American Horticultural Society – 2015 Gala & Online Auction
Auction Ends: Oct 27, 2015 12:00 PM EDT

Unique Experiences

AN INNOVATIVE AND REVITALIZED PUBLIC GARDEN IN DES MOINES

Item Number
112
Estimated Value
Priceless
Sold
500 USD to hr128b0e3
Number of Bids
1  -  Bid History

Item Description

The Destination

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Des Moines, Iowa

Hosted by Stephanie Jutila, President and CEO

 

The Experience

Your visit for up to four includes:

  • A private tour of the indoor and outdoor gardens with Stephanie Jutila, President and CEO
  • Lunch with Stephanie in the award-winning Trellis cafe
  • Admission to the Garden for up to four

A vibrant public garden in the heart of downtown Des Moines, the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden launched a new beginning in 2013 with more than $18 million invested in the facility and expanded gardens in the past three years. The newly opened outdoor gardens were designed by Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects of Chicago.

Stephanie Jutila, the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden's President and CEO is a passionate horticulturist who has dedicated her career to connecting people to plants. For the past three and a half years Stephanie has led the transformation of the former botanical center into what is now the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, complete with updated interiors and 7 acres of outdoor gardens.

Stephanie’s horticultural training includes undergraduate and masters degrees at the University of Minnesota, where she also studied nonprofit management and museum studies. Her work experience includes stints at the Smithsonian Institution, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, and at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory of Como Park, St. Paul.

Prior to moving to Des Moines, Stephanie worked for the American Horticultural Society. While at the American Horticultural Society, she was the Director of Member Programs and Outreach. In this role Stephanie headed numerous national initiatives and programs, including the renowned, annual National Children & Youth Garden Symposium.

  • Best times to visit:  April through October are the primary months for the outdoor gardens, but the tour can happen anytime during the year.

Item Special Note

Conditions/Limitations for this item:  tour to be arranged at a mutually agreeable time subject to host’s availability by October 31, 2016.

To check on dates and to make arrangements for this offering, the winner should contact Stephanie Jutila, sjutila@dmbotanicalgarden.com.