Great news for parents looking for some extra time this summer and teens looking for a little independence. The IMA has partnered with IndyGo to offer a Summer Youth Pass with added IMA perks! When purchasing an IndyGo Summer Youth Pass, children and teens—ages 18 and under—can hop aboard the bus and ride to museums, the zoo, the movies, a ball game, the mall and other destinations throughout Marion County from June 1 to August 31 for only $30. That’s summer-long transportation at a price lower than the cost of a tank of gas for most vehicles! A gas and money-saver, the Summer Youth Pass is also a great opportunity to discuss the environmental benefits of taking the bus while also teaching your children how to responsibly navigate through public transportation, a life-long valuable lesson.

So, where does the IMA fit in?

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Filed under: Local, Thornton Dial, Travel

As this less-than-stellar horticultural summer has progressed, I have been less than displeased. Mother Nature has been hateful and spiteful, nearly drowning us then shutting off the rain completely giving us the driest August on record. And through it all she has kept the heat cranked up on high. Undoubtedly she is past the hot flashes. Perhaps the HRT is working. But she pretty much took the joy out of gardening for much of the summer. Well, Old Girl, you took my joy. I want it back.

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Filed under: Horticulture

This summer I am fortunate to have two dedicated and hard-working interns working with me in the Public Affairs Department.  The following is a post by Steph Gray, the marketing and promotions intern who is also starting her senior year in Theatre Performance and Arts Administration at Butler University, about her experiences at the Museum this summer.

IMA Summer Intern Steph Gray

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Filed under: Current Events, Marketing

This week-end is Perennial Premiere at the IMA’s Madeline F. Elder Greenhouse. As some of you know, our retail shop is open year-round with houseplants and tropicals for sale. But the third week of April, we break out the perennials, woody plants, and my favorite: the summer annuals. Sue Nord Peiffer, Greenhouse Supervisor, maintains a good mix of cutting edge new plants and tried and true favorites.

Being the nature woman she is, there is also a wide variety of natives for sun and shade. For those more in to garden rooms than gardens, there’s a wide range of non-plant garden related items as well (I’m a big fan of the battery operated paper lanterns). But since I get to write this blog, I’m going to concentrate on plants-  particularly the ones I like best. Read the rest of this entry »

Filed under: Current Events, Horticulture

The 'Head'

I had planned to go out in the gardens today and get some pictures of the various shrubs with good fruit for this blog. The weather didn’t exactly cooperate. I’m writing this on Tuesday and so far at 2 in the afternoon we have gone from bitter cold with wind to freezing drizzle, oh yea, there was that brief little snow fury, and later we are to get some wintery mix followed by more freezing drizzle and some sleet. Can you tell I’m just thrilled to the bone? But no sense dwelling on it too long. It will be what it will be and I really have no control though I keep trying. Pity. So instead I am going to tell you about some of our summer annuals for next year. Looking at summery plant porn always makes me feel better. Not warmer, but happier, thus making accepting what I cannot control a bit easier.

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Filed under: Horticulture