Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden, Experimental garden in downtown Des Moines, United States.
The Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden contains 22 distinct areas including a mini meadow, conifer collection, raised vegetable beds, and a pond with waterfall.
Mark Kane established this garden in 1996 as a dedicated testing site for Better Homes and Gardens magazine, which opened to public visits in 2000.
The garden functions as an outdoor studio where photographers capture images of plants and gardening techniques for Better Homes and Gardens publications.
Visitors can access the garden for self-guided tours on Fridays between noon and 2 PM from May through September, with guided tours available for groups.
The garden team evaluates thousands of new plant varieties annually, replacing existing specimens with fresh varieties from breeders across the country.
Location: Des Moines
Website: https://bhg.com/gardening/design/test-garden-secrets/visiting-the-test-garden
Address: 1716 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA 50309 Des Moines
Phone: +15152843994
Website: https://bhg.com/gardening/design/test-garden-secrets/visiting-the-test-garden
GPS coordinates: 41.58486,-93.63760
Latest update: March 11, 2025 08:44
Des Moines features the golden-domed Capitol, art and history museums, urban parks, and cultural centers. The capital of Iowa includes botanical gardens, a zoo, contemporary art galleries, and local markets. The historic downtown hosts theaters, stadiums, and trails along the river.
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