Do I need to have drawing or writing experience?

No, all skill levels are welcome; the focus is on observation and personal reflection.

What should I bring to the workshop?

All necessary materials are provided, but feel free to bring your favorite sketching tools.

Is the workshop suitable for children?

Yes, older children and teens can participate with adult supervision.

What if it rains during a session?

The workshop can be moved indoors or rescheduled if weather disrupts outdoor activities.

How many participants will there be?

Class sizes are limited to ensure personalized guidance and a peaceful environment.

Can I register for a single week?

This workshop is designed as a three-week experience; single sessions are not available.

Outdoor Writing & Sketching at Reiman Gardens | Environmental Attraction

Reiman Gardens, located in Iowa State University, Ames, offers an inspiring backdrop for those looking to deepen their connection with the outdoors through creative expression. This three-week journaling workshop is more than just a typical class; it’s a chance to slow down, observe the natural world more keenly, and translate your experiences into sketches and written reflections. Participants can expect to spend their time noticing details — the texture of leaves, the play of light through trees, the subtle shifts in colors as seasons change. The gardens themselves are a living canvas, featuring a stunning collection of flowering plants, ornamental trees, and curated landscapes that serve as perfect inspiration for artists and writers alike.

What makes this program truly special is the focus on mindfulness and personal discovery within a lush, cultivated environment. Over the course of three weeks, attendees will learn techniques to capture fleeting moments and botanical beauty on paper—creating a visual journal that doubles as a memory book. The Gardens’ rich plant collection and peaceful setting foster a creative space free of distraction, perfect for reflection and discussion.

This workshop suits those eager to develop their observational skills, improve their artistic journaling, or just find a calming outdoor activity. Whether you’re an experienced sketcher or new to journaling, the workshop’s welcoming atmosphere encourages experimentation. As part of Iowa’s vibrant outdoor culture, Reiman Gardens combines horticultural beauty with educational opportunities, making it an ideal spot for anyone interested in cultivating their artistic voice amid flourishing greenery.

Join us at Reiman Gardens for this immersive journey into nature’s details, where every leaf and bloom becomes a story waiting to be told. It’s a peaceful yet dynamic way to celebrate the outdoors through the written and visual arts.

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.