January 24, 2018
For Immediate Release
Contact: Natalie Eggeman (260-427-6028)
Public Information Officer
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$1 Night
First Thursday of the month
February 1, 5-8 pm
On the first Thursday night 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 holiday display at a deep discount on this special night in January. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
$1 Night Insight: Bean Magic
February 1, 6-7 pm
When Jack traded the family cow for magic beans, he was overcome by the possibilities that beans can hold. Visit the Conservatory in February to explore the amazing possibilities of beans for yourself! Assemble a custom soup blend or enjoy a bean-art craft. Recipes to go. Included in your $1 Night admission. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
Sweetheart Orchid Display
February 6 – 25; Tues-Sat 10 am-5-pm, Sun 12-4, Thurs ‘til 8 pm
Make a date for the Botanical Conservatory and bring your sweetie down in February to enjoy our lovely indoor gardens and a special display of orchids. Take a moment with camera or cell phone to capture your darling under a heart-shaped arbor planted with a cascade of fragrant and colorful orchids or against a backdrop of lush Tropical Garden plants. Treat your special friend to a lunch or snack at the Empyrean Café and have fun browsing the Conservatory gift shop for an orchid or other sweet gift. Admission $5/ages 18+, $3/ages 3-17; free for members and children ages 2 and under.
Garden Preschool: Winter Fun
Tuesdays, February 6 & 13, 10 – 11 am
Join us this winter as we have fun and explore the wonder of winter! Children will discover winter through hands-on, garden-related activities side by side with their parent or other adult. This two-session class teaches both how to explore nature with fresh eyes. Each week will be a new adventure! Master Gardener Kay Musgrave has years of experience working with children in natural settings. Ages 3-5. An adult must participate (no registration required) for the duration of the class with their child. Child’s registration deadline: January 30. Min. 5. Max. 10. $12/person; $10/Conservatory member or volunteer. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or go to www.fortwayneparks.org and refer to code 127100-T1. Held at the Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St. in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Winter Shinrin-Yoku
Thursday, February 8, 6-7:30 pm
Get out of the house this winter for an indoor forest bathing walk. This is not your typical walk in the park, but a series of invitations to rediscover your inner child and your connection with the natural world through your senses. Shinrin-yoku helps you immerse yourself in the sensory gifts of nature. The benefits include a greater sense of well-being, a boost in immune function, lower stress hormones, and higher serotonin levels. Being relaxed, revitalized, and better equipped to handle the stresses of daily living are the goals of this forest bathing walk. Instructor Christy Thomson is the only certified Forest Therapy guide in Indiana. Note: Additional students may drop in, up to the class maximum, but should call ahead to make sure class will be in session. Registration deadline: February 1. All ages are welcome, but children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Min. 5. Max. 15. $15/person; $12/Conservatory member or volunteer. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or go to www.fortwayneparks.org and refer to code 127055-A2. Held at the Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St. in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Once Upon a Clock Workshop
Saturday, February 10, 12:30 – 3 pm
This unusual clock workshop lets you leave our Fairy Tales garden exhibit with your own “once upon a time.” You start this DIY project with an unfinished clock prepared from recycled wood pallets – the rest is up to your imagination! You install the clock mechanism, number and decorate the face, then take it home for your friends and family to admire for all time. Recycled pallet square, paint, stencils, and hardware are provided, but don’t be shy about bringing other small decorative pieces you want to incorporate. Finished size is approximately 12” x 12”. Ages 15+. Registration deadline: February 1. Min. 15. Max. 25. $26/person; $22/Conservatory member or volunteer. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or go to www.fortwayneparks.org and refer to code 127057-A1. Held at the Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St. in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Once Upon a Tale Event
Saturday, February 17, 10 am – 3 pm
Celebrate the magical world of fairy tales at the Botanical Conservatory during our winter “Once Upon a Tale” family event where you can take part in activities, win games, and make crafts inspired by popular fairy tales. Create a knight’s sword or decorate your own crown. Race the clock as you take part in the fairy tale obstacle course or test your fairy tale character knowledge in the scavenger hunt! Morning and afternoon princess sightings expected. You can also expend some energy in our Fairy Tales play yard climbing to Rapunzel’s tower, meeting the Frog Prince, acting out the story of Three Billy Goats Gruff, or imagining your own tale. Regular Conservatory admission applies. Sponsored by WAJI Majic 95.1 and Fun 101.7. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
New Volunteer Orientation
Wednesday, February 21, 4 – 6 pm
The Botanical Conservatory is inviting new volunteers to join the support team. We look for help at the Front Desk, in the Gift Shop, with special events and to assist with our upcoming live butterfly exhibit. Meet new people, build your skills, and support a community treasure. This orientation to the Conservatory and its volunteer program will help you discover how you can fit in and contribute. Volunteer benefits include free garden admission, discounts on classes and purchases, and annual recognition. For more information, contact Liz at (260) 427-6446 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Garden Close-Up: Winter Blooming Plants
Saturday, February 24, 11 am –1 pm
If you are tired of the “winter blahs,” then come and visit the Botanical Conservatory to brighten your day in the middle of the winter season! As you explore the enchanted garden of our Fairy Tales exhibit, stop by this special learning station to discover colorful winter blooming plants such as cyclamen and kalanchoe. You can even make your own flower to take home! When you visit the Botanical Conservatory on the fourth Saturday, you get a closer look at our 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!
