Indianapolis Museum of Art Blog

Well, here we go plunging head first into a new year. What horticulture delights are in store for the future? Will we have last Spring’s incredibly long show? No way to know. Will we have a late freeze that beats the crap out of tender new plant growth (and leathery old horticulturists)? No way to know that either. A year ago at this time we were having temperatures in the 60’s, fabulous for us humans that tire of winter after a spell but not good for plants at all. So I think while we plant people (professional and amateur) are forever optimistic – we put a little seed in the ground and actually believe it can become an 80 foot tall tree – we also make sure to appreciate what is in front of us right now.

Because we know, do we ever know, that a squirrel or a freeze or a lightening strike can take it away in a blink of the eye. For instance, on true wintery days like today we are very appreciative of plants with colorful twigs and berries.

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As many may have noticed we did a change-out on the circular bed in front of the Efroymson Family Entrance Pavilion. This was a bit earlier than usual as we have not had that first frost which is the usual event that requires removal of the tropicals and annuals. There was a very good reason for the early action all the same.

On October 6 it will become a dedicated space known as Nonie’s Garden in honor of Nonie (Eleanor) Krauss, the late wife of John Krauss, Vice Chairman of the Board of Governors for the IMA. Nonie was a life member of the Nature Conservancy, an advisory board member of the Central Indiana Land Trust, and Secretary of the Indianapolis Garden Club. Those of us who have been with IMA a few years also remember her work on The Heartland Garden, a gardening show broadcast on public television in Indiana.  It frequently showcased the horticulture and Horticulturists of the IMA. Nonie’s Garden will be a fitting tribute to a woman who loved nature and gardens.

The generous gift from John along with his and Nonie’s friends and family will allow us to keep a space that used to be mulch half the year fully planted year round.

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