Iowa Arboretum & Gardens

Classic Car Day
2024-06-09 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Come see the classics at the 12th annual car show. Talk to car owners about their classics while enjoying delicious food provided by Smokin’ Big Dawgs BBQ and Totally Rolled Ice Cream food trucks!
Registration for Cars: 11 am to 12 noon. Show runs from 12noon-2pm.

Tunes in the Trees - Carter Guse
2024-06-11 06:00 - 20:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Tunes in the Trees
Musician: Carter Guse
Tuesday, June 11
Concert time: 6 pm to 8 pm
Gates open at 5 pm for food trucks Smiokin’ Big Dawgs BBQ and Totally Rolled Ice Cream and drinks available from Christiani’s.

Bring your lawn chair and enjoy a night of great music and food as we kick off another successful season of music at the Arboretum. Carter, 18 years old, is a singer/songwriter/entertainer who plays a Taylor acoustic guitar as well as a Gibson Les Paul electric guitar, drums, and piano in genres ranging from the 50’s through today. He is returning to our stage after a year of studying music at college in Nashville. Dinner is available from Smokin’ Big Dawgs and dessert from Totally Rolled Ice Cream.
For more information about Carter, click here
Tickets are $5 for members and $10 for non-members (can be purchased the day of the event)
Bring your lawn chair. Food truck(s) open at 5 pm (serving dinner).
FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION, SEE TUNES IN THE TREES FAQ

Tunes in the Trees - Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones
2024-07-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Tunes in the Trees
Musician: Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones
Tuesday, July 9
Concert time: 6 pm to 8 pm
Gates open at 5 pm for food trucks Kaaswagen (Dutch specialties) and Tropical Sno with drinks available from Christiani’s.

Bring your lawn chair and enjoy a night of great music and food as we kick off another successful season of music at the Arboretum.
Doug Deming & the Jewel Tones is a blues band. They have released four albums since 2002, with the most recent, Complicated Mess, appearing in the US Billboard Blues Albums Chart. Deming is influenced by the guitar playing of T-Bone Walker, Charlie Christian, Luther Tucker, and Robert Lockwood Jr. For more information about Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones, click here
Tickets are $5 for members and $10 for non-members (can be purchased the day of the event)
Bring your lawn chair. Food truck(s) open at 5 pm (serving dinner).
FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION, SEE TUNES IN THE TREES FAQ

Tunes in the Trees - Scott Davis Jazz Quartet
2024-08-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Tunes in the Trees
Musician: Scott Davis Jazz Quartet
Tuesday, August 13
Concert time: 6 pm to 8 pm
Gates open at 5 pm for food trucks Reno & Woody’s and Tropical Sno with drinks available from Christiani’s.

Bring your lawn chair and enjoy a night of great music and food as we kick off another successful season of music at the Arboretum. For our guests traveling to the Arboretum from the west, please be aware that the E-57 Bridge is currently closed over the Des Moines River between Highway 169 and Peach Avenue. Recommended routes from the west can be found on our Directions page.
The Scott Davis Jazz Quartet was formed in 2002 to promote the release of the CD, Scott Davis Almost Time. The CD features a number of originals and the group covers artists as diverse as Burt Bacharach, Frank Sinatra, and Cole Porter. For more information about the Scott Davis Jazz Quartet, click here
Tickets are $5 for members and $10 for non-members (can be purchased the day of the event)
Bring your lawn chair. Food truck(s) open at 5 pm (serving dinner).
FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION, SEE TUNES IN THE TREES FAQ

Tunes in the Trees - Kathryn Severing Fox and Chad Elliot
2024-09-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Tunes in the Trees
Musician: Kathryn Severing Fox and Chad Elliot
Tuesday, September 10
Concert time: 6 pm to 8 pm
Gates open at 5 pm for food trucks Hungry Boys Mexican Cuisine and El Paletero (fruity ice bars) with drinks available from Christiani’s.