Plant Propagation Basics
Saturday, February 24, 10 am –12 noon
This winter, fill your windowsill or table with new plants as you learn about plant propagation. Advanced Master Gardener Pam Snyder will guide you in a variety of vegetative propagation methods, letting you try your new skills with houseplants that practically guarantee success. Learn about leaf and stem cuttings, division, and layering. Pam will share her knowledge and demonstrate proper technique, then you can practice some propagation and take home a variety of plant babies of your own! Ages 15+. Registration deadline: February 1. Min. 10. Max. 35. $15/person; $12/Conservatory member or volunteer. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or go to www.fortwayneparks.org and refer to code 127058-A1. Held at the Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St. in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
“Fairy Tales” Winter Garden Exhibit
Through April 8
A child’s imagination is fueled by stories. In classic fairy tales, we discover giants, wolves, and witches are no match for the valiant but ordinary people to whom unusual circumstances fall. When the Conservatory converts its Showcase Garden to a winter play space, visitors can pretend to be Jack on a bean stalk, look for Rapunzel in the castle tower, trip-trap over the troll’s bridge, or take goodies to Grandma’s house. This participatory garden exhibit encourages active pretend play and a gentle exploration of moral virtues for children and adults alike. Sponsored by WAJI Majic 95.1, Fun 101.7 and the Howard P. Arnold Foundation.
Carolyn Stachera
Through February: Oil and Pastel
Enjoy the artwork of Carolyn Stachera, who has been intrigued with art her entire life. She started drawing at a very young age and now works primarily in oils and soft pastels. Since 2011, Carolyn has enjoyed painting in plein aire - painting in the moment - and does this frequently with friends from the Fort Wayne Artist Guild. She especially loves being with nature, opening her senses to what surrounds her by blending the graceful flowing curves of nature with the strong, structural lines of mankind’s additions. In 2016, one of Carolyn’s plein aire paintings was a finalist in the Hoosier Women Artists competition conducted by the Treasurer of the State of Indiana for inclusion at the Statehouse for the year. Another of her paintings was displayed in the Lieutenant Governor’s outer office. The exhibit, which hangs in our Meeting Room, is included in regular Conservatory admission: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17, free for children 2 and under. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
Discovery Corner: Fairy Tales
Daily at the Conservatory during February
Our young visitors are encouraged to visit the Discovery Corner to find stories and activities relating to a monthly theme. The theme in February is Fairy Tales. Along with the stories, you can share pretend play and coloring and maze pages. Our materials are safe and 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; pre-registration is not required.
The Botanical Conservatory is located in downtown Fort Wayne, Indiana at 1100 S. Calhoun St. The Conservatory admission desk validates tickets for free parking in the Civic Center Parking Garage across from the Conservatory’s entrance at Jefferson and Calhoun St. Metered parking is available on nearby streets; parking is free on evenings and weekends. Bus and handicap accessible parking is available in the Conservatory’s Calhoun Street driveway. Friend us on Facebook: Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory. Follow us on Twitter: FFBotCons.
