August 22, 2016
For Immediate Release
Contact: Natalie Eggeman (260-427-6028)
Public Information Officer
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Dollar Night Insight
September 1, 5 - 8 pm
On the first Thursday of the month, visit the gardens for $1 per person (instead of the usual $5 & $3) AND enjoy a brief, interactive learning moment. Babies and up to age 2 are still admitted free. Be sure to drop in on the free DNI program for this month’s new topic.
DNI: National Honey Month
Thursday, September 1, 5 -7 pm
In honor of National Honey Month join us as we learn more about this amber delicacy. You will learn how honey is produced and how bee colonies operate. You can taste test various honeys and even check out our own urban bee hives. We will also have some information on how to get started in beekeeping.
Botanical Roots: Zion Lion (Reggae)
Friday, September 2, 8:30 – 11 pm
It’s the final act of our eleventh season!! Zion Lion is the “baddest” band to hit the Kalamazoo music scene, with just the right mix of reggae: African zouk, mucosa, zoukous and some Afro-latin influences. Concerts are held rain or shine in our outdoor Terrace Garden. Seating is limited so please feel free to bring your own chair. Food and beverage will be available for purchase from Mad Anthony Brewing; no outside food or beverage allowed. Admission: $6/age 13 and older; age 12 and under free. Member entrance and early admission. For more details, call (260) 427-6440 or visit us on Facebook- Botanical Roots or www.botanicalconservatory.org. Sponsored by Design Collaborative, Fort Wayne Metals, Whatzup, PBS39, 96.3XKE, Downtown Improvement District and Holiday Inn.
Fall Plant Swap
Saturday, September 3, 10 am - 11 am
The Conservatory’s free plant swap is coming up on the first Saturday of September. Bring at least one plant to share and take home an armful of starts from other gardeners in the area. Plants can be seeds, divisions, or full-grown plants; they could be vegetables, flowers, fruits, houseplants, groundcovers, shrubs, trees, or vines (no weeds please!). Bring a box or bag to carry home your new babies. Everyone gets a number when they arrive and we take turns picking. The swap is free, but phone reservations are required by September 1. For more information or to register, call 427-6442.
Essential Oils and Aromatherapy
Saturday, September 3, 1 – 3 pm
Become confident and creative with essential oils, carrier oils, and flower waters. Learn what they are, where they come from, how to use them and why they are amazing. You will learn how to improve your well-being with aromatherapy by making some amazing products in this informative class. All supplies are included in registration fee. Ages 15+. Registration deadline: August 25. Min. 8. Max. 36. Fee: $15/public; $12/Conservatory member or volunteer. Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street. To register, call (260) 427-6000.
Meditation in the Garden: Mindfulness
Thursdays, September 8 – 29, 6 – 7 pm
Instructor Seth Kohrman of Contemplative Living Practices will be leading a total of three courses in meditation, the first in September. Contemplative Living Practices provides education in the form of experiential learning through contemplative practices centered around mindfulness meditation and living. Each series will have a theme and each class will build on the knowledge learned in previous classes. However, drop-ins are more than welcome. Note: If we meet our registration minimum, additional students may drop in for $8 per session, up to the class maximum. Drop-ins should call ahead to make sure class will be in session. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: September 1. Fee: $28/public; $20/Conservatory member or volunteer. Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street. To register, call (260) 427-6000.
Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown
Sunday, September 11, 12 – 4 pm
Rediscover your own backyard during the annual Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown celebration. Fort Wayne residents with a “Be a Tourist” passport will be able to visit area attractions and museums - FREE! These passports provide entrance to some of Fort Wayne’s leading attractions including the Botanical Conservatory. During the afternoon, participants can enjoy the vocal performance of The Brat Pack, 1-3 pm. Sponsored by the Fort Wayne-Allen County Convention and Visitors Bureau. For more information, go online to www.visitfortwayne.org or pick up a passport at Kroger stores or area attractions. Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street.
New Volunteer Orientation
Wednesday, September 14, 1 – 4 pm
The Botanical Conservatory is inviting new volunteers to join their support team. We look for help at the Front Desk, in the Gift Shop, with special events and to assist with programs. Meet new people, build your skills, and support a community treasure. For Front Desk and Gift Shop, some familiarity with computers and retail settings is an advantage, but not required. Training is provided, and benefits include free garden admission, discounts on classes and purchases, and annual recognition. For more information, contact Megan at (260) 427- 6446 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Ikebana Flower Arranging
Saturday, September 17, 10 – 11 am
Explore the mesmerizing art of Ikebana flower arranging. This highly artistic style of flower arranging is from Japan, and we are pleased to offer it in conjunction with Our Japanese Sister Showcase exhibit. Instructor Tea Malloizel has extensive experience in flower arranging and has traveled to Japan to learn this art from the masters. Flowers and a vase are provided, but please bring garden gloves and scissors. You may bring along some of your own flowers or greenery, if you like. Ages 15+. Registration deadline: September 8. Min. 10. Max. 20. Fee: $15/public; $12/Conservatory member or volunteer. Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street. To register, call (260) 427-6000.
Tai Chi in the Garden I & II
Beginners: Tuesday, September 20 – November 11, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Continuing: Tuesdays, September 20 – November 11, 5:30 – 6:30 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. Weekly sessions include a meditative walk in the garden. Instructor Sandy Gebhard is certified by renowned master Dr. Paul Lam, and has 30+ years’ experience practicing and teaching Tai Chi. Note: If we meet our registration minimum, additional students may drop in for $10 per session, up to the class maximum. Drop-ins should call ahead to make sure class will be in session. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: September 13. Fee: $69/public; $59/Conservatory member or volunteer. Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street. To register, call (260) 427-6000.
Fall Bonsai Display
Saturday, September 24, 10 am – 3 pm
Explore a forest of miniature trees carefully trained and pruned by members of our local bonsai club. Elms, maples, junipers and other familiar plants look just like their outdoor cousins – but a fraction of their size! The club also grows tropical bonsai that don’t need special winter treatment. Learn about the fascinating hobby or just enjoy “a stroll in the miniature forest.” Bonsai pots and young plants will be available to purchase. Sponsored by the Fort Wayne Bonsai Club. Special discount admission: $3/adult, $2/child age 3-17. Children age 2 and under free.
Japanese Family Event
Saturday, September 24, 10 am – 3 pm
Konnichiwa! Join us as we celebrate Our Japanese Sister! This family-friendly event will allow you to peek into Japanese culture as you enjoy our beautiful Japanese garden exhibit which features a Tea House and items from Takaoka on display. Learn more about our Sister City in Japan as you enjoy crafts, tastes of Japanese food and tea, performances, and fun and games. No reservations required; special admission applies: $3/adult, $2/child age 