Reiman Gardens is undergoing a multimillion-dollar facelift, which Gardens officials hope will attract more interest and visitors.

A pond with two waterfalls and the additions of the Town and Country Garden, Arboretum Garden and Conservatory Garden are four new attractions that will be built on 14 acres of the gardens.

The three-to-four acre Town and Country Garden is already under construction, and it’s slated to be finished by fall. McLaughlin said it will include a front-yard garden, outdoor living room, suburban back yard, paving court and a naturalist garden.

The Arboretum Garden is expected to start construction as soon as next month and will feature natural Iowa landscapes.

The two main features of this garden are a dry upland and mesic area and an escarpment garden.

Teresa McLaughlin, Reiman Gardens program manager, said she thinks the additions will increase the Gardens’ visibility in the ISU and Ames communities.

“These gardens will significantly impact Iowa State and Ames. We expect 300,000 more people a year visiting because the gardens will now be open year-round,” McLaughlin said.

Although the cost figures haven’t been finalized, McLaughlin estimated that Town and Country Garden will cost $1.2 million, Arboretum Garden will cost $240,000, Conservatory Garden will cost $7.8 million and the pond will cost $200,000. All of the additions were paid for by anonymous donors.

Nick Howell, garden superintendent said he is optimistic about the future of the gardens, adding that they should become more of an educational experience.

“It’s an opportunity to teach people about aquatics and teach home owners good horticulture,” Howell said.

The original gardens were dedicated in 1995, and many renovations have been completed since then.

The new additions are something Reiman Gardens officials have always had in mind, Howell said.

“It was the next project on the master plan we’ve been working on,” he said.