Spring Blooms Exhibit at Newfields (@NewfieldsToday)

By Mattie Wethington
Newfields

INDIANAPOLIS, March 28, 2022—Open now through May 8 enjoy blooming bulbs and blossoms as they fill The Garden at Newfields during Spring Blooms presented by Wild Birds Unlimited. Rain or shine guests can expect to see an abundance of flowering blooms, dramatic foliage and spectacular floral displays around every turn indoors and out.

Signs of spring will emerge when 80,000 new bulbs and over 20,000 annuals blossom in The Garden. As the weather warms, hundreds of thousands of colorful blooms will come to life, culminating with a magnificent crescendo in mid-April. Alongside favorites like the River of Bulbs on the Lilly Allée, the newly completed Katharine B. Sutphin Border Garden invites all to explore new paths and meander amongst enhanced plantings. The Orchard Folly, a sheltered seating area created by Indianapolis based artist Cory Robinson debuts this season in the Tanner Orchard. 

“Newfields’ Spring Blooms celebration provides an incredible atmosphere and venue for families and friends to explore the spring season—and enjoy the birds!” said Jim Carpenter, CEO of Wild Birds Unlimited. “Wild Birds Unlimited is very proud to help present this wonderful outdoor experience to all who visit Newfields this spring.”

Spring is not complete without refreshments along the way. As you explore The Garden, don’t forget to stop by the Madeline F. Elder Greenhouse for a peek at some of the living jewels of the collection and pick up a beverage for your stroll. Construction for a new Beer Garden is well underway and will debut at its new permanent home near the Playhouse later in April. Our exclusive Sun King brew Among the Leaves is back for guests to enjoy, along with giant pretzels from Liter House. Non-alcoholic options will be available as well as several other beer, cider and wine offerings. After the grand reopening of the Beer Garden’s move to the Playhouse, the Greenhouse location will continue offering beverage options for guests, while the extended food and beverage offerings will move to the new pavilion. 

Continuing the joy of spring indoors, don’t miss the second annual Art in Bloom presented by Fifth Third Private Bank March 31 to April 3. During the vibrant spring event guests can explore breathtaking floral displays created by local and regional florists throughout the IMA Galleries. Also opening on March 26, guests can explore the newly reimagined Lower Level of the Lilly House, which now includes new interpretive elements and hands-on interactives that invite guests to explore the stories that make the Oldfields Estate the historic heart of Newfields. Throughout the season, stunning orchid displays from Newfields’ award-winning living collection will decorate the IMA Galleries, the Madeline F. Elder Greenhouse and the Lilly House. 

“We’re thrilled to be able to bring more blooms to campus every year in bright colors, interesting textures, and designs that use unique, inspired plant combinations,” said Jaime Frye, Assistant Curator of Living Collections.

Guests who are interested in learning about old favorites and new additions to Spring Blooms can access self-guided tours onsite by scanning a QR code. For a more person tour, join Chad Franer, The Tom and Nora Hiatt Director of Horticulture on a guided Director’s Tour at 6 p.m. on the last Thursday of the month from April through October, the schedule of tours can be found at discovernewfields.org/calendar/directors-tour.

Spring Blooms is included in general admission and advance tickets are required for all guests. Masks are optional for all guests indoors and outdoors attending the Newfields campus. We strongly encourage guests to wear masks indoors when social distancing is not possible. View FAQs at discovernewfields.org/visit. 

Spring Blooms is presented by Wild Birds Unlimited. Lead support for the River of Bulbs is provided by Catherine M. Turner.