Summer Classes, Workshops Take Root at Botanical Garden
New summer classes, workshops and demonstrations fill the roster of educational opportunities at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden this summer. Beginning in late June, the Botanical Garden launches its first Summer Adult Education series with the first of three edible flower Lunch and Learn classes led by local gourmet horticulturist Cathy Wilkinson Barash. Against the backdrop of the Garden’s first summer exhibition Food is Pretty, the series highlights a range of topics including growing your own food, designing edible gardens, garden photography and even the launch of a new gardening app for iPhone developed by Ball Horticultural.
“We are really excited to bring in so many talented experts,” says Education and Outreach Manager Whitney Bouma. “We want to cultivate a reputation for high-quality, experiential programs that help people become better gardeners.”
Attendees can participate in everything from hands-on, edible floral arranging workshops to classes about basic garden maintenance from Botanical Garden horticulturists. “We want to offer a little something for everyone, whether you’re a new or experienced gardener,” says Bouma.
A full roster of programs, downloadable course catalog and information about registration can be found at dmbotanicalgarden.com.
The Botanical Garden is in the midst of a rebirth as construction continues on new outdoor gardens built as part of a multi-phase capital campaign. With a growing staff and expanding footprint, the Botanical Garden will launch additional new programs for children and youth in early fall. Fundraising is ongoing for the $6.2 million We Are a Garden Now campaign, which seeks to raise money for the development of two additional gardens, expansion of the Botanical Garden’s curatorial and educational programs and its endowment.
The Botanical Garden is located at 909 Robert D. Ray Drive and open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except major holidays. More information about membership and its benefits can be found at dmbotanicalgarden.com/support.
About Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
On January 1, 2013 the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden launched a new beginning. After years of planning, a bold vision, generous community support and a new staff, the Botanical Garden assumed operatorship of the iconic geodesic conservatory and 14 acres of land bordering the Des Moines River. Armed with a mission of exploring, explaining and celebrating the world of plants, we are a garden now. The Botanical Garden is a 501(c)(3) privately governed, not-for-profit institution with ten years of operating support at $645,000 per year from the City of Des Moines, Des Moines Water Works and Bravo Greater Des Moines. In addition, Phase II fundraising will grow the total endowment to $3.6 million.