Bring your lawn chair and enjoy a night of great music and food as we kick off another successful season of music at the Arboretum.
Kathryn and Chad return to the Arboretum stage with their award-winning songwriting and chemistry. Chad Elliott (Woody Guthrie Song Contest & Kerrville Finalist) and Kathryn Fox (DownBeat winner & international touring artist) showcase multi-instrumental performances with tight harmonies and great storytelling. For more information about Kathryn and Chad, click here
Tickets are $5 for members and $10 for non-members (can be purchased the day of the event)
Bring your lawn chair. Food truck(s) open at 5 pm (serving dinner).
FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION, SEE TUNES IN THE TREES FAQ

Fall 2024 Plant Sale Fundraiser
2024-09-14 - 2024-10-31 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
BUY BULBS HERE FALL IS BULB TIME! Planning your garden for next season? Get all the things here at our Fall Plant Sale Fundraiser! 25% of all items purchased is given back to the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens to help us with the gardens around the grounds! IT’S EASY: just visit https://brentandbeckysbulbs.com/bloomin-bucks/ scroll down the list and find Iowa Arboretum, then click, shop and pay. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE IOWA ARBORETUM & GARDENS!

Paws in the Park
2024-10-12 07:00 - 10:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
*Run or walk for a “Good Paws ” with or without a canine friend !!!* 5K Run/ walk starts and finishes at the beautiful Iowa Arboretum. All pre-registered participants get a t-shirt!
7:00 am -8:00am Registration – T-shirt/ Packet Pickup at Cafferty Building at the Iowa Arboretum. Upon registration you will be free to begin the course and keep your own time.
Dog Information
Dogs will get bandanas and goody bags.
Maximum 2 dogs per person and must be up to date on all vaccinations.

Trick or Treat at Treehouse Village
2024-10-27 13:00 - 16:00 | IA
Costumed revelers of all ages and abilities travel the paved accessible trail at Treehouse Village collecting treats along the way! Halloween Scavenger Hunt, coloring contest, and more. Family friendly fun! Regular admissions apply, no extra charge for activities or trick or treating. Members are always FREE!
RESERVE YOUR SPOT HERE

Art Pole, Birdhouse & Barn Quilt Class
2024-11-02 11:00 - 16:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Svetlana VanWyk returns to the Arboretum to teach her popular art class where participants will create a personal art pole, decorate a birdhouse or design a barn quilt for a barn, garage or shed. REGISTER HERE

ForEVERGREEN Seasonal Fundraiser
2024-12-02 09:00 - 2024-12-07 11:30 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Support the mission of the Arboretum by purchasing your holiday evergreen arrangements here! Each item is individually handcrafted by our Arboretum elves who are hard a t work getting these beautiful creations ready for you! Come pick your favorite the week of December 2-7 weekdays frpm 9am-4pm or when you are here for the Dad’s Belgian Waffle event on Saturday, December 7.

GIVING TUESDAY - DECEMBER 3, 2024
2024-12-03 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Support the Arboretum’s continued efforts to make all areas of the gardens and trails accessible to guests of all ages and abilities. Donate today or on December 3rd! THANK YOU!
DONATE

Dad's Belgian Waffles
2024-12-07 09:00 - 11:30 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Join us for community and conversation while enjoying delicious Belgian waffles made right before your eyes! Includes all you can eat waffles, sausage, beverage and a variety of classic waffle toppings.

National Play Outside Day!
2024-12-07 10:00 - 11:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Join us as we celebrate and enjoy the fresh air and some outdoor playtime together! We’ll explore the main campus gardens with all of our senses, play an interactive game and try a winter craft idea. Meet in the Visitor Center lobby at 10am! FREE for Members & Waffle Event attendees. $5 each (max $25 per family) for activities only (non-members).

Tour of Homes Benefit for Wings of Refuge
2024-12-07 16:00 - 20:00, 2024-12-08 13:00 - 17:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
GET TICKETS HERE

National Play Outside Day!
2025-02-01 10:00 - 11:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Join us for some good old fashioned fun in the great outdoors! Families will interact with and learn about nature at the Arboretum through an educational hike, hands-on activities, active games and maybe a few surprises. LET’S PLAY OUTSIDE!

National Play Outside Day!
2025-03-01 10:00 - 11:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Join us the first Saturday of each month for an hour of good old fashioned fun in the great outdoors. Families will learn about nature and play together through active games, nature hikes, hands-on activities and maybe a few surprises. LET’S PLAY OUTSIDE!

