Blog
Field of Dreams
May is one of the best months to visit the Arboretum. Everyday something new is flowering. We invite you to visit.
First Signs of Spring
The Iowa Arboretum is awakening from a long winter. Visitors and flowers are beginning to appear. It is a great time to be outside and walk the woodland trails and Arboretum pathways to find the many hidden secrets of nature.
First Winter Snowfall
The first winter snowfall at the Arboretum reminds us that winter has begun in Iowa. The snow is important for insulating the ground and providing future moisture. The summer drought makes us realize the importance of winter precipitation.
Holidays at the Arboretum
Christmas trees decorated by local garden groups and organizations are on display at the Iowa Arboretum from December 3rd through December 24th. The display of Iowa-grown and beautifully decorated Christmas trees is free and open to the public. See a G-scale model train running under the “Arboretum Train Tree.” After viewing the trees, be sure to visit the Arboretum gift shop for great holiday buys.
Hot Days of Summer
Cool off by drinking up the beauty of Hemerocallis 'Pink Lemonade'
Buttons in the Butterfly Garden
Cephalanthus occidentalis (buttonbush) can be seen in the Butterfly Garden with distinctive pin cushion shaped flowers. This shrub has shiny green leaves and reaches a height of 6 to 12 feet. Look for native butterflies drinking the nectar of this wonderful plant.
Spring Prairie Burn
The Arboretum staff and volunteers burn the prairie once a year to preserve and sustain the prairie ecosystem. The spring burn helps to remove old prairie growth, helps control invasive plant species and woody plant growth, provides nutrients to the soil and promotes the growth of native prairie plants.
Yellow Magic
The new leaves and catkins on the Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica) hang on gracefully in the Spring winds. The willow is one of the first trees to bear leaves in the Spring.
Beauty Runs Deep
Cornelian Cherry Dogwood (Cornus mas) is abound with yellow flowers.
Spring into Spring
The crocus remind us spring is almost here.
