Visitor’s Guide

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Welcome

Open yourself to new discoveries and wander down the winding paths at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. From colorful unknowns to hidden delights under the dome, you’ll be surprised by what you’ll find in the Botanical Garden’s always friendly climate, no matter the season. Whether you want to explore our gardens, take in the art on exhibit in the North Gallery or in the Conservatory, even shop with a purpose in our Garden Shop, everything you need to know is right here. Find Your True Nature at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.

Admission Tickets & Hours

The Gardens

North Gallery Art

“BOTANICAL EXPLORATIONS”
An Exhibition from Kelsey Wilson
Jan 27 – Mar 31

Kelsey Wilson is an artist from Nevada, Iowa. She studied illustration and painting at Savannah College of Art and Design and is an active member of the American Society of Botanical Artists. Each day she pursues her ongoing studio mission to bring “Joy through Art.” 

Kelsey practices watercolor techniques from thin washes to dry brushing to execute highly detailed portraits of natural subjects. She takes care to observe the forms, textures and imperfections rather than painting an ideal version. By accurately painting the natural world with technical expertise, the artist carries the traditional genre of botanical art into the present. 

Kelsey paints for the purposes of joy and environmental understanding. 

All pieces are for sale.

Conservatory Exhibition

Hot Glass
An Exhibition from Joel Ryser
Nov 12 – Mar 30

Check out this video!

This new work for the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden explores the use of cane and murrine glass techniques dating back to Venetian glassmakers on the island of Murano in the 17th century. Although not in the traditional format, the colors and patterns are allowed to move in the end to create natural variations to the shapes. These glass forms enhance the beautiful gardens and are a perfect environment to showcase both the glass and plants.

These works are great indoors and out. Please consider purchasing a piece to donate to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Your gift to the Garden is tax deductible. Hot Glass Inc. is a recognized 501(c)3 educational organization. Proceeds from sales provide tuition free classes for at-risk youth and Veterans.

All works will remain on site until March 30 unless other arrangements are made. All purchases will be made directly with Joel Ryser of Hot Glass Inc. Contact him at 563-265-9079 or hotglassdavenport@gmail.com. Work can also be seen at hotglassart.org.

Hot Glass Inc. started after being inspired by a story about Dale Chihuly’s Hilltop Artists program in Tacoma, Washington 30 years ago. We are celebrating our 10th year. Located in Davenport Iowa, Joel and Logan Ryser serve the greater Quad Cities by teaching tuition free classes to at risk youth and Veterans. Glassblowing allows at-risk youth and Veterans to immediately see the results of their labor as adjustments have an immediate impact. 

 

  • Joel Ryser Executive Director Hot Glass Inc.
  • Retired Teacher and Fine Arts Chair Moline Senior High School
  • MS Western Illinois University
  • BS Art Education Illinois State University
  • BS Visual Art Eastern Oregon University
  • 2014 Lloyd Schoeneman Community Impact Award Quad City Arts
  • 2004 Illinois Humanities Council Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award

Shopping

Don’t miss The Garden Shop at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden when you visit. You’ll find one-of-a-kind items for those hard-to-buy-for garden enthusiasts or nature lover in your life. The store emphasizes handmade local goods including books, stationery, houseplants, seeds, children’s toys, and unique home decor. The Garden Shop is stocked with an ever-changing selection of items perfect for every season.

IN THE WORKS: Garden Shop Collection Online Store —stay tuned for updates.

Dining

Flora is open 11 am to 2 pm Wednesday through Sunday. And in the evenings for many of our signature events. Please go to https://dmbotanicalgarden.com/dine/ for more details.

Botanical Garden Do’s and Don’ts

To make your visit more enjoyable, and protect the Botanical Garden’s beautiful landscape, we ask:

DO stay on the paths unless otherwise designated. DON’T play, climb on, or attach anything to water features, sculptures, plants, or trees.
DO take pictures! Monopods are permitted. DON’T use tripods, lighting, and props (see our photography policy here for details).
DO smell and gently touch the plants, but please DON’T remove leaves, fruit, seeds or flowers from any plants in the garden.

DO dine with us! Refreshments are available at Flora Cafe and in the Garden Shop. Rental clients may use our approved caterers for food and beverages. DON’T bring in outside food.

DO enjoy our Nature Play area. DON’T play active sports and games except those provided by the Botanical Garden.
Please DO admire our bonsai collection, however, DON’T touch any part of the bonsai.
DO remember the Botanical Garden, including our parking lot, is a tobacco-free zone. DON’T smoke, vape or use any type of nicotine product at our facility.
DO bring your service animal, but please DON’T bring your pet. The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden does not allow pets on the Garden grounds. Service animals are permitted in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Service animals are defined by the ADA as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Service animals are working animals, not pets. The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.

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Directions

Eastbound on I-235

  • Take Exit 8B for East 6th Street exit
  • Turn right on East 6th Street
  • Turn right on Des Moines Street
  • Continue straight on Des Moines Street to the “T” intersection at Robert D. Ray Drive
  • Turn right on Robert D. Ray Drive
  • Continue straight, the road ends in the Botanical Garden parking lot

Westbound on I-235

  • Take Exit 8B for East 6th Street exit
  • Turn left on East 6th Street
  • Turn right on Des Moines Street
  • Continue straight on Des Moines Street to the “T” intersection at Robert D. Ray Drive
  • Turn right on Robert D. Ray Drive
  • Continue straight, the road ends in the Botanical Garden parking lot.

Eastbound from downtown

  • Take the Grand Avenue bridge over the river
  • Turn left on Robert D. Ray Drive
  • Continue straight, the road ends in the Botanical Garden parking lot

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