Do I need to register for the book signing?

No pre-registration is required; drop-in attendance is welcome for both the Caterpillar Club reading and the evening signing.

Will signed copies be available?

Yes—signed copies of Adventures with Elwood the Gnome: Small Things will be sold in the Reiman Gardens Gift Shop during the event.

Is the event appropriate for all ages?

Yes. The morning reading is tailored to young children, but the evening session and garden strolls are family-friendly for all ages.

Is there parking on site?

Yes, but parking can be limited during events—plan to arrive early or carpool when possible.

Are paths wheelchair/stroller accessible?

Most primary paths around the reading area are paved and stroller-friendly; contact Reiman Gardens staff at arrival for the best accessible routes.

What happens if it rains?

Reiman Gardens often provides covered spaces or indoor alternatives for programmed events; check with front desk staff on arrival for last-minute changes.

Book Signing at Reiman Gardens: Meet Andrew Gogerty for Adventures with Elwood the Gnome | Events | Attraction

Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa, unfurls like a neighborhood stage for small wonders. On June 11th the gardens host a book signing for Adventures with Elwood the Gnome: Small Things, inviting families to meet author Andrew Gogerty and illustrator Tim Read. There are two chances to join: a morning reading during Caterpillar Club from 10:15–11:00 a.m., and extended evening hours from 5:00–7:00 p.m., when the gift shop sells signed copies.

The event plugs into what makes Reiman Gardens a standout local destination: a living collection of themed beds, pollinator plantings, and an active schedule of family programming that foregrounds curiosity and quiet observation. Key features around the event include the Caterpillar Club reading area, the Reiman Gardens Gift Shop where purchases and signings take place, and the Butterfly Wing and pollinator beds where children can watch butterflies and native bees drift through blooms. That direct interplay between story and landscape — a gnome greeting garden friends, weathering a storm — feels especially at home among flower beds and winding paths.

For visitors this is both a literary moment and a pocket-sized outdoor outing. The morning reading is cozy and designed for younger listeners; the evening session adds garden atmosphere with after-hours pathways and soft lights. Expect short walks on paved paths, family crowds, and opportunities to explore plant displays before or after the program. The event is well-suited to families, classrooms, and gardeners; it pairs the tactile pleasure of a signed picture book with the sensory richness of a public garden.

Practical details: bring a jacket for cool evenings, arrive early for limited parking near the entrance, and plan time to browse the gift shop for signed editions. No pre-registration is required; books are available on site or by pre-order through the provided link. Reiman Gardens’ programming history includes regular family events like Caterpillar Club, which gives this signing local continuity and charm.

If you’re traveling from nearby, Ames offers easy access and local parking varies by season; check Reiman Gardens’ hours online before you go. Parents will appreciate stroller-friendly paths and shaded benches for snack breaks; educators can use the reading as a springboard for classroom activities about pollinators, resilience, and kindness. If weather is uncooperative, the programming team often provides covered spaces or indoor alternatives—ask at the front desk when you arrive. Enjoy responsibly.

About Reiman Gardens

Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa offers year-round horticultural displays, seasonal events, educational programs, and volunteer opportunities that engage families, students, and garden enthusiasts. The facility hosts a variety of public experiences including speaker series, guided and self-guided tours, hands-on youth day camps, and specialized workshops such as dried floral wreath making and floral design. Signature experiences include the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing — open daily and featuring up to 800 live butterflies from around 80 species — plus seasonal highlights like Butterfly Blizzard and Nature at NIGHT.

Reiman Gardens programs combine accessible outdoor activities with instructional series and community-focused nights. Regular offerings include Nature with Nathan, a six-part entomology speaker series; Rovers at Reiman dog-friendly evenings; Garden Flow six-week gentle stretching sessions; Nature Journaling workshops; and members-only Wednesday walking club access. Community events range from Autumn Equinox Gothic Soiree (ages 18+) to Trivia Nights, Maker Nights, and seasonal forest bathing walks. Volunteer roles support Spirits in the Gardens (October 10–12), Pumpkin Prep, Butterfly Wing docent training, seasonal gardening and displays, and group volunteer opportunities. Reiman Gardens also offers admissions options, guided tours for youth and adults, and special previews like RG Express and Bonsai Show Member Preview. All program descriptions, schedules, and registration details are published by Reiman Gardens; visitors should consult official listings for dates, age requirements, and availability.

Members' Wednesday Walking Club meets Wednesday mornings and provides access to the Butterfly Wing and Conservatory beginning at 9:00 AM, offering a quieter visit and the chance to see horticulturalists at work.