What’s Happening at the Botanical Conservatory in June
June Plant Swap
Saturday, June 2, 10 am – 11 am
Join other gardeners at the Conservatory for a free exchange of plants. Bring at least one plant to share. You can set aside extra seedlings, divisions, or full-grown plants of any type, then bring them down to swap for something new. Plants should be healthy, separated into “individual servings,” and labeled with either the common or botanical name.
When you arrive you’ll receive a number indicating the order of your turn, and we all take turns picking until all the plants have found new homes. Bring a box or bag in which to carry your plants home. The plant swap is free, but phone reservations are required by June 1. Call(260)427-6442 with questions or to reserve your spot.
Summer Self-Defense
Saturdays, June 2-August 25, 8:30-9:30 am
Learn how to recognize a dangerous situation and create an opportunity to escape. Learn how to deal with bullies in a non-violent way, and how to defend yourself against a dangerous predator while getting fit and having fun! Basche’s Martial Arts will teach a well-rounded class incorporating bully prevention and self defense techniques that men, women and children of all ages and abilities can use to protect themselves. Sign up today to reserve your spot! As an introductory offer, participants in the June session may also register one friend or family member for free. Ages 7-adult. Registration deadlines: May 25, July 2, July 30. Min. 5. Max. 26. $50/5 weeks in June; $44/4 weeks each July and August. Held at the Botanical Conservatory,1100 S. Calhoun Street in downtown Fort Wayne. To register, call (260) 427-6011.
$1 Night
Thursday, June 7, 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.
Water Features in your Future
Saturday, June 9, 9 am – 1 pm
Enhance the look of your landscape, garden or backyard by attending this do-it-yourself water feature workshop. Let Gary and Cory Wechsler from Woodland Water Gardens and Nursery in Columbia City show you some very basic, easy to install bucket fountains as well as small to medium sized basin fountains. They will help you select the right pump and landscaping around your water feature. Take home your very own water plants to put around your future fountain. What’s that? Limited space you say, don’t worry . . . they’ll even talk about putting a patio pond on your deck or balcony. Can’t you hear the relaxing sound of water trickling in your very own water feature now? A light snack will be served in the duration of the class. Registration deadline: June 1, 2012. Ages 18+. $26/public; $21/Conservatory member. Refer to Code #327023-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.
Introduce Yourself to Tai Chi & Qigong
Tuesdays, June 12, July 10, and August 14, 6 – 7 pm
This is a great way to sample Tai Chi (ty-chee) and Qigong (chee-kung)! Renew your energy level while experiencing these ancient art forms of movement and grace. Tai Chi offers many benefits, from better posture to improved breathing, balance and relaxation. Qigong is a breathing exercise and movement. Three one-hour classes will be held, and in each class you will learn the basics of Tai Chi and Qigong. Sandy Gebhard has been teaching and practicing Tai Chi for over 30 years. She has been certified as an instructor by renowned Master Dr. Paul Lam. Registration deadlines: June 5, July 3, August 7. Ages 18+. Min. 8. Max. 20. $10/session or $25 for all 3 sessions. Held at the Botanical Conservatory,1100 S. Calhoun Street, downtown Fort Wayne. For more information, call(260)427-6440.
A “Plantiful” Diet
Thursday, June 14, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Come learn the benefits associated with consuming more plants in your diet. It’s one of the easier lifestyle habits to change. Let registered dietitian and Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics Sue Delagrange, MS, RD, CSSD, share her expertise and knowledge with you when it comes to consuming more plants and less meats in your daily diet. Vitamins, nutrients, minerals, healthier heart and digestion are just a few of the benefits associated that Sue will present about this diet. Whether you’re a person who needs to lower their cholesterol, manage weight, or just simply choosing to live a healthier lifestyle, there’s something to gain by attending this nutritious workshop. Registration deadline: June 7, 2012. Ages 14+. Min. 10. Max. 25. $7/public; $5/Conservatory member. Refer to Code #327024-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.
Botanical Brown Bag: Helping Monarchs & Other Butterflies by Gardening
Thursday, June 28, 12 – 1 pm
Love butterflies? Jody Heaston, owner of Naturally Speaking & Wildlifescaping, will explain why it is important to help these insects and present ideas on how to transform an area into a butterfly oasis that caters to their needs throughout their life cycle. Special emphasis will be placed on Monarchs. Bring a sandwich and stop in at the Conservatory for an entertaining “garden moment” on the last Thursday of each month. Speakers offer interactive programs on a variety of botanical or ecological topics. While you eat, pick up some new ideas and skills! 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.
Bales of Fun
Saturday, June 23, 9 am – 1 pm
Straw can be used as material for thatching, packing, or even weaving a hat. In this case, our straw bales will be used for building a wall. But not just any wall. After you learn the basic techniques building a sample wall in this class, you will be invited to return in July to help build the main feature in our summer garden. It’s not everyday that someone can say they helped with a project here! So throw on some old clothes and come down to the Conservatory. You can help make some curves in the wall, pour mud, lay straw and even pound rebar for the creation of our straw bale wall. We’ll even throw in a snack! Registration deadline: June 15. Ages 7+. Fee: $5. Refer to Code #327025-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.
Last Saturday
Saturday, June 30, 10 am – 5 pm
As part of the monthly promotions of downtown life, the Conservatory is offering a $1-off discount on admissions every final Saturday in 2012. The Downtown Improvement District coordinates festivities for these monthly occasions to promote our community’s arts and cultural assets. From 4 pm-11 pm on Last Saturdays, a free shuttle gets riders within 2 blocks of participating venues, traveling Main Street to Clay, to Washington Blvd, to Ewing and back to Main. For details, call (260) 420-3266or go online to www.downtownfortwayne.com.
Drop-in Yoga in the Garden
Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
The practice of yoga is a wonderful way to build strength and flexibility, reduce stress, and enhance general well-being. Now you can attend drop-in classes, as your schedule allows, at the Botanical Conservatory,1100 S. Calhoun Street in downtown Fort Wayne. 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. Arrive 10 minutes before the start of class, ready for an invigorating workout. This class is designed for ages 15 and up and not intended for pregnant women or people with serious health conditions. All participants will sign a waiver at each class. Ages 15+. Drop-in Fee: $7; Members: $5. For more information, call the Conservatory at (260) 427-6440. Additional class information is available by following Fort Wayne Outdoor Yoga on Facebook, or by checking the instructor’s website at www.lanahlink.com.
Discovery Corner: Butterflies
Daily in the Discovery Gallery
Our youngest visitors are always welcome to visit the Discovery Corner behind Woody the Talking Tree where they’ll find stories and activities relating to a monthly theme. In June, we’ll be exploring all about Butterflies. Suitable for kids in pre-K through 1st grade. Adults are encouraged to read aloud to their young learners and explore ideas together. The Discovery Corner is free with general admission; preregistration is not required.
Butterflies of Malaysia Exhibit: Through July 8
Enter a world of wonder as you immerse yourself in a live exhibit teeming with hundreds of butterflies. Bred specifically for exhibit, these delicate creatures demonstrate the beauty and resilience of Malaysia and neighboring Thailand and Indonesia, where the tropical lowland ecosystem is in conflict with economic development. From the giant Paper Kite in black and white to the understated Chocolate Pansy, these living wonders will intrigue you. Special protocols require that we keep the butterflies inside our exhibit tent, so volunteers will help you enter and exit. For more information, call(260)427-6440. Sponsored by PNC Foundation, M.E. Raker Foundation, Wilson Family Foundation, and 97.3 WMEE. Admission is $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17, free for children 2 and under.
