Nothing says the start of cozy season like new indoor plants and books to dive into. Here’s your guide to some of our favorite places to pick up these hibernation season essentials. 


Des Moines is chalk full of cozy spaces whether that’s meandering through a bookstore looking for your next read or browsing through a plant store looking for some greens to add (or start) your plant collection. We’ve pulled together a list of some of our fav book stores and plant shops for you and honestly, could there be a better combo? We think not.


Des Moines Plant Shops


Art Terrarium

  • Highland Park: 520 Euclid Ave Suite 101, Des Moines, IA 50313

This light filled spot has plenty of plants, pots and all the accessories. Even a potting bar!


Renovation Jungle

  • 607 37th St, Des Moines, IA 50312

Renovation Jungle is located just off Ingersoll Avenue and is absolutely bursting with houseplants and plant care items for you. 

There is no physical location for this shop, but the small, local, woman-owned houseplant business sells a great variety of plants all propagated from the owner’s collection. Check out their Instagram for local pop ups at markets and fairs.

The Plant Dealer

  • 118 1st Street N, Newton, Iowa, 50208

This isn’t a store for folks to drop into. Rather, it’s a plant subscription company perfect for folks interested in receiving houseplants on a regular. 


Petals + Moss

  • 333 E Grand Ave #102, Des Moines, IA 50309

This woman owned, artisan plant shop has plants and decor at every turn in their shop. We also love their box sales if you’re looking to bring more than one plant baby home at a time. 


Des Moines Botanical Garden

  • 909 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309

What better place to look for plants than Des Moines’ Botanical Garden? They’ve got tons of options that change seasonally and while you there you might as well tour the gardens! This is a great place to visit in the winter to feel warm and toasty in the sunshine under the dome. 


Ted Lare Garden Center

  • 2701 Cumming Ave, Cumming, IA, 50061

Just 10 minutes south of Des Moines, Ted Lare has got you covered on plants for all seasons, indoor and outdoor. Their garden center has a great variety of plants, pots and other accessories. They also host great plant events.

Learn more here


Des Moines Book Stores


Reading in Public Bookstore + Cafe

  • 315 5th St Suite 100, West Des Moines, IA 50265

In addition to being a great spot to grab your next read or an afternoon pick me up, this woman-owned shop hosts a number of events for readers of all ages. They even have cute window seats where you can enjoy time reading and sipping a tasty drink. 


Storyhouse Bookpub

  • 505 E Grand Ave Suite 102, Des Moines, IA 50309

Located in the East Village, and another woman-owned shop, Storyhouse is the perfect place to find your next read, catch an author chat or get some gifts for your bibliophile pals. It also has an amazing kids section with family-friendly activities a lot of weekends! 


Beaverdale Books

  • 2629 Beaver Ave # S1, Des Moines, IA 50310

Beaverdale Books is a Des Moines staple. This shop has something for everyone: author meet and greets, book clubs, and their inventory represents over 500 (!!) local authors.  


Raccoon River Press

  • 250 W 1st. St., Grimes, IA, 50111

Raccoon River Press just opened a brick and mortar, and we couldn’t be more excited. Female owned local biz that both sells and publishes books with a focus on local authors. You can still catch them at events around town. We love sharing their new titles in our Instagram stories on Tuesdays. #NewTitleTuesday


The Little Book

  • 520 Euclid Ave, Suite 102, Des Moines, Iowa 50313

Books, gifts and novelty items with an emphasis on children’s literature, this independent shop is a welcoming space for all ages. They have book clubs for different ages and lots of story times.

Check out all the events


Plain Talk Books & Coffee

  • 602 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309

Plain Talk is a coffee & sandwich shop that also sells books located in the East Village — the perfect combination! Stop by their space to browse while you munch and sip. 


We love any reason to add to our plant and book collection!

It’s an added bonus that checking these locations out now means you can grab something for ourselves as a hibernation treat. As the weather gets chillier definitely check some of these warm and cozy spots out! Found a new favorite? Let us know.