Secret garden tour in Iowa

A special garden and greenhouse event is set to take place in Des Moines, Iowa.

The Des Moines Register revealed that the Secret Gardens of Waterbury Tour will see horticulture fans granted access to seven hidden private sites where owners will share tips and ideas.

With 1,000 people expected to attend, the locations of the gardens are being hidden until guests arrive at the Des Moines Art Centre.

Co-chairman of the event C J Foster told the news provider that this event will offer something different from the other tours he has run.

One of the gardens to feature has been given the nickname Zen and is described as formal with a twist.

A large rock in the lawn is a "testament to the virtues of imperfection", with the gardener choosing colourful foliage and a number of structures and art pieces.

A water feature with numerous cascades is designed to evoke images of a mountain stream, the owner noted.

The event takes place on June 12th and 13th and also features more than 30 artists who will be selling their wares.