June 22, 2015
For Immediate Release
Contact: Natalie Eggeman (260-427-6028)
Public Information Officer
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Garden of Pollinators -- 13th Annual Live Butterfly Exhibit
Through July 5
What is pollination? Why is it important? We are all familiar with butterflies and honeybees, but did you know that other animals pollinate flowers? Beetles, bats and flies are among the surprising cast of characters who assist plants in seed production. During this year’s live butterfly exhibit, visitors can learn more about pollinators and why humans depend on them.
Check out our indoor observation hive to see what the honeybees are up to. Visitors will also be encouraged to plant flowers for pollinators this year, to make sure our environment remains healthy. Sponsored by PNC Charitable Trust/Sledd Foundation, M.E. Raker Foundation, Wilson Foundation, the Journal Gazette Foundation and WMEE 97.3.
Daylily Show
Saturday, July 11, 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 rugged and dependable garden flower, exhibiting colors from white and yellow to peach and raspberry. Let the experts help you select the best varieties for your garden. Plants may be 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. 1100 S. Calhoun St., downtown Fort Wayne. For more information call (260) 427-6440.
Egyptian Pleasure Garden
July 11—November 15
By the time of Ancient Egypt’s New Kingdom period, the nation’s wealth allowed for pleasure gardens at the homes of the richest citizens. A pond with colorful fish and lotus flowers, shade trees, palms, and flower beds provided a cool retreat. Fruit trees and grape vines added to the banquet table, while papyrus clustered at the water’s edge. Visitors to our summer-to-fall garden can relax in the shade and admire a distant view of the pyramids. Sponsored by Wilson Foundation and Best FM WAJI. Public hours are Tu-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Th 10 am-8 pm, and Sun 12-4 pm. For more information, call (260) 427-6440 or visit www.botanicalconservatory.org .
Artist Open Call for 2016 Displays
The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory will hold an open call for artist’s submissions for the 2016 exhibit year. This open call will be July 7-12, 2015. Chosen artists will be announced on the Conservatory’s web site on Thursday August 6, 2015. Please visit our website at www.botanicalconservatory.org for additional information.
Family Fun Day
Tuesday, July 14, 10- am – 3 pm
It’s family fun time at the Conservatory during the Three Rivers Festival! Kids can play the day away on our giant inflatable slide, bounce around in a moonwalk, and go for a boat ride in the paddle pond (some height and/or age restrictions may apply). Explore a FWFD fire truck, do the twist or hula hoop at the bubble dance party, get your face painted, make some crafts, and play games for prizes. Does all that fun make you hungry? Buy lunch or a snack from our food court: hot dogs and other items will be available for 50¢. No reservations required; regular admission applies: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17; children age 2 and under free. A responsible adult must accompany children. Wear your TRF button to receive an admission discount. For more details, call (260) 427-6440 or visit www.botanicalconservatory.org. Sponsored by 95.1 Best FM WAJI.
Jazzworks!
Saturday, July 18, 7 – 10 pm
Bring your lawn chair and join us outside in the gardens for the annual Three Rivers Festival firework finale as we bring you the musical stylings of the Alicia Pyle Quartet 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 from Mad Anthony Brewing. 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 pm. No reservations needed. Regular Conservatory admission applies: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17; children age 2 and under are free. Discount of $1 off for those wearing a TRF button. Special members entrance and early admission. For more details, call (260) 427-6440 or visit www.botanicalconservatory.org. Sponsored by 89.1 WBOI and WANE 15.
Iris Sale
Sunday, July 26, 12 – 3 pm
The local iris hobbyists 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, providing color throughout the spring and early summer when several types are included in your plantings. Special discounted admission to the iris sale and Conservatory gardens: $3/adult, $2/child. Children ages 2 and under free. Sponsored by the Northeast Indiana Iris Society. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
Botanical Roots Concert Series
Fridays, July 31 through September 4
Doors open 7:30 pm; Opening act 8:30 pm
It’s our tenth season!! Six Friday night concerts feature zydeco, blues, reggae or other roots genre music, with local bands performing the opening act. Concerts are rain or shine and held in our Terrace Garden. Seating is limited so please bring your own chair. Food and beverage will be available for purchase from Mad Anthony Brewing; no outside food or beverage allowed. Admission is $6/person; ages 12 and under are free. Special members’ entrance and early admission. For more details, call (260) 427-6440 or visit us on Facebook- Botanical Roots or www.botanicalconservatory.org. Sponsored by Fort Wayne Metals Research, the Downtown Improvement District, PBS 39, Rock 104, WhatzUp, and Mad Anthony Brewing.
Discovery Corner: Jan Brett, Children’s Author
During July public hours in the Discovery Gallery
Our youngest visitors are always welcome to visit the Discovery Corner behind Woody the Talking Tree where they’ll find activities relating to a monthly theme. In July we’ll explore the stories and artwork of popular children’s author Jan Brett. Adults are encouraged to read aloud to their young learners and explore ideas together. Our materials are all safe and suitable for kids in pre-K through 1st grade. The Discovery Corner is free with general admission; preregistration is not required. Call (260) 427-6445 for more info.
Large Evergreens Needed for the Holidays
Do you have a pine tree that has outgrown its place in your yard? The Botanical Conservatory is seeking donations of large evergreen trees for their North Woods Holiday Exhibit in November and December. Cut spruces, pines, and other needle-leaved trees as well as birch trees are wanted to create the scene. The Park Department will visit your home to make sure the tree is suitable; if it is, tree will be scheduled for removal in early November. The homeowner is not charged for removal. Contact Manager Lynda Heavrin at (260) 427-6424 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., if you have a tree donation for the Park Department to consider.
