DECEMBER 2023
MEMBER NEWSLETTER Dear Members, The great Andy Williams once crooned, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” He was right, December is officially here and it’s simply the best. Special memories to be made with family, all the baked goodies, and upcoming holidays have me in joyful spirits. You’ll want to visit Reiman Gardens soon to escape from the chilly weather. We don’t mean to brag, but our conservatory is the “hottest” place in Ames. Come warm up, unwind, and be sure to check out our beautiful RG Express Train while you’re here.
Allison Anderson Membership Specialist
I can’t believe how fast 2023 flew by. With just a month left of 2023 to go, what are you looking forward to in the new year? What has 2023 taught you? What brings you joy during this holiday season? Please feel free to share with me- I would love to hear from you. I also want to hear any special memories you have at the Gardens to feature you in our
In this issue: Volunteer Spotlight (p. 2) Member Bus Trip (p. 6) RG Awards (p. 7)
ongoing Member Spotlight. Please email me at allisona@iastate.edu. Join us for a magical evening at Winter Wonderscape! The Gardens simply look spectacular- you’ll see glittering disco balls, thousands of twinkling lights, and mesmerizing light displays. Friendly reminder that members get $2 off regular priced Winter Wonderscape tickets. Tickets are on sale now on our website. Plus, we will have hot cocoa for sale for you to enjoy as you take in the breathtaking views. Purchase tickets here. Thank you for reading this month’s member newsletter. We deeply appreciate you. Your generous support allows for all these great and exciting events to happen! We are so thankful for all of you. Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy holiday season.
Volunteers Make the Magic Happen at Winter Wonderscape The changeover from Spirits in the Gardens to Winter Wonderscape is a massive project! This month, we wish to feature and thank all of our volunteers (over 300 of them!) who make the magic of Winter Wonderscape happen. We couldn’t do it without them!
The following is an excerpt from Inside Iowa State. The feature was written by Jeff Budlong. Winter Wonderscape has become an Ames holiday tradition, and Dec. 1 marks the start of its fourth year at Reiman Gardens. The lights, decorations and festive feel are hallmarks of the event, but none of it would be possible without the hard work of volunteers. A small army of volunteers work throughout November to decorate Reiman Gardens' grounds. And more help ensures every Thursday through Saturday evening in December is a success. Finding 336 volunteers is not always easy but volunteer coordinator Kimberly Hope said this year the holiday spirit seems to be carrying from season to season. You can read the rest of the story about how our volunteers transform the gardens from one season to the next here.
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december 2023
UPCOMING
EVENTS The Velveteen Rabbit December 4, 3:30 PM-4:30 PM The ISU Theatre presents a shadow puppet show. Following the performance, audience can get an up-close look at the puppets, check out the backstage, and interact with the cast.
Winter Solstice Pajama Party December 21, 11 AM - 1 PM : Wear your fuzziest PJs and bring a snuggly blanket with your winter gear for this fun family event inside and outside. Designed for children ages 5-11.
Winter Break Camps December 27-29, 9 AM - 4 PM Keep the kids busy over winter break with 3 days of fun activities. Learn about ice, engineering, and enjoy a fun day of arts and crafts with a Grinch theme!
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december 2023
EDUCATIONAL
PROGRAMS Caterpillar Club Thursdays at 10:15 AM: Dress for the weather for this outdoor Early Childhood Development program featuring stories, followed by nature exploration and activities. Best for children ages 2-5 with an adult.
Nature at Noon December 14, Noon- 1 PM: Join Reiman Gardens volunteer John Jacobson to learn how to deck out the holidays with dried florals and plants. This program is free!
Floral Design December 19, 6-7 PM: Welcome the return of the light with a low table centerpiece of greens and whites adorned with Gardening one or two Book Talk: Can Be Murder
candles and additional sparkle. October 12: Join bestselling author Marta McDowell for a public lecture and Q&A on the literary influence of pernicious plants!
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december 2023
EDUCATIONAL
PROGRAMS Maker Night December 20, 6-7:30 PM: Learn how to “Doodle through the doldrums” with doodling extraordinaire Sara Merritt using colored pencils and ink.
Registration for educational programs has been filling quickly. View more details and registration info at www.reimangardens.com/events
October 12: Join bestselling author Marta McDowell for a public lectureYour and donations Q&A on the literary influence pernicious help Reiman Gardensof accomplish itsplants! mission of
educating, inspiring, and enchanting. Click the button below to donate toward a campaign to raise money for our Butterfly Wing!
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MEMBERS ONLY BUS TRIP FEBRUARY 18-24, 2024
Arizona Desert Adventure Visit sites such as the Desert Botanical Garden, Japanese Friendship Garden, Tohono Chul Gardens, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (they have a hummingbird house!), Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Saguaro National Park, and the Tucson Botanical Garden. We will take a narrated tram tour through the rich flora and fauna of Sabino Canyon, and walk through the amazing Biosphere 2. Experience delicious Southwest cooking in amazing sites such as Rustler's Roost, situated on top of a bluff; once a hideout for cattle rustlers with the entrance a mine shaft that takes us over a waterfall. For three nights we will be at the Embassy Suites in Tucson, where each room is a deluxe two-room suite. Spots are limited! Register now at the link below.
REGISTER HERE
REIMAN GARDENS NEWS DECEMBER 2023
REIMAN GARDENS NAMED A TOP GARDEN IN NORTH AMERICA Reiman Gardens was recognized as one of the “Top 10 North American Gardens Worth Traveling For” on November 3, 2023. The award was presented to Reiman Gardens Director Ed Lyon at the International Garden Tourism Conference in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, amongst peers from some of the world’s most renowned botanical gardens.
REIMAN GARDENS NAMED “BEST WEDDING VENUE OF STORY COUNTY” Reiman Gardens was named “Best Wedding Venue of Story County” by the Ames Tribune at the 2023 Community Choice Awards. The contest, sponsored by the Tribune, required a nomination and voting process from the public.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS, FROM REIMAN GARDENS!