Terra Cotta Take & Make Demonstration
2025-03-08 09:00 - 11:00 | IA
Terra Cotta Take & Make Demonstration – Saturday March 8, 2025 9am-11am during the Dad’s Belgian Waffle Event Artist Nan Bonfils will demonstrate techniques for crafting with terra cotta pots for your home or garden. Terra Cotta Kits will be available for purchase to take home and create your own personalized planter! Demonstration Fee – FREE Fee for Take & Make Kits – prices vary NO REGISTRATION NECESSARY

Dad's Belgian Waffles Day
2025-03-08 09:00 - 11:30 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Join us from 9-11:30am on March 8, 2025 for all you can eat waffles! Waffles, sausages and beverages will be served with whipped toppings and flavored syrups. $10 per person – under 5years old eat FREE!

Central Iowa Beekeepers Association Winter Seminar
2025-03-15 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Central Iowa Beekeepers Association (CIBA) – 2025 WINTER SEMINAR
Saturday, March 15, 2025 – RAIN or SHINE – 8:20 AM to 4:30 PM
Registration $40 per person; $35 for current CIBA members; $20 for students (college and K-12) Includes snacks & lunch!
Register by Wednesday March 12, 2025 at www.centraliowabeekeepersassoc.org
Questions? Contact Don Moody 515-770-5754 or ds.moody1@hotmail.com

Paint Party at the Arboretum
2025-04-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Join us for an evening of creating a beautiful painting while sipping on garden-inspired MOCKtails! Bring a snack (& recipe!) to share. All art supplies are included. MOCKtails available for purchase. Registration required. REGISTER HERE

2025 Spring Fever Symposium
2025-04-05 09:00 - 15:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Join us for our biggest education event of the year! We have an incredible lineup of speakers to pack this day with Iowa gardening goodness, from tree care to garden design. Pre-registration is required. Open to the public… all are welcome!

REGISTER HERE

Talk Descriptions:
Eric Foley: The Land Down Under
We take a closer look at the soil beneath our feet and examine importance of healthy soil to create a fertile growing environment for plant roots.
Lois Girton: Not Your Grandmother’s Peonies, So Where Did They Come From?
Those of us of a certain age likely remember the pink, white, and purplish red full double peonies gracing our grandparents’ or parents’ gardens. They were likely varieties of the Chinese peony Paeonia lactiflora and perhaps their faces were even lying on the ground. Fast forward to today and we have many more choices of colors, sizes, and forms of peonies with thousands of named cultivars readily available. We owe this firstly to the plant explorers who introduced nurserymen to other Asian and European species and then to the men (yes, mostly men) who undertook crosses between different species, or even between different sections of peonies in the case of the Itoh hybrids. Peonies from Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Caucasus when combined with P. lactiflora gave earlier blooming herbaceous peonies in true red and yellow tones. Crossing woody peonies of the Delavayanae subsection with those of the Suffruticosa group gave us the “lutea hybrid” peonies in a wild assortment of colors. Foremost among these hybridizers was Professor A. P. Saunders of Clinton, NY, working from the early 1900’s through the 1940’s. He is considered the “father of the modern peony” and almost all peonies being introduced today trace back to one or more of his cultivars.
Fatima Najar: An introduction and update to the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens Perennial and Shrub Trial Program
We’ll kill it so you don’t have to! Introducing the new Perennial and Shrub Trial Program at the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens. Learn about how plants are put to the test in Iowa’s climate as well as evaluated for their landscape merits. Hundreds of varieties are scrutinized over several years to help inform the public about what plants are the best for success in their gardens. Find out about many of our favorite plants so far and hear about how you can get involved to share your opinions, your tastes, and help inform the industry about what you’d like to see more of in the future!
Your Natural Garden: Caring for an Ecologically Vibrant Garden
In this engaging lecture, renowned plantsman and designer Kelly Norris offers essential guidance on stewarding the beauty and ecological richness of naturalistic landscapes. As gardens designed to mimic nature grow in popularity, many wonder how to care for these vibrant, biodiverse spaces properly. How does a gardener’s relationship with place change when plants take the lead? Norris reveals how tending to a natural garden differs from traditional methods by emphasizing a connection to the broader environment and embracing dynamic processes. With stunning examples and practical advice, this lecture will inspire and equip gardeners to embrace natural rhythms and processes while celebrating natural abundance and complexity in the places we live and work.

