• Story Sprouts

    Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden 909 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA

    Join us for a fun, interactive story time that explores nature and plants. During each program participants will enjoy stories and an activity based on the week’s theme. Story Sprouts is geared toward children ages two to five. Included with general admission.

  • Marimo Moss Ball Drop In

    Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden 909 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA

    Marimo moss balls are unique, easy to care for, and so cute! Create and decorate a tiny aquarium for your own miniature marimo moss balls. This drop-in style activity allows you to work at your own pace. Stations are sanitized between groups. Tickets do not include admission to the Garden. Walk-up registration only-available while supplies last. $10 fee per project. No registration required. Available while supplies last.

  • Spring Ephemeral Hike

    Join Botanical Garden staff on a leisurely stroll through Brown’s Woods Forest Preserve in search of spring ephemerals and mushrooms. Participants of all ages are welcome to enjoy this mile-long hike to search and learn more about these short-lived treasures such as trout lily, spring beauty, and dutchman’s breeches. Registration is required. All ages! $17 Members | $20 Nonmembers Register Here

  • Marimo Moss Ball Aquarium

    Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden 909 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA

    Marimo moss balls are unique, easy to care for, and so cute! Build and decorate an aquarium for your own marimo moss balls. Ages 12+. $34 Members, $40 Nonmembers Register Here

  • Weed Identification

    Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden 909 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA

    Weeds can often hide in plain sight while quietly affecting how our gardens grow and look. Together, we will explore some of these common chameleons of the garden and how to deal with their existence. Registration required. Ages 12+. $17 Members | $20 Nonmembers Register Here

  • First Fridays

    Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden 909 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA

    The Botanical Garden is open until 7:30 pm for First Fridays in the East Village. Come enjoy our urban oasis and the warmer weather. Join us at Flora inside for happy hour from 4-7 pm. Begin your weekend enjoying light bites & exclusive drink specials paired with a gorgeous view. Remember–FREE parking in our lot and along Robert D Ray Drive! May 2 Jun 6 Aug 1 Sep 5

  • Indoor Citrus 101 Part 2

    Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden 909 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA

    In this two-part class, you will learn how potted citrus trees can be successfully grown indoors in the Midwest. From soil mixtures to the unique botanical history, this class will cover all things citrus! This two-part class includes a starter citrus tree in addition to informational lectures. Ages 18+. $90 Members | $100 Nonmembers Register Here Multi part program--second part

  • Botany Book Club April

    Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden 909 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA

    What is better than books and botany? Each month during the program, read a book with us about or involving plants. Start your year off right by joining other botanical book lovers for discussions and refreshments while immersed in the beauty of the Garden. Registration includes onsite book club meetings in the lush conservatory and refreshments. Registration does not include books. Ages 12+. We encourage purchasing from local bookstores: Beaverdale Books | Wandering Raccoon Books | Reading in Public Bookstore + Cafe | Storyhouse Bookpub April 28: Devotions: The Selected Poems of Mary Oliver, Mary Oliver $10 Members | $15 Nonmembers Register Here

  • Spring Garden Market Preview Evening

    Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden 909 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA

    Be among the first to see what’s new at the Spring Garden Market during this sip and shop evening Garden event. Ticket price includes exclusive first access to available plants, a signature drink, cash bar and hors d’oeuvres to enjoy while you browse. Horticulture staff and volunteers will be on site for the event to help answer your questions. New this year: Vendors will be exhibiting during the evening with a variety of botanical art, fresh florals, and hand-made goods. Door prize drawings will also be taking place for gift baskets featuring a selection of our partner’s wares and Botanical Garden favorites. $30 Members | $35 Nonmembers Get Your Tickets Here

  • Spring Garden Market Friday

    Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden 909 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA

    Visit the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden’s annual Spring Garden Market for a unique shopping experience located in Des Moines’ most beautiful garden setting. Shop hundreds of plant varieties and tried-and-true favorites that flourish in central Iowa, selected by our own horticulturalists. Shop early, plant quantities are limited. While shopping, enjoy food, fun, and more along with art and other garden-related merchandise from our variety of vendors and community partners. Learn more about some of our region’s most special plants from our local plant societies. Horticulture staff and volunteers will be onsite throughout the event to help answer your questions. General admission prices grant access to the public sale on Friday, May 9, and Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11. Botanical Garden members shop free. Member – free Adult – $12 Senior (65+) – $11 Active/Retired Military – $11 Children (2-12) – $9 Children 2 and under – free Museums for All (WIC and SNAP EBT card holders) – free Members from participating AHS Reciprocal Admission Program institutions are not eligible for member ticket prices. Get your admission tickets here 

  • Spring Garden Market Saturday

    Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden 909 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA

    Visit the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden’s annual Spring Garden Market for a unique shopping experience located in Des Moines’ most beautiful garden setting. Shop hundreds of plant varieties and tried-and-true favorites that flourish in central Iowa, selected by our own horticulturalists. Shop early, plant quantities are limited. While shopping, enjoy food, fun, and more along with art and other garden-related merchandise from our variety of vendors and community partners. Learn more about some of our region’s most special plants from our local plant societies. Horticulture staff and volunteers will be onsite throughout the event to help answer your questions. General admission prices grant access to the public sale on Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11. Botanical Garden members shop free. Member – free Adult – $12 Senior (65+) – $11 Active/Retired Military – $11 Children (2-12) – $9 Children 2 and under – free Museums for All (WIC and SNAP EBT card holders) – free Members from participating AHS Reciprocal Admission Program institutions are not eligible for member ticket prices. Get your admission tickets here 

  • Spring Garden Market Sunday

    Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden 909 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA

    Visit the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden’s annual Spring Garden Market for a unique shopping experience located in Des Moines’ most beautiful garden setting. Shop hundreds of plant varieties and tried-and-true favorites that flourish in central Iowa, selected by our own horticulturalists. Shop early, plant quantities are limited. While shopping, enjoy food, fun, and more along with art and other garden-related merchandise from our variety of vendors and community partners. Learn more about some of our region’s most special plants from our local plant societies. Horticulture staff and volunteers will be onsite throughout the event to help answer your questions. General admission prices grant access to the public sale on Sunday, May 11, (Mother’s Day, moms receive complimentary admission) Botanical Garden members shop free. Member – free Adult – $12 Senior (65+) – $11 Active/Retired Military – $11 Children (2-12) – $9 Children 2 and under – free Museums for All (WIC and SNAP EBT card holders) – free Members from participating AHS Reciprocal Admission Program institutions are not eligible for member ticket prices. Get your admission tickets here