What’s Happening at the Botanical Conservatory in October
$1 Night
Thursday, October 4, 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.
Paving the Way
Thursday, October 11, 6 – 7:30 pm
Permeable pavers are a great way to enhance the look of your landscape while allowing for rainwater to percolate into the soil rather than run off in the sewer or waterway. Matthew Felger from Felger’s Peat Moss will show some of the ways these versatile pavers can be used. The discussion includes a brief history of paving, basic installation techniques, and benefits of permeables. He’ll also display samples of basic paving materials so you can see exactly how they’re laid and to spark questions or ideas you may have for your own landscape. You will be invited to ask other general landscape questions, as time allows. Ages 14+. Registration deadline: October 4. Min. 7. Max. 35. $9/public; $7/Conservatory member. Held at the Botanical Conservatory,1100 S. Calhoun Streetin downtownFort Wayne. To register, call (260) 427-6011.
Fall Bonsai Display
Saturday, October 13, 10 am – 4 pm
Explore a forest of miniature trees carefully trained and pruned by members of our local bonsai club. Elms, maples, junipers and other familiar plants look just like their outdoor cousins – but a fraction of their size! The club also grows tropical bonsai that don’t need special winter treatment. Learn about this fascinating hobby. Bonsai pots and young plants will be available to purchase. Sponsored by theFort WayneBonsai Club. Special Conservatory admission fee: $3/adult, $2/child, ages 2 and under free.
Science Fun: “Spook”tacular Science
Saturday, October 13, 11 am & 1 pm
Would you like to learn some cool science tricks to impress your friends? Each month we’ll investigate a different topic with fun and family-friendly experiments, demonstrations, and activities – most of which can be repeated at home. Halloween is just around the corner, so get ready with some science tricks and a treat. First, learn how to make your jack-o-lantern glow different colors and breathe fog. Then, learn how to make glow-in-the-dark writings. Finally, quench your thirst with “glowing hand of doom” punch. Programs are appropriate for ages 5 and up. Preregistration is not required and the program is free with regular Conservatory admission: $5/adult, $3/child ages 3-17. Members and volunteers admitted free.
The Punkin Path
October 16 - 31
Visit our outdoor Punkin’ Path, where you can enjoy the fall surroundings and take festive pictures with your little ones. The path will be decorated with pumpkins, gourds, bales of straw – and gnomes! – to provide fun photo memories. Gnomes are caretakers of land and animals; they are industrious, enjoy all kinds of games and, surprisingly, they love to travel! Watch for them along the Punkin’ Path. This exhibit is included in Conservatory admission and open during public hours. Conservatory admission: $5/adult, $3/child ages 3-17.
Pumpkin Zone
Saturday, October 20, 10 am – 3 pm
Does a pumpkin float in the water? How many seeds does a pumpkin have? You’ll find the answers to these as well as many other questions about pumpkins at the Pumpkin Zone! Play pumpkin putt-putt and other games, make pumpkin crafts, taste pumpkin seeds, and watch a pumpkin carver. Friends from the Allen County Farm Bureau will be helping us provide pumpkin facts and fun, and children can color their very own gourd pumpkin to take home. Pumpkin Zone is included in Conservatory admission. The Conservatory is proud to be a part of theDowntown Improvement District’s Fright Night festivities. Sponsored by WANE-TV 15 and Fun 101.7 WLDE. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Saturday, October 20; Doors Open: 8:30 pm; Movie: 9:15 pm
Let’s do the time warp agaaaaain! As a part of the Downtown Improvement District’s Fright Night the Conservatory will once again spin the tale of Brad and Janet on a rainy night sheltered by the bizarre Dr. Frank N. Furter. The movie will be shown outside on the Terrace, weather permitting; please dress accordingly. Refreshments will be available for purchase; no outside food or beverage permitted. This movie is participatory in tradition and content may not be suitable for all audiences. Children under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. $2 adults 18+, $1 children through age 17. No reservations necessary. Sponsored by Boudoir Noir and WAJI Magic 95.1 FM.
Botanical Brown Bag: Gourd Art by Fire
Thursday, October 25, 12 – 1 pm
Alison Adams works with gourds, turning them into many kinds of vessels. She grows gourds herself and will bring examples of various shapes and types. She will also bring some of her finished work, which usually involves pyrography, in which a design is burned into the surface of the gourd with a hot metal point. She will demonstrate this technique and discuss and demonstrate some of the stages of growing, drying, cleaning, opening, and shaping a gourd. Bring a sandwich, enjoy the program; free coffee and tea. No reservations needed; program free with Conservatory admission: $5/adult, $3/child ages 3-17; members and volunteers admitted free. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
Last Saturday
Saturday, October 27, 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 Districtcoordinates festivities for these monthly occasions to promote our community’s arts and cultural assets. From 4 pm-11 pmon Last Saturdays, a free shuttle gets riders within 2 blocks of participating venues, traveling Main Streetto Clay, to Washington Blvd, to Ewingand back to Main. For details, call (260) 420-3266or go online to www.downtownfortwayne.com.
Family Garden Close-Up
Saturday, October 27, 11 am-1 pm
Chrysanthemums, pumpkins, and gourds make great autumn décor. But you can get the “inside scoop” on pumpkins and the skinny on mums when you visit the Conservatory’sExplorationGardenfor this session of the Family Garden Close-Up. After today’s short walk, autumn snack, and hands-on activity, you’ll appreciate these fall favorites even more. Special garden exploration with knowledgeable staff included in admission price: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17. For more information, call(260)427-6440.
Drop-in Yoga in the Garden
Wednesday evenings, 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. 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. Pre-registration is not required. This class is not intended for pregnant women or people with serious health conditions. All participants sign a waiver at each class confirming suitable health for practice. For further information, call the Conservatory at (260) 427-6440, or visit online at www.facebook.com/ftwayneoutdooryoga or www.lanahlink.com. Ages 15+. Drop-in Fee: $7; Member or Volunteer: $5. Held in the gardens at the Botanical Conservatory,1100 S. Calhoun Street,Fort Wayne.
