Gardens & Nature

Contributing to the beauty of New Harmony are its elaborate gardens and emphasis on nature. Both formal and casual gardens line the quiet streets, providing a peaceful sanctuary any time of the year.

Just one block from the New Harmony Inn, across the street from the Roofless Church, is Carol's Garden. The memorial garden was dedicated to Carol Owen Coleman, daughter of Kenneth Dale and Jane Blaffer Owen, in 1982.

The Fountain of Life is located in the center of Carol's Garden beneath a stunning canopy of pear trees. The peaceful fountain and its two accompanying benches were designed and made with Indiana limestone by David Rogers of Bloomington, Indiana.

You've never felt more at peace than in this shady garden. The fragrant hostas and sound of water are simply enchanting to the senses. It is the perfect place to relax and soak up the beauty of nature.

The Lenz Garden is located next to the David Lenz House, built ca. 1819-1822 by the Harmonists and occupied by the David Lenz family. It is a partial reconstruction of a Harmonist's garden, and boasts a variety of plants such as yarrow, sweet woodruff, lavender, flowering quince, thyme, sage and hollyhock.

Just behind the New Harmony Inn you'll find Our Lord's Wood, a tranquil area by the lake. A trail leads you through the property, where you'll stroll over an idyllic turquoise bridge, meet the resident ducks and geese, and discover a beautiful waterfall. It's an enchanting place you won't soon forget.

In 1814, Father George Rapp and the Harmonists settled in the Wabash Valley because the climate and soil conditions were perfect for establishing a vineyard, an orchard, and grains to sustain the communal Harmonist Society. For the next decade, Harmonie agricultural products were grown on fertile river land, including a 15-acre vineyard, a 35 acre orchard of apple and pear trees, and a five acre vegetable garden. The Harmonists marketed their produce across the United States and around the world. Today, Fragrant Farms is located on 24 acres of New Harmony land once tilled and harvested by the Harmonists. A vineyard was reborn in 1994, and the most treasured of the farm’s cut flower crop, the peony, was established in the same year. Companions were planted for the peonies: a variety of flowers, vegetables, herbs, and fruits, with naturally grown agricultural practices. Private tours and orders for the Signature Peony collection may be arranged by contacting Kathy@fragrantfarms.com.