We will be closed Sunday, June 11th .

Ironman 70.3 Des Moines will cause limited road access & road closures. Our retail Garden Center will be closed this day.

Special Events

Here at Ted Lare Garden Center we love spending time with our community! Join us and enjoy one of our many special events held throughout the gardening season. From Farmer’s Markets to art shows and seasonal events, we’ve got something that will please the whole family. See the special events below and mark your calendars!
Houseplant Club | Sunday, June 10 | 10am

Houseplant Club

Saturday, June 10, 2023 | 10am

At Ted Lare Garden Center

At this meeting our guest speaker, Carolyn Lipold, will be discussing creative plant décor. We will also talk about houseplants as a whole and which houseplants are most sought after these days. 

We’ll also discuss plant problems that the group is currently experiencing or has encountered previously and what steps should be taken to solve them.

Meeting Location: 2701 Cumming Ave, Cumming, IA 50061

Story Time in the Garden | Friday, June 16 10am || image id: white background with illustrated grass and flowers across the bottom and faint green leaves in the top corners

Story Time in the Garden

Friday, June 16, 2023 | 10am

Bring the kids for an exciting garden adventure! 
 
In June we are reading Are You A Dragonfly by Judy Allen. In this story we’ll learn about dragonflies and the secrets of metamorphosis. Then we’re making DIY Dragonfly Masks for you to take home!
 
This event is free, however we do ask that you register ahead of time so we can prepare enough materials.
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Pollinator-Palooza

Saturday, June 24, 2023 | 9am 12pm

Celebrate Pollinator Week with us! All week we will be sharing fun facts about our pollinator pals plus tips & tricks to improve the pollinator presence in your backyard and we’re wrapping it up with something fun for the kids!

The kids will make their way through a variety of educational and crafty activities while learning about the importance service they provide.

Children should be accompanied by an adult throughout the event. Best for ages 3-12.

Closed Sunday July, 2 through Tuesday July, 4

Closed

Sunday, July 2 – Tuesday, July 4, 2023

The Garden Center will be closed Sunday, July 2-Tuesday, July 4 to observe the Fourth of July holiday.

Normal hours will resume Wednesday, July 5

Des Moines Backyard Garden Tour 2023 Saturday, July 15

Backyard Garden Tour

Saturday, July 15, 2023
10am – 4pm | Des Moines Garden Tour
3pm – 6pm | Reception at Ted Lare

Des Moines Backyard Gardeners group is doing their first ever backyard garden tour! Join your fellow gardeners for a day of learning, inspiration and coming together as a community as you tour private gardens, greenhouses, farms, parks and more!

Ted Lare is hosting a reception from 3-6pm! Meet back here to share what you saw, hear presentations on various gardening subjects and enjoy food from Magoo’s Pizza truck & live music from Sean Sullivan.

Story Time in the Garden

Friday, July 21, 2023 | 10am

Join us for a story in the garden!

Every third Friday at 10am we’ll read a garden-related book and then do a fun, hands-on activity together.

Children should be accompanied by an adult throughout the event. Best for ages 3-12.

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Dinos in the Garden

Saturday, July 29, 2023 | Time TBD

The dinos will be back in the garden Saturday, July 29, 2023

Prepare for a roaringly good time learning about these amazing prehistoric creatures. You can expect crafts, prehistoric plants and other dinosaur expeditions. 

Save the date! More detail coming soon.

Text: Save the Date September 16, 2023 Ted Lare Garden Center presents Midwest Tropical Show | background image: tropical houseplants fill a room

Midwest Tropical Show

Saturday, September 16, 2023 | TBD

Additional details coming soon.

Follow the event on Instagram.

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Harvest Art Show

Saturday, October 14, 2023 | 9am – 3pm

Celebrate harvest and start preparing for the holiday season. Join 30+ local artists from across Iowa, plus local food and drink vendors, musicians and face painting! 

Artists will have a variety of products available for purchase, including jewelry, seasonal décor, holiday gifts, photography, paintings, textile goods and more!

This family friendly event is FREE to attend!

Ghosts & Goblins in the Garden

Saturday, October 21, 2023 | TBD

Ghosts & Goblins in the Garden returns this October!

Stay tuned for more details.

Holiday Open House Saturday, November 13, 2023 at Ted Lare Garden Center 9am-3pm

Holiday Open House

Saturday, November 11, 2023 | 9am – 3pm

Stay tuned for details

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Meet the Snow Sisters

Saturday, December 2, 2023 | 9am – 10:30am

Stay tuned for details

Christmas in the Garden

Saturday, December 9, 2023 | TBD

Stay tuned for details

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Ted Lare Garden Center

Sunday:

Closed due to Ironman

Monday:

9am-5pm

Tuesday:

9am-6pm

Wednesday:

9am-5pm

Thursday:

9am-5pm

Friday:

9am-5pm

Saturday:

9am-5pm