Behind the Scenes at Reiman Gardens

Megan Moran

Reiman Gardens “Behind the Scenes” event on Wednesday will do just as the name says, take a behind the scenes look at what it takes to keep up the gardens.

“We will be showing how our computer system controls everything in the gardens, how to produce plants from seeds, plants in the trial gardens and pest control,” said Ed Moran, agricultural specialist.

Reiman Gardens has been on Iowa State’s campus since 1914. It is located on University Boulevard and is now one of the most unique gardens that is available to students across the country, according to their website. 

The computer system at Reiman Gardens controls everything that happens there. It is a mobile friendly system and can be accessed on a smartphone, iPad or computer. The computer system shows everything from temperatures to mapping out how eco-friendly the company has been.

Along with showing attendees how the computer system works, the workers will show different ways to produce plants.

“Volunteers plant plant-material from all over the country,” Moran said. “Underground stem cutting and plants produced from seeds are two ways we plant plants.”

Underground stems are plants that are modified in the stem structure, but the stem tissue survives under the soil. Planting seeds in soil is another more common way that Reiman Gardens plants their foliage.

“I’ve always been interested in learning about the different ways that plants are produced,” said Aurelie Rozeboom, sophomore in English.

The last thing the event will discuss is pest control.

“We use biological controls, insects to control insects, disease control and chemicals,” Moran said.

Reiman Gardens brings in plants from all over the country, plants that are more than likely to attract pests. Controlling pests in that environment can be tricky, but is necessary to sustain plant life.

“Behind the Scenes” is a free event and takes place at 11 a.m. at Reiman Gardens.