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Wander Wellfield after dark at Garden of Villains, Friday, October 2nd and Saturday, October 3rd, from 6 to 9 p.m. Meet cosplayers, collect treats, and shop local vendors.

Wellfield Botanic Gardens hosts the Michiana Bonsai Show Sept. 19-20, featuring renowned bonsai artists, judged exhibits, workshops, and vendors in Elkhart, IN.

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.