What’s Happening at the Botanical Conservatory in March
Down on the Fisher-Price Farm Exhibit: Through April 8
Bring the little ones down to the Conservatory this winter for a fun time on the farm, where children can play at gathering eggs, milking the cow, churning butter, making pies, hanging the wash, and tending the garden. Reminiscent of the old Fisher-Price farm set, the old red barn and 1954 Farmall tractor are the centerpieces of the exhibit.
Mom and Dad will enjoy coming in out of the cold for the smell of fresh earth and a view of growing plants. You can also enjoy the Tropical Garden and Desert Garden as part of your admission fee. Sponsored by WAJI Majic 95.1 FM, WLDE Fun 101.7 FM, and Orthopedic Precision Instruments in Albion, Indiana. For more info, visit www.botanicalconservatory.org or call(260)427-6440. Admission is $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17, free for children 2 and under.
$1 Night
March 1, 5 – 8 pm
On the first Thursday of the month we offer $1 admissions,5-8 pm, for adults and children. Babies and up to age 2 are still admitted free. Enjoy our evening hours and a special discount once a month. For more info, call(260)427-6440.
Science Fun: The Science of Soda
March 3 and 17 at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM; March 15 at 6:00 PM
What’s fizzy, sweet, and loaded with science? It’s soda! Explore the various botanical extracts that provide your favorite flavors, determine the different ways of adding carbonation and discover the importance of careful measurements and note-taking. You’ll go home with a few recipes, but the real fun comes as you create your own perfect potables. Appropriate for ages 5 and up. Participants in NISTEM (www.nistem.org) can also earn points for attending. Drop in! Preregistration is not required and the program is free with regular Conservatory admission: $5/adult, $3/child ages 3-17. (Members free.) For more information, call (260) 427-6440. Held at the Botanical Conservatory,1100 S. Calhoun Street,Fort Wayne.
Thursday Evening Programs: Raw Milk and You
Thursday, March 8, 6:30 -7:30 pm
For a cold drink, raw milk is a surprisingly hot topic these days. Raw milk is simply milk straight from the cow, without the pasteurization process. In this program, Mark Grieshop, owner of Pasture’s Delights dairy, discusses the risks and benefits of raw milk. He will detail the process of collecting and storing the milk and the advantages of getting milk from grass-fed cows. He will also describe the method of obtaining raw milk through herd shares. Best of all, he’ll provide knowledge and answer questions so you can make an informed decision for yourself. Registration deadline: March 2. Ages 14+. Min.10. Max. 20. $7/public; $4/Conservatory member or volunteer. Refer to Code #227021-R1 when registering by phone at (260) 427-6011 or online at www.fortwayneparks.org. Held at Botanical Conservatory,1100 S. Calhoun St.,Fort Wayne.
Spring Open House
Saturday, March 17, 10 am – 5 pm
Looking for something to brighten your home or garden? Enjoy our new retail sales garden offering fresh spring-flowering plants. Add some fragrance with cold-tolerant pansies, sweet alyssum, or stock, or color your dining table with a pot of forced hyacinths or daffodils. Perfect for gift giving, our flowers will put a “spring” in your step. Free warm drinks while you shop! No admission is required to shop at the Conservatory, but to visit the gardens, regular admission applies: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17.Children 2 and under are free. The spring Showcase exhibit is “Down on the Fisher-Price Farm,” a perfect opportunity for pre-schoolers and other youngsters to interact with their adults in a nostalgic setting. For more information, call(260)427-6440.
Paint a Rustic Farm Scene Workshop
Saturday, March 24, 9 am - 12 pm
Now you can celebrate our Down on the Farm exhibit by taking a bit of the country home with you. In this program even the beginning artist will learn, step-by-step, to paint a charming and rustic farmyard scene. You’ll use acrylic paints to create your own 8x10” masterpiece that you can brag about for years to come. All paints, canvas boards, brushes, and other supplies are provided; you just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to have fun. Led by Doni Adam, member of the Fort Wayne Artist’s Guild and Three Rivers Decorative Artists. Registration deadline: March 16. Max. 15. $28/public; $23/Conservatory member. Refer to Code #227022-S1 when registering by phone at (260) 427-6011 or online at www.fortwayneparks.org. Held at Botanical Conservatory,1100 S. Calhoun St.,Fort Wayne.
