More than just a pretty space, this working garden serves as a vital hub for testing new plants, showcasing gardening ideas, and inspiring enthusiasts of all levels. The location, at the corner of Grand Avenue and 15th Street, is easily accessible and invites exploration. This is a space where innovation meets nature, and where visitors can connect with the enduring appeal of gardening.
1. A Living Laboratory for Plant Innovation
The Better Homes & Gardens Test Garden is fundamentally a research facility. Adjacent to the Des Moines office of People Inc., the parent company of Better Homes & Gardens, it’s where new plants are evaluated for their suitability for home gardens across a range of climates and conditions. The garden is more than just a showpiece; it’s a dynamic space where horticulturalists observe plant growth, assess disease resistance, and determine the best growing practices. For instance, Better Homes & Gardens might test a new variety of tomato for yield, flavor, and susceptibility to common blights. They might also evaluate the performance of drought-tolerant perennials in the Midwest’s often unpredictable summer weather. This testing process is critical to ensuring that the magazine’s recommendations are reliable and beneficial to readers. The raised beds, a defining feature of the garden’s design, are not merely aesthetic; they facilitate optimal drainage, promote healthier root development, and allow for precise soil amendments—essential for controlled experimentation. Because of this controlled environment, the Test Garden can quickly assess a plant’s potential before recommending it to home gardeners nationwide. The site’s consistent climate, influenced by the city’s location in the Midwest, allows for reliable data collection year after year.
2. A Seasonal Spectacle of Color and Texture
Visiting the Better Homes & Gardens Test Garden is a delightful experience that unfolds throughout the year. Each season brings a distinct display of colors, textures, and fragrances. The garden’s layout is thoughtfully designed to showcase the progression of plant life. In early spring, the Shade Garden offers a serene retreat, featuring woodland plants like bleeding hearts and Brunnera, their delicate blooms emerging before the trees fully leaf out. The Mixed Perennial Border bursts into life with a vibrant array of colors, from early spring bulbs to late-summer grasses. Imagine strolling through this border in June, surrounded by the cheerful hues of daylilies, coneflowers, and black-eyed Susans. As summer progresses, the Vegetable and Herb Garden comes alive with fragrant herbs like basil, sage, and chives—a sensory delight for any visitor. The garden’s design carefully considers succession planting, ensuring continuous interest from spring through fall. This thoughtful planning means there’s always something new to discover, making each visit a fresh and rewarding experience.
3. The Raised Bed System: Boosting Health and Longevity
One of the most notable aspects of the Better Homes & Gardens Test Garden is its extensive use of raised beds. This isn’t merely a design choice; it’s a strategic approach to gardening that offers several key advantages. Raised beds provide excellent drainage which prevents root rot and allows for better aeration. The soil within raised beds can be precisely amended to create an ideal growing environment, especially important in areas with challenging native soil. For example, the soil in the raised beds might be enriched with compost and other organic matter to improve nutrient content. Furthermore, raised beds extend the growing season by warming up earlier in the spring and staying warmer later in the fall, providing a longer window for plant growth. From a practical standpoint, raised beds simplify gardening tasks like weeding and pest control, and they make the garden more accessible for people with mobility challenges. The consistent soil conditions also contribute to healthier, more productive plants, essential for the rigorous testing that takes place within the garden.
4. A Tranquil Retreat for Reflection and Inspiration
Beyond its scientific function, the Better Homes & Gardens Test Garden provides a peaceful and inspiring space for visitors to connect with nature. The central courtyard, with its custom-made glass and steel fountain and scattered benches, offers a comfortable spot to relax and contemplate the beauty of the garden. The main path, winding through the various planting areas, encourages leisurely strolls and opportunities for quiet reflection. Imagine spending an afternoon reading a book on a bench, surrounded by the gentle sounds of birdsong and the fragrant scents of flowers and herbs. The garden’s design incorporates elements of both formal and informal landscaping, creating a harmonious blend of structure and natural beauty. It’s a place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and find a sense of calm and rejuvenation. The garden serves as a visual feast, offering endless inspiration for home gardeners seeking to create their own outdoor havens.
