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Des Moines Register
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden has reopened two renovated spaces after a $3 million update.The Gardeners Show House and Evergreen Gallery received infrastructure upgrades to better serve growing visitor numbers.Future projects include a lobby expansion, new garden spaces, and a new entry, with completion expected by 2028.
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden has unveiled two renovated spaces, both products of a $9 million fundraising campaign.
The longtime Gardeners Show House and what’s now called Evergreen Gallery recently reopened to the public ahead of the garden’s fall programming for Halloween. The uses of the two areas remain the same, but the underlying systems of the spaces were updated. Combined, the two renovations totaled $3 million.
From July 2024 to June, the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden saw over 139,000 visitors from all 50 states, according to its impact report. The renovations aim to accommodate the garden’s growth in visitors, said Kim Perez, president and CEO of the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.
“As we have seen that growth, we really need to pay attention to how the facility is working for, and sometimes working against, making our ability to serve those growing numbers possible,” Perez said at the unveiling of the refreshed space on Monday, Oct. 13. “And both of these spaces were in desperate need of some attention.”
What changes were made to the Gardeners Show House at the botanical garden?
The Gardeners Show House hasn’t seen updates since its opening in 2007.
All of the greenhouse panels on the roof and sides were replaced, along with the evaporative cooling system, to improve growing conditions. Heating for the show house was connected to the larger building’s geothermal system to enhance energy efficiency. Plumbing and electrical infrastructure also was updated.
The Gardeners Show House started as a public greenhouse that displayed houseplants tended by Polk County master gardeners. As the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden expanded, the professional horticulture staff and its volunteers began managing the space.
What changes were made to the Evergreen Gallery?
Formerly known as the North Gallery, the Evergreen Gallery contains four meeting rooms used for weddings and other events at the garden, as well as a botanical art gallery. A family restroom with a universal changing table was installed, along with new lighting. While many of the additions may not be apparent to a new visitor, operating without them made a difference in visitors’ experiences, Perez said.
“It’s just a really important feature people take for granted,” Perez said of the additions.
The Evergreen Gallery partially reopened as renovations in each room were completed. Now the entire space is available for use.
“It’s been a very well-loved space, and it needed some attention,” Perez said.
What is the Welcome, Gather, Grow campaign?
Both projects are part of a larger campaign for the garden known as the Welcome, Gather, Grow capital campaign. Fundraising exceeded the initial goal of $9 million, totaling more than $9.6 million. Starting in 2026, the botanical garden will take on the remaining projects:
A planned lobby expansion that will create a dedicated admission area and Garden Shop.New garden spaces, free-access gardens and educational signage.A new entry for the garden. Renderings released when it first was announced depict a lighted archway on Robert D. Ray Drive at the Interstate 235 underpass. The exact location and design are still to be determined as the botanical garden works with the city to get the plan approved, said Delaney Lynch, director of marketing.
Work is expected to be completed by 2028, Lynch told the Register.
Kate Kealey is the growth and development reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.
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