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Turn fresh blooms into lasting keepsakes at Reiman Gardens’ hands-on silica and hang-drying workshop in Ames. Learn museum-minded techniques, take home supplies, and see the drying station behind the Gardens’ annual dried-holiday tree.
Turn fresh blooms into lasting keepsakes at Reiman Gardens’ hands-on silica and hang-drying workshop in Ames. Learn museum-minded techniques, take home supplies, and see the drying station behind the Gardens’ annual dried-holiday tree.
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Operated by Reiman Gardens · Ames, Iowa
Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa offers a hands-on flower drying workshop that turns fresh-cut blooms into lasting keepsakes. On Monday afternoons visitors gather in the Gardens' studio to learn silica-gel and traditional hang-drying methods from Plant Preservationists. This workshop is held at Reiman Gardens, located on the Iowa State University campus in Ames, Iowa, offering an intimate look at the greenhouse, display beds, and the team’s seasonal dried-holiday tree project.
The class begins with a short demonstration of silica drying—how different flower shapes and thicknesses react to silica gel, how to pack blooms for preservation, and how to speed color retention. Participants receive fresh-cut flowers from Reiman Gardens and a take-home container of silica gel to begin their own specimens. The workshop also covers hang-drying: selecting stems, tying bundles, and choosing suitable air circulation and light conditions. In addition to technique, instructors explain how garden-grown species—delicate zinnias, sturdy statice, and frilly yarrow—respond differently to each method, and how foliage textures add sculptural interest.
What makes this experience unusual in the Midwest is its direct connection to a public garden’s conservation and display program. You’ll see the drying station used to stage the Gardens’ annual dried-holiday tree and watch how curators choose stems to preserve seasonal color and silhouette. The session blends craft, botany, and sustainable reuse: instead of buying preserved stems, you learn to rely on locally grown material and low-waste workflows.
This workshop is well suited to gardeners, craft-makers, and anyone who wants to extend the season of Iowa’s prairie blooms. It’s hands-on but low-impact physically—bring a willingness to get your hands dusty and an eye for composition. Supplies are included, and you leave with preserved material and step-by-step knowledge to continue at home.
Practical notes: the event runs for three hours in the afternoon; check Reiman Gardens’ calendar for dates and ticketing. Parking and café options are available on site; accessibility details should be confirmed with the Gardens if you have mobility concerns. Reiman Gardens functions as a community education resource in Ames and this class is a model of how public gardens can translate horticulture into accessible skills.
Expect to leave with multiple preserved stems suitable for small arrangements, a mini silica kit to continue experiments at home, and clear drying schedules for different species. Instructors answer questions about humidity control, color preservation, and long-term storage. Whether you're making ornaments, wreath accents, or botanical art, the hands-on format accelerates learning. Tickets sell out for dates—book early through Reiman Gardens' booking link and plan to arrive early to settle.
Yes—participants receive fresh-cut flowers from Reiman Gardens and a take-home container of silica gel as part of the session.
A minimum age is not specified in the listing; check the Gardens' booking page or contact staff to confirm family-friendly policies and any age restrictions.
No prior experience is necessary; the class is hands-on and designed for beginners through advanced makers.
The workshop provides flowers for the exercises; ask instructors if you can process a few home-grown stems during the session.
Drying time varies by species and method: silica-packed blooms can finish in days, hang-dried stems often take one to three weeks—your instructor will provide timelines.
Yes—silica gel can often be regenerated by gentle heating as instructed, but follow the workshop guidance for safe reuse and storage.
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.
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