Once again, the Terrace Hill Partnership will present the Tea & Talk series at 2:00 pm each Saturday in February. Speakers present timely programs to guests in the Terrace Hill Drawing Room followed by tea and tasty treats. Tickets are $10 per program or $35 for a season pass. The speakers are donating their time, and all proceeds will benefit the gardens of Terrace Hill. Tickets are available at https://terracehillteaandtalk.eventbrite.com or by calling the Terrace Hill office at 515-281-7205.
February 3
Ben Page and Jenny Richmond, City of Des Moines Parks & Recreation Department
Ben Page, Director, and Jenny Richmond, Assistant Director, will share an overview of the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department and the many programs and services they provide. With over 77 parks and open spaces; 4,000 acres of park and open space land; 69 miles of paved trails and so much more, learn how this department works to improve life in Des Moines, earning them the National Recreation and Parks Association Gold Medal in 2023!
February 10
Sandra Gerdes, Better Homes & Gardens
On Saturday, February 10, Sandra Gerdes will give you a glimpse of the Better Homes & Gardens Test Garden through its 25 years. An Iowa native, Sandra has been the manager of this downtown oasis since its inception in 1998 and continues to evaluate hundreds of plants for the home gardener.
February 17
Kelly Shrock, Des Moines Public Library Foundation: Opening Doors. Books. Minds.
Did you ever wonder how many books are on the shelves at the library? Just how many people use the library each year and what do they do when they are at the library? These questions and more will be answered in Executive Director Kelly Shrock's presentation. Join us as we learn about the 25-year history of the DMPL Foundation and how it supports our wonderful library system. A community gem that has been part of Des Moines for over 155 years!
February 24
Tim Goldman, Faith & Grace Food Garden
Located in West Des Moines, the Faith & Grace Garden grows and donates fresh, organic fruits and vegetables to feed hungry people in Central Iowa. In 2023, this all-volunteer community effort donated 33,000 pounds of organic fruits and vegetables to area food pantries. The size of the garden was expanded last fall, and they hope to donate 45,000 pounds in 2024. Tim Goldman will share how the Faith & Grace Garden is making a difference in Iowa.