$1 Night
Thursday, March 6, 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. This is a great time to see the High Places, Hidden Spaces display with your family. For more info, call (260) 427-6440.
Science Fun: The Seedy Side of Things
Saturday, March 15, 11am & 1pm
Seeds come in all shapes and sizes. Join us as we look at a variety of different seeds and explore all of the properties these tiny beings have to offer. You’ll be astonished that a large plant can come from such a small seed. We’ll be exploring the inner workings of a seed by dissecting them to see what exactly they have to offer. You’ll leave knowing that big things can come in small packages. Preregistration is not required and the program is free with regular Conservatory admission (members and volunteers admitted free): $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17. Children age 2 and under free. For more info, call (260) 427-6440.
Family Garden Close-Up: Chivalrous Carnivorous
Saturday, March 22, 11am-1pm
Visit the Botanical Conservatory on the fourth Saturday for a closer look at our plants and gardens with an exploratory walk, a craft, and a snack. Carnivorous plants get most of their nutrients from trapping and eating small animals, primarily insects. The Conservatory has a terrarium that serves as a home for Venus flytraps, pitcher plants and more of these fascinating creatures. We’ll be taking a closer look and learning all about them. FGC is especially great for young learners. Free with regular Conservatory admission: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17; children age 2 and under free. For more info call (260) 427-6440.
Botanical Brown Bag: Functional Gardening
Thursday, March 27, 12 – 1 pm
Do you love annuals, edibles, herbs, or native plants? Would you like to know your garden works for you? Dig a little deeper and you can see all the exciting activities that are in full force in our backyards. A diverse mix of plants supplements a healthy diet, fertilizes the soil, filters water, and promotes beneficial microbes, insects, and birds. This diversity becomes the backbone to a paradise that provides as much function as it does pleasure, and partnering with our backyard gardens lets us connect and contribute to a much larger natural world. Not to mention, it can be a less expensive and labor-intensive garden! Join Marissa Jones for a discussion about sowing the seeds for plant happiness in your backyard. Bring a sandwich or stop in at the Bagel Station Café. Free coffee and tea, A Conservatory fee applies at the door: $5 for an adult, $3 for a child age 3-17 or Conservatory member or volunteer.
Register for:
Economical Vegetable Gardening
Thursday, March 20, 6 – 7:30 pm
It’s easy to start something and then get overwhelmed, even when it involves gardening. But don’t let gardening become a chore! Get more joy out of it AND save time and money with these ideas from Master Gardener Art Stahlhut. Art will reveal the “Ten Most Common Mistakes of Vegetable Gardening” and describe four different gardening options including: Ruth Stout, Agricultural, Square Foot, Bio-intensive/Biodynamic from the easiest to the most time and money saving methods for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike. The savings can really add up and you’ll be more knowledgeable in your garden. Registration deadline: March 13. $11/public; $7/Conservatory member or volunteer. Min 10/max 32. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or visit http://www.fortwayneparks.org/
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Aromatherapy
Saturday, March 22, 10 – 11:45 am
Bath and body products can be really expensive. But do you know what you’re paying for? Let Christina Rodriguez – certified aroma therapist, soap maker, and owner of Lather and Lotions, LLC – teach you about essential oils and demonstrate how to use them to make bath and body products including soaps, bath salts and essential oil blends. You will learn: 1) The most common essential oils used in bath and body products and how to incorporate them into diffusers, bath salts, lotions and your own soaps; 2) How to properly blend essential oils for your own unique fragrance; 3) What essential oils you should and shouldn’t use on your skin and why; and 4) How to properly purchase and store essential oils. All participants will receive an aromatherapy soap bar, bath salts, samples of essential oils and a bath and body aromatherapy workbook. Ages 10-adult. Registration deadline: March 14. $46/public; $42/Conservatory member or volunteer. Min 15/max 32. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or visit http://www.fortwayneparks.org/
Register for:
Tai Chi in the Garden I & II
Tuesdays, April 8 – June 3
Advanced class 5-6 pm
Beginners class 6-7 pm
Learn to relax your body and focus your mind with the ancient art of Tai Chi, a gentle, graceful exercise to improve health and fitness. It is especially effective in reducing stress, which can relieve arthritis, diabetes and other chronic conditions. Weekly sessions include a meditative walk in the garden. The class focuses on the basics of the Sun form and is great for new students or those wishing to continue their studies. Instructor Sandy Gebhard is certified by renowned master Dr. Paul Lam, and has 30+ years’ experience practicing and teaching Tai Chi. Note: If a session meets its registration minimum, additional students may drop in for $10 per session, up to the class maximum. If minimums are not met, the program will be cancelled. Drop-ins should call ahead to make sure class will be in session. There will be no class April 22. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: April 1. Fee: $59 / Member or Volunteer $49. Min 10/ max 18. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or visit http://www.fortwayneparks.org/
