A “Twist” on Salad
Saturday, August 2, 11 – 12:30 pm
Let Lori Berndt, owner of The Olive Twist, and company demonstrate how to dress your summer vegetable or fruit salads more flavorfully and healthfully than with store-bought bottle dressings.
Any level of cooking skill can master a simple olive oil and vinegar dressing, but how about mastering a homemade Ranch Dressing, Blue Cheese Dressing, or a fruit salad so decadent that you could call it dessert? You will have fun making a simple dressing that is best suited for you, and your taste buds will be rewarded, too. Please notify us in advance of any food allergies. Registration deadline: August 1. $19/public; $17/Conservatory member or volunteer. Ages: 10+. Min 10/max 20. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org.
$1 Night
Thursday, August 7, 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.
Jammin’ with Johnston
Thursday, August 7, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Get inspired to jam while watching instructor Thom Johnston demonstrate how to turn local seasonal fruit into jars of scrumptious jam. The “home based vendor” behind Dos Homos Brand, Thom will share tips of the trade and warnings about pitfalls to avoid when making this tasty fruit preserve. Thom learned to jam in his mother’s kitchen and will bring a 50-year-old jar of strawberry jam to prove it. Registration deadline: July 31. $14/public; $12/Conservatory member or volunteer. Ages: 8+. Min 10/max 32. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org.
Clean Green Workshop
Saturday, August 23, 10:30 am – 1:30 pm
Did you know the most toxic and poisonous things in your home are usually under the kitchen sink? Cleaning products are full of toxins and chemicals that are dangerous and pollute the environment. Why use those when you can make your own cleaning products that are natural, safe, effective and cheap to make? Part demonstration, part hands-on, Christine Rodriguez and Kelley Elkins from Lather and Lotions will walk you through how to make a variety of handmade natural cleaning products to take home and test out, including an all-purpose cleaner, laundry detergent, dish soap, air freshener and more! Registration deadline: August 15. $32/public; $28/Conservatory member or volunteer. Ages: 18+. Min 10/max 32. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org.
Family Garden Close-Up: Birds
Saturday, August 23, 11am - 1pm
The Eastern Bluebird, Indigo Bunting and Northern Cardinal are a few of Indiana’s most common backyard birds. They’re fairly easily identified by their features – feathers, wings, and beak – and that they typically are able to fly. Let’s see how many of these warm-blooded, egg-laying vertebrates we can find, then we’ll make something special for them for your own backyard. 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: Backyard Bluebirds
Thursday, August 28, 12 – 1 pm
Within the past 15 years, Conrad Getz has attracted over 1,000 people to his bird sanctuary and educated them about these warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates. A bird of particular interest is the bluebird. Related to the American Robin, bluebirds are part of the Thrush Family and about the size of a small sparrow. Learn when and where to place bird feeders in your backyard to attract bluebirds, the dos and don’ts of raising them and how to properly monitor a nest with eggs. Any general questions regarding birds can also be taken during this presentation. Can't wait to see you there! 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, Conservatory member or volunteer.
Discovery Corner: ABC’s & 123’s
During August in the Discovery Gallery
Our young visitors enjoy stories and activities behind Woody the Talking Tree. August, we’ll learn about the ABC’s and 123’s. Read aloud and explore together. Free with admission; great for preschool and kindergarten as well as other young learners.
“Rhythm and Flow” Summer-Fall Exhibit
Through November 16
The Botanical Conservatory will introduce a lovely, color-drenched setting for brides and other visitors in their Showcase Garden. Using the landscape architect’s design tools of repetition and form, “Rhythm and Flow” features swaths of color formed of mixed-species floral beds, punctuated by geometric topiary sculptures, to provide an exciting eye-scape for the visitor. A “green wall” planting draws living texture right up the vertical entrance surfaces. Blue-grey grasses and succulent plants contrast with the bright hues and define the surfaces of sculptural spheres and cubes. The suspended canopy offers a frame for photography and weddings throughout the summer and into the fall. Sponsored by 95.1 Best FM.