Dairy Discovery Cart
Saturday, March 24, 10:00 am-2:00 pm
If you visit the Conservatory’s winter exhibit, Down on the Fisher-Price Farm, on March 24 you can meet a Hoagland dairy farmer and discover the process of milk production from cow to table. Cindy Berning of the Allen County Farm Bureau will staff the Conservatory’s Discovery Cart, a free learning station that encourages visitors to explore some aspect of the gardens. Chat with Cindy, try your hand at milking, and take a little farm knowledge with you. The Discovery Cart is free with regular Conservatory admission: $5/adult, $3/child ages 3-17. (Members free.) For more information, call(260)427-6440. Held at Botanical Conservatory,1100 S. Calhoun Street,Fort Wayne.
Tai Chi in the Garden I & II
Tai Chi I: Tuesdays, March 27 – May 15, 6:30 – 7:30 pm OR
Wednesdays, March 28 – May 16, 7 – 7:45 am
Tai Chi II: Tuesdays, March 27 – May 15, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Learn to relax your body and focus your mind with the ancient art of Tai Chi, a gentle, graceful exercise to improve health and fitness. It is especially effective in reducing stress, which can relieve arthritis, diabetes and other chronic conditions. Weekly sessions include a meditative walk in the garden. The class focuses on the basics of the Sun (“soon”) form and is great for new students or those wishing to continue their studies. Instructor Sandy Gebhard is certified by renowned master Dr. Paul Lam, and has 30 years experience practicing and teaching Tai Chi. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: March 23. Fee: $59, Conservatory Member Fee: $49. To register, call (260) 427-6011 or go online at www.fortwayneparks.org.
Botanical Brown Bag – Do Your Houseplants Have Cabin Fever?
Thursday, March 29, 12 – 1 pm
It’s springtime and your houseplants, like everyone else, are ready for some fresh air and sunshine. In this light-hearted program,Darlene Kittle will share the best ways to get your houseplants ready to go outside, and how to avoid common problems like plant sunburn. She’ll also discuss the best containers to hold your botanical friends and which plants are suited to different environments. At the end, she’ll share cuttings from some of her own houseplants and provide tips for proper potting and propagation of your new plant pals. Bring a sandwich and stop in at the Conservatory for an entertaining “garden moment” on the last Thursday of the month. Free coffee and tea. Conservatory admission applies: $5/adult, $3/child ages 3-17. Conservatory members and volunteers admitted free. For more information, call(260)427-6440.
Drop-In Yoga in the Garden
Wednesdays, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
The practice of yoga is a wonderful way to build strength and flexibility, reduce stress, and enhance general well-being. Taught by certified yoga instructor and world traveler Lanah K. Hake, these classes provide a sampling of a variety of yoga styles and are tailored to fit the ability level of the group. A few blankets and mats are available but you should bring your own supplies if you have them. Additional class information is available by following Fort Wayne Outdoor Yoga on Facebook, or by checking the instructor’s website at www.lanahlink.com. Ages 15+. $7 per class for the public; $5 for a Conservatory member or volunteer. For more information, call (260) 427-6440 or visit the instructor’s Facebook page at Ft Wayne Outdoor Yoga. Held in the garden at the Botanical Conservatory,1100 S. Calhoun St.,Fort Wayne.
Drop-In Zumba in the Garden
Wednesdays, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
When participants see a Zumba class in action, they can’t wait to give it a try. Led by licensed instructor Hillary Halsema, our Zumba classes feature exotic rhythms set to high-energy Latin and international beats. Before participants know it, they’re getting fit and their energy levels are soaring! It’s easy to do, effective and totally exhilarating, often building a deep-rooted community among returning students. Ages 15+. $7 per class for the public; $5 for a Conservatory member or volunteer. Held at Botanical Conservatory,1100 S. Calhoun St.,Fort Wayne. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