About the speakers:

Kelly Norris
Kelly D. Norris is one of the leading horticulturists of his generation. In his practice, he explores the narrative of place through site-specific plantings and landscape interventions. An award-winning author and plantsman, Kelly’s work in gardens has been featured in The New York Times, Better Homes and Gardens, Martha Stewart Living, Fine Gardening, Garden Design, and numerous television, radio, and digital media appearances. His forthcoming book Your Natural Garden from Cool Springs Press launches in late 2024.
Kelly’s interdisciplinary studio works in public and private places across North America. He’s the founder and curator of The Public Horticulture Company, an emerging ecological landscape startup based in Des Moines, Iowa. The studio annually produces the New Naturalism Academy, a virtual school for enthusiastic designers, as a commitment to continuing education and lifelong learning.
He is the former director of horticulture and education at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, where for eight years, he directed efforts in design, curation, programming, garden, and facility management after serving as the owner’s representative to nearly $20 million in capital projects.

Lois Girton
Lois is originally from Alberta, Canada and obtained undergraduate and graduate degrees in Genetics at the University of Alberta before earning her PhD at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln in the Department of Plant Pathology. After a career in various research, teaching, and academic advising roles, she retired from Iowa State University in 2020.
Lois is the founding President of the Russ O’Harra Hosta Society and also served on the Board of the Iowa Arboretum and Gardens for 15 years. Lois has been a Director of the American Peony Society (APS) for several years and is currently its President. APS is the international registration authority for the genus Paeonia.
The Iowa Arboretum has been part of her peony journey as it is where she first encountered woody (tree) peonies. Since 1995 Lois has been growing all types of peonies (woody, herbaceous, Itoh) with a special emphasis on species peonies and those bred by A.P. Saunders who is considered the “father of the modern peony”. In 2020 she started a website devoted to Saunders peonies (saunderspeonies.com) and is currently writing a book on the topic.

Eric Foley
Eric has been an ISA Certified Arborist since 2014 and a Board Certified Master Arborist since 2023. Eric has been working in the tree industry since 2009 in Ohio, Minnesota, and now Iowa. He holds a bachelor’s degree in management from Cedarville University, and holds a high value on constant, lifelong learning. He has held the Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) through the International Society of Arboriculture and is a member of the Tree Care Industry Association. His goal is to help everyone enjoy and value their trees, and to help people, urban development, and trees all live together and be mutually beneficial. He started Freedom Tree Care in 2022 with the goal of helping people grow their love for the outdoors through expert care for trees and landscape.
Eric is originally from Minnesota, but moved to Iowa in 2021. He and his wife have 4 children, 2 mini Australian Shepherds, and enjoy all kinds of sports and outdoor activities. You can find Eric coaching his kids’ baseball and basketball teams, doing CrossFit, or out mountain biking in his spare time (which is very limited!).

Fatima Najar
Fatima Najar has been with the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens Trial Program for two years, and was
invaluable in helping start the program. Fatima grew up in Sioux City, Iowa later going to Iowa State
to pursue her bachelor’s degree in Forestry. Before joining the arboretum, she worked as a field technician
collecting data on native prairie plants, pollinators, and a special project with Botrychium (moonwort).

Recently promoted to Assistant Curator, Fatima is a liaison between the public and horticulture industry
while also collecting evaluation data on every perennial and shrub variety every two weeks. She does
amazing work balancing those responsibilities with care of the garden and managing outreach. Fatima is
passionate about conservation and sustainability, and loves to communicate those interests to diverse audiences.

Spring Ephemeral Hike
2025-04-09 13:00 - 15:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Explore the grounds with our Curator of Collections, David McKinney and discover the earliest blooms of the growing season.
REGISTER HERE

ISU Maple Syrup Day & Pancake Breakfast
2025-04-12 08:00 - 11:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Maple Syrup Day is a fundraiser event for Iowa State University Xi Sigma Pi, a national forestry honor society. Join the students for a morning of demonstrations, education and pancakes! Wood turning, wood chopping, making maple syrup, and interactive educational exhibits. Pancakes are $5-$8 and include sausages and a beverage. 8am-11am.

