2023 at Wellfield Botanic Gardens celebrates a Year of New Horizons!

We’re looking ahead as we face 2023! Each of our seasons will celebrate “new horizons” in its own way, whether it is through new projects we have going on in the Gardens, or new horizons you are facing as you visit the Gardens.

For more information or questions about our programs email info@wellfieldgardens.org or call 574-266-2006, x105.

All your favorite seasonal events and programs will return in 2023, and we’ll even sprinkle in some new ones! Bookmark this page and visit frequently to see what we have going on. See you at the Gardens!

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Winter Wonderland
(January – March)

Winter Bird Walks
1st Sunday of the month, December – March, 2:00-3:00 p.m.

Join Audubon Society member and Indiana Master Naturalist Mary Kauffmann-Kennel for family-friendly bird walks along Wellfield trails to see and hear the numerous bird species that live and frequent our wonderful habitat.

Dress for the weather, wear comfortable walking shoes, bring any bird guide books you have and binoculars (not required). Beginning and experienced birders are welcome. The walk generally lasts about an hour or so. Registration is appreciated – click HERE. Elkhart County residents receive free general admission on Sundays (Jan-Mar)!

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The Great Backyard Bird Count
Saturday February 18th, 2:00-3:00 p.m.

Join Audubon Society member and Indiana Master Naturalist Mary Kauffmann-Kennel as Wellfield participates in The Great Backyard Bird Count 2023. This global annual event takes place February 17-20, 2023. Mary will track your sightings and submit them online. Let’s make sure Michiana is well-represented!

Dress for the weather, wear comfortable walking shoes, bring any bird guide books you have and binoculars (not required). Beginning and experienced birders are welcome. The walk will last about an hour or so, and is free with admission to the Gardens (members receive free admission daily; reciprocals honored). Registration is appreciated – click HERE.

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(NEW IN 2023!) Sparkly Winter Walks

Enjoy an evening walk in Wellfield’s Winter Wonderland! Our main promenade will be cleared and lit for families to enjoy time “after hours” in the Gardens.

Friday, February 10th from 5:30-8 p.m. (last admission is at 7:30, all guests must exit the Gardens by 8)
Saturday, February 11th from 12 – 8 p.m. (last admission is at 7:30, all guests must exit the Gardens by 8)

Registration not required – general admission rates apply. Wellfield members receive complimentary admission throughout the year; just show us your membership card, and you’re in! Reciprocal memberships honored for up to 2 adults named on the membership card; all others subject to admission charges.

Complimentary beverages will be provided in our Visitors Cottage after 5:30 p.m. each night. In addition, we’ve partnered with several downtown restaurants (Corner Bar at Hotel Elkhart, Five Star Dive Bar, Jackson Rooftop, Brass Elk, and The Vine) to help you make a night of it – show a coupon or proof of registration we will provide, and receive a special offer from those participating restaurants when you visit on February 10th or 11th!

Unused Winter Wonderland Holiday Lights tickets can be redeemed for admission! Present your unused tickets when you arrive at the Visitors Cottage.

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Spring Splendor
(April-May)

Your favorite Spring events and programs, including Bird Walks, Yoga in the Gardens, Stories in the Gardens and others will return!

Drop-in Activity: Spring Break Craft!
Saturday, April 1 (No foolin’!) 12:30-2:30 in our Children’s Garden

This program will be free with admission to the Gardens. Stay tuned for more info!

Drop-in Activity: Celebrate Earth Day!
Saturday, April 22 12:30-2:30 in our Children’s Garden

This program will be free with admission to the Gardens. Stay tuned for more info!

El Dia del Niño
Sunday, April 30, 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. in our Children’s Garden

Bring the family out for some fun activities in our Children’s Garden, stay for a walk in the Gardens! Mark your calendar now, and stay tuned for more info-we’ve got some great activities planned!

Bird Walks
Saturdays, April 22 – September 30, 9:30-11:00 a.m.

Join Audubon Society member and Indiana Master Naturalist Mary Kauffmann-Kennel for family-friendly bird walks along Wellfield trails to see and hear the numerous bird species that live and frequent our wonderful habitat.

Dress for the weather, wear comfortable walking shoes, bring any bird guide books you have and binoculars (not required). Beginning and experienced birders are welcome. The walk generally lasts about an hour or so. Registration is appreciated – click HERE.

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Four Winds Garden Club Plant Sale
Saturday, May 6, 2023, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Welcome to the Four Winds Garden Club annual plant sale at Wellfield Botanic Gardens! 

The plant sale offers a variety of perennial and annual plants, ‘Ask-An-Expert’ opportunities, and a garden boutique featuring new and gently used garden tools and décor.

Proceeds from the sale benefit Wellfield Botanic Gardens.

Enjoy FREE ADMISSION to Wellfield Botanic Gardens through 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2023.

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Wellfield Health & Wellness Program Information Table
Saturday, May 6, 2023, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Here’s your chance to learn more about health and wellness classes at Wellfield Botanic Gardens! 

Meet the instructors, learn about class offerings, including yoga, tai chi, wellness walks and our NEW Sound Mind series with author Kelly Wiseman. Here’s your chance to ask questions!

Enjoy FREE ADMISSION to Wellfield Botanic Gardens through 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2023.

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Sensational Summer
(June-August)

Stay tuned for details on all your favorite Summer events and programs, including Groovin’ in the Gardens, Yoga in the Gardens, Stories in the Gardens and more!

Groovin’ in the Gardens – Thursdays, June 22 – August 24
Michiana’s favorite concert series returns! Gardens close at 5, gates open at 6, concerts start at 7. Stay tuned for lineup and ticketing details!

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Fabulous Fall
(September-November)

Evening in the Gardens
6 pm cocktail hour with live music | 7 pm seating for dinner

Our premier party of the year honoring and celebrating our supporters returns on September 7, 2023! Wellfield closes early to the public on this special evening to provide exclusive access to our closest friends and supporters. Experience an evening stroll through the gardens during the pre-dinner cocktail party, listen to live music, and enjoy passed hors d’oeuvres and full bar before being seated for dinner. Enjoy a top-notch, delectable dinner from Navarre Catering and Events. Hear words of thanks from the Board of Directors, a brief State-of-the-Gardens update address from the Robert and Peggy Weed Executive Director, Eric Garton, and help us congratulate our 2023 Spirit of Wellfield Award Winners.

Garden of Villains

Our first Garden of Villains event, presented in partnership with Hall of Heroes Super Hero Museum, was a blast! We can’t wait to do it all again on Friday, October 6 & Saturday, October 7, 2023!

Winter Wonderland 2023 – returns for 18 nights beginning November 24, 2023!