Gardens of Matter Park
The Gardens of Matter Park is positively whimsical during every phase of the year. Come for the fall color, return for the summer wildflowers and everything in between. — Only in Your State, 2021
Overview
In the heart of the 101-acre Matter Park, 6.3 acres of luxurious landscaping includes both the Gardens of Matter Park and the Meadow (the Gardens’ expansion). Home to weddings, reunions, and graduation parties, the Gardens of Matter Park has become a Hoosier garden showcase symbolizing the spirit and dedication of our community. The Gardens are rich with over 7,000 annual plants, shade structures, bronze statues, and various seating, all within decorative fencing. The Meadow offers additional sight-seeing features, some of which include a Children’s Vegetable Garden, one of the Garfield statues completing the Grant County Garfield Trail, and a national award-winning Butterfly Garden fostering the livelihood of Monarch butterflies. The Gardens are home to many Friends of the Gardens quality-of-life public events including Hearts & Arts, Plantapalooza (plant sale), Garden Education Series, Monarch Festival & Ice Cream Socials, and Magic in the Gardens family events, all of which are free community events. Parks & Recreation has also hosted Concerts in the Gardens, Daddy Daughter Dances, An Evening in the Gardens annual fundraisers, and still brings visitors from near and far the Walkway of Lights drive-through holiday light display, one of the biggest in the country with over 2 million lights.
Garden House
The Gardens of Matter Park feature the Garden House, a year-round temperature-controlled indoor facility complete with a fireplace, kitchen, and private restrooms, offering an ideal location for events and private parties. The Garden House can provide banquet seating for up to 128 people. There is a even a Baby Grand piano on site.
The Meadow
The most recent addition to the Gardens of Matter Park is the Meadow. The added lush acreage features an open pavilion with 8 picnic tables, and an outdoor kitchen complete with a grill, sink, and mini-fridge. This picturesque pavilion seats about 64 people. There are restrooms conveniently located next to the shelter.
Rules
- No smoking
- No skating or bicycling
- Pets are allowed on a leash
The Gardens of Matter Park has devoted staff, but the grounds’ sustainability and livelihood would not be possible without its established supporting organizations. Visit Friends of the Gardens (https://www.friendsofthegardens.us/) for more information about many of the Gardens’ events and programs.