Get Gardening in Greater Des Moines

Flex your green thumb and enjoy the mood-boosting benefits of gardening. Whether you’re a seasoned seed starter or turning over a new leaf, Greater Des Moines (DSM) has what you need to get growing.

Greater Des Moines Garden Centers, Greenhouses and More

We’ve gathered information on local greenhouses, garden centers, horticulture groups and helpful classes you’ll dig. Explore all these verdant spots have to offer:

Inspiration awaits at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). Beyond the domed oasis, outdoor gardens feature native plantings and ornamental blooms. Members receive early access to sales like the spring garden market (May) and fall bulb sale (September), where you can shop unique varieties hand-selected by horticulturists. Special events and educational programs help you grow your skills, learn new techniques, add more eco-friendly practices and connect to a community of plant enthusiasts, year-round.

Many garden centers (like the family-owned Jenkins Garden Market in Carlisle, above) go dormant in the winter, reopening or extending hours in early spring. DSM is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 5, which sets our prime growing season at mid-May through mid-October.

Sometimes it’s better to call in the “plantscaping” pros. Trendy Gardener in Des Moines can transform your indoors with custom living and moss walls, plant maintenance plans and other tailored designs. Wright Outdoor Solutions in West Des Moines offers a full range of services that include tree trimming and lawn maintenance.

 

Pick up some pollinators at Perry Greenhouse & Supply or Busy Bee Garden Center, north of Indianola (above). While you visit Busy Bee, you can also stop and see animals like chickens, ducks, turkeys and livestock like miniature cows, pigs, sheep, and goats, as they roam the pastures around the greenhouses.

Cultivate an interest in specialty plant varieties by getting involved with the Central Iowa Orchid Society or the Mid-Iowa Cactus & Succulent Society.

Branching out from a houseplant hobby? Start with a hanging basket from Howell’s Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch in Cumming. Their expert staff can help you create a stunning flower combination in a compact container garden that adds a pop of color to your porch.

Make your backyard beautiful and delectable with edible landscaping. Incorporate berry bushes from Upstream Gardens & Orchard in Altoona, a you-pick spot that also sells plants and beekeeping supplies.

 

In Jasper County, the Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens (above) enriches visitor experiences by growing, exhibiting and educating with a focus on sustainable, ecological methods. Krumm Horticultural Center at the Arboretum hosts seminars, workshops and gardening programs.

The expanded and rebranded gift boutique at Canoyer Garden Center in Ankeny, “Glasshouse Market,” gives you a second reason to stop and shop. They carry unique gift items, classic home decor, the perfect accent to your garden or landscaping on site, along with an extensive collection of annuals, perennials and more.

Pella may be known for its stunning tulip gardens but Dutch Meadows Garden Center & Landscaping carries much more than bulbs. Mark your calendar for Pella’s Tulip Time Festival in early May and swing by for landscaping supplies to prep plant beds, flowers, vegetables, planting seeds, shrubs, trees and more.

Find the cream of the flower crop at Pepperharrow Farm in Winterset. Budding florists and flower growers will find other classes, experiences and events like “Lavender Fest” (June) offer plenty of reasons to visit this idyllic Madison County location.

Check out the extensive workshop schedule at Ted Lare Design Build in Cumming. As creative landscaping design and installation specialists, they show off their expertise at this garden center paradise. Watch their website for special events, like a Mother’s Day Weekend Celebration that includes drop-in crafts, live music and wine slushies.

Ready to advance your training? Becoming a Master Gardener requires significant training and commitment, but the Iowa State University Extension program is a fantastic way to root yourself in knowledge and community. Gardens designed and tended by volunteers showcase acquired skills. Polk County Master Gardeners maintain three: the Demonstration Garden in Urbandale (pictured above), the Discovery Garden at the Iowa State Fairgrounds and the Enabling Garden in Altoona. Dallas County Master Gardeners’ demonstration garden is at the Fairgrounds in Adel.

Experience a Gardening Legend. The iconic Better Homes & Gardens, a Dotdash Meredith brand, is based here! Their test garden is open to the public most summer Fridays, Noon – 2 p.m. starting Friday, May 2, 2025. Tip: Bring your lunch (and some friends) and dine al fresco!