Welcome to the Garfield Park Master Gardener Association (GPMGA).

The goals of the GPMGA are to share knowledge about gardening with our members and others and offer volunteer opportunities.

GPMGA’s Next Meeting: October 14

President’s Message: Fall, skeletons, and cucurbits are here

Greetings!

October has been glorious here in Indianapolis, with warm days and cool nights—I haven’t needed the heat or air conditioning for days.

One thing that truly signals the fall season (besides all the skeletons) is the variety of pumpkins, squash, and gourds. All belonging to the genus Cucurbita, these plants originated in Asia and Mexico around 11,000 years ago. Since then, they have been bred to feature a wide range of softer skins, colors, shapes, textures, and flavors. As someone who loves eating pumpkin and squash, this time of year is a real culinary delight.

If you would like to see an impressive collection of different cucurbits, I highly recommend visiting Newfields to view their garden displays. They even have labeled varieties on pedestals in the museum’s main hall.

Here is a small sample to whet your visual appetite

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IMPORTANT: Leadership Openings for Next Year

Please review the following open board and leadership roles for next year. If you are interested or have any questions, please reach out to me or the current member holding the position:

  • Treasurer: This is a vital position that should have prior financial experience or a similar role with other organizations.
  • Hospitality Co-Chair: We are looking for a co-chair to assist Amanda with hospitality duties.

Events and Garden Happenings

See the conservatory website for details on upcoming events: Garfield Park Conservatory – Indianapolis

—Kay Martin-Pence GPMGA President

2026 GPMGA Meeting Dates

  • January – No membership meeting; Only GPMGA Board meets
  • February 11
  • March 11
  • April 8
  • May 13
  • June 10
  • July 8
  • August 12
  • September 9
  • October 14
  • November 11
  • December 9

GPMGA Meetings and Locations

At present, the meetings occur  on the 2nd Wednesday of the month February through December and feature both a program and a business meeting. We meet either virtually or at the Garfield Park Conservatory(accessible through the entrance by the Children’s Garden).  Exceptions include off-site field trips (typically in April and September) and our annual picnic (typically held in July at the shelter near the Arts Center in Garfield Park). If you require an accommodation or special assistance to attend these meetings due to a disability, please contact us at 317-275-9286. Some accommodations may require a 2-week notice.