Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens - Sun., Sept. 21, 2014

I love to visit gardens to learn about the world's flora. I wasn't sure what to expect from the Des Moines Botanical Gardens because it looked like it was only one domed structure. When I asked about how big the gardens were, I was told it was the indoor dome (Conservatory), Gardener's Show House, and North Gallery, but the new, seven-acre outdoor garden wouldn't be open until October 2. Bummer.

It was $5 to get in. Their special exhibit in the Gardener's Show House was different gardener's interpretations of works of art. Here are my impressions of Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens.

Plumeria with a large-leafed plant

Indian Clock Vine

Read the following carefully. It was with the art installation below it. I thought the artist had a great sense of humor.

Observations

"Observations" artistic planting.

Coleus

Golden Chain Orchid

Lavender Lady Passionflower

Orchid

Papaya

Bananas

Flamingo plant

Chenille plant

Bloodroot

Whimsical art in the garden

Orchids

Orchids

My overall impression is I've seen much better botanic gardens. If you haven't spent much time in a tropical area you might enjoy this garden, but it is very limited in size and scope (tropical and a small desert area). Maybe the outdoor garden will add a lot to the variety you will see here. [Disclaimer: We lived in Hawaii for five years and went to the botanic gardens there. We've see lots more tropical plants than what this garden offers.] This is a very small botanic garden.

That's all I've got. Travel Bug out.