Quilt Gardens,Indiana

   Short outings can be a lot of fun.  That is what Linda Rosenberger and girl friends found out last summer when they took a trip to northern Indiana Amish country.  The focus of the trip was to see the quilt gardens.  They were delighted with what they saw.

  So much so, in fact , that Linda wanted to grow her own quilt garden.  This spring she pursued that endeavor by checking with the fellows at ColorWorks Greenhouse east of Brookville.  They were accommodating; Her 10 x 10 ft. square plot  became  a challenge;, the right plants, the right colors and of course, Mother’s Nature’s participation. 
   With the help of a computer they were able to determine how many plants and what kind of plants were most suitable for the project.  Linda worked with the fellows at Colorworks.   Planted in May, it took several weeks for the plot to fill out but the results indicate it was worth the effort.  Thirteen flats of assorted begonias, marigolds, ageratum  and petunias were needed.

  Upkeep means,. pinching back, very little watering and weeding.  Preen and mulch were used at planting time.     Linda is pleased at the success of her quilt garden, especially since this is her first attempt.  Perhaps she will inspire others to have a go at it.
    The quilt gardens of northern Indiana are an annual event. More information about them can be found on the internet by going to Indiana Quilt Gardens, or Elkhart County Quilt Gardens.  This year eighteen gardens and 21 hand painted, quilt themed, super sized murals can be visited on tours of the area around, Goshen, Elkhart and Middlebury.
   I have enjoyed the area several times, there is much to see, especially if you are interested in food. 

Picture taken from a drone