Where Happiness Literally Blooms: Johnson County Garden Celebration

Garden Celebration is “Where Happiness Blooms,” literally, Saturday, May 2, from 9a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Johnson County Fairgrounds. Shop for unique and popular plant varieties, find that special garden treasure you’ve been hunting for, or just take in the blooming sights, sounds and smells.

“In a world that sometimes seems to move too fast, gardening invites us to slow down,” says Gary Kiesel, Johnson County Garden Club president. “Digging, planting and tending a garden offer a meditative rhythm that calms the mind—proof that happiness can be cultivated one small task at a time.”

Garden Celebration itself continues to bloom and again boasts more than 75 vendors. Last year’s record attendance reached 2,200—up from 1,500 in 2024. “Word’s getting around that we have one of the best true garden shows in the state,” Kiesel added.

Vendors will display wares in both Scott and Herring halls, as well as a connecting courtyard. A variety of annuals, perennials and vegetables will be for sale, as well as garden art and cottage-farm products. The garden club itself will give away 600 tree seedlings—up from 500 last year.

Attendees can choose from redbud, tulip poplar, black gum, chokeberry and nine bark. These usually go fast, though, so be sure to check out the tree tent in the courtyard first thing, then proceed to Herring Hall to pick up some free seed packets.

Johnson County Master Gardeners, Purdue Extension and other agencies will be on hand to answer gardening and nature questions and mentor new gardeners in how to care for the plants they buy or already own.

Educational presentations have been moved to a courtyard tent as well and will feature:

 11 a.m. “Butterflies Begin with Native Plants” Laura Graham

 Noon “‘Into the Woods’ Birding” Rev. Douglas Gray

 1 p.m. “Maximum Grow in Your Garden” Justin St. John

 2 p.m. “Raptors of the Hoosier State” John Landry

Food options make it possible to spend an entire day browsing, buying and learning. Have breakfast and lunch at the indoor Garden Café, featuring Kathie’s Country Kitchen. You’ll smell Kathie’s fresh cinnamon rolls and brownies baking all day, and you can even order some to take home. Additional snack options and food trucks will be available in the courtyard.

Enter the Johnson County Fairgrounds, 250 Fairground St., Franklin, IN, from U. S. 31 at the northeast and southwest entrances for best access to Scott and Herring Halls.

Parking is free, with handicapped parking available on the east side of Scott Hall. Admission is still $2 per person, CASH only, and children 12 and under are free.

Please note that for everyone’s safety and comfort, pets are not allowed on fairground property. Only trained and properly documented service animals may accompany their handlers.