Daffodil Bulbs: Characteristics: Daffodil bulbs, the underground storage structures of Narcissus plants, typically feature a tapered shape and are enveloped in brown, papery scales. These bulbs store essential nutrients, fueling the plant’s flowering process in spring. Varieties: Daffodils boast a diverse array of varieties, showcasing an assortment of colors and shapes. Popular types include the…

Bulbs hold a special place in the hearts of gardeners everywhere. They offer impressive returns with minimal effort, making them beloved among enthusiasts. Easy to cultivate and remarkably versatile, bulbs can thrive in a variety of settings, from formal gardens to meadows, and many have the remarkable ability to naturalize and multiply over time, rewarding…

The flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), belonging to the Cornaceae family, is native to a vast stretch from southeastern Canada through the eastern United States and into eastern Mexico. Thriving in USDA hardiness zones 5-9, its botanical name, Cornus florida, reflects its characteristics. “Cornus” originates from the Latin word for horn, likely alluding to the tree’s…

At Wellfield Botanic Gardens, we nurture a variety of plant species from seed in our greenhouse, each with the purpose of enriching our gardens. These seedlings are destined for our vegetable garden in the Children’s Garden and the raised beds in the Sensory Garden. Starting them indoors allows for early growth, ensuring they’re ready for…

June’s native plant spotlight at Wellfield is the majestic tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), indigenous to eastern North America, including Indiana. Adorning parks and thoroughfares with its resplendent blooms, this tree boasts showy flowers and requires minimal upkeep. Its stunning golden foliage in autumn adds to its allure in landscaping. Towering between 60 to 150 feet,…

Each summer, the sight of Monarch butterflies fluttering across the native prairie in the Children’s Garden never fails to captivate me. Their vibrant colors draw my attention, often prompting me to pause my work and admire their graceful dance. Recently, the North American migratory Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) was added to the International Union for…

Among the roughly 50 species of Liatris native to North America, one stands out: Liatris spicata, commonly known as Dense Blazing Star, Blazing Star, Gayfeather, or Marsh Blazing Star. This herbaceous perennial, belonging to the Aster family (Asteraceae), is native to the eastern United States. Sporting grass-like foliage, it bursts into bloom during the summer…

Here at Wellfield Botanic Gardens, we cultivate two vegetable beds—one in the Sensory Garden and the other in the Children’s Garden. These beds undergo annual transformations to introduce new plants, while also retaining some successful past selections. This season, the Children’s Garden boasts a diverse array of vegetables, including Oriole Orange Swiss Chard, Vulcan Swiss…

For our August native plant spotlight, we’re featuring the Swamp Rose Mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos). If you’ve ever encountered this plant with its strikingly large flowers, you might recognize it as a type of Hibiscus. Indeed, it’s one of three hibiscus species you’ll find at Wellfield Botanic Gardens. While you may be familiar with the tropical…

The Pawpaw tree (Asimina triloba) takes center stage as September’s native plant spotlight at Wellfield Botanic Gardens. Indigenous to much of eastern North America, this species typically reaches a modest height of 15-20 feet, making it a petite understory tree. Recent studies reveal that pawpaw trees are expanding their range, migrating from well-drained lowland areas…