INDIANAPOLIS — Cascades of colorful blooms come alive during Spring Blooms presented by Wild Birds Unlimited at Newfields from now through May 9.
Rain or shine, guests will discover an abundance of flowering blooms, dramatic foliage and edible plants across Newfields throughout the season. This socially distanced outdoor experience is sure to delight after a long winter. Indoor spaces will be peppered with orchids to help ease the chill of early spring.
A never-before-seen river of 168,000 grape-hyacinths and daffodils will burst into bloom flowing down the center of the Lilly lawn, creating a gorgeous new centerpiece for Spring Blooms. Newfields horticulturists curated spaces that will provide a succession of show-stopping flowers at every turn.
Wander The Garden to discover dynamic beds filled with a variety of plantings that will gradually transform throughout the spring. From cool-season veggies, daffodils, hyacinths and tulips to late-spring favorites including whimsical ornamental onions, dogwoods, lilacs and more, there is something for everyone.
Guests are invited to visit early and often to experience the magic of The Garden unfold throughout the season, to gather ideas, and to learn techniques to grow and care for their own spring blooms.
“Spring Blooms is back with more blooms than ever before, with thousands of new bulbs, and a never-ending supply of inspiration,” said Jonathan Wright, Ruth Lilly Director of The Garden and Fairbanks Park. “I am especially thrilled to be able to welcome guests to Spring Blooms this year after having to close The Garden just before peak bloom last year due to COVID. This year, Newfields’ horticulturists have created bold and immersive displays that celebrate Midwestern spring paired with the unexpected, both in The Garden and inside the IMA Galleries.”
During the run of Spring Blooms there are two Free First Thursdays, April 1 and May 6. Newfields also offers free general admission to celebrate International Museum Day and Public Gardens Day on Friday, May 28. With more daylight comes more time to explore. Newfields has returned to spring hours, and is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Lilly House, Beer Garden and The Madeline F. Elder Greenhouse are open during regular museum hours. Advanced tickets for all guests and members are required for Spring Blooms. Newfields will continue to adhere to all local and State government mandates regarding all safety protocols and regulations for COVID-19.
“Newfields is thrilled to host another spectacular spring season,” said Jerry Wise, Interim Newfields President. “This season we are excited to welcome tens of thousands of central Indiana residents and visitors to experience Newfields’ beautiful blooming garden and welcoming thousands of guests and their families as part of our community access and free ticketing programs.”
There is no better place to rest and refresh in nature than the Beer Garden. This year, choose from a wide selection of beverages curated by Newfields’ own, Lindsay Jo Whirley, Certified Cicerone. From local brews to pours from Germany, Belgium and England, there is plenty to discover. Literhouse’s giant Bavarian pretzels are the perfect pairing. Wine, cider and hard seltzer will also be available, served alongside local cheese, charcuterie and veggie nosh boards. For those in need of hydration as they wander, non-alcoholic offerings include lemonade and berries, Kombucha and cold teas.
“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, Inc. “Wild Birds Unlimited is very proud to help present this wonderful outdoor experience to all who visit Newfields this spring.”
Even if the weather brings spring showers, the Spring Blooms experience extends indoors, as spectacular orchid displays punctuate the IMA Galleries, adorn the Lilly House and as always, fill the Madeline F. Elder Greenhouse. Curated by Newfields’ Greenhouse staff, the plant installations draw inspiration from art throughout the Museum. This rare opportunity to see live displays alongside extraordinary paintings and other works from the collection is a can’t-miss celebration of the intersection between art and nature.