Flowers in April
April is a prime month for cherry blossoms, flowering pear, redbuds, and plums. You can find cherry blossoms at West Swinney Park, “By the pagoda pavilion,” suggested April McCampbell of Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation. Also check out the Rivergreenway for flowering pear. Foster Park, Franke Park, and Promenade Park are also home to some lovely flowering trees. Be aware that this spring, the Deep Rock Tunnel Project makes entry to parts of Foster Park difficult; use this detour to access the park. The Exploration Garden at the Botanical Conservatory also has bulb flowers (daffodils and tulips) lining the brick paths.
Blossoms on tree branches in Fort Wayne - from Parks and Recreation
Flowers in May
The transition from April to May includes magnolias, lilacs and lots of tulips. In the past, tulips have been near the County Courthouse Green, at Freimann Square Gardens, and in Foster Park. In the past, over 35,000 tulip bulbs encompassing 56 varieties of tulips have been planted throughout Fort Wayne’s 89 public parks – and Foster Park is home to 17,000 of those tulips!
Tulips in Fort Wayne - Headwaters Park
Flowers in June
June brings the summer sun, and the change from late May to early June brings out the roses of Lakeside Rose Gardens. The rose gardens were recently renovated with new brick walkways, a new pergola, and a fresh bronze lion for the fountain. There are reflecting pools and about 150 varieties of roses. With 2000 rose plants, this garden has kept its designation as a National Rose Garden – a title won back in 1928!
Roses in full bloom at Lakeside Garden - Parks and Recreation
Flowers from July to October
Summer moving into fall is when you’ll find sunflowers in select areas, like Salomon Farm Park. Other lovely blossoms, like pansies and snapdragons, can be found at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, the botanical conservatory, and more! Flowers for Fort Wayne parks are grown at the Lawton Greenhouses; you can find a neat video about the greenhouses here.
These snapdragons and pansies are blooming at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo! - Louisa Danielson
Sunflowers are grown at Salomon Farm Park in two nearby fields. Last year (2023) the park opened a U-pick event in September. Guests could purchase and cut their own sunflowers as single stem, jar, pitcher or bucket. Salomon Park provides a container, but asks that it be returned after you get your load of flowers to your car – you will need to provide your own container at home. Specific sections of the sunflowers were reserved for photographers with photo passes. Check our Salomon Park’s Facebook page to find updates on their flower fields and other beautiful spots!
*Note: flowers and flowering trees are sensitive to the weather, and sometimes will bloom earlier or later than expected. Many flowers in 2024 are starting to sprout early, so use this schedule as a guide, but not the rule!
