A reason to visit the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, is that its outdoor gardens grow many of the same trees, shrubs and perennials that are found in this region. Des Moines is rated USDA Zone 5a and 5b and has an average of 9 more inches of rain each year and a somewhat less erratic temperature variation. But clay loam and sandy soils are common to both areas.
Grounds at the botanical garden include reflecting ponds and lotus blossoms in season.
As well as formal plantings, other flowerbeds are more casual as one might try at home. Here perennials have a yellow theme. The smokebush with lime-colored leaves and Missouri primroses are positioned for viewing in the path around them.
In the Conservatory, temperature controls in the areas allow for a range of plants.
The living plant wall is watered and maintained with perennials.
Plants are artistically arranged in displays, such as this bentwood piece.
Staff and lots of volunteer care is given plants at the conservatory. Topiaries have just been trimmed and arranged.
Plant displays are rotated in the living plant collection. Quite notable among Bonsai trees is the Ginkgo, said to maintained since 1865.
With the juniper (cedar) species so common in this region, the Bonsai form of this juniper shows artful view of the everyday tree.
If you’d like to find out more about The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, see the article published about it here:
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It is funny that some of the more interesting cacti collections are where cacti have no business being.
Reblogged this on Wolf's Birding and Bonsai Blog.