5. A Venue for Community Engagement and Events
The Better Homes & Gardens Test Garden isn’t just for solitary contemplation; it also serves as a valuable community resource. The garden is frequently used as a venue for small events, workshops, and educational programs. Local gardening clubs, schools, and community organizations can schedule guided tours and utilize the space for meetings or demonstrations. The garden’s serene atmosphere and visually appealing landscape provide an ideal backdrop for these gatherings. For instance, a local horticultural society might host a workshop on organic gardening techniques, or a school group might visit to learn about the importance of pollinators. While the Test Garden is not available for large events like weddings, its accessibility and tranquil setting make it a perfect location for intimate gatherings and educational experiences. The garden also hosts photography sessions, allowing aspiring photographers to capture the beauty of the plants and landscapes. The open access during tour hours fosters a sense of community among gardening enthusiasts.
6. Practical Information for Planning Your Visit
Planning a visit to the Better Homes & Gardens Test Garden is straightforward. The garden is open to the public for self-guided tours on Fridays from noon to 2 p.m. from May through September in 2026. It’s important to note that the garden will be closed on Friday, June 19 and Friday, July 3 for Juneteenth and Independence Day holidays. While there are no restrooms on-site, a convenience store is located nearby. Visitors are welcome to bring their own lunch or nonalcoholic beverage to enjoy on the benches, but they are expected to carry out all trash. The main path is wheelchair accessible, and the north side of the garden offers easier access for those using wheelchairs or strollers. The garden is a wonderful place to learn about plant varieties, gather inspiration for your own garden, and simply enjoy the beauty of nature. You can call 515-284-3994 to inquire about guided tours for groups of 10 or more. Remember that professional photography requiring permits (such as wedding portraits) is not permitted, but personal photography for non-commercial use is welcome. The Test Garden is a valuable resource for anyone interested in gardening, regardless of their experience level.
7. A Space for Photography and Visual Storytelling
The Better Homes & Gardens Test Garden provides a visually rich environment that is particularly appealing to photographers and visual storytellers. The carefully curated landscapes, vibrant blooms, and diverse plant life offer endless opportunities for capturing stunning images. The garden’s design incorporates a variety of perspectives and textures, creating a visually dynamic space. Photographers can find inspiration in the intricate details of individual flowers, the sweeping lines of the perennials, and the interplay of light and shadow. The Test Garden serves as a living studio for Better Homes & Gardens’ publications and websites, providing a constant source of fresh content. While commercial photography requiring specific permits is not allowed, visitors are welcome to capture photos for personal use. The garden’s serene atmosphere and natural beauty make it an ideal location for portrait sessions, nature photography, and landscape art. The changing seasons offer a continuous stream of visual interest, ensuring that there is always something new to photograph. It’s a place where creativity can flourish and where the beauty of the natural world can be celebrated through the lens of a camera.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No, we don’t have facilities on site. The nearest public restroom is a block away.
Do you have food available for purchase in the BHG Test Garden? No, we do not sell anything in the garden, but guests are welcome to bring a lunch or nonalcoholic beverage to enjoy on a bench in the garden during our public open hours. Just note, you need to carry out your trash as there are no receptacles in the garden.
Is the main path around the BHG Test Garden wheelchair accessible? Yes, the main path around the garden is wheelchair accessible. However, because there is a short set of stairs to reach the path from the main entrance, the best wheelchair and stroller access is from the gate on the north side of the garden adjacent to Grand Avenue.
May pets come into the garden? Only service animals are permitted in the Test Garden.
Can I take pictures in the Test Garden? Because the Test Garden is used for business photography and video, professional/commercial photography such as wedding portraits and senior pictures is not permitted. However, you are welcome to take photos for your personal use.
Is the BHG Test Garden available for private events such as weddings, family reunions, or graduation parties? The Test Garden is not available for private events such as weddings, family reunions, or graduation parties.
Resources
Better Homes & Gardens Test Garden: https://www.bhg.com/test-garden/
Credit: Better Homes and Gardens, Credit: Carson Downing, Credit: Better Homes and Gardens
