Gardening Garden Design Test Garden Secrets Visiting the Better Homes & Gardens Test Garden® This beautiful green space has something to see in all seasons. By Viveka Neveln Viveka Neveln Instagram Viveka Neveln is the Garden Editor at BHG and a degreed horticulturist with broad gardening expertise earned over 3+ decades of practice and study. She has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing for both print and digital media. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on February 6, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email Adjacent to the headquarters of Better Homes & Gardens' parent company, Dotdash Meredith, the BHG Test Garden is located at the corner of Grand Avenue and 15th Street in downtown Des Moines, Iowa. The Test Garden serves as a display garden, a testing ground for plants, a photography studio for our company's publications and websites, and a venue for corporate events. This working space is open to the public for self-guided tours on Fridays from noon to 2 p.m. from May to September. (Groups of 10 or more may schedule guided tours during the open hours by appointment. Call 515-284-3994 to make a reservation.) See a few highlights below to get a sense of what's in the garden. Better Homes and Gardens The Courtyard When you visit the Test Garden, enter through our main gate on the south side of the gardens. Descend a few steps and join fellow garden enthusiasts for a stroll along the main path, or sit in our central courtyard under a ring of mature crabapple trees. A custom-made glass and steel fountain is our central focal point, while scattered benches and patio tables make for comfortable lounging. Carson Downing The Mixed Perennial Border A small flagstone path loops through a border garden, and a variety of perennials gives it color spring through fall. Bulbs emerge here first, then a series of perennials. Later, the show will become a little more dramatic as grasses grow tall and summer blooms reach their peak. 5 Top Perennials for Added Texture and Color in the Garden Carson Downing The Shade Garden This area is especially lovely in spring, as is typical of woodland gardens. Before the trees' canopy closes in with foliage, woodland plants such as bleeding heart and Brunnera flower. At the same time, hostas and heucheras expand and eventually cover the ground. Better Homes and Gardens The Vegetable and Herb Garden In the sunniest corner of the Better Homes & Gardens Test Garden®, a mix of vegetables and herbs are planted in raised beds. The Test Garden plants in beds because of the many benefits of raised bed gardens: they provide a longer growing season, promote healthier soil, and they keep your garden clean and compact. Not to mention, raised beds will save your back. In the Test Garden, there are always plenty of fragrant herbs to sniff (like basil, sage, and chives), plus you can get a sneak peek at some of the newest vegetables we trial every year. Frequently Asked Questions Are there restrooms in the BHG Test Garden? No, we don't have facilities on site. The nearest public restroom is in a convenience store a block away. Do you have food available for purchase in the BHG Test Garden? No, we do not sell anything in the garden, but guests are welcome to bring a lunch or nonalcoholic beverage to enjoy on a bench in the garden during our public open hours. Just note, you need to carry out your trash as there are no receptacles in the garden. Is the BHG Test Garden wheelchair accessible? The main path around the garden is wheelchair accessible. However, because there is a short set of stairs to reach the path from the main entrance, the best wheelchair and stroller access is from the gate on the north side of the garden adjacent to Grand Avenue. Please notify staff, who will need to unlock this gate to allow access. May pets come into the garden? Only service animals are permitted in the Test Garden. Can I take pictures in the Test Garden? Because the Test Garden is used for business photography and video, professional/commercial photography such as wedding portraits and senior pictures is not permitted. However, you are welcome to take photos for your personal use. Is the Test Garden available for private events? The Test Garden is not available for private events such as weddings, family reunions, or graduation parties. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit