How long is the program?

This event runs approximately two hours: an indoor talk followed by an outdoor guided walk.

Is the program suitable for beginners?

Yes. The content is practical and accessible for home gardeners and curious visitors.

Are tickets required?

Yes—check the booking link and purchase in advance as group sizes may be limited.

What is the meeting location?

Meeting details are provided at booking; expect to gather at the venue before the indoor talk.

Is the walk wheelchair accessible?

The outdoor hillside includes uneven terrain; contact the venue for specific accessibility accommodations.

Can I bring children or pets?

Age guidelines and pet policies are set by the venue; verify rules when you reserve tickets.

Hillside Water-Wise Gardening: Design, Gravel Systems, and Plant Lessons in Ames

On cool summer evenings in Ames, Iowa, the Hillside Water-Wise Garden becomes a classroom under open sky. Big and Small: Exploring the Hillside Garden from Concept to Craft is a two-hour guided program that begins with an indoor talk and moves into the garden for a close, practical look at the gravel gardening system and planting strategies that keep the slope thriving. Director of Horticulture Sarah Rummery guides the group through design decisions, construction details, and real-world maintenance lessons learned from plants that flourish and those that don't.

The site is defined by a steep urban slope transformed into a functioning water-wise landscape. Key features include terraced gravel beds, contouring that channels runoff, and planting pockets that favor drought-tolerant perennials and native grasses suited to Iowa's climate. The gravel system is both aesthetic and functional, reducing erosion while creating microhabitats for sun-loving sedums, ornamental grasses, and pollinator-friendly forbs. Visitors will see how soil amendment, root depth, and plant placement determine long-term success on an exposed hillside.

The program is practical: expect to learn how to read a slope, choose plants for longevity, and troubleshoot problems such as scour, water pooling, or winter heaving. Sarah explains sourcing decisions, simple irrigation strategies, and when to intervene versus when to let a system mature naturally. The indoor segment gives context—plans, sketches, and before-and-after photos—while the outdoor walk translates theory into hands-on observation.

This event suits gardeners, landscape students, and homeowners curious about sustainable planting on difficult terrain. The Hillside Water-Wise Garden stands out in Ames because it tackles a common urban challenge - managing stormwater and steep grades - with low-maintenance design that supports native species and pollinators. For visitors, it's a compact demonstration landscape where small changes yield measurable ecological benefits.

Plan to dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes; the walk crosses uneven ground. Bring a notebook if you want plant names and planting notes; questions are encouraged. Parking and tickets are handled by the venue; check the booking link for availability. Whether you're planning your own garden, restoring a slope, or simply hungry for practical design ideas, this guided walk pairs horticultural depth with clear, actionable takeaways that make the science of dry-site planting accessible.

Beyond practical instruction, the program links to the region's ecology: Iowa's remnant tallgrass prairie informs plant selection and encourages pollinator habitat in an urban setting. The Hillside Garden functions as a living lab where students and volunteers test low-water strategies that could be replicated on private properties and municipal sites. Evening programs like this emphasize hands-on learning and community stewardship, making the garden an active part of Ames's outdoor education scene. If you want planting lists or construction notes, arrive early to chat with Sarah after the walk.

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.