- A Note from our Benefactor
- History
- Mission, Strategic Plan & Annual Report
- Master Site Plan
- Future
- Staff
- Press Room
- Plant A Row for the Hungry – Story County, Iowa
- Request a Donation from the Gardens
- Nature of the Game Exhibition Rental
Press Room
Pronunciation
Reiman (rye-men) Gardens
Contact
Media inquiries may be directed to Maria Teply, Reiman Gardens’ Communications Coordinator, at mozy@iastate.edu or 515-294-4169, or find contact information for other Reiman Gardens’ staffers here.
Logos
click on the logos to download full size versions
Images
click on the image to download a full size version
click on the image to download a full size version
Mission
Educate, enchant, and inspire an appreciation of plants, butterflies, and the beauty of the natural world.
Master Site Plan
Reiman Gardens’ new master site plan was unveiled in early 2016 and will guide the direction of the physical spaces in the Gardens for the next 20 years. Find out more about our master plan here.
Strategic Plan
The Gardens’ strategic plan guides the financial and programmatic goals of the Gardens. We have four overarching transformative goals. Goal I is to attract and serve a large and broad audience through exceptional experiences. Goal II is to operate and maintain Reiman Gardens’ collections, gardens, and butterfly exhibits to the highest standards. Goal III is to become an indispensable part of Iowa State University. Goal IV is to develop the financial, human, and infrastructure resources to support the mission, vision, and goals to the highest level. The strategic plan may be viewed in its entirety here.
Annual Report
Reiman Gardens’ creates an all-encompassing annual report with updates from each of its departments over the past year. View the past annual reports.
Fact Sheet
Learn about Reiman Gardens including its history on the Iowa State campus, the benefactor, the architects and garden designers who designed it, and its use of theme years to tie the everything together from garden displays, to events, to items in the Gift Shop.
Go Behind the Scenes with our YouTube Channel
Find out more about Reiman Gardens on our YouTube channel. Go behind the scenes to see the inner workings of the Gardens, or learn something from one of our expert horticulturists, or find out more about butterflies.
In the News
June 2023
How lower income Iowans can get summer discounts at museums, gardens – WHOTV
May 2023
Summit supports Reiman Gardens with donation, labor – Spencer Daily Reporter
Three events to enjoy this Mother’s Day in the Des Moines metro – We Are Iowa
7 Most Charming Cities In Iowa – World Atlas
April 2023
Photos: Rovers at Reiman – Ames Tribune
4 Iowa Events to Check Out This Weekend (April 14-16) – Iowa Starting Line
20 Things To Do In Ames – Travel2Next
March 2023
Cure spring fever with family-fun activities – Discover Ames
February 2023
Heart Of The Midwest: The Ultimate Guide To Ames & Things To Do – The Travel
Hundreds of flowers for sale at annual Orchid Fest – Iowa State Daily
December 2022
50 ways to explore the state, from Council Bluffs to Lansing – Little Village
25 Date Ideas in Ames, IA: Romantic Things To Do in Ames – Dymabroad
Travel Iowa tour of holiday destinations plus what’s new for 2023 – TV6 KWQC
Six best Christmas light displays in Des Moines – Axios Des Moines
November 2022
Travel Iowa: December – KMCH Mix 94.7
Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Here’s a list of events in Ames – Ames Tribune
Walk Through A Christmas Wonderland at an Awesome Iowa Event – 98.1 KHAK
11 Christmas light displays to visit in central Iowa this holiday season – Des Moines Register
Unique Train Display Opens at Iowa State’s Reiman Gardens – The Steve Harvey Show
