GET INVOLVED! Offering a wide range of programs geared towards both youth and adult education, Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Garden provides a unique setting for engaged learning. Read below to learn up to date information on programs, seasonal displays, lecture series, club events and much more! To find out specific info on any of these events call 317.327.7580.

JUNGLE TALES

Ages: 1-5 (with adult), Cost: $2 per session

This popular preschool program returns with a focus on the rainforest and the world around us. Join us for nature-related stories, activities and crafts. Activities may be messy or involve going outdoors, so dress appropriately. This program fills up fast and pre-registration is required, SO REGISTER TODAY! Program dates are the second Tuesday of each month: Apr 8, May 13, Jun 10, Jul 8, Aug 12, from 10-11AM. Call early to pre-register: 317.327.7580.

Junior Master Gardeners

Age Groups: 6-8 & 9-12, Cost: $25 per session

Join us for some fun out in the Children’s Garden! Through this 9-week program, kids can learn about plant basics, soil, composting, and even growing their own food! Program is divided into two groups based on age. Register early, as spots are limited. Participants are invited to our Family Planting Day on June 7th so they can plant their gardens.

Sessions/ Age Groups:
Ages: 6 - 8, Session: June 11 - Aug 611-Jun/6-Aug W 10:30AM 12PM $25
Ages: 9-12, Session: June 11 - Aug 611-Jun/6-Aug W 2PM 3:30PM $25

CONSERVATORY TOURS

The Garfield Park Master Gardeners will be conducting tours, highlighting information about the interesting and unusual plants in the conservatory. Tours will start in the Gazebo Room. Free and open to the public.

24-May Sat 2:30PM - 3:30PM
28-Jun Sat 2:30PM - 3:30PM
26-Jul Sat 2:30PM - 3:30PM
23-Aug Sat 2:30PM - 3:30PM

AFTER SCHOOL EXPLORERS

Ages 6 - 10, Cost: $3.00 per session

Ready for adventure? Join us at the Conservatory for different nature-related activities, crafts and more each month. The topics for these sessions will be about the different animal and plant groups that call the rainforest home. Feel free to come to any or all sessions, but please pre-register as spots are limited 317.327.7580. From 4:00 - 5:30 on the 3rd Tuesday of each month: Jan 15, Feb 19, Mar 18, Apr 15, May 20.

NEW! YOGA AT THE CONSERVATORY

Ages 12+, Cost $12/ Class, $80 Entire Session.

Yoga is an exercise that incorporates stretching, mindful breathing, strengthening and total relaxation. It can help to quiet the chatter of our minds as we honor our bodies and connect with our own sprirt. Please wear comfortable clothing that you are able to move in. Class fee will be paid directly to the instructor.

Session Dates: April 19 - June 7, Meet every Saturday from 9:00am - 10:00am

TAIJIQUAN AT THE CONSERVATORY

Ages: 18+, Cost: $35 per 8 class session

Taijiquan is an exercise-based class that teaches health principles about mind, body, environment, and how they interact. Suitable for all fitness levels. Increase your balance, flexibility, circulation, relaxation, ease of movement, and return to a more youthful feel. For more information, contact teacher Matthew Hays: 317-985-7542 or the Conservatory: 317-327-7580.

Session Dates: Meet every Tuesday and Friday from 8:30am - 9:15am

June 3 - June 27
July 1 - July 25
August 1 - August 26
August 29 - September 23

Garden Club Trips:

Garden Club Trip: Louisville, KY - Sunday, May 11 - Go to the races with Garden Club Tours! Travel by bus to Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY and enjoy the races and a lunch buffet in Millionaire’s Row. For more details, contact tour organizer Ginny Jones at (317) 894-8417. (Ages 18+).

 

APRIL EVENTS

Spring Bulb Show - March 28 - April 4, 10am - 5pm Daily - It’s springtime at the Garfield Conservatory! Come see our stunning display of tulips and other spring blooms against the backdrop of our permanent tropical collection. The bulbs will be for sale beginning April 5th at 10AM. Flowers are sold on a first come, first served basis and prices will vary. Admission is $3/adult, $2/seniors and youth, or $5/family.

Spring Bulb Sale - April 5th & 6th, 10am - 5pm - FREE - Many different bulb varieties will be on sale directly from our very own display. Hyacinth, tulip, daffodil, crocus and more will be on sale for various prices. Don't miss this spring sale. Staff and literature will be available to educate you on proper techniques of successful bulb transplanting.

Orchid Show - Weekend of April 12 &13, 10am - 5pm, FREE - This weekend, the Garfield Conservatory will be filled with all varieties of blooming orchids from across the state. Come check out this event which is presented by the Central Indiana Orchid Society.

Earth Day Extravaganza - Saturday, April 19, 10am - 2pm, FREE - Join the Conservatory in welcoming the Hoosier Herpetology Society and their cold-blooded friends. Come and see a variety of different reptiles and amphibians from both Indiana and the tropics.

 

MAY EVENTS

Gardening with Kids (A workshop for parents/adults) - Saturday, May 3, 1pm - 2pm, FREE: Getting kids involved and interested in the outdoors can lead to many wonderful experiences for children and their parents. Come find out helpful hints and ideas for getting kids involved in the garden. Please pre-register for this program, as space is limited 317.327.7580. (Age 18+).

