The call is open to artists and makers who design small-scale, garden-safe installations; check the application for eligibility details.

What are size limits?

Size limits and base specifications are listed on the application—measure twice and include dimensions in your submission.

Can I use reclaimed wood or metal?

Yes if materials are treated to withstand spring weather and are garden-safe; avoid materials that leach or shed hazardous particles.

Is there an installation window?

Yes—accepted artists must install within specified dates in April; exact windows are provided after acceptance.

Will the organizers provide tools or labor?

Most installations are artist-installed; the curatorial team may provide guidance but expect to bring basic tools.

How long will the pieces stay on display?

The exhibit runs through April; specific pickup dates are provided with acceptance instructions.

Tiny Worlds in Bloom: 2026 Fairy Doors & Creature Homes Application

Spring arrives in Ames, Iowa, and the 2026 Fairy Doors & Creature Homes display turns a garden into a small-scale world where artists install miniature entrances and hideaway shelters among flowering perennials and winding paths. This application invites makers to submit nature-inspired tiny architecture for an April exhibit that transforms garden edges, tree roots, and mossy nooks into places for imagination. The scene is a hands-on celebration of detail: low stone borders, mulched walkways, specimen shrubs, sheltering trees, and spring bulbs become stages for miniature verandas, carved wooden doors, and sculpted fairy furniture. Key features include dense flower beds, curved pathways, mature trees that cast dappled light, sheltered nooks, and mossy root flares perfect for creature homes. Artists should expect to work with garden-safe materials and the living palette—spring ephemerals, native prairie plantings, and hardy ornamentals—rather than heavy construction. The project prizes craft that reads at human scale from a few feet: small hinges, weatherproof finishes, and designs that won’t harm plant roots or wildlife. This event sits at the intersection of public art and horticulture, offering families a reason to explore the grounds more slowly and encouraging repeat visits as new entries appear. For local makers, it’s a rare chance to place intimate work in an outdoor botanical setting; for visitors, it’s a scavenger-hunt joy that encourages curiosity and closer observation of plant communities. The application process is artist-focused, so check the listing for size limits, installation windows, and material restrictions before applying. Practical notes: installations need to tolerate spring rain and variable temperatures; pieces should be fixed in ways that protect plantings and allow easy removal. Consider lightweight, removable anchors, non-corrosive fasteners, and breathable sealants that won’t leach into soil. Artists may be asked to provide labels, care notes, and a short artist statement for visitors. Plan for a site visit if possible, and budget time for installation and pickup. Ames is the closest city, with lodging, dining, and supply stores within short drives. The display attracts families, horticulture fans, and craft collectors; pieces that invite touch or close inspection tend to perform well. Whether you construct tiny cottages from reclaimed wood, sculpt mossy dens from clay, or craft whimsical metalwork, this application opens a seasonal doorway to a public audience that loves gardens, craft, and springtime discovery. Organizer information is not provided in the listing; contact details appear on the application page. Accepted pieces should be durable yet removable, designed to respect plants and local wildlife. The curatorial team will provide schedule windows, safety guidelines, and installation instructions. Apply early, prepare clear photographs of your work, and include dimensions, materials, and a short maintenance plan. Successful entries balance whimsy with durability and help visitors see small things anew.

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.