June 23, 2017
For Immediate Release
Contact: Natalie Eggeman (260-427-6028)
Public Information Officer
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Blumengarten: A German Story
July 1 – November 12
From summer to fall we celebrate our German twin, the city of Gera, with a special garden. The Showcase will present five aspects, including a dahlia garden, casual biergarten, and practical cottage garden, to introduce visitors to Germany through its natural spaces. In addition, a gallery exhibit of artifacts will provide Conservatory guests a little more taste for the history of Thuringia, “the green heart of Germany,” where Gera is located. Established in medieval times but influenced by the modern era, Gera is different than familiar Bavaria. Explore the culture of central Germany with interpretive displays spotlighting their respect for both nature and history. Additional programs will be offered throughout the length of this exhibit to help Fort Wayne discover more about Gera, our German sister city since 1992. Sponsored by WAJI Majic 95.1, ABC21 WPTA, the M.E. Raker Foundation, Wilson Foundation, and Auer Foundation.
Gardens Open for the Fourth
Tuesday, July 4th, 10 am-5 pm
The Botanical Conservatory and its gift shop will be open during our national Independence Day holiday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visitors to downtown can combine a garden visit -- exploring the newly opened Blumengarten display and browsing the gift shop -- with a snack or meal at the in-house Empyrean Café while building up to the Fourth of July fireworks later that evening. Conservatory doors will close at 5 pm. Regular Conservatory admission applies: $5/adult, $3/child, free for ages 2 and under. No admission fee is charged to visit the gift shop or café. For more information, call (260) 427-6440 or visit www.botanicalconservatory.org.
$1 Night
First Thursday of the month
July 6, 5 – 8 pm
The Conservatory is open on the first Thursday night of the month for a discounted admission of just $1 per person. During each $1 Night you can also drop in to our program room for a fun and educational lecture or activity. No reservations required. We validate parking tickets from the Civic Center Parking Garage for free parking. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
$1 Night Insight: Germany in the Garden
Thursday, July 6, 6 – 7 pm
We will celebrate our German Sister City, Gera. Take a guided tour through our “Blumengarten” (Flower Garden) exhibit to discover the significance of this new garden’s features. You’ll gather tidbits of knowledge about the history of Gera, modern German landscape design, German culture, and even a few German terms—perfect for impressing your friends! Participants will get a souvenir sticker with the lion rampant crest of Thuringia. Suitable for young and old; included in your $1 Night admission fee.
Daylily Show
Saturday, July 8, 10 am – 3 pm
Enjoy the cheerful colors and surprising variety of one of summer’s favorite flowers, the Daylily, with a flower show presented by the Fort Wayne Daylily Society. Daylilies are a lovely and durable garden flower with a surprising array of colors and forms. Enjoy the cut flower display and speak with experienced gardeners about growing them in your own yard. Plants available for purchase. The show is held on the first Saturday of Three Rivers Festival. Special discounted admission to the Conservatory gardens and daylily show: $3/adult, $2/child. Children age 2 and under free. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
Arctic Summer Blast
Tuesday, July 11, 10 am – 3 pm
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
Beat the heat at our arctic-themed family event at the Conservatory during the Three Rivers Festival (formerly called Family Fun Day)! Kids will enjoy getting to skim down our Polar Bear inflatable slide, bounce in a Happy Feet penguin moonwalk and ride a boat in the paddle pond (some height and/or age restrictions may apply). Chill out while exploring a FWFD fire truck, doing the twist or hula hoop at the bubble dance party, or getting your face painted with an arctic theme. We’ll make cool crafts including a snowflake necklace, and play snow-related games for prizes. If all the fun makes you hungry, buy lunch or snacks at our food court. Hot dogs and other items are available for 50¢; a local food truck will have cool treats available. No reservations required; regular admission applies. A responsible adult must accompany
children. Admission is $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17, free for children 2 and under. Wear your TRF button for $1 off. Sponsored by Majic 95.1.
Jazzworks
Saturday, July 15, 7 – 10 pm
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
Bring your lawn chair and join us outside in the gardens for the annual Three Rivers Festival firework finale. Enjoy the musical stylings of two local jazz groups: The Renz Bros. Trio and the Todd Harrold Band. You’ll be able to find the perfect spot on the Terrace or in the Exploration Garden with food and
beverage available for purchase. No outside food or beverage allowed. Our outdoor gardens are some of the best viewing areas for the fireworks in town! Doors open at 6:00 p.m. No reservations needed. Regular Conservatory admission applies, $5/adult, $3/ child age 3-17; discount with TRF button. Member entrance and early admission. For additional information, call (260) 427-6440. Sponsored by 89.1 WBOI and WANE 15.
Tai Chi Skill Building in the Garden
Tuesday, July 18, 5:30-6:30 pm
Try something new this summer with a simple Tai Chi sampler at the Botanical Conservatory. We focus on the basics for beginners and those who would like to refresh. This ancient art form of movement and grace can improve your energy level and offer benefits from better posture to improved breathing, balance and relaxation. Sandy Gebhard has been teaching and practicing Tai Chi for over 30 years and is certified as an instructor by Master Dr. Paul Lam. Registration deadline: July 11. Ages 18+. Min. 10. Max. 16. $9/person; $7/Conservatory member or volunteer. Register by contacting the Fort Wayne Parks at (260) 427-6000 or online at www.fortwayneparks.org. Drop-ins welcome for $10 fee per evening; call in advance to make sure class is in session. Held at the Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
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Garden Close-Up: Jungle Plantimals
Saturday, July 22, 11 am-1 pm
Visit the Botanical Conservatory on the fourth Saturday to get a closer look at our plants and gardens with an exploratory walk, hands-on activity or demonstration. We highlight a different garden each month so you can make new discoveries through fun, educational activities. Included in your regular Conservatory admission, so drop in! If you’re wondering what a Plantimal is, look no further. Join us in July in our Tropical Garden to discover plants with animal names. Go on a scavenger hunt using picture clues to find these amazing plants. Once you spot a Plantimal, you’ll understand how it got its name! Included in your regular Conservatory admission. Call (260) 427-6440 for more information.
Iris Sale
Sunday, July 23, 12 – 3 pm
The local iris hobbists 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; when you grow several types they can provide color throughout the spring and early summer. Learn the difference between bearded irises, Siberian, crested, and others. Special discounted garden admission includes the iris sale: $3/adult, $2/child. Children age 2 and under free. For more information, call (260) 427-6440. Presented by the Northeast Indiana Iris Society.
Artist Open Call for 2018 Conservatory Art Displays
July 17-28
The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory will hold an open call for artist submissions for the 2018 exhibit year July 17-28, 2017. Artists may hang their work for display in the Conservatory’s public space for a two-month period, Jan-Feb, Mar-Apr, Sept-Oct, or Nov-Dec. There is no exhibitor’s fee, but a commission on sales applies. The Conservatory hosts a public reception for the artist on a Sunday afternoon near the start of the show. To be considered, submit a CD with digital samples of your work. The Conservatory prefers art that ties in with its mission and themes; displayed work must be of high quality, family-friendly in subject, and ready to hang. Artists may drop off or mail CDs to the attention of Program Department, Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46802. Artists will be announced on the Conservatory’s web site in August. Please call (260) 427-6440 or visit www.botanicalconservatory.org for additional information.