Register for:
Seated Tai Chi in the Garden
Thursdays, April 10 – June 5, 9:30 – 10:30 am
This one-hour class is designed to allow low-mobility and seated individuals the experience of a modified version of Tai Chi for Arthritis. All classes are taught with students seated. It is suited to anyone with difficulty walking, confined to a wheelchair or who finds it difficult to stand for any length of time. Instructor Sandy Gebhard uses a modified technique by renowned teacher Dr. Paul Lam. Individuals will be taught various movements that are easy to accomplish. Those dealing with chronic conditions will often see improved health and mobility. Note: If a session meets its registration minimum, additional students may drop in for $10 per session, up to the class maximum. If minimums are not met, the program will be cancelled. Drop-ins should call ahead to make sure class will be in session. There will be no class April 24. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: April 3. $59/public; $49/Conservatory member or volunteer. Min 10/max 18. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or visit http://www.fortwayneparks.org/
Art Exhibit: Diane Groenert, Oils
March-April
Artist reception: Sunday, March 9, 1 - 3 pm
Public hours, Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
The Conservatory’s spring art exhibit will feature the work of Diane Groenert, inspired by the architecture and people of Fort Wayne’s West Central Neighborhood. Born in San Diego, she moved around the states and Japan until graduating high school in Virginia. After a stint at University of New Hampshire’s Art Department, Diane wandered the East Coast before settling into art studies in Fort Wayne through Indiana University. Some classes were taught at the former Fort Wayne School of Fine Arts, exposing Diane to West Central, which she calls “a magical place of gorgeously restored Old Homes and Open Hearted and Open Minded people.” In 1999 she started a series of commissioned House Portraits. Exhibit is open free with regular Conservatory admission. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
High Places, Hidden Spaces exhibit
Through April 6
Find adventure where the beauty and mystery of a garden draws out the fun of pretend play. Discover cozy hiding spots, bird’s-eye views, secret trails and nature-based activities. Spend a few pleasant winter hours exploring all the nooks and crannies designed into our newest garden exhibit: climb the towers, brave the garden tunnel, find the hidden castle, and meet a cast of characters. Weave an imaginative tale, starting with a random story opener and following clues to build the adventure. Then, share your story with others! Winter primroses and cyclamen color the scene. For more information, call (260) 427-6440 or visit our website at http://www.botanicalconservatory.org/
City Safari Summer Day Camp
June 16-August 1
Register by mail, fax, drop box or online beginning March 21
Register by walk-in or phone beginning March 26
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
Let’s get ready for a fun-filled summer of action-packed activities that involve discovering everything this beautiful city has to offer. Each week has its own unique and interesting theme that we will explore through, trips, arts & crafts, games and much more. Let’s just say that this summer will be a little outside the ordinary as we travel to landmarks beyond Fort Wayne and learn how to use public transportation on our weekly journey to Northside Pool. Feel free to stay one or all six weeks at City Safari Summer Day Camp if you’re entering 1st-6th grade. The camp day runs from 9 am-4 pm, with free before- and after-care daily. CCDF vouchers are accepted. Note: There is no camp the week of June 30-July 4. For more information, look for the Park Department’s Day Camp Brochure or phone (260) 427-6440.
Butterfly Volunteers Needed at the Conservatory
As the Conservatory prepares for its 11th year of live butterflies, the staff is looking for volunteers willing to assist with monitoring the entrance and exit vestibules of the new exhibit. Butterfly Attendants assist visitors in understanding the exhibit protocols and in preventing butterfly escapes, while helping make the guests’ experience positive. Training required; multiple dates available: March 19, 21, 25 or 26; April 2, 3, 8, 9, or 16. Sessions run 9 am-12 pm or 1-4 pm. Register for training with volunteer supervisor Rebecca Canales by calling (260) 427-6442 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Bagel Station Uptown Changes Saturday Hours
The Bagel Station Uptown Café at the Botanical Conservatory will be changing its Saturday hours effective March 1st. Customers wanting breakfast, lunch, or dessert can now arrive as early as 8 am. The café will close at 3 pm on Saturday afternoon. The change in hours is in response to customer requests for earlier service. The Bagel Station Uptown is located at 1100 S. Calhoun St. within the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory. The café has its own entrance and opens earlier than the Conservatory. The café is open Monday 7 am-2 pm, Tuesday-Friday 7am – 5 pm, and Saturday 8 am – 3 pm. It is closed on Sunday. For more information or a menu, call the Uptown at (260) 426-9000.
