Pine Township near Michigan City in Porter County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Meadow
Photographed by Daniel Barriball, May 17, 2026
1. The Meadow Marker
This area reflects the harmony of both wet and dry ground, a living ecosystem that Basil Cross nurtured with devotion. Each late autumn, he meticulously cut the plants back in small pieces to ensure the wildflower seeds would find light and regenerate the next year. The spring landscape awakens with waves of color from Daffodils, thousands of Summer Snowflakes and Siberian Iris. Then summer continues with various wildflowers and ends with tall Joe-Pye-Weed and glowing Goldenrod. Behind it all, Bill Brinka added a line of Crabapple trees that offers food and shelter for bees, birds and butterflies, a lasting reminder of their thoughtful stewardship and completing this living sanctuary.
Erected by Porter County Parks & Recreation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Horticulture & Forestry.
Location. 41° 39.566′ N, 86° 59.084′ W. Marker is near Michigan City, Indiana, in Porter County. It is in Pine Township. It can be reached from East Furness Road near N 425 E, on the right when traveling west. This marker stands north of the house in Brincka
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Northwest Indiana, specifically on the Indiana Dunes and Lake Michigan Shore, and in the Calumet Region. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, on the Great Lakes, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Hostas on a Grand Scale (within shouting distance of this marker); A Passion for Beauty (within shouting distance of this marker); A Host of Daffodils (within shouting distance of this marker); Furnessville Cemetery Veterans Memorial (approx. 1.6 miles away); Edwin Way Teale (approx. 1.6 miles away); House Of Tomorrow: 'America's First Glass House' (approx. 1.9 miles away); The Armco-Ferro House: Mass Produced And Affordable
Photographed by Daniel Barriball, May 17, 2026
2. The Meadow Marker in context
A Unique Microclimate marker is the next marker beyond The Meadow marker.
Also see . . . Brincka Cross Gardens. Official website
Nestled within the heart of Pine Township, also known as Furnessville, lies a truly unique gemBrincka Cross Gardens, a sanctuary where art and nature blend seamlessly. Originally created by artist and professor Bill Brincka of the Art Institute of Chicago, the gardens reflect his vision and creative spirit in every corner. Alongside him was his partner, Basil Cross, a distinguished antique furniture curator for Marshall Fields in Chicago, who brought his own passion and refinement to the property.(Submitted on May 18, 2026, by Daniel Barriball of Chesterton, Indiana.)
Photographed by Daniel Barriball, May 17, 2026
3. A Unique Microclimate
This marker is just to the left of The Meadow marker. It details why some of the plants in Brincka-Cross Gardens can survive there and not in other locations nearby.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 18, 2026, by Daniel Barriball of Chesterton, Indiana. This page has been viewed 14 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 18, 2026, by Daniel Barriball of Chesterton, Indiana. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
