What’s Happening at the Botanical Conservatory in August
$1 Night
Thursday, August 2, 5 – 8 pm
On the first Thursday of the month the Botanical Conservatory offers $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, August 4 -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! Ages 7-adult. Registration deadline: July 30. Min. 5. Max. 26. $44/4-week session. Held at the Botanical Conservatory,1100 S. Calhoun Street in downtown Fort Wayne. To register, call(260)427-6011.
Oh Cheese
Thursday, August 9, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Cheese making is a simple process anyone can do at home. Soft cheeses, such as ricotta and chevre, are a good starting point. They require few supplies that you don’t already have at home. Home cheese maker Janet Berndt will show you how to turn milk into simple, creamy cheese. We’ll discuss pressed cheese and sources for supplies. Registration deadline: August 2, 2012. Ages 10+. Min. 8. Max. 25. $7/public; $5/Conservatory member. Refer to Code #327027-R1 when registering by phone at (260) 427-6011 or online at www.fortwayneparks.org. Held at Botanical Conservatory,1100 S. Calhoun St.
Introduce Yourself to Tai Chi & Qigong
Tuesday, 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 deadline: 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.
Last Saturday
Saturday, August 25, 10 am – 5 pm
As part of the monthly promotion of downtown life, the Conservatory is offering a $1-off discount on admissions every final Saturday. 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.
Botanical Brown Bag: At Least 12 Delectable Culinary Herbs
Thursday, August 30, 12 – 1 pm
The most popular 12 “or a few more” culinary herbs will be featured in this presentation by Louise Rennecker, the Herb Lady of Fort Wayne. Feel, smell and taste the plants fresh from the garden and learn how to use them to enhance your summer and winter meals. An added incentive for attendance – take home a perennial herb that can be planted in your garden now. 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.
Soothing Summer Gardens Exhibit: Through 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 tapestry of plants comprises the vertical garden, or “green wall,” while the gentle curve of earth-plaster-on-straw-bale provides a textural backdrop for the smooth contours and rich colors of the planters and the architectural feel of specimen plants. Explore each intimate space and enjoy each new view. Bring the camera for some wonderful photo opportunities! For more information, call the Botanical Conservatory at(260)427-6440. Sponsored by the Wilson Family Foundation.
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.
Discovery Corner: Plants on Your Plate
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 August we’ll be learning about plants you can eat and how important they are for keeping you healthy. 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 regular Conservatory admission; preregistration is not required.