During this one-day event, Master Gardeners and other gardening enthusiasts show off their extraordinary gardens. The tour will delight your senses, stimulate your curiosity, and inspire new garden ideas as you venture through several gardens on the West Side of Polk County.

These home gardens reveal a variety of backyard spaces with patios, garden paths, garden features, perennial beds, water gardens, pollinator gardens and bountiful vegetable spaces. Shade or sun - inspiration abounds, all with the addition of a few native plantings and other alternative spaces.

Enjoy a breathtaking display of color and fragrance as you experience the activities and wander through the vegetable and flower gardens of Polk County Master Gardeners!

the Gardens

THE R & S RETREAT GARDEN

This suburban garden began in 2015 when the home was constructed. In 2020, raised beds, a winding sidewalk, and a lower patio were added, allowing the owner to enjoy more of her gardens from her wheelchair. Each year, we introduce new plants and make adjustments as the property matures and more shade is cast by the growing trees—over 50 are now on the property.

Our aim is to create an accessible garden/yard that welcomes every family member, along with birds, bees, and butterflies. The critters enjoy the many coneflowers and butterfly bushes that have been planted. There are relaxing areas and whimsical gnomes that delight the grandchildren. In the warm weather the family share many meals on the patio where they can see the varied flowers and the soothing fountain.

The R & R CARING GARDEN

Step into this unique garden that has transformed from one with a traditional landscaping to a unique, sustainable food-scaping oasis. What used to be a line of ornamentals now has organically shaped borders with a kaleidoscope of color and interest all year-round with the addition of native plants and edibles. There is a gentle sense of abundance and tranquility in this organic space that is alive with purpose in harmony with nature. 

As you walk, you will see the polyp-shaped perennial bed with interplanted herbs. The welcoming trellis of roses and clematis is beautiful but also spot the native plants. Taste the sweet golden raspberries and cherries but look for the medicinal herbs and plants too. Check out the fence planters with colorful annuals and edibles. You will also find tropical plants like cannas, callas, elephant ears and different varieties of zinnias, dahlias and cosmos. Don’t forget to look for the Philippine Lemon (calamansi), the sensitive plant (makahiya) and the moringa (malunggay). 

Reflect and relax to the peaceful sound of the waterfall. This garden feeds not only the body but also the soul. It cares for the earth and works with nature. With rain barrels, compost bins, birdhouses, feeders and a bug hotel, this “no mow backyard”  has colors and textures that will charm you but also bring a celebration of growth, nourishment and pleasure.

THE HINT OF THE WOODS GARDEN

Nine years ago, this yard was a mysterious ruin—mostly gravel, overgrown shrubs/mid-story trees, and crumbling retaining walls hidden beneath the overgrowth. We began with a complete transformation, clearing the property piece by piece. Seven city truckloads hauled away what we cut down, followed by the removal of eleven trees.

From there, we started rebuilding. Soil excavated for the upper-level water feature was redistributed throughout the lower areas to cover the gravel and regrade the landscape. Over time, Hint of the Woods has slowly evolved into the open spaces, layered beds, and peaceful retreat you see today.

THE FAITH & GRACE GARDEN

For decades, the Faith & Grace Garden has been growing food to feed our neighbors. We are strictly a “food pantry garden,” donating fresh vegetables and fruit to the Des Moines Area Religious Council, the Eddie Davis Community Center and the food distribution program at Trinity Methodist Church.

This garden is also a place we welcome our community to join us to achieve our goal. Volunteers are retirees, church groups, civic groups, students, neighbors and other people who want to enjoy fresh air and sunshine while helping other people. Volunteers help with planting, weeding, watering, harvesting and delivering to the food pantries. There is little down-time in the garden, so we can always use the help!

THE TABER JAPANESE-STYLE GARDEN

The Taber Japanese Garden, completed in 2022, surrounds a 0.32-acre home overlooking the Des Moines skyline near Gray’s Lake and Water Works Park. Enclosed by an Asian-style cedar fence, the garden creates a peaceful retreat where indoor and outdoor spaces flow together, offering carefully framed views from every window. Seasonal views of downtown and the Iowa State Capitol further extend the sense of connection to nature and place.

Inspired by the Japanese gardens of Kyoto and Portland, the garden blends four traditional styles, including a pond and stream, teahouse, walking paths, and Zen rock garden. More than 125 tons of stone from Northern Wisconsin and carefully selected Japanese, Korean, and Midwestern native plantings were chosen to thrive in Iowa’s climate while creating year-round beauty.

Designed by John Mathews of Midwest Japanese Gardens, the landscape balances stone, water, and plantings to evoke the larger natural world within an intimate residential setting. Today, the garden attracts a wide variety of birds, wildlife, and pollinators, while serving as a place of daily reflection, care, and tranquility.