Taking Time to See Watercolor Art Class
2025-04-19 12:00 - 15:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Jane Marie Degeneffe describes her watercolor workshop in this way… Taking Time to See is a workshop that will give an awareness of the beauty around you in both nature and the world of thought and meditation. In this workshop, you begin with choosing one of the flowers or branches provided to focus on and paint. This first watercolor painting done in class will be an illustration for your writing. Your writing will be separate from workshop time, as the time in class will be painting. The blank watercolor pad and paints provided will be a take home starter for your journal. Quotes, reflections, poetry and goals or memories are always good topics for journaling. Taking time to see and be mindful of what goes on within your heart can be very restful and healing. The watercolor painting process is also restful and healing. Workshop runs from 1-3pm with an opening reception from 12-1pm before class starts.
REGISTER HERE

RUN for the TREES
2025-04-26 08:00 - 09:30 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Join the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens for a scenic 5K or 1 mile Family Run/Walk on well maintained trails around our campus and through the new Treehouse Village. All run/walk participants will receive a tree seedling at the end of the race. In addition to hosting the run/walk, we will also be having Arbor Day activities – including a KIDS CLIMB EVENT facilitated by the Iowa Arborists Association until 12noon. Run/Walk registration includes a t-shirt, race bib, swag bag, snacks and a tree seedling! **Participants must be registered by April 4th at noon to be guaranteed an official event t-shirt. Only paid registrants receive a shirt.** PACKET PICK UP: will be April 25th 9am – 4pm and April 26th from 8am – 9am at the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens. REGISTER HERE

Arbor Day Celebration!
2025-04-26 09:00 - 12:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Our Annual Arbor Day Celebration will be Saturday April 26th from 9am-12noon. 2025 HIGHLIGHTS: Kids Climb! Kids of all ages will be assisted by arborists to climb arboretum trees! Create and add your poem to our popular POETREE! Build a tree branch shelter in Treehouse Village! Make a tree cookie medallion… and so much more. All activities are FREE WITH ADMISSION. Members are always FREE! Mark your calendar – you won’t want to miss this!

Annual Plant Sale!
2025-05-01 12:00 - 2025-05-03 16:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Thursday, May 1, 2025 (Members Only) from 12noon – 4pm ~ Friday & Saturday, May 2-3, 2025 (Public Welcome) from 9am – 4pm
Join the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens for our annual Spring Plant Sale! Hundreds of perennial varieties will be available from plants for dry shade, to native selections, to classic favorites! Follow this event and our socials to get a closer look at some of the plants we’ll be offering for sale.
DETAILS:MEMBER ONLY early access will be May 1st from noon – 4pm.The general public is invited to shop from May 2nd to May 3rd. We will open the sale at 9am and close at 4pm both days.Please park at the Cafferty Building parking lot (follow the signs labelled ‘Plant Sale’ with arrows).

PLEASE NOTE: Admission onto the Arboretum grounds is not included when attending the plant sale – Entrance fees apply. Proof of membership, proof of reciprocal admission, or general admission purchase required to explore grounds, including the Adele and Dean Bowden Treehouse Village. Please reserve your timed admission spot here: https://iowaarboretum.org/visit/

2025 Garden Social & Auction
2025-05-17 16:30 - 21:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
We hope you will join us for our biggest fundraiser of the year – the Garden Social & Auction – Saturday, May 17, 2025 – 4:00-9pm
GET TICKETS HERE
Each Ticket includes:

Leisurely walking tour of the Arboretum & the Adele & Dean Bowden Treehouse Village
Cocktail Hour with snacks, beverages and musical entertainment
Delicious catered meal from Christiani’s VIP of Des Moines and dessert
Silent and Live Auctions with items for your home, garden and entertainment
50/50 Raffle with a cash prize

Classic Car Show
2025-06-08 11:00 - 14:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Our Annual Classic Car Show will take place on Sunday, June 8, 2025. This popular event is open to the public. All classic cars are welcomed. Food Trucks will be available and admission to the Car Show is FREE. Participants showing a car will be asked to arrive anytime after 10am to park and complete the info card to place on their dash. 2024 was our biggest show yet with over 80 participating cars! Interested in being a sponsor for this event? Reach out to info@iowaarboretum.org for more information on how your business can be featured.
