Bloom and Brush: A Rose Show Sip and Paint

Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa sits on the Iowa State University campus and offers a compact, intensively planted public garden that erupts into color in rose season. Bloom and Brush: A Rose Show Sip and Paint is a 90-minute morning experience that pairs a short guided walk through the Gardens' rose collections with a relaxed, instructional watercolor painting session and a flight of four rose-themed drinks. The session begins with a guided tour led by horticulture and event staff who point out standout varieties and explain the history and hardiness of the Buck Roses developed in Iowa.

The rose collections are the scene's stars: beds of hybrid teas, floribundas and heritage roses that produce a range of colors and textures ideal for quick observational painting. The walking portion is short and accessible, designed to orient guests to scent, color and form before moving to the studio area. After the tour you'll settle in for a beverage flight - Rose Italian Soda, Rose Refresher, Bloom Cold Brew and Buck Rose Honey Tea - served chilled so you can sip while you paint.

Each guest receives a beginner's guide to watercolor flowers with paints, a brush and a pre-designed canvas inspired by the Gardens' palette; the paint-by-numbers approach keeps the morning approachable for first-timers while still satisfying for experienced hobbyists. What makes this event special is the combination of place and process. Reiman Gardens' cultivated rose beds and the adjacent Butterfly Wing offer tangible, photographer-ready subjects, from tight bud close-ups to sweeping beds of color.

The program leans into local botanical history - especially the Buck Roses - and gives visitors a chance to slow down amid an active outdoor recreation corridor that includes walking paths, seasonal displays and public programming. Practical notes: the event lasts about 1.5 hours and includes Gardens admission plus access to the Rose Show and Butterfly Wing later that afternoon. Attendees should be at least 16 years old and pre-register; all art supplies are provided.

It's an ideal morning activity for couples, friends, or solo travelers looking for a low-impact, creative way to spend time outdoors in Ames. Bring a camera for close-ups of petals and a light layer - mornings in Ames can be cool even on summer days. The included booklet teaches simple washes and layering so you can translate ruffled petals and glossy leaves into convincing washes; instructors encourage experimentation rather than perfection.

Pre-registration is required through the event's booking link; spaces are capped to preserve an intimate atmosphere, so reserve early during peak rose season. Happy painting mornings.