This weekend, eastern Iowa’s Amana Colonies are inviting visitors to indulge in the beauty of nature during the Colonies in Bloom event. Held annually, this self-guided tour promises a delightful experience for gardening enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates the charm of botanical gardens.
According to Jon Childers, spokesperson for the Amana Heritage Museum, the event aims to showcase the rich gardening heritage of the Amana Colonies. Each year, the tour features between seven to twelve gardens, ranging from vibrant flower displays to flourishing vegetable patches, and sometimes a blend of both.
Spread across five of the seven villages, this year’s gardens promise a feast for the senses with their vivid colors and fragrant blooms. Reflecting the area’s historical depth, Childers notes that the tour offers glimpses into heirloom vegetables and rare, modern flowers rarely seen elsewhere. Highlighting a particular home in Upper South Amana, Childers mentions their dedication to showcasing native Iowa flowers, adding a unique local touch to the tour.
The self-guided tours are scheduled from 9 AM to 3 PM on Saturday, followed by a Garden Party hosted at the Amana Heritage Museum. Childers invites attendees to enjoy refreshments, explore the museum’s exhibits, and engage in entertainment and casual conversations, making it a perfect conclusion to a day spent among gardens.
While large-scale vegetable gardens were integral during the colonies’ early days, the rise of hobby gardening post-1932 dissolution of the communal system added a new dimension to local gardening practices.
Maps for the Colonies in Bloom event can be obtained at the Amana Heritage Museum, the Amana Colonies Visitors Center, and at each participating garden, ensuring visitors can navigate the scenic tour with ease.