Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens — Attraction in Waterloo

I had not been to the arboretum for several years, and made a recent visit. Vast improvements have been made in that period of time. The gardens have been expanded, and of course plants, bushes and trees have matured.

The arboretum has a small operating budget, and three paid employees, most of whom not work full time. The vast physical work of weeding, cleaning and help to develop planting areas, is done by volunteers. Understandably, the gardens may not always be in pristine order when helpers cannot devote full time work.

The area is peaceful and includes a koi pond, and a children's garden. The arboretum, in conjunction with a 4-H program, hosts student groups and other club activities. The location would be an excellent site small, intimate wedding.

The one shortcoming that I saw at the arboretum was that few trees and plants are identified. There is a lovely variety of flowers and unique shrubs, but they are not identified, so it is frustrating to have no way to know...

Beautiful Garden! But If you're looking to have your wedding here.... watch out.

The lady "running things" was very inconsiderate and liked to make up her own rules. When we booked, it was $300, but she convinced the board members to charge an incredible increase of $800!! For a public garden and all the other rules she has put in place this is quite the fee. Luckily, we booked before that, but after the wedding she made a big stink about something we did, saying it violated the contract and she was going to keep our security deposit of $300. However, the rule we "broke" wasn't on the contract so we had to threatened to sue in order to finally get our money back. This same lady is also pushing for entree fees to the garden...so it will no longer be public and free, even though this garden was made up of donations and volunteers!! So how do those volunteers and donors feel about charging people to see what they paid for and GAVE...

This place is a gem in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls area! Numerous trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials, and annuals that can be grown in Iowa gardens are showcased here, including many species and varieties that are not all that common in this area. There is a children's garden, which I feel is essential in this day and age when many children spend more time on electronic devices than playing outdoors and learning about nature. The arboretum announced a major expansion plan a couple of years ago, and I am excited to see it begin to take shape. I am proud to say that I have been an active volunteer (primarily as a gardener) at the arboretum for most of its existence, and I hope to continue doing so for many...