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"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

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!

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.

How to care for bronze sculptures in the Gardens

Everyday at Wellfield is a day of thanks – – from those whose vision inspired Wellfield Botanic Gardens over 15 years ago to those who,...