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Spend a slow, creative morning at Reiman Gardens: a guided rose tour followed by a flight of four rose-themed drinks and an approachable watercolor session. Perfect for beginners and flower lovers seeking a low-impact outdoor activity in Ames.
Spend a slow, creative morning at Reiman Gardens: a guided rose tour followed by a flight of four rose-themed drinks and an approachable watercolor session. Perfect for beginners and flower lovers seeking a low-impact outdoor activity in Ames.
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Operated by Reiman Gardens · Ames, Iowa
Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa sits on the Iowa State University campus and offers a compact, intensively planted public garden that erupts into color in rose season. Bloom and Brush: A Rose Show Sip and Paint is a 90-minute morning experience that pairs a short guided walk through the Gardens' rose collections with a relaxed, instructional watercolor painting session and a flight of four rose-themed drinks.
The session begins with a guided tour led by horticulture and event staff who point out standout varieties and explain the history and hardiness of the Buck Roses developed in Iowa. The rose collections are the scene's stars: beds of hybrid teas, floribundas and heritage roses that produce a range of colors and textures ideal for quick observational painting. The walking portion is short and accessible, designed to orient guests to scent, color and form before moving to the studio area.
After the tour you'll settle in for a beverage flight - Rose Italian Soda, Rose Refresher, Bloom Cold Brew and Buck Rose Honey Tea - served chilled so you can sip while you paint. Each guest receives a beginner's guide to watercolor flowers with paints, a brush and a pre-designed canvas inspired by the Gardens' palette; the paint-by-numbers approach keeps the morning approachable for first-timers while still satisfying for experienced hobbyists.
What makes this event special is the combination of place and process. Reiman Gardens' cultivated rose beds and the adjacent Butterfly Wing offer tangible, photographer-ready subjects, from tight bud close-ups to sweeping beds of color. The program leans into local botanical history - especially the Buck Roses - and gives visitors a chance to slow down amid an active outdoor recreation corridor that includes walking paths, seasonal displays and public programming.
Practical notes: the event lasts about 1.5 hours and includes Gardens admission plus access to the Rose Show and Butterfly Wing later that afternoon. Attendees should be at least 16 years old and pre-register; all art supplies are provided. It's an ideal morning activity for couples, friends, or solo travelers looking for a low-impact, creative way to spend time outdoors in Ames.
Bring a camera for close-ups of petals and a light layer - mornings in Ames can be cool even on summer days. The included booklet teaches simple washes and layering so you can translate ruffled petals and glossy leaves into convincing washes; instructors encourage experimentation rather than perfection. Pre-registration is required through the event's booking link; spaces are capped to preserve an intimate atmosphere, so reserve early during peak rose season. Happy painting mornings.
The program runs approximately 1.5 hours: a short guided rose tour followed by the sip-and-paint session.
Yes. The event includes Gardens admission and access to the Rose Show and Butterfly Wing later that afternoon.
No. Supplies and a beginner's watercolor guide are provided; the session is designed for all skill levels.
A flight of four rose-themed beverages is served: Rose Italian Soda, Rose Refresher, Bloom Cold Brew and Buck Rose Honey Tea.
Participants must be at least 16 years old to attend this event.
Pre-registration is required; use the booking link provided in the referral link field to reserve your spot.
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.
Book with Reiman Gardens