Local kids practice science with Cy – Iowa State Daily
October 2022
Local kids practice science with Cy – Iowa State Daily
More than 7,000 people attend Spirits in the Garden – Iowa State Daily
Photos: Reiman Gardens’ annual Spirits in the Gardens – Ames Tribune
Check out 1,000 plus carved pumpkins this weekend in Iowa – 98.1 KHAK
Bucket list for spending fall in Ames – Iowa State Daily
Ames: 7 Best Places To Visit In Ames, lowa – Nomad
September 2022
Greenhouse Short Course to Be Held at Reiman Gardens – Atlantic News TelegraphAugust 2022
10 Best Things to Do in Ames, Iowa – Vacation Idea
July 2022
A Day at Reiman Gardens – The Lavender Ladies
June 2022
Iowa Soft Excursions – Leisure Group Travel
Find the best groundcovers for your yard – Iowa Public Radio
12 Best Things to do in Ames, Iowa – Via Travelers
May 2022
Five Things to Do in Ames This Weekend – Ames Tribune
Warm weather leads to more yardwork across Iowa – WHO TV
April 2022
Iowa State University – The College Tour
Catch Des Moines’ Easter Weekend Blog and other fun things to do this week! – We Are Iowa
Celebrate spring at Reiman Gardens – Spencer Daily Reporter
Reiman Gardens is focus of Brown Bag Briefing – The Messenger
Travel Iowa: What to do in April across the State of Iowa – CBS2
March 2022
Annual Spring Enchantment display returns to Reiman Gardens – Iowa State Daily
10 spots for an Ames spring break staycation – Iowa State Daily
February 2022
Three ways to help beat the winter doldrums this month – Ames Tribune
Reiman Gardens launches “From Soil to Sky,” a gardening series for beginners – Iowa State Daily
January 2022
9 Of The Best Road Trip Worthy Adventures You Can Experience In Iowa – Only in Your State
December 2021
Winter Wonderscape Experience at Reiman Gardens – Des Moines Parent
Roses: An Iowa State Tradition – CALS Connections
This year’s must-see holiday light shows in the Des Moines metro – Axios Des Moines
Checking out holiday light displays – WHO 13
Reiman Gardens’ Winter Wonderscape light show is back for the holidays – Iowa State Daily
October 2021
1,000 Jack-O’-Lanterns on display at Reiman Gardens’ Spirits in the Garden – Ames Tribune
Virtual gardening event Oct. 9 – AgriNews
There’s A Glowing Pumpkin Trail Coming To Iowa And It’ll Make Your Fall Magical – Only in Your State
A Unique Iowa Event Will Feature Over 1,000 Carved Pumpkins – 98.1 KHAK
Autumn events in the Ames area gear up for October – Iowa State Daily
Halloween season is here. We have the trick-or-treat, scary and sweet details. – Ames Tribune
September 2021
Butterflies drink more than nectar—here’s how to turn your yard into an oasis – Popular Science
Best areas in Ames to embrace the great outdoors – Iowa State Daily
August 2021
Reiman Gardens presents origami-themed art installation – Iowa State Daily
July 2021
Des Moines Area Gardens: The Ultimate Travelogue – Flower Chick
Nature-inspired Garden Art Fair returns to Reiman Gardens on Sunday – Ames Tribune
June 2021
Butterflies invade area – Cresco Times
IOWA’S HISTORIC BYWAYS – Leisure Group Travel
With Reiman Gardens, Cyclone City Tour and more, Ames makes a great day trip – The Gazette
Altrusa Club of Ames to hold first Spring Garden Tour June 5 – Ames Tribune
May 2021
Photos: Origami sculpture exhibit to open at Reiman Gardens – Ames Tribune
Photos: Ames students celebrate at ‘Midnight Garden’ themed prom dance – Ames Tribune
ORIGAMI ART UNFOLDS AT REIMAN GARDENS – IA newsletter
April 2021
Giant origami-inspired sculptures on display at Reiman Gardens starting May 22 – Ames Tribune
The Week in Social – This is Iowa
Spring date inspiration – Iowa State Daily
March 2021
January 2021
