2009 Landscape Before Time
The 2009 theme, Landscape Before Time, explores plants and insects in prehistoric times. To inspire and intrigue, the Gardens’ will present life-sized and realistic dinosaurs throughout its displays. We hope the dinosaurs capture the attention of our guests, while we secretly wow them with out-of-the ordinary horticulture and entomology exhibits.
Dinosaur Epidermis
Conservatory (Mid-January – March)
Many say that begonias are a good representation of how dinosaur skin may have looked. See the different patterns and textures in this exotic begonia show.
Dinosaurs and Other Common Garden Pests
Throughout Gardens (April 30-July 24)
The dinosaurs are coming! Over 25 realistic, full-scale dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures will inhabit Reiman Gardens. Designed and constructed by paleontologist Guy Darrough, this traveling exhibit has visited several gardens around the country. Darrough prides himself in creating very realistic, life-sized dinosaurs, ranging in size from 6 to 20 feet tall! All these dinos are also waiting to be adopted. Reiman Gardens is seeking both individual and business gifts to help bring the variety of dinosaur sculptures to Ames for this three-month show with 8 sculptures remaining until October 8th. To find out more about adopting a dinosaur, contact Teresa McLaughlin, at
tmcl@iastate.edu or 515-294-4412.
Living Fossils (April 1-October 8)
As a quetzalcoatlus with a 30-foot wide wing span flies overhead, learn about the plants flourished during prehistoric times. From cycads to ginkgos, to basic flowering plants, these beautiful plants will be showcased in a way that only Reiman Gardens can.
Tickle Me T-Rex
South Field (May 15 – October 8)
As you walk outside the Conservatory a giant t-rex skull will great you in the South Field Display Garden among overflowing tropical plants. Guests are invited to touch the giant skull.
Digging In
Patty Jischke Children’s Garden (May 15 – October 8)
This garden will focus on the “bones” of dinosaurs within a tropical landscape. Children can dig for fossils, experience a 15-foot long petrified log, and see playful topiary dinosaurs.
The Lava Garden
Margaret E. Penkhus Campanile Garden (April 30 – October 8)
Both the spring tulip and summer annual displays will highlight the hot colors of lava through plant materials and sculpture. A large parasaurolophus will inhabit this area to enjoy the warmth of the display.
Herb Henge
Joey and Jesse’s Herb Garden (May 15 – October 8)
Stone Henge, England’s prehistoric architectural landmark, is the inspiration for this display. Topiaries, rock forms, and various herbs will simulate this ancient landscape element. Interpretation will discuss what prehistoric means to different cultures, how Stone Henge occupies the extreme end of this prehistoric timeline, and what “henges” really are.
Primordial Soup
Home Production Garden (May 15 – October 8)
Vegetables and herbs will grace this garden. Each bed will focus on a different basic chilled soup recipe with a topiary tyrannosaurs rex overseeing the “kitchen”. Learn how early civilizations used a variety of plants in their diets.
Caveman Canvas
Pattern Garden (May 15 – October 8)
Check out this virtual museum of prehistoric artwork of cave paintings on the walls of the Pattern Garden.
Prehistoric Liaison: Insects and Flowers
Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing (April 30 – October 8)
In the Carboniferous Period, insects and flowers evolved together, and today continue an important dependent relationship. Learn about this interesting progression of evolution as you walk through the Butterfly Wing.
A Ferny Holiday
Conservatory (October 8-December 31)
Celebrate a famed prehistoric plant – the fern! Did you know that before the development of turf, the world was filled with landscapes abundant with ferns? Enjoy ferns nestled among other holiday plants in a unique twist on traditional holiday fanfare.
