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 see as you visit the Gardens.
Bookmark this page and visit frequently to see what we have going on. See you at the Gardens!
For more information or questions about our programs email info@wellfieldgardens.org or call 574-266-2006, x105.
Sensational Summer
(June-August)
Groovin’ in the Gardens
Thursdays, June 22 – August 24
Michiana’s favorite concert series returns! On Groovin’ Thursdays, the Gardens close to the public at 5, gates open at 6, and the concerts start at 7.
CLICK HERE for more info and to purchase tickets!
Family Drop-In Activities – free with admission to the Gardens or Wellfield membership
Stories in the Gardens
Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in our Children’s Garden
Join the Elkhart Public Library for story time in our Children’s Garden. Stories is free with admission or membership; reciprocals honored. As we close at 6 p.m., we ask that you arrive early if you would like to enjoy time in the Gardens.
Little Sprouts – Saturdays through Aug 26th 10:30-11:00 a.m.
Join Wellfield staff and volunteers for a different themed activity each week. We’ll have everything from stories and crafts to songs and puppet shows!
This program is free with admission to the Gardens, and is intended for pre-school and early elementary aged kids and their parents.
Nature Play Day
Tuesday, June 6 3-5:30 – Dr. Carla Gull will be on hand to help lead us in some loose parts play, and we’ll be doing a nest-making craft. On Tuesdays, Elkhart County residents are eligible for free admission; all adults need to show proof of Elkhart County residency.
Register here for either 2 p.m. or 4 p.m. admission. Wellfield members, you don’t need to register, just show up with your membership card!
Water Education Event
Saturday, June 10 10:00-1:00 p.m.
At Wellfield, you are never far from water. At Wellfield, we celebrate the inseparable relationship between water and life. So why not have a special event to learn more about water at Wellfield-a source of over 70% of Elkhart’s drinking water?
On Saturday, June 10th from 10 a.m.- 1p.m., we’ll have activities for all ages to celebrate and learn about water.
Brian Cress from Elkhart Public Utilities will be talking about how the city tests the water, will give group tours of the scrubber building (hourly at 10:15, 11:15 and 12:15 – meet on Event Plaza) to learn about where the water from outside Wellfield is filtered, the history of our site, and what the city and Wellfield do to keep your water safe.
Dr. Kate Barrett, Aquatic Ecologist from the St Joe River Basin Commission will be here to talk about Macroinvertebrates found in our water that help keep the water healthy.
We’ll have a watershed demo, to learn more about Wellfield’s place in the St Joe watershed.
Jenna Wait, education conservationist from the Elkhart County Soil & Water Conservation District will be running a ground water/native plant infiltration demo.
11:30 a.m. Tour of Wellfield – We’ll meet under the basso profundo wind chime near our Event Plaza to talk a walk and learn more about the story of the Gardens. The tour is open to all ages and runs about 60 mins.
Hot Dog Eddy’s & Vanilla Bean will be on hand selling food, beverages and ice cream!
Yoga in the Gardens
- Saturdays through September: 9:15-10:15 am with yogi Barb Naranche
- Wednesdays through September, 6:00-7:00 p.m. with yogi Meryl Pax
Members: $8 per class or SAVE with a 10-Class Punch Card $72
Public: $10 per class or SAVE with a 10-Class Punch Card $90
Register Here
Tai Chi in the Gardens
Classes are offered on the following Wednesdays from 4-5 p.m. and are taught by Swan Mishler:
May 31, June 14, June 28, July 12, July 26, August 2
Classes are held in various areas of the Gardens; please dress comfortably. Should weather be severe/unsafe, we reserve the right to cancel. In the event of cancellation, your registration will be moved to the next available class. Refunds are not given.
PLEASE NOTE: 10 class Punch cards may be used at any Yoga or Tai Chi class offered at Wellfield Botanic Gardens during the 2023 season (they expire September 30, 2023). Punch cards are good for one class registration per card holder, per date of class. Punch cards are valid only for named card-holder, non-transferable and non-refundable.
Beacon Health members-please register for this class through Beacon and show your membership fob/card and ID at the desk when you arrive.
REGISTER HERE
Beacon Health Wellness Walks
Thursdays from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Meet at our Visitors Cottage and take a walk with a Beacon Fitness Instructor. This is your chance to enjoy a walk in the Gardens and ask any wellness questions you may have. Wellness walks are free with admission to Wellfield (Wellfield members receive free general admission, reciprocals honored). Registration is not required.
Beacon Health members-please register for this class through Beacon and show your membership fob/card and ID at the desk when you arrive.
Sound Mind in Sound Body: A Parent & Child Experience
Saturday, June 17th, July 15th and August 12th from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Join local author Kelly Wiseman for one or all of these sessions, which will explore mindfulness through reading and music. The sessions are meant for parents and children to enjoy together, and are intended for ages 4 and up. Attend one, or build your practice over the summer and attend all 3! Those who register for all 3 classes will receive a FREE audio download of Kelly’s book.
REGISTER HERE
Bird Walks
Saturdays through September, 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.
Music & Trivia Night
Tuesday, June 20th 5:30-9:00 p.m.
Make your team and reserve your spot for this fun night of music and games at the Gardens.
CLICK HERE for more info and to purchase tickets!
Taste of the Gardens
Sunday, August 27, 2023
11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Michiana’s favorite and most delicious event returns for the 14th Taste of the Gardens – a celebration of food, art and music!
CLICK HERE for more info and to purchase tickets!
Fabulous Fall
(September-November)
Thursday, September 7 – 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!
As always, bigger and brighter!
Winter Wonderland
(January – March)
The Great Backyard Bird Count – returns, February 2024
Sparkly Winter Walks – returns, Winter 2024!
Spring Splendor
(April-May)
