May 4, 2026 - News

Des Moines Botanical Garden sprouts its own plant brand

Jason Clayworth

A photo of the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. — Blazing star, a pollinator-friendly native perennial commonly used in Midwest gardens, is among the types of plants for sale at the Spring Garden Market. Photo: Courtesy of the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is unveiling its first Dome Grown Collection — a signature brand featured during this week's annual plant sale, with varieties grown on-site.

Why it matters: It extends the attraction's mission by helping visitors identify plants selected for Central Iowa gardens — and take a piece of the garden home, CEO Kim Perez tells Axios.

Context: The Spring Garden Market is one of the botanical garden's key fundraisers.

Zoom in: The Dome Grown Collection includes herbs, vegetables and native plants, some of the same varieties the garden grows for display.

Inside the room: Local plant enthusiasts know that Thursday's Preview Evening is the power-shopper move.

For tickets that range between $30 and $125, guests get special early access to the sale.

The big picture: The market has grown beyond a traditional plant sale into a spring experience with local makers, botanical art, expert advice, a potting bar and food from Flora.

If you go: The regular sale starts Friday, 8am-5pm, with members-only shopping 8-10am; Saturday, 9am-4pm; and Sunday, 9am-3pm.

Admission is required to shop; members enter for free. Moms receive complimentary admission on Mother's Day.
909 Robert D. Ray Dr.

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Des Moines Botanical Garden sprouts its own plant brand

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