Better Homes & Gardens Test Garden
A hidden gem offering a stunning array of diverse plants and gardening inspiration, accessible only during limited hours.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Only open hours
Better Homes & Gardens Test Garden
Best Time
Only open hours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hidden gem offering a stunning array of diverse plants and gardening inspiration, accessible only during limited hours.
"A beautiful garden hidden gem with a huge variety and knowledgeable guides!"
🎯 Catch the Friday Window
The garden is only open Fridays from 12-2 PM. Don't miss this short window!
🧺 Picnic Potential
Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Food options nearby are limited.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Diverse Plant Collections
Various themed sections
Explore thousands of plants from around the world, with 22 dedicated sections like shade and herb gardens.
Tranquil Fountain & Seating
Central garden area
Relax by the soothing fountain and find shaded seating amidst the lush greenery. A perfect spot for a quiet moment.
Knowledgeable Guides
Throughout the garden
Engage with friendly staff who share insights and answer questions, enhancing your garden experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Limited Open Hours
Parking & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Catch the Friday Window
The garden is only open Fridays from 12-2 PM. Don't miss this short window! +1
🧺 Picnic Potential
Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Food options nearby are limited.
🚗 Metered Parking
Quarters are needed for the meter parking right outside the north gate.
💡 Plant Inspiration
Great for yard ideas! Many plants are labeled, offering inspiration for your own garden.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Catch the Friday Window
The garden is only open Fridays from 12-2 PM. Don't miss this short window! +1
🧺 Picnic Potential
Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Food options nearby are limited.
🚗 Metered Parking
Quarters are needed for the meter parking right outside the north gate.
💡 Plant Inspiration
Great for yard ideas! Many plants are labeled, offering inspiration for your own garden.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Better Homes & Gardens Test Garden's surprising beauty and diverse plant collections, especially appreciating the knowledgeable and friendly staff. The garden's main drawback is its extremely limited Friday-only visiting hours, which can make it difficult to access. +1
"Beautiful garden!! We were on vacation and didn’t know this was nearby—great surprise! The fountain, multiple paths, shaded seating area, and multitude/variety of plants were all great. The people working were very friendly and answered all our questions. They said there were probably 2,500-3,000 plants total inside, and every year the take out some and put in some. All kinds from all over are present.
•
We just happened to be available during the only open hours (Friday 12p-2p), which made it a special treat. We did peer through the “windows” earlier in the week, but it was definitely worth it to go back and see it from the inside. The kids loved it to."
Liz Davis
"Beautiful garden hidden just west of the Papajohn Sculpture park in Downtown Des Moines. Curated, designed, and kept for the last 26 years by it's creator Sandra - this Des Moines gem is not to be missed. Open to the public on Fridays Noon-2pm."
Benjamin Shaw
"Take a picnic lunch and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of this garden!"
Kimberly Van Ryswyk
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The garden is located just west of the Papajohn Sculpture Park in Downtown Des Moines. Metered parking is available directly outside the north gate.
Information on specific public transport routes is not widely available, but its downtown location suggests accessibility via local bus services. It's best to check local transit schedules.
The Papajohn Sculpture Park is adjacent to the garden, offering another excellent attraction to combine with your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The garden is famously open only on Fridays from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. +1
Admission to the garden is free.
While you can peer through the gates, the garden is only accessible from the inside during its limited Friday hours.
No advance booking is required as admission is free and it's open to the public during its specified hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend about 45 minutes to an hour exploring the entire garden, appreciating its variety.
Restroom facilities are not conveniently located at the garden itself. It's advisable to use facilities before or after your visit.
Yes, photography is encouraged to capture the beauty of the diverse plant life and garden features.
Yes, many of the plants are labeled, providing information about their species and origins.
Yes, children often enjoy the garden, especially the fountain and the variety of plants.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Food and dining options are not readily available at the garden. It's recommended to plan for meals before or after your visit.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
📸 📸 Photography
The fountain area, the diverse plant sections, and any shaded seating spots offer beautiful photographic opportunities.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, so feel free to capture the beauty of the garden.
Any camera or smartphone can capture the garden's beauty, but a phone with good low-light capabilities might be useful if visiting during overcast conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🌿 Garden Enthusiasts & Plant Lovers
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Appeal of Limited Access
This garden, curated and maintained by its creator Sandra for 26 years, offers a curated collection rather than vast expanses. It's not a large botanical garden, but its strength lies in the immense variety and knowledgeable guidance provided.
Gardening Inspiration and Plant Variety
While not a sprawling botanical garden, the curated collection and the expertise of the staff make it a highly rewarding visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit