April brings more than warmer weather and new floral growth around campus – it will also be an important month for Iowa State’s vaunted Reiman Gardens.

Thanks to a private donation, workers are completing construction to several features of the 14-acre attraction along Iowa State’s entryway. Both the butterfly wing and the conservatory are seeing renovations, in addition to the construction of a new classroom on the premises.

“The gardens are a unique part of campus and we are excited about the new renovations that will hopefully help balance the budget and attract more visitors,” said Warren Madden, vice president for business and finance.

Renovations taking place at Reiman Gardens have caused the cancellation of some popular spring events, but with the new additions there is hope to attract more visitors and support the beleaguered budget.

Last year’s financial constraints forced the gardens to make cuts of $200,000 that included staff in the area of education and communications, closing the butterfly wing for the winter months, restricting visitors to weekdays only and losing hourly winter staff.

Three ex-employees of Reiman Gardens who were laid off during the budget cuts could not be reached for comment.

Due to the ongoing reconstruction, the March Spring Fling was canceled along with the Egg Hunt, Easter Brunch and March Botany Lunch.

Owned by Iowa State and managed by the Office of the Vice President for Business and Finance, Reiman Gardens is on track to open the newly reconstructed exhibits on April 5 and to hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for Arbor Day, April 25.

“We are greatly appreciative of the donation made to help construction at Reiman Gardens,” Madden said. “The long-term budget goals are to make the gardens more functional and efficient.”

Currently, Reiman Gardens receives financial support from three primary sources. Forty percent of the annual funding for the center comes from the university, 40 percent from activities such as membership, admissions, sales, tours and educational programs, and 20 percent from private endowments and gifts.

With the new renovation efforts, there is hope of increased funding in the areas of admissions, tours and use of the new classroom for special events.

“The construction of a new classroom will help the gardens immensely and is presently booked with over 80 groups,” said Teresa McLaughlin, director for Reiman Gardens.

“The facility has encountered budget difficulties in the past, but our future looks promising and the changes will hopefully help make us more self-sustaining.”

Iowa State has allocated roughly $680,000 to Reiman Gardens for the current fiscal year, which runs from July 1, 2007, to June 30, 2008.

This year’s theme for Iowa State’s gardens is titled “A Novel Garden.” The renovations are expected to adorn the theme along with improving facilities, adding a teaching classroom and also improving the gift shop of the gardens.

“We decided on the theme ‘A Novel Garden,’ which will use flowers to illustrate pieces of classic literature,” McLaughlin said. “The exhibit will highlight the upcoming Arbor Day celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony.”

Reiman Gardens entertains roughly 100,000 visitors annually, employs 40 ISU students each year and relies on more than 10,000 volunteer hours from patrons and members of the gardens.