Untangle with Zen-tangles
July 2, 6 - 7 pm
Enjoy a “creative moment” during $1 Night on the first Thursday of the month. This month we’ll explore the fun and intriguing art of Zen-tangles with Sheila Hamilton-Taylor, Advanced Master Gardener. You will use simple drawing techniques to combine patterns in interesting and beautiful ways. Once you get a feel for some of the basics, you can combine Zen-tangles with pressed flowers and herbs on greeting cards, stationery or journals. People who sew, quilt and paint also incorporate “tangles” into their creations. We’ll provide supplies and handouts. Coffee and tea are free. Drop in; no reservation needed. $1/adult, $1/child ages 3-17 & Conservatory member or volunteer. Class held at the Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, (260) 427-6440.
Hive Talk
Wednesday, July 1, 3-4 pm & Sunday, July 5, 2-3 pm
Get a glimpse inside a beehive and find out how they make that sweet honey! A local beekeeper will give a presentation next to the observation hive, explaining why they are so critical to our health and the health of our environment. See if you can spot the queen, and see her attendant workers escort her around the hive. Watch the bees as they return to the hive with their legs loaded with pollen! See them communicate with each other by dancing, and see their stored nectar in the combs. Find out what the honey bees might be trying to tell us about our world, and what you can do to support them. Drop-in talk held at the Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne. Regular Conservatory admission fee applies: $5/adult, $3/child ages 3-17; children age 2 and under are free. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
Ask a Horticulturist: Watering
Saturday, July 18, 1 – 2 pm
Ever wonder how much water you’re supposed to give a particular plant or why you struggle to keep some plants alive? Do we treat cactuses and succulents differently than houseplants or garden flowers? Maybe you just want to know the name of a plant as you visit the Botanical Conservatory. The Conservatory’s horticulturist, Andy Force, will demonstrate garden practices and answer your garden related questions in a special drop-in hour once a month. Stop by and “ask a horticulturist!” In July, Andy will discuss watering. Regular Conservatory admission fee applies. Class held at the Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
Family Garden Close-Up: What is a Weed?
Saturday, July 25, 11 am – 1 pm
Visit the Botanical Conservatory this summer on the fourth Saturday each month to get a closer look at our plants and gardens through short walks, crafts, and snacks. In July, we’ll discuss weeds. In a perfect world, every plant grows in its proper place, minds its manners, and serves the purpose it was planted for. But this is not a perfect world…which means weeds! So what’s a weed? As we explore that question we’ll look at common Midwest types and offer ideas to keep weeds away or slow invaders down. FGC is especially fun for young learners. Activities are 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.
Great Grapevine Wreath
Saturday, July 11, 9 – 10 am
Dennis Bowman from Gassafy Wholesale Florist will walk you through the creation of your very own beautiful 15-18” grapevine wreath decorated with sunflowers, ribbons and mosses that will best be suited for outdoor enjoyment especially on a front door during the long months of summer. Please bring some of your own silk flowers to accessorize along with garden gloves, wire cutters and scissors. Ages 15+. Registration deadline: July 3. Min. 10; max. 20. $44/public; $34/Conservatory member or volunteer. Class held at the Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, (260) 427-6440. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org.
Design a Fresh Floral Bouquet
Saturday, July 11, 1 – 2 pm
Join professional florists from Four Seasons DIY for this floral project as we focus on caring for fresh flowers and choosing the right flowers for arranging in water. Learn some professional tricks to create your own masterpiece. All materials and tools will be provided. Ages 12+ (17 & under must be accompanied by an adult). Registration deadline: July 3. Min. 10; max. 25. $39/public; $33/Conservatory member or volunteer. Class held at the Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, 260-427-6440. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org.
Royal Egyptian Spa Workshop
Saturday, July 18, 9 – 11:30 am
Queen Cleopatra was known to have taken milk baths to keep her skin glowing and regal. Learn to make your own soap, bath & body products using nature’s finest ingredients and turn your beauty routine into one that’s fit for a queen! You will mix up soothing Oatmeal, Milk & Honey Soap with real oatmeal to provide exfoliation, an invigorating Pink Himalayan Salt & Coconut Oil Scrub for your feet, and Whipped Shea Body Butter for keeping skin moisturized. Pre-registration required by July 10. Ages 12+. Min. 10; max. 15. $25/public; $19/Conservatory member or volunteer. Class held at the Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, (260) -427-6440. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org.
Calligraphy for Beginners
Saturday, July 25, 9:30 – 11 am
Calligraphy is the art of beautiful handwriting and can be used to spruce up any writing project. Once you learn the basic alphabet you’ll be able to letter your own cards, signs, invitations, decorative projects and much more. Instructor Sue Davidson is retired after teaching middle school art for 36 years. All necessary tools and materials provided. Ages 8+. Registration deadline: July 17. Min. 10; max. 20. $12/public; $6/Conservatory member or volunteer. Class held at the Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, (260) 427-6440. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org.
Basic Tai Chi in the Garden
Tuesday, July 21, 5:30-6:30 pm
Try out a session of Tai Chi this summer to discover whether it’s right for you. The gentle exercise of Tai Chi offers many benefits from better posture and improved breathing, to balance and relaxation. An experienced and compassionate teacher, Sandy Gebhard wants each student to gain confidence and mastery at his or her own pace. Register by July 14. Ages 18+. Min. 10; max. 15. $15/public; $11/Conservatory volunteer or member. Class held at the Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne. For more details, call (260) 427-6440. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org.
