There are a number of projects going on around the southern entrance to the university and as the Reiman Gardens’ projects start, I know it has become confusing to keep them straight so hopefully this will help those wondering!

Project 1 is currently called the Stadium Garden Plaza and most of you saw, if not interacted with, the first phase of that all of 2016 and is taking place as part of the South End Zone Stadium expansion project. What used to be Lot S3 is going to be a new green space with paths, water features, art and other features. Construction on what we call the hardscapes will be completed by football season; it is likely the bulk of the plantings will occur in spring 2018. Even though I sit on the design team, this is not a Reiman Gardens project nor will it be part of Reiman Gardens, a common misconception.

The two projects on the interior of the Gardens you may have noticed are part of the 20-year garden improvement Master Plan we released to the public in January 2016. 

The project with the most activity this winter is in the center of the property on a hillside that adjoins Beach Avenue and can be viewed from University Boulevard. This is the Hillside Water-wise Garden and is the first project from the aforementioned master plan. It is funded 20 percent by the ISU Class of 1955 and 80 percent through Reiman Gardens’ raised revenue. It will flaunt a 12-foot wide staircase to the top of the hill with Americans with Disabilities Act compliant paths zigzagging up through terraced planting beds that will demonstrate five different styles of water-wise gardening. Both routes will eventually lead to a pergola that will not be completed until a donor offers funding. This garden should be planted in late April or early May and open directly thereafter.

The second project encompasses about four acres on the south end of the Gardens; people have noticed in advance of spring construction trees have been removed in preparation. This will become a spectacular and iconic showcase garden called Sycamore Falls, honoring the seven 80-year-old sycamores currently on site. This garden will feature a spectacular tower, waterfalls, streams and pool, pergola and lush plantings. The funding for this garden is 50 percent by Roy and Bobbi Reiman and 50 percent through donations and fundraising. The ambitious plan is for this garden to open late spring or early summer 2018.

I hope this helps explain the three major projects you see ongoing on this end of campus. Over the next few years they will all add to the beauty of the entrance to Iowa State University as well as the appeal and attraction of visitors to Reiman Gardens, making it an even stronger tourist destination. Reiman Gardens is committed to connecting all improvements to education, making it an even more valued part of the student experience at Iowa State Universality.