What’s Happening at the Botanical Conservatory in July
$1 Night
Thursday, July 5, 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.
Summer Self-Defense
Saturdays, July 7-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. $44/each 4-week session July and August. Held at the Botanical Conservatory,1100 S. Calhoun Street in downtown Fort Wayne. To register, call(260)427-6011.
Introduce Yourself to Tai Chi & Qigong
Tuesdays, 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: July 3, August 7. Ages 18+. Min. 8. Max. 20. $10/session. Held at the Botanical Conservatory,1100 S. Calhoun Street, downtown Fort Wayne. For more information, call(260)427-6440.
Dividing and Caring for Daylilies
Thursday, July 12, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Daylilies are some of the most beautiful and resilient flowers in the perennial garden. Master Gardener, Kathy Lee, will show many varieties of daylilies that will be on display at the Daylily Show. Kathy, a member of the Fort Wayne Daylily Society, will discuss how to care for and how to divide daylilies. At the end of the program, you’ll receive your own daylily division for your home garden. Registration deadline: July 5. Ages 10+. Min. 10. Max. 25. $7/public; $5/Conservatory member. Refer to Code #327026-R1 when registering by phone at (260) 427-6011 or online at www.fortwayneparks.org. Held at the Botanical Conservatory,1100 S. Calhoun St.,Fort Wayne.
Soothing Summer Gardens
July 14 – September 15
What could be more restorative than a quiet stroll through a summer garden designed with restfulness in mind? Each small garden “room” will have its own character and art piece to admire, with strategic seating for those who wish to linger. A green wall creates a tapestry out of plant variations, while a gently splashing water feature refreshes your spirit. Explore each intimate space and enjoy each new view. For more information, call(260)427-6440. Sponsored by the Wilson Family Foundation.
Daylily Show
Saturday, July 14, 10 am-2 pm
Enjoy the cheerful colors and surprising variety of one of summer’s favorite flowers, the daylily, with a juried flower show presented by the Fort Wayne Daylily Society. Daylilies are a rugged and dependable garden flower with colors from white and yellow to peach and raspberry. Let the experts help you select the best varieties for your garden. Plants will be available for purchase. Held on the first Saturday of Three Rivers Festival. For more information about daylily care, you can sign up for the evening lecture on July 12,6:30-7:30 p.m.Discount admission to the Conservatory all day during the Daylily Show: $3/adult, $2/child. Children age 2 and under free. For more information, call the Botanical Conservatory at(260)427-6440.
Family Fun Day
Tuesday, July 17, 10 am – 3 pm
Have fun at the Conservatory during the Three River’s Festival! Make crafts, get a balloon animal, and win prizes at games of skill and chance. Enjoy lunch or a snack at our Food Court, where hot dogs and other items will be available for 50¢. Your fun time will include a bubble dance party, giant slide, moonwalk, and inflatable paddle pond (some height and/ or age restrictions may apply). No reservations required; regular admission applies. A responsible adult must accompany children. Regular Conservatory admission applies. Wear your TRF button to receive an admission discount. Sponsored by WAJI Majic 95.1 FM.
Botanical Brown Bag: In the Zome! Dividing Iris Rhizomes
Thursday, July 26, 12 – 1 pm
Master Gardener Kathy Lee returns to explain why your irises seem to have fewer flowers and how to divide an old clump. She will describe the damage from iris borer, prevention tips and treatment of an infected clump. Along with these tips, she will show you the correct planting method for both bearded and beardless irises. A ready-to-plant rhizome will be given to each participant. You can bring a bag lunch or stop at the Bagel Station before class and eat while you learn. 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.
Last Saturday
Saturday, July 28, 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 these 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.
Iris Sale
Sunday, July 29, 12 -3 pm
The local iris hobbyists and growers team up once a year to offer the public the chance to purchase starts of their favorite iris varieties. Irises are a workhorse in the garden, providing color throughout the spring and early summer when several types are included in your plantings. Get information on care and hybridizing, as well, by registering for the lecture1:00-2:00 p.m.that day. Or attend the Botanical Brown Bag on Thursday,July 26, 12:00-1:00 p.m. to learn how to divide irises, take care of iris borers, and reinvigorate a mature patch of iris. Sponsored by theNortheast Indiana Iris Society. Regular Conservatory admission fees apply. Call(260)427-6442for more information.
Butterflies of Malaysia Exhibit: Through July 8
The final week is here for the Conservatory butterflies! Through July 8, you can enter a world of wonder as you immerse yourself in a live exhibit teeming with scores of butterflies. Bred specifically for exhibit, these delicate creatures demonstrate beauty and resilience. From the giant Scarlet Mormon and Birdwing butterflies to the colorful Leopard Lacewing and Emerald Swallowtail, 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.
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 use a variety of yoga style tailored to fit the ability level of the group. A few blankets, mats, and straps are available but bring your own supplies if you have them. 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. Drop-in fee $7 (Conservatory 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.
Season-all Sale, Herbs for Garden and Gourmet
The Botanical Conservatory’s new outdoor Summer Sales Garden is featuring a sale on herbs during regular business hours. The offerings will include mini herb gardens for a special price of $19.95. Each garden will include five locally grown, high quality plants in a boxed set. Shoppers may pick and choose plants as they wish, or select from a pizza garden, a flavors of France garden, or a scented garden. Select from a wide variety of herbs, including basil, chives, fennel, lavender, lemon balm, lemon verbena, marjoram, mint, oregano, rosemary, sage, scented geranium, sorrel, tarragon, and thyme.
Strawberry plants and other specialty herbs will also be available.
The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory is located at1100 S. Calhoun Street in Fort Wayne,Indiana. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday,10 am-5 pm, Thursday10 am-8 pm, and Sunday 12-4 pm. Closed on Mondays. For more information, call(260)427-6440.
Discovery Corner: What’s in the Ocean
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 July, we’ll be exploring all about What’s in the Ocean. 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.