Our Best Plant Sale Ever – Public Garden Magazine
December 2020
Little but mighty: Zoom event will feature Reiman’s RG Express – Ames Tribune
November 2020
Reiman Gardens unveils Winter Wonderscape holiday light show – Ames Tribune
Iowa State professor pens ‘The Butterfly Effect,’ inspired by Reiman Gardens in Ames – Ames Tribune
October 2020
Five Amazing Day Trips: Iowa – Check-It-Off Travel
Photos: Jack-o’-Lanterns on display at Reiman’s Spirits in the Gardens in Ames – Ames Tribune
Reiman’s ‘Spirits in the Gardens’ event adapts to COVID-19 – Ames Tribune
Houseplants and their effect on health – Iowa State Daily
September 2020
Reiman Gardens’ conservatory complex to reopen this week – Ames Tribune
Pumpkin art is available at Reiman Gardens this fall – Iowa State Daily
August 2020
Iowa’s Reiman Gardens – Midwest Almanac
June 2020
Chase Krug: A summer spent at Reiman Gardens – Department of Agronomy
Top 10 things to do in Central Iowa this summer – Times Republican
May 2020
HOME BRIEFS: You can help with butterfly survey – Quad Cities Times
April 2020
March 2020
Reiman Gardens celebrating 25th year with ‘Wild and Whimsical’ displays – Dallas County News
February 2020
New gardening TV show for Iowans featuring Reiman Gardens’ Aaron Steil
January 2020
Reiman Gardens celebrating 25th year with ‘Wild and Whimsical’ displays – Ames Tribune
Reiman Gardens announces new theme for the year – Iowa State Daily
15 Things To Add To Your Iowa Bucket List! – Between England and Iowa
December 2019
Butterfly Blizzard – Ames Tribune
Optical illusion presentation to take over Reiman Gardens – Iowa State Daily
Train display returns to Reiman Gardens – Iowa State Daily
Seeing The CYtes! Things To Do In Ames Iowa – Between England and Iowa
Des Moines Moms Guide to December 2019 – Des Moines Moms Blog
November 2019
Reiman Gardens getting ready for RG Express Holiday Train – ABC5
Reiman Garden’s Express Holiday Train set to return Saturday – Ames Tribune
October 2019
2019 10 Best College Towns – Livability
Spirits in the Gardens returns for a fourth year at Reiman Gardens – Ames Tribune
To-do’s to celebrate fall in Ames – Iowa State Daily
Des Moines Moms Guide to October Events 2019 – Des Moines City Moms Club
September 2019
Reiman Gardens: Spirits in the Gardens – Des Moines Parent
New fall display at Reiman Gardens inspired by ISU football – Nebraska City News Press
Annual Quilt Show coming up at Reiman Gardens – Boone News Republican
August 2019
Garden Quilt Show at Reiman Gardens – Story County Sun
Percival Scientific Incubation Chambers for Reiman Gardens – Percival Scientific
Construction projects progress on campus – Iowa State Daily
Reiman Gardens Sycamore Falls Nearing Completion – Ames Tribune
July 2019
Brad’s Backyard Garden: Taking in the beauty of Reiman Gardens – WOITV
June 2019
Brad’s Backyard Garden: Healthy grass around your trees – WOI TV
Reiman Gardens hosts Pollinator Fest – WOI TV
Families learn about pollinators and the environment – Iowa State Daily
Fourth annual Pollinator Fest to begin Saturday – Iowa State Daily
Iowa’s Urban Adventures – Leisure Group Travel
May 2019
Local spots to visit on rainy days – Iowa State Daily
FUEL Story County bringing new event to Reiman Gardens – Iowa State Daily
Reiman Gardens to celebrate National Public Gardens Week – Ames Tribune
Story County Master Gardeners plant sale is coming up – Nebraska City News-Press
Newsleaders with Aaron Steil – Mediacom
‘Nature of the Game’ exhibit unveiled at Reiman Gardens – Ames Tribune
Reiman Gardens announces Access Program for low-income families – Boone News Republican
Brand new exhibition unveiled at Reiman Gardens – Journal Democrat
April 2019
Avoid the stress and enjoy Iowa State – Iowa State Daily
