Avon Gardens might be one of Avon’s best-kept secrets, with more than five acres of breathtaking plants and flowers. They also have a beautiful outdoor wedding venue and plenty of spots for professional photos for seniors or prom night.
But by far, one of my favorite events to invite friends and family to is the Spring-Palooza Peony Festival, which will be on May 17 this year. It showcases all the cool things going on at the gardens and kicks off the spring season in the perfect way.
1. The Flowers
It’s spring, the Garden Center has officially opened for the season and the peonies are blooming.
Owners Taylor Doehrman, Tara Cody and the late founder, Karen Robbins, started the Spring-Palooza Peony Festival four years ago to celebrate this time of year. The event showcases their more than 100 varieties of peonies, along with more than five acres of other spring blooms.
2. The Beauty
Take a self-guided tour through the peonies and enjoy more than 200 varieties of flowers among lush gardens and water features. Don’t forget to take advantage of the many photo ops throughout the gardens, including a new peony mural.
Friends and family of all ages will enjoy the activities at the Peony Festival, and dogs on a leash are welcome.
The Garden Center will offer visitors an opportunity to purchase garden supplies, bird seed, plant food, tools and more.
Of course, annuals, mixed pots, hanging baskets and perennials will be available too. It’s a great time to grab the supplies needed to get started at home this spring.
Stay Updated!
Sign up to receive the Weekly Insider or Monthly Planner newsletters for events, things to do, discounts, insider info and more!
New this year; a silent auction to benefit Misty Eyes Animal Center will be underway in the newly renovated Bridal Office. Visitors can also shop the local artisan fair with ceramics, perfume, goat milk soaps and homemade desserts.
Guests can also participate in garden crafts, games and a special scavenger hunt. A sensory room and a nursing mothers’ room are available at the event.
Grab lunch and a beverage at one of the many food trucks, including Georgia’s Kitchen, Top of the Line BBQ and Traveling Tea Room of Rustic Root, to name a few.
The BrewLab Canteen will also serve lemonade, popping boba and cold brew coffee.
Information
- When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 17
- Where: 6259 E. County Road 91 North, Avon, Indiana
- Admission Price: Free
- Parking: Additional parking is available at Sycamore Elementary with free shuttle service
