better homes and gardens test garden

SteveC507

There is a very small window of time every week to actually see this attraction but it's worth it if you enjoy exceptional gardening and unique flora. Great place to sit and eat your lunch, hard to believe it sits in the middle of downtown.

JohnTerry13

We attended Better Homes and Gardens Cooking Experience dinner. This inaugural event, paired with an all day series of cooking classes was a delight. The hospitality was top notch and service excellent. The wine pairings with our dinner were delicious. It was truly an honor to be part of this special event and hope to have future chances to be a part of BHG exciting events.

jelkberk

This garden is nice but not exceptional. It is open to the public only 2 hours a week from noon to 2 pm on Fridays. Plants are well labeled but the garden is challenging to find, especially since a security officer in an adjacent magazine building sent me in the wrong direction. I'm glad I visited because if I missed it, I would have wondered what I skipped. The nearby Poppajohn Sculpture Garden is a more dynamic attraction.

Butterfly0712

My brother, sister and I visited the gardens. They are more "plant people" than I am, so they did have questions and they said the people there answered them knowledgeably and so they could understand what was being said. I was just there to look at the pretty flowers and plants. It is set up with winding pathways. One problem is, that we entered from the south and you have stairs to go down to get into the gardens. That makes it difficult when using a walker. I did need help. Also another problem I had was the bricks on the pathways, as It was difficult to use my walker (it has wheels) on the bricks. I must admit it would have been easier if it was paved, but the bricks do make it more of a garden look.

CR4SHL3Y

Gentleman, if you want to surprise your lady, you should pack a picnic for her and plan to come here. She will love you for it!

SillyG2003

This is a gem in downtown Des Moines. May through October Better Homes and Gardens opens their test garden on Fridays during the lunch hour. Grab some take out or bring a picnic basket its a great spot for a lunch date and there is no admission. There are plenty of places to sit and eat. After eating stroll through the gardens and admire all of the beautiful plants. There are gardeners there to answer any questions you may have.

VanessaP913

Took my boyfriend here for a walk after lunch. Lovely garden in the middle of downtown. Complete with old ladies with wide brimmed hats.

cjdub62

Very beautiful gardens, literally hiddenl! Worth the stop! Thanks to Tripadvisor for sharing reviews and information!

dejofe01

Hidden amoung downtown buildings, a beautiful gem is nestled. It is only open Friday from 12-2 during may-oct so it might be hard to find time to get there but if you can it's totally worth it. Many people grab there lunch and bring it to one of the many seats in the garden.

anniemonb

I have lived in Des Moines for over 35 years and had no idea this garden existed until I looked on Trip Advisor.The garden is hard to find but well worth it. They are peaceful and beautiful, perfectly maintained and right in the middle of the city. Open on Fridays 12:00-2:00 PM, May-Sept or Oct. Just west of the Papa John Sculpture Garden between Grand and Locust. Enter on the south side, right in the middle.My only complaint is they should be open more often.

amott4

The Fairfield Women's Garden Club visited these lovely gardens on a guided tour. They lady that showed us around was very knowledgeable about all the different plants and trees. No matter how long a person has been gardening you can always learn something new. They have a lot of the new varieties of plants that are not even on the market yet but you can look for in the future. It is always fun to be on the hunt for something new and different.There are many lovely places to sit and rest in the shade if you like. It's just a very enjoyable place to visit!

Oatbagg

i go visit the BHG gardens when i feel low and the gorgeous scenery, lovely variety of flowers and the serene fish pond always cheer me up. The women in charge are truly gracious and helpful as they lead tours (Fridays) and always answer questions with a keen knowledge and wit. Splendid colors in the spring.

batterypost

While it was a small test garden for the magazine, the staff was very helpful with questions about plants and pests.

879SarahA

Are you looking for a really original place to visit? Just west of the Des Moines sculpture garden is the BH & G garden. It is open over extended lunch hours and is the perfect place to picnic. It is on the trolley line so you can get back to you office or hop on the trolley to other downtown attractions. I almost don't want to review it because I don't want to let the secret out!

DesMoinesIowaGuy

Open on Friday afternoons from spring through fall, this compact display garden is designed on a scale that makes it truly inspirational for home gardeners. Annuals, perennials, flowering trees, and a tiny vegetable plot ensure a constantly changing experience.