Easter at Reiman Gardens – Iowa State Daily
See an abundance of 55,000+ tulips blooming soon at Reiman Gardens! – Nebraska City News Press
More than 55,000 tulips about to bloom at Reiman Gardens – Ames Tribune
Iowa Ingredient – Iowa Public Television
March 2019
Brand new feature at Reiman Gardens – Nebraska City News-Press
Reiman Gardens’ new indoor feature puts spring bulbs on display – Ames Tribune
Brand new feature at Reiman Gardens – Boone News Republican
Ames resident will soon be inducted in the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame
February 2019
The 15 Most Romantic Places in Iowa! – Best Things Iowa
Reiman Gardens’ unique gravel-garden to be featured in U.S. Botanic Garden exhibit – Ames Tribune
Orchid Fest at Reiman Gardens Adds Some Color to this Winter Weather – WHO TV
Volunteers Make Reiman Gardens Go – Story County Sun
January 2019
Reiman Gardens Annual Orchid Fest on February 9 and 10 – Story County Sun
Reiman Gardens announces Toys and Games theme for 2019 – Ames Tribune
New orchid display opens in Hughes Conservatory – Ames Tribune
Reiman Gardens offers free admission to furloughed federal employees – Ames Tribune
New Orchid Display Now Open in the Hughes Conservatory – Story County Sun
Des Moines Moms Guide to January 2019 – Des Moines Moms Blog
December 2018
2018 Year in Review – Iowa State University News Service
Reiman Gardens Free Admission Night During Christmas Season – WHO TV
November 2018
Exhibits on Display: Reiman Gardens – Ames Community Arts Council
25 Best Things to Do in Iowa – Vacation Idea: Dream Vacation Magazine
Reiman Gardens’ Holiday Train is a ‘must see’ in Central Iowa – Ames Tribune
Where to see Santa in Des Moines – Des Moines Moms Blog
Director Ed Lyon Interview – Mediacom Newsleaders
October 2018
Reiman Gardens: Spirits in the Gardens – Des Moines Parent
PHOTOS: Reiman Gardens presents Spirits in the Gardens – Iowa State Daily
Iowa State students carve 600 pumpkins for Reiman Gardens Jack-O-Lantern Walk – Ames Tribune
September 2018
Top 9 Things to Do in Iowa –Trekbible
United Way’s Day of Caring connects nonprofits and local businesses – Ames Tribune
Events going on in Des Moines this weekend, Sept. 6-9 – KCCI
Reiman Gardens Hosting Iowa Quilter’s Guild Show – WHO13
Reiman Gardens prepares for annual Garden Quilt Show – Ames Tribune
August 2018
Reiman Gardens’ ‘Fall Floral Frenzy’ new to Hughes Conservatory – Ames Tribune
Brad’s Backyard Garden: New exhibit at Reiman Gardens – ABC5
Slip, Slide, Splish, Splash – Ames Tribune
After Hours at the Gardens – Ames Tribune
July 2018
Destination Iowa: Reiman Gardens – Spencer Daily Reporter
Reiman Gardens Wind, Waves & Light Exhibit – CW Live
How to Keep Your Garden Rose-y This Summer – Iowa Public Radio
Brad’s Backyard Garden: Is It Too Late to Plant? – ABC5
PHOTOS: Water Days – Iowa State Daily
Renovations underway at Reiman Gardens as part of long-term master plan – Ames Tribune
Reiman Gardens’ Garden Art Fair Features Nearly 60 Artists – Ames Tribune
Watch the Fireworks in Ames on July 3 – Ames Tribune
June 2018
PHOTOS: Water Day at Reiman Gardens – Iowa State Daily
Insta-Summer: 50 Photo-Worthy Spots to Visit – Travel Iowa
Beauty to behold at Reiman Gardens – Times Republican
May 2018
AmeriCorps Volunteers to Help Out at Reiman Gardens – Story County Sun
Reiman Gardens holds closing art reception for Baggenstoss – Ames Tribune
Top 5 June Events in Ames – Travel Iowa
Public Gardens are Gems in Plain Sight – Iowa Public Radio
PHOTOS: National Public Gardens Day at Reiman Gardens – Iowa State Daily
Springtime in Central Iowa – Iowa Girl on the Go
April 2018
Celebrate Spring Fling weekend at Reiman Gardens – Ames Tribune