Stepping Stone Workshop - Saturday, May 10, 10am - 12pm, $5.00: Everyone will enjoy creating a decorative stepping stone, just in time for Mother's Day! All supplies will be provided to make 10'' stones, just come prepared to get messy. Please pre-register by May 8th, as space is limited. Stones must be left to dry and can be picked up later. 317.327.7580. (Ages 3+).

Mother’s Day Plant Sale - Weekend of May 10 & 11, 10am - 5pm - Just in time for Mother’s Day, the Friends of the Garfield Conservatory will have a number of various tropical houseplants for sale. Stop by and pick up a gift for mom, or something for yourself! Prices of plants will vary.

Master Gardener Plant Sale - Saturday, May 17, 9am - 12pm, FREE: This is not just a sale! In addition to vegetable, annual and perennial plants for sale, the Master Gardeners will also be on hand to give advice and answer all of your gardening questions.

 

JUNE EVENTS

Family Planting Day - Saturday, June 7, 10am - 1pm, FREE: Every one of all ages is invited to help plant annuals in our Children’s Garden located behind the Conservatory. A variety of small themed gardens will be planted including a pizza garden, a rainbow garden, and an alphabet garden. Come be a part of this memorable event!

Rose Show - Saturday, June 7, 12pm - 5pm, FREE: The Indianapolis Rose Society will present a stunning show of many different rose varieties. Society members will also be on hand, so bring your questions!

Music in the Garden: Brenda Williams - Saturday, June 14, 6:30pm - 8pm, FREE: Enjoy live music in the beautiful Sunken Garden in Garfield Park. Events sponsored by Friends of Garfield Park, Inc and Indy Parks.

Garden Stories - Tuesday, June 17, 2pm - 3pm, FREE: Join us Tuesday afternoons for story time in the Garden! Bring a blanket or lawn chair and relax in the shade while enjoying a story show-and-tell. (Ages 3-12)

Wacky Container Planters - Saturday, June 21, 11am - 12pm, $3: Ever grown a flower in a shoe? Come by and learn that just about anything can be used to grow plants. Just bring some old shoes, hats, or whatever you think would be neat – and we’ll supply the soil, plants, and fun! Please call to register, as supplies are limited. (Ages 5-12)

Organic Gardening Basics - Saturday, June 28, 11am - 12:30pm, FREE: What does organic mean? Find out how this type of gardening can be beneficial to both the environment and your family, and the basic methods for use in the home garden. Please call to register, as space is limited. (Ages 18+)

JULY EVENTS

Family Scavenger Hunt - Thursdays, 3pm - 5pm, FREE: Stop by the Conservatory on a Thursday afternoon in June and pick up our Family Scavenger Hunt. This hunt will send you all over the Conservatory and Gardens, checking off what you see. Bring your finished hunt back and receive a prize! Hunts must be returned during scheduled times in order to receive prizes. 10-July, 17-July, 24-July, 31-July.

The Use and Delight of Herbs - Saturday, July 12, 10am - 12pm, $5: Members of the Central Indiana Herb Society will present this workshop to anyone wanting to know more about herbs! This workshop will cover a broad range of herb-related topics, and is open to anyone from beginners to long-time enthusiasts. Please pre-register by July 12, as space is limited. Instructors will collect fee. (Ages 18+)

Wiggly Worms - Sunday, July 13, 2pm - 3pm, $3: Worms are great recyclers! Learn more about these wonderful creatures and how they can be used to make compost. Each child will make and take home their own worm bin. Please call to register, as supplies are limited. (Ages 7-12)

Bonsai Show - Saturday & Sunday, July 19 & 20, 10am - 5pm, FREE: Join the Indianapolis Bonsai Club as they display a number of different bonsai plants. The club will also have some plants for sale. Members will be on hand to answer questions.

Music in the Garden: Indy Jazz Orchestra - Saturday, July 19, 6:30pm - 8pm, FREE: Enjoy live music in the beautiful Sunken Garden in Garfield Park. Events sponsored by Friends of Garfield Park, Inc and Indy Parks.

Koi 101 - Saturday, July 27. 1pm - 2pm. FREE: The Indiana Koi and Water Garden Club will present a program about the basics of keeping koi fish in your backyard ponds. Please pre-register as space is limited.

AUGUST EVENTS

Wildlife Gardening - Saturday, August 2, 11am - 12:30pm, FREE: Ready to go wild in the garden? Learn about habitats and how to create one in your backyard to attract wildlife such as butterflies and birds. Please call to register, as space is limited. (Ages 18+)

Papermaking Fun - Sunday, August 17, 2pm - 3:30pm, $3: See how scraps of paper can be transformed into new pieces of art paper suitable for cards, letters, and even seed packets! The process will be messy and fun! Please pre-register by August 15th. (Ages 7-12)

Music in the Garden: Cathy Morris Group - Monday, August 18, 6:30pm - 8pm, FREE: Enjoy live music in the beautiful Sunken Garden in Garfield Park. Events sponsored by Friends of Garfield Park, Inc and Indy Parks.

Beginner Flower Arranging - Tuesday, August 19, 6:30pm - 8pm, $15: Come learn the basics of arranging from cut flower treatment to different forms and methods of floral design. Using this knowledge and some individual flair, create your own bud vase arrangement to take home or give to a friend. Please pre-register, as space is limited. (Ages 18+)