For the past twelve years, I've had the privilege of working for Wellfield Botanic Gardens. A place built on a dream the Elkhart Rotary Club dared to pursue over 20 years ago. As we celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary, I'm reminded that what makes Wellfield, and our community, so special isn't the flowers or the trails. It's the people; the volunteers, staff, and neighbors whose generosity and dedication built this place and sustain it still.

"This Garden needs to stand for 100 years." Twenty years in, founding Executive Director Eric Amt — with reflections from fellow founders Stuart Barb, Tom Pletcher, and Chuck Grodnik — traces how a well field trail became a homegrown, world-class garden, and why that story echoes America's own at 250.

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Wellfield Botanic Gardens reflects on its own remarkable journey. Twenty years ago, a shared vision transformed Elkhart's municipal well field into a thriving community destination. Built through the dedication of volunteers, donors, and supporters, Wellfield has become a place of beauty, learning, and connection—and is now recognized as the #1 Botanic Garden in the United States, with an even brighter future ahead.

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!