Reiman Gardens: 54,000 tulips blooming soon – Ames Tribune
Secret Garden: Botanical Gardens & Arboretums – Travel Iowa
Iowa State students unveil new sculpture at Reiman Gardens – ABC5
Reiman Gardens debuts new ISU student creation – Ames Tribune
Massive new Reiman Gardens exhibit invites you to play on it – KCCI
Students make a difference in the Ames community through CyServe Day – Iowa State Daily
The Secret Garden Hike In Iowa Will Make You Feel Like You’re In A Fairytale – Only in Your State
March 2018
Hunting for Eggs – Ames Tribune
Reiman Gardens hosts Spring Egg Hunt on March 31 – Ames Tribune
How Your Garden Grows – Page 39 of the March and April issue of AAA Living
Elwood, The World’s Tallest Concrete Gnome – Atlas Obscura
Orchids in the Air – Ames Tribune
February 2018
Photos of Orchid Fest – Ames Tribune
Reiman Gardens celebrates Orchid Fest Feb. 10, 11 – Ames Tribune
January 2018
Things to do this weekend at ISU January 25 – Ames Tribune
18 New Things to Do in 2018 – Travel Iowa
Things to do this weekend at ISU January 11 – Ames Tribune
December 2017
Third phase of Jack Trice Stadium improvements nearing halfway point – Ames Tribune
November 2017
RG Express Holiday Train returns to Reiman – Ames Tribune
Train fun at the gardens – Ames Tribune
October 2017
Reiman Gardens Carving 650 Jack-O-Lanterns This Week – WHOtv Channel 13
Spirits in the Gardens event to feature Jack-O-Lantern Walk – Ames Tribune
Volunteers sought to help with pumpkin carving at Reiman Gardens – Ames Tribune
September 2017
Painted Ladies Enjoy Iowa’s Great Fall-Like Weather – WHOtv Channel 13
Garden Quilt Show at Reiman Gardens – Ames Tribune
August 2017
‘It was really cool to see it, and now it’s gone’ – Ames Tribune
July 2017
Central Iowa Locations for Early Independence Day Celebrations – WHOtv Channel 13
Garden Art Fair returns to Reiman Gardens today – Ames Tribune
June 2017
Watch the fireworks at Reiman Gardens – Ames Tribune
Butterfly field day – Ames Tribune
Reiman Gardens holds Rose Fest on Saturday – Ames Tribune
April 2017
‘Washed Ashore’ exhibit opens at Reiman Gardens April 29 – Ames Tribune
Easter Egg Hunting – Ames Tribune
Spring Egg Hunt is April 15 – Ames Tribune
March 2017
Reiman Gardens to host St. Patrick’s Day party – Ames Tribune
February 2017
Reiman Gardens to host Orchid Fes – Ames Tribune
Think spring at Reiman Gardens – Des Moines Register
January 2017
Reiman Gardens to preview Washed Ashore exhibit Jan. 17 – Ames Tribune
Awards
2020 Best of Story County – Wedding Venue
2020 Best of Story County – 3rd place for Best Gift Shop
2019 Best of Story County – Wedding Venue
2018 Best of Story County – Wedding Venue
2017 Best of Story County – Wedding Venue
2016 Best of Story County – Wedding Venue
2013 Outstanding Tourism Experience
Reiman Gardens has been named an Outstanding Tourism Experience for 2013 by the Iowa Tourism Office and the Travel Federation of Iowa. We are honored to receive such a wonderful award. We could not do it without all of our visitors, members, donors, and volunteers. Thanks to everyone!
2009 People’s Choice – Site of the Year
Reiman Gardens in Ames received “People’s Choice – Site of the Year.” For the first time, SSNHA called for nominations and asked partner sites and visitors to vote online for their favorite site of the year.
2008 Arts in the Workplace Award
Presented by the Ames Community Arts Council, this award is presented to the organization that incorporates art into its business in a creative way.
2008 Attraction of the Year Award
The Iowa Tourism Office and the Travel Federation of Iowa presented Reiman Gardens with the Attraction of the Year Award for communities over 10,000 population.
