closing the facility, at which point Des Moines Water Works offers to assume management. Subsequently, the City of Des Moines contributes $600,000 for updating infrastructure and repair work completed by Water Works.
Declining revenues and increasing expenses lead the City of Des Moines to consider closing the facility, at which point Des Moines Water Works offers to assume management. Subsequently, the City of Des Moines contributes $600,000 for updating infrastructure and repair work completed by Water Works.
2007
2007
December
The Gardeners Show House, featuring frequently changed seasonal displays, open in one of the three production greenhouses, expanding the indoor spaces available to visitors and showcases the creativity and skills of the Polk County Master Gardeners and Botanical Center volunteers.
2008
2008
Des Moines Leaders – “Buz” Brenton, Janis Ruan, Tom Urbal, and Fred Weitz – in collaborations with the City of Des Moines, lay the groudwork for rebranding the existing Friends of the Des Moines Botanical Center to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and forming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to assume independent management of the Botanical Garden.
2009
2009
Following a nationwide search, Landscape Architect Doug Hoerr, principal at Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architecture of Chicago begins developing a site master plan, including plans for outdoor gardens.
2010-2011
2010-2011
Fundraising continues to secure increased operating support through agreements with Bravo Greater Des Moines, the City of Des Moines, and Des Moines Water Works.
2011
2011
May
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden assumes the 501(c)3 designation originally held by Friends of the Des Moines Botanical Center. A public/private partnership is formed between the Botanical Garden and the City of Des Moines for the long-term lease of the land and the operational and management duties for the facility. A governing board of directors is formed and capital fundraising for outdoor expansion begins.
June
DuPont Pioneer (now Corteva Agriscience) announces a $3 million contribution to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden’s “A New Beginning” capital campaign.
September
Following a nationwide search, Stephanie Jutila is named the first president and CEO.
2012
2012
June
The original site master plan developed by Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architecture is approved by the Des Moines City Council.
2013
2013
January 1
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden land lease with the City of Des Moines begins, marking a new era of leadership, operations and management.
March
Robert D. Ray Drive closes north of the Botanical Garden’s parking lot to make way for new outdoor gardens.
July
Construction on outdoor gardens, interior renovations begin.
September
A 265 sq. ft. living wall designed by Simonson & Associates is installed by GSky Plant Systems Inc. The wall is the first of its kind in the state of Iowa. With this installation, interior renovations are complete.
Fall
Planting in new landscape areas begins along with the kickoff of fundraising for the $6.2 million phase II of the original site master plan.
2014
2014
Spring-Late Summer
Planting in new landscape areas continues as phase I of the original site master plan nears completion.
Spring -Summer
Phase II construction begins.
2015
2015
April 4
New outdoor gardens (seven acres) open to the public for the first time.
2017
2017
July 25
The Amorphophallus titanium (corpse flower) blooms in the conservatory, the first of its kind in Iowa. The Botanical Garden welcomed 4,636 visitors the day of the bloom and 11,843 total visitors between July 13-31, 2017
2018
2018
February 3
The Botanical Garden receives Bravo Greater Des Moines’ Encore Award in recognition of the organization’s longstanding and exceptional contributions to the region’s cultural landscape.
2019
2019
January 1
The Botanical Garden joins the Museums for All initiative, providing free admission to EBT card holders.
June
The Botanical Garden adopts its next strategic plan, Increasing Our Relevance.
2020
2020
September 21
The Botanical Garden unveils the new Ruan Reflection Garden featuring two 12-foot-tall sky frames, a reflection pool, and fountain.
2021
2021
April
Following an extensive search, Kim Perez is named the Botanical Garden’s president and CEO.
Summer
More than 20,000 plants are installed in the newly expanded Robert D. Ray Asian Garden.
October
Plant Pet Program launches in partnership with Des Moines Public Schools and By Degrees Foundation. The program brings houseplants and plant education to Des Moines elementary and middle school students.
November 1
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden begins stewardship of the Robert D. Ray Asian Garden.
December
“Threshold,” a 16-foot-tall steel sculpture by Spanish artist Juanjo Novella honoring former Des Moines Mayor Tom Urban, is installed in the anticipated Founders Garden after being shipped across the Atlantic Ocean.
2022
2022
May
The Founders Garden and Hiller Family Rain Garden open to the public. These gardens feature a naturalistic planting style reflecting ecologies found in the state of Iowa while highlighting sustainable gardening and water management practices.
Today
Today
- Production greenhouse updates late summer 2022
- Mural by Marissa Hernandez
- Nature Play