Meredith Test Gardens

Better Homes and Gardens, Des Moines (photo: Meredith Corp.)

Here in Des Moines, where I live, the Meredith Corporation is a large presence. With sprawling corporate headquarters at the western end of a new Gateway Park the publishing giant is an anchor of the downtown area. One of the great things to do on a Friday is have a picnic lunch in their mostly closed Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden. During the warm months the garden is open to the public on Fridays from noon until 2 pm. Many of those Fridays these past few years I have taken a lunch and sketched happily in the various beautiful settings of the garden.

Meredith is one of the publishing giants, a true conglomerate, having acquired Time Inc. earlier this year, but their history in Iowa dates to the beginning of the 20th century when Edwin Meredith began publishing Successful Farming magazine. Although known primarily for print publishing, the corporation also owns more than a dozen television stations across the United States. Today they publish Better Homes and Gardens, a giant in the domestic periodical industry, and use this large urban plot for testing plants, demonstrating techniques, photo shoots, and even rent it for special events.

"The Courtyard Fountain," wc/gouache/ink 3.5x5.5, 2016

Sketching in the demonstration gardens is a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours. The site and plantings are artfully planned to provide a series of room-like areas. I often choose the central courtyard, which surrounds a fountain that provides a restful auditory backdrop. The courtyard is shaded too--perfect for lunch. People often bring a picnic and sit in the shade.

Besides the courtyard, there are specific areas growing herbs and vegetables, perennials, water

"Potting Shed," wc and ink, 3.5x6.5, 2018

features, flowering trees, and more. The sense of seclusion and peace provided in the middle of the city is wonderful, and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable.

These sketches were all done in pocket 3.5 x5 sketchbooks that fit into a jacket pocket. I started with a rough pencil sketch, added color and then ink to provide dark details. The watercolors I use are a small set from van Gogh that also fit easily into a small coat pocket. With a waterbrush or two and a pencil and pen I'm set to sketch nearly anything, anywhere.

"Water Garden," wc/gouache/ink, 3.5x6.5, 2018

Visiting frequently gives one an opportunity to see the gardens as they change from spring through early fall. These past few weeks the deciduous foliage has begun to turn brilliant colors, but the warm weather has held for now, giving us a few last, precious days.