Bridge of Flowers Reflects a Community in Bloom
Writer / Julie Yates
Photographer / Ron Wise
For those who have discovered it, the Bridge of Flowers has become a destination they want to visit often. The recent beautification project is close to historic Noblesville Square, and is located on the south side of the pedestrian pathway on the Logan Street Bridge. It spans a 150-foot gathering space between the Hamilton County Courthouse and Federal Hill Commons.
Visitors delight in the maturing beauty of the permanent plant installations, and enjoy decorative additions as the seasons change. It’s a perfect place for taking family, graduation or engagement photos. The benches and shade of the pergola make it an inviting spot to eat lunch, read a book or just take a quiet moment to think. 
The idea for the Bridge of Flowers was put into motion by Dick Gordon after his daughter, Sylvia, saw a similar bridge in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts. He spearheaded a partnership between the City of Noblesville, Hamilton County, local businesses and people from the community. In appreciation for the support received, an ongoing donor wall is incorporated in the space. Recognition is given according to donation levels. The Bronze level is $300 to $500, Silver level is $500 to $1,000, and Gold level is above $1,000.
Locals celebrated the space’s one-year anniversary this August. During the summer, plants flourished. Vines made their way to cover structures, and vibrant blooms offered a variety of color and texture. Peg Adams, who serves on the board of the nonprofit in addition to heading up the team of volunteers that maintain the plants, carefully plans for seasonal changes.
“Each season brings its own special qualities,” says Adams. “We try to make the bridge as festive as possible. Each time you walk across the bridge, you can see something different. We planned the fall scape around plants we already had this summer, such as the red grasses with their height, plumes and color.”
The autumn plantings include lots of mums, and different varieties of flowering kale and cabbages. Straw bales and pumpkins are included. Bright orange and yellow pansies that can tolerate cooler temperatures add lots of visual interest.
“The fall season is short,” says Adams. “I try to watch the summer flowers and when they start looking a little haggard, it’s time. It’s good to have fall flowers in for a couple weeks before the bad weather hits, so they can get a good start, usually by the third week or the very end of September. We try to catch the time before the first freeze, and definitely before a hard freeze.”
The winter plantings will go in right after Thanksgiving and will stay in place until spring. Adams works with an average crew of five to 10 people who help her with the installations. Every few weeks, two or three people maintain the plantings.
“Donations and volunteers are always needed,” says Adams. “It’s not a huge job but it is a regular commitment. It’s so fun to be out on the bridge working when someone drives by and yells out, ‘It’s beautiful!’ The community has been very supportive and they seem to be enjoying it. It’s something a little different. It’s a nice place to bike or walk over to. There’s always a breeze. Something about the water makes the air feel cooler. I’m amazed at how mature the plants got this year. They are constantly changing, and the variety of colors and textures just keep getting better. It fills me with joy.”
For more information on donating or volunteering, visit noblesvillebridgeofflowers.com.
