$1 Night
Thursday, April 3, 5 – 8 pm
On the first Thursday night of the month the Botanical Conservatory in downtown Fort Wayne offers $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 family. For more info, call (260) 427-6440.
Sales Garden Spring Open House
Saturday, April 5, 10 am – 5 pm
Looking for something to brighten your home or garden this spring? Add some fragrance with cold-tolerant pansies, snapdragons, or stock. Color your dining table with a pot of forced tulips. The perfect for gift giving--our flowers will put a “spring” in your step. Free warm drinks while you shop! No admission is required to shop at the Conservatory, but to visit the gardens, regular admission applies. The spring Showcase exhibit is “High Places, Hidden Spaces,” a perfect opportunity for children and adults to explore the world as a story. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
Local Shutterbugs Photography Show 2014
Saturday, April 5, 12-4 pm
The work of local amateur photographers will be on display at the Botanical Conservatory for all to admire in our 7th annual Local Shutterbugs Photography Show. Vote for your favorite photo in our “Best of Show” contest. Admission to the show is included with regular Conservatory admission. Artists who would like to exhibit must call Renee Sinacola at (260) 427-6005 by March 1. All photographs must be family-friendly and adhere to the year’s theme: Weather. The “Best of Show” winner will receive a prize. Sales will not be conducted at this event. For more information, call (260) 427-6005. The Botanical Conservatory is located at 1100 S. Calhoun Street, Fort Wayne.
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/
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/
Register by April 4 for:
Spring Arrangement
Saturday, April 12, 3 – 4 pm
Cheryl Wene and Shenoah White from Lopshire Flowers will arrive just in time to give your home the boost of spring it needs before Easter arrives. Their stylized spring arrangement incorporates fresh alstroemeria, roses, carnations, daisies, ivy, moss and faux butterflies. You will be guided through the process of creating a pleasing display, with all materials provided. This arrangement is just what the Easter Bunny ordered! Please bring a sharp knife or clippers to cut flower stems. Ages 8 – adult. Registration deadline: April 4. $35/public; $31/Conservatory member or volunteer. Min 10/Max 20. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or visit http://www.fortwayneparks.org/
Easter in the Garden
Friday, April 18, 10 am-3 pm
Hop on down to the Botanical Conservatory with your camera and your children to meet the Easter Bunny. Play games for prizes, make crafts, pot a plant and enjoy light refreshments. Look for Easter eggs in our annual Easter Egg Hunt for toddlers through elementary ages. Enter our drawing for a chance to win a “sweet” Easter basket. We’ll also have live animals such as baby chicks, ducks, bunnies, sheep and goats. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Regular Conservatory admission applies: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17, free for children 2 and under. For more information, call (260) 427-6440. Sponsored by 95.1 The BEST FM.
Science Fun: April Flowers
Saturday, April 19, 11am & 1pm
Usually April showers bring May flowers, except when you’re at the Conservatory! Flowers can be enjoyed year-round under our 1500 some-odd panes of glass. Let’s take this time to examine the anatomy of a flower by dissecting it. We’ll learn about each part and its purpose without worrying about any showers. 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.
Register by April 17 for:
Potted Patio Perennials
Thursday, April 24, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Perennial plants provide us with so much lasting beauty that they should not only be enjoyed in your outdoor beds but in containers as well. Because of their versatility, they can be placed virtually anywhere. Judith Nastally, Master Gardener and owner of J Lynne Associates, with over 13 years of experience in the landscape industry, will show you which perennials would be best incorporated into containers, emphasizing natives and grasses. Bring photos and diameters of your current pots and create your own planting map to take home and use. Stop replanting annuals and make your focus perennials this upcoming season.Ages 13 – adult. Registration deadline: April 17. $10/public; $14/Conservatory member or volunteer. Min 10/Max 32. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or visit http://www.fortwayneparks.org/
Botanical Brown Bag: Raffia Basket
Thursday, April 24, 12 – 1 pm
A tisket a tasket, come weave a raffia basket. Darlene Tomkinson has years of crafting experience and will be walking you through the process step-by-step as you make your very own basket using a paper lunch bag, raffia and scrap giftwrap. This basket could add the perfect springtime touch to your home, saving you both time and money. Weave on! 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.
Family Garden Close-Up: Tropical Temperatures
Saturday, April 26, 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. Tropical rainforests are subject to hot and humid temperatures as well as large amounts of rainfall. So, how do all of the things living here survive such extreme weather conditions? Let’s find out by uncovering all of the survival tactics used by plants and animals alike.
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.
High Places, Hidden Spaces Exhibit
Through April 20
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/
Art Exhibit: Diane Groenert, Oils
Through April 27
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.
The Butterfly Effect – live butterfly display
April 26-July 6
The magic of live butterflies returns again to the Botanical Conservatory this spring and summer. Visitors can enjoy a beautiful array of large exotic species within the display tent, butterflies native to habitats from South America to Africa and Asia. This year, the Conservatory examines “the butterfly effect” concept from chaos theory, that even a small action in one place can significantly affect people and systems far removed. While experiencing all that butterflies evoke in the human imagination, Conservatory guests are encouraged to consider the ripple effect of their own choices and actions in the unpredictable dimension of their sphere of influence. This thought-provoking display is sponsored by WMEE. Regular Conservatory admission applies. For more information, call (260) 427-6440 or visit http://www.botanicalconservatory.org/
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 help visitors understand the exhibit protocols and prevent butterfly escapes, while ensuring our guests’ experience is positive. Training is required; multiple dates available: April 2, 5, 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.
