May 24, 2023

REIMAN GARDENS

1407 University Blvd, Ames, IA 50011

“Reiman Gardens is a 17-acre university-owned public garden located immediately south of Jack Trice Stadium on the Iowa State University campus in Ames, Iowa. Reiman Gardens is a year-round garden with events, programs, lectures, and tours that has consistently been one of the top visited attractions in Central Iowa.” - Wikipedia

The Reiman Gardens have become one of my “must-go” places each summer. Even without a lot of foliage at this time of year, the gardens provide a lot of color and a peaceful space to wander around on a beautiful day. It is also interesting and fun to walk through the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing to see the “ever-changing kaleidoscope of colors as up to 800 butterflies enchant visitors to its tropical sanctuary.” It is difficult to capture pictures of the butterflies, but I like the challenge.

A temporary art exhibit is a special feature each summer. This year’s exhibit is Glass in Flight. “Composed of iridescent exoskeletons and translucent wings, the giant insects of Glass in Flight have been replicated in luminous steel and dalle de verre glass by artist Alex Heveri. These amazingly life-like sculptures showcase an array of beneficial insects and pollinators including beetles, bees, dragonflies, and butterflies. The interaction of sunlight and the beautiful colored glass in these 20 pieces highlights the brilliant connectedness of light to plants, insects, the environment, and even us humans.”

During my visit the gardeners were busy planting and getting ready for the summer season. I may have to return in a month or so to see the fruits of their labor.