The Garden
As part of the Oldfields estate, the Madeline F. Elder Greenhouse originally provided plants and produce to the residents. The first glasshouses were built in the 1920s and the present structures were constructed in the late 1940s. Visitors may explore the fully renovated Elder Greenhouse while learning from the knowledgeable staff and volunteers. Workshops, special exhibitions, and horticultural programming is available throughout the year.
Greenhouse Classes
Greenhouse Class: Orchid Basics
Dive into the world of orchids with one of our most popular horticulture classes. Ian Wilhite, Horticulturist and Orchid Assistant Manager, will lead you in this hands-on orchid care workshop.
Greenhouse Class: Mini Orchid Bowls
If you've admired the orchid bowls throughout the IMA Galleries and Lilly House, here's your chance to make your own in this class led by Sandy Schipp, Greenhouse Assistant. You'll learn all the tricks of the trade the Greenhouse team uses to create ...
Greenhouse Class: Orchid Terrarium Workshop
Join the Madeline F. Elder Greenhouse’s Ian Wilhite as he guides you in making your very own micro-orchid habitat in jar. You’ll learn how to care for your orchid in its own mini hothouse, and then you’ll be able to take it home with you. All s ...
Greenhouse Class: Container Trees & Spring ID Walk
Join us to learn the dos and don'ts of caring for an indoor, potted tree. You'll learn about repotting, watering, pruning and practice these skills on your very own sapling to take home. Enjoy a short walk from the Indianapolis Museum of Art to the M ...
Greenhouse Class: Air Plant and Orchid Wreath Making
Get your spring off to a fresh start and create a whimsical air plant wreath with a mini orchid for a pop of color. While you work, you'll learn all about the various types of these fun, easy to grow plants with Sandy Schipp, Greenhouse Assistant. Yo ...
Greenhouse Class: Macramé Orchid Holder
Make your own macramé orchid plant holder in this two-hour guided session in Lilly House led by Greenhouse Assistant Horticulturist, Sonya Ogden. You’ll learn to knot a beautiful and functional macramé holder for your Brassavola orchid. By the en ...
Greenhouse Class: Macramé Air Plant Holder Workshop
Make your own macramé air plant holder in this two-hour guided session in Lilly House led by Greenhouse Assistant Horticulturist, Sonya Ogden.