Hello, Reader.

There's a garden in Indianapolis that's been growing for more than 100 years. It started in 1907 as a private, 26-acre estate. Today it's a 52-acre public garden and cultural destination, threaded with winding paths, fountains, and (depending on when you visit) a completely different mood each time.

I'm talking about Newfields.

IMA Galleries

On the same grounds is the Indianapolis Museum of Art. I've wandered the gallery many times, and caught The Lume when it was here (I already miss the idea of a new Lume exhibit), but something new is taking its place starting in late September: Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys.

Besides the museum, I've made it a holiday tradition to walk The Garden after dark: first for Harvest Nights in the fall, then for Winterlights approaching Christmas (my favorite season!).

What I hadn't done, until recently, was explore it in daylight, in its full bloom and glory. So, I took my mom. Together we finally got to explore The Garden at Newfields the way most people probably think of it first: full of color, warm air, and a sunshine stroll.

Summertime in The Garden

This is the season I'd been missing. Winding paths with flowers everywhere, the Lily House open with its patio overlooking Central Canal inviting you to sit awhile, and the Elder Greenhouse tucked in like a secret.

You can rush through, but Mom and I took our time and we suggest you do, too.

• Wander The Garden, featuring eight unique, interconnected garden areas ranging from the Rapp Ravine Garden along Central Canal to the colorful Border Gardens.
• Take time-out to sit and enjoy the Glick Fountain - new to The Garden in 2025. Choreographed to music, the fountain is a peaceful, sensory experience.
• Tour the Lily House where you can learn about the families who left their legacy for generations to enjoy.
• Explore the Elder Greenhouse, overflowing with exotic orchids, succulents and other interesting plants.
• Sit down for a snack on the Garden Terrace at the Beer Garden. It's not just beer here, there's plenty of options to eat and drink. We enjoyed a fresh blueberry lemonade and shared a healthy acai bowl.

Get ready for Harvest Nights

Spooky season comes to The Garden in late-September with Newfields' Harvest Nights event. The same paths that offer a peaceful respite in summer turn a little ghostly after dark. Thousands of gourds, pumpkins, scarecrows, and jack-o-lanterns line the way after dark, and the whole garden feels like it's been let in on a secret only nighttime visitors get to see. Are you brave enough?

And my favorite: Winterlights

This one you'll need to bundle up for because it gets cold! In December, millions of lights cover the trees and garden paths at Newfields and the Lily House gets dressed up for the holidays with a special tour. It's festive and fun the way a garden can only be during the holiday season.

In past years, we made s'mores by open fire pits on the Garden Terrace and warmed up from the inside-out with spiked apple cider (non-alcoholic options were available, too) while watching a Nutcracker-inspired light show on the Lily House lawn.

A garden for all seasons

No matter when you visit The Garden at Newfields, you're sure to find something special. And somehow, each season makes it feel like a completely different place.

​Learn more about Newfields and watch for dates coming soon for the 2026 Harvest Nights and Winterlights events.

Until next time...

With love,

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