One of the many monarch butterflies hatched at Wellfield after being released into the gardens, summer 2025. The Monarch is considered a "flagship species" for pollinators worldwide — and for good reason. Since the 1990s, their population has dropped an estimated 80%, landing them on the International Red List as endangered. In Spring 2025, Wellfield volunteers and staff began raising Monarchs in an on-site butterfly hatchery, giving guests a front-row seat to the magic of me

Whether it's a small fountain feature or a full-blown pond, water in the Garden can add a feeling of relaxation and peace. Not only can a water feature add aesthetic beauty to the Garden, it also appeals to many natural garden helpers, like pollinators and birds. Water sources are also attractive to wildlife, so you may even see an increase in rabbit, groundhog, and even deer populations. This, of course, can also prove to be a nuisance if you have certain plants that are con

Wellfield Botanic Gardens has been ranked the #1 botanical garden in the United States in a national study by outdoor apparel brand KÜHL. Evaluated against 407 public gardens nationwide, Wellfield earned an overall score of 95.9 out of 100 and the highest positive sentiment score in the analysis. The Elkhart, Indiana garden spans 36 acres across more than 24 themed spaces and is open year-round.

Groovin' in the Gardens returns to Wellfield Botanic Gardens this summer with six evenings of live music, local food, and garden ambiance. The 2026 lineup features Blammo, Satisfaction (Rolling Stones tribute), Abbie Thomas and the Crazy Hearts, Dave Bennett, Hipposonics, and the Big Rig Band. Gates open at 6 p.m. with music starting at 7 p.m. Tickets available online or at the door.

Spring is on the horizon, and it's time to start thinking about your vegetable garden! Here in Michiana (zone 6a), our last frost date falls in mid-May, so timing is everything. Whether you're starting seeds indoors or sowing them directly into the ground, understanding your crops is the key to a thriving season. Get ready — gardening season is almost here!

Wellfield Botanic Gardens announces its 2026 Plant Sale in partnership with the Four Winds Garden Club, taking place Saturday, May 9th at 1011 North Main Street, Elkhart. Shop local growers, artisans, and botanical makers offering native plants, perennials, houseplants, dahlia bulbs, handcrafted goods, and more. Admission to the Plant Sale is free. New this year: Brunch in Bloom, a ticketed brunch experience catered by Toasted Turtle Tavern.

Don't be fooled — the Shamrock is actually a type of Clover! It always has exactly three leaflets, each representing the Holy Trinity. Those lucky 4-leaf clovers? Just a rare mutation. And those heart-shaped "shamrocks" in stores? They're likely wood sorrel — not even in the clover family! The word "shamrock" simply means "little clover" in Gaelic, which explains the centuries of confusion.

With fossils dating back 35 million years, the rose has a rich history rooted in power, mythology, and romance. Tied to the love goddess Aphrodite and used as a symbol of devotion during the Victorian era, the red rose has long been associated with passion and desire. Aromatic, vibrant, and delicate, it has inspired generations of art, poetry, and song — and remains the universal symbol of love to this day.