What’s Happening at the Botanical Conservatory in December
High Style Jazz in the Garden
Thursday, December 4, 5:30-7:30 pm
Enjoy a holiday date night downtown at the Botanical Conservatory. You can stroll the decorated gardens of the High Style Holiday exhibit and take in a jazz concert, as well. The Farmland Jazz Band performs in a manner reminiscent of 1920s improvisational jazz while choosing from a repertoire of New Orleans, Dixieland, Standard, and Traditional jazz music along with some original selections. The performance is included with your special $1-per-person admission to the Conservatory on $1 Night! For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
$1 Night
December 4, 5 – 8 pm
On the first Thursday night of the month the Botanical Conservatory in downtown Fort Wayne offers $1 admissions, 5-8 pm, for adults and children. Babies and up to age 2 are still admitted free.
Teddy Bear Stuff & Sew
Saturday, December 6, 2 – 3:30 pm
Let your child experience the art of sewing with crafter extraordinaire Myrna Kendrick. Children will be able to create and learn at the same time by stitching a small (7-8”) white teddy bear with a little red Santa hat, tassel and scarf. Give this cuddly little bear as a gift, keep it for yourself or hang it on the Christmas tree. Ages 6 - 10. Registration deadline: November 26. $16/public; $12/Conservatory member or volunteer. Min 15/max 20. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org.
Santa & the Reindeer
Saturdays before Christmas 12-4 pm
December 6, 13 & 20
Santa and two of his reindeer will greet the children while Mom and Dad take pictures to capture the moment. Explore the Conservatory in its holiday glory; this year’s theme is “High Style Holidays”. Regular admission fees apply. Sponsored by PBS 39 and 95.1 Best FM. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
Spicy Evergreen Centerpiece Workshop
Thursday, December 11, 6 – 7:30 pm or
Saturday, December 13, 9 – 10:30 am
Create a stylish holiday centerpiece from fresh, mixed evergreens. Dennis Bowman, designer with Gassafy Wholesale Florist, will help you fashion the fragrant branch tips of balsam fir, cedar, boxwood, and pine into an arrangement with holiday flair. The centerpiece incorporates a jar candle and other accents for a jazzy design. Your fee includes all materials and a stroll in the holiday gardens. Bring garden gloves and clippers. Ages 16-adult. Registration deadline: November 26. $34/public; $29/Conservatory member or volunteer. Min 12/max 36. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org.
Member Holiday Night
Friday, December 13, 5-8 pm
Conservatory members are invited to a special open house during our extended evening hours. Enjoy musical entertainment by Mike Conley with some light holiday refreshments and a beverage, compliments of the Conservatory, then stroll the gardens indoors and out to experience the holiday lights and exhibits.
Not a current member? You can register or renew that evening: $35/individual, $50/family or grandparent membership. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
Science Fun: Santa Science
Saturday, December 20, 11am & 1pm
Santa enjoys science, too, so we’ll be conducting some science experiments just in time for the holidays. We’ll begin by making ‘Holiday Cheer Eruptions.’ Then, since you can’t have cookies without milk, the ‘Santa’s Magic Milk’ experiment is a must. Finally, even Santa needs to brush his teeth after eating all those cookies, so we’ll make ‘Santa Toothpaste’ using common household ingredients. Santa Science puts a scientific spin on your holiday season! Preregistration is not required and the program is free with regular Conservatory admission (members and volunteers admitted free): $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17. Children age 2 and under free. For more info, call (260) 427-6440.
Family Garden Close-Up: Poinsettia Paradise
Saturday, December 27, 11am - 1pm
This small Mexican shrub is quite popular around the holidays. Let’s explore more about what this beautiful plant can do and have some fun too! How many different colors of Poinsettia’s can you find? FGC is especially great for young learners. Free with regular Conservatory admission: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17; children age 2 and under free. For more info call (260) 427-6440.
Discovery Corner: Home for the Holidays (Shelter)
During December public hours in the Discovery Gallery
Our young visitors enjoy stories and activities behind Woody the Talking Tree. In December, we’ll learn about Shelter, in Home for the Holidays. Read aloud and explore together. Free with admission; great for preschool and kindergarten as well as other young learners. Call (260) 427-6445 for more information.
December Artist – Karen Starn
During public hours
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
Karen, a painter and educator, works primarily in watercolor to explore floral subjects as well as wildlife, portraits, and renderings of old buildings. She graduated in 1981 from Indiana University with a degree in graphic arts and worked as an art director, advertising artist and illustrator for over 35 years. She has won many awards in local and regional art shows. Karen was the founder and president of the Fort Wayne ArtSource. She is a mentoring artist in the Fort Wayne community. Exhibit included in regular Conservatory admission: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17. For more info, call (260) 427-6440.
Garden in Lights
Through January 4, 2015
The Botanical Conservatory has decorated not only the Showcase House, where you’ll find the customary poinsettias and elegance, but the Tropical and Desert Houses and the outdoor gardens as well. Especially effective during our evening hours on Thursday and Friday nights between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the gardens are lovely throughout the holidays and provide a tremendous backdrop for family photos, out-of- town guest entertainment, great conversations, and even marriage proposals! Make the most of your visit as you enjoy one of Fort Wayne’s treasured resources for beauty and relaxation. Our gift shop will also be open during public hours for holiday shopping.
“High Style Holidays”Garden Exhibit
Through January 4, 2015
High Style Holidays is a poinsettia-filled Christmas display meant to capture the elegant flair and lively spirit of the era between World Wars I and II. This jubilant interpretation of Art Deco style and Roaring ‘20s chic offers visitors a variety of backdrops for holiday enjoyment and family pictures. The Showcase includes a paved plaza under a twinkling, lighted canopy where guests may relax to the lively sounds of jazz reminiscent of the period. The centerpiece, a 6-foot tall Art Deco reindeer, stands atop a platform surrounded by vivid poinsettias in the shades of wine, red, and pink and holiday décor in the shimmering tones of silver, gold, and champagne. Lighted evergreens help to shape a showcase for the period sleigh that once belonged to Helene Foellinger. Additional cut Christmas trees of spruce and pine, the largest of which have been donated by Fort Wayne citizens, will decorate the borders and beds around the perimeter of the Showcase Garden. Sponsored by 95.1 Best FM, PBS 39 and Wells Fargo Charitable Trust.
