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Garfield Park Conservatory & Sunken Garden

Address: 2505 Conservatory Drive
Pricing: Conservatory Adults - $1; 3 and under - free
Phone: (317) 327-7184
Hours: Conservatory Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.; Sunken Garden Summer 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Winter 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
How To Get There:
From Indianapolis International Airport, head northeast on Col. H. Weir Cook Memorial Dr. Merge onto I-465 S/I-74 E via the ramp to I-70 W. Take exit 9A to merge onto I-70 E toward Indianapolis. Take exit 80 to merge onto I-65 S toward Louisville. Take exit 109 for Raymond St. Turn right at E Raymond. Take 1st left onto Shelby St. Turn right at Garfield Park N Dr. Turn left at Garfield Park Center Dr.
Parking:
Free on premises
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Garfield Park Conservatory & Sunken Garden: Indy’s own rainforest biome and natural treasure

Apr 6, 2010

Garfield Park is the oldest park in Indianapolis. Nestled within this 136 acre space, is its Crown Jewel – the Garfield Park Conservatory & Sunken Garden.

Established in 1881, the Conservatory and Sunken Garden is a spectacular place filled with color and natural history. Conceived and brought to life in the early 1900s by German landscape architect George Edward Kessler, the Conservatory and Sunken Garden is always a hive of activity. Open to the public, this south side location is a marvelous place for all ages to learn and explore.

Exhibits inside the Conservatory run all year and feature a permanent rainforest. The Conservatory is used to promote understanding of the rainforest environment and hosts a plethora of vegetation. Palms and ferns climb high into the air while rainforest products like cacao (chocolate), vanilla, banana, and coffee can be spotted, along with the occasional tree frog! One of the highlights of the spring floral season includes the Orchid Show, which is held in April. For a more in-depth look at the wonders of the Conservatory, take a guided tour from the Garfield Park Master Gardeners.

The Sunken Garden is a wonderful setting for seasonal displays. During mid-April, the spring tulips burst into life, while the summer annuals peak between June and August. The Chrysanthemum’s provide the Grand Finale during September and October. The lush lawns are frequently in use for weddings, while the concert series Music in the Garden is held annually.

Other highlights include May’s Stepping Stone Workshop where you can create a decorative stepping stone to put in your garden. Or, visit in June to witness the beautiful display of Butterfly Gardening and learn how to recreate your own butterfly garden using the correct plant life to attract these vibrant creatures.

Whatever the time of year, be sure to visit this nature sanctuary and take time to marvel at its beauty.

HelloIndianapolis Tip: Events are held all year round, so make sure to check out their website regularly. Registration is required for some events.



- by Jim Brown , Indianapolis Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Jim Brown

Jim Brown is a longtime freelance aviation, travel and destination writer and communications professional. A former reporter for Aviation Daily, Air Safety Week and World Airline News, Jim served for more than 15 years as a senior public relations executive for American Airlines, TWA and AirTran Airways.
"We employ our own Local professional journalists (not bloggers) to give you an accurate hyperlocal story"





 

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Click Images To Enlarge
Garfield Park Conservatory & Sunken Garden: Designed by German landscape architect, George Edward Kessler in the early 1900s. (Photo by Emily Wood.)
Garfield Park Conservatory & Sunken Garden: The Conservatory features special exhibits throughout the year. (Photo by Emily Wood.)
Garfield Park Conservatory & Sunken Garden: Renanthera Orchid – part of the spectacular Orchid Show during April. (Photo by Emily Wood.)
Garfield Park Conservatory & Sunken Garden: Tulips that typically peak in the Sunken Garden around mid-April. (Photo by Emily Wood.)
Garfield Park Conservatory & Sunken Garden: The Sunken Garden blooms throughout the year and is a popular location for spring and summer weddings. (Photo by Emily Wood.)




 



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