Adventure Collective
Land Adventures at Maker Nights with Reiman Gardens - Des Moines

Land Adventures at Maker Nights with Reiman Gardens

Ameseasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2–3 hours

Fitness Level

Open to all fitness levels, no special physical condition required

Overview

Discover the creative side of outdoor adventure at Maker Nights in Iowa’s Reiman Gardens. This series blends plant beauty with hands-on crafts in a scenic setting—an experience perfect for makers and nature lovers alike.

Ames, Iowa

Maker Nights

NEXT: Wed Sep 3 • 6-8 PM • Herbal Spell Jars

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About This Adventure

Bring your friends and get creative with Maker Nights at Reiman Gardens!##

Various Wednesday evenings, 6:00 - 8:00 PM

All projects are inspired by nature and are simple but elegant. Select from topics typically offered on first Wednesdays in the spring and fall:


Upcoming Workshops

September 3: Herbal Spell Jars

  • Stroll with purpose through Joey & Jesse’s Herb Garden to learn more about herbs and their practical and symbolic uses. Then harvest respectfully from the gardens as you gather meaningful herbs, flower petals, seeds, and other natural items into a jar for safe keeping. Add written intentions, dreams, or invocations into your collection and place in your home or another sacred space. This program begins and ends with a guided meditation.

October 1: Botanical Block Printing Party

  • Learn the basics of linocut printmaking as you create a cute botanical design to print on paper. Select from a variety of botanical and nature-themed patterns or design your own, then get the chance to print others’ designs during a flash printing party!

November 5: Pressed Flower Art

  • Join education staff to make your very own pressed flower art using flowers and leaves collected from the Gardens throughout the summer and fall. Make up to 3 botanical bookmarks and a small wall frame.

December 3: Air Plant Globes

  • Select from various materials such as sand, perlite, soil, pebbles, and other decorative objects to form a base for an air plant that will sit within an open glass globe. Globes can then be suspended from the ceiling or other plant hangers in your home. Each participant will make 2 globes.

COPY LINK

Adventure Tips

Arrive early to secure your spot

Maker Nights can fill up quickly, so plan to arrive early to participate in your preferred craft session.

Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing

Dress in layers and outdoor gear suitable for evening activities to stay comfortable while crafting.

Bring personal tools if needed

Some sessions might recommend bringing specific tools—check the event details beforehand.

Stay hydrated and bring a flashlight

Bring water and a small flashlight or headlamp for evening crafts in the garden.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Midwestern songbirds
  • Deer seen at dawn

History

Reiman Gardens was established in 1992 and has grown into a renowned horticultural attraction that emphasizes environmental consciousness.

Conservation

Reiman Gardens actively participates in native plant promotion and sustainable gardening practices to protect local ecosystems.

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Adventure Hotspots in Des Moines

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable outdoor clothing

Essential

Suitable for outdoor evening activities and variable weather.

spring|summer|fall|winter specific

Headlamp or flashlight

Essential

Provides visibility during evening crafting sessions.

Reusable water bottle

Essential

Stay hydrated throughout the activity.

Light work gloves

Helpful if working with tools or plants.