About the Garden Tour
Through the past decade and more, our guests have had the opportunity to walk shaded paths, witness the flashing shadows of overhead branches on the ground, and maybe, if one was nearby, sit on a garden bench. Others have felt the cooling effect of a fountain or gazed into a plant filled pond and wondered why the Koi fish within had grown so big while theirs had not. Undoubtedly, someone on the journey said, “I’ve got to get one of those.”
Walking slowly, so as not to disturb a monarch butterfly, they delighted in the pleasing color combinations of flower pots on a patio and paused at a rose bush to smell the spicy fragrance of its blooms. Mmmmmmm!
Since our first tour in 2001, we’ve highlighted the best gardens in historic Irvington. This year we will continue that tradition.
Garden Tour FAQs
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Tickets are $10. There is no charge for children under 12.
Tickets may be purchased online here.
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Advance ticket sales begin two weeks before the tour and can be purchased at the following locations:
Irvington Farmers Market, Sunday, June 14, Noon to 3 pm., Ellenberger Park, 5301 E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis
George Thomas Florist, 5608 E. Washington St., Indianapolis
Black Sheep Gifts, 5626 E. Washington St., Indianapolis
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Card payments are accepted at the Benton House and the Bona Thompson Memorial Center. All other sites are cash only.
All garden tour sites
Benton House
312 S. Downey AvenueBona Thompson Memorial Center
5350 E University AvenueIrvington United Methodist Church
30 N Audubon Rd
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This is a self-guided tour. You can visit the gardens in any order you choose and at any time during the tour. The program you receive on the day of the tour includes a map of garden sites with a safe suggested driving route..
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Irvington covers a large area and it is not feasible for you to walk to each tour garden within the time allotted. You will, however, walk within the gardens themselves and to and from your parking spaces. A safe driving or biking route is suggested on the map in your program.
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Street parking is available near the garden sites.
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No. You can visit the gardens in any order you choose. To help those unfamiliar with Irvington, a safe, suggested driving route is included in your program that takes into account narrow streets, driving conditions, and parking regulations. It will be better than your GPS.
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The tour is held rain or shine.
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This will vary depending on the site. Most sites are accessible; however, some may have uneven ground or hills. Property owners will be available at each garden to address any concerns.
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Yes! Your ticket entitles you to select one free plant for your own garden while supplies last. These plants are donated by members of the Irvington Garden Club. Plants can be picked up at the Bona Thompson Center, 5350 East University. We recommend you go early for the best selection.
In addition to a free plant, you can enter a raffle for a gift certificate. Simply fill out the entry form included with your ticket and drop it in one of the raffle boxes at the tour sites. Prize winners will be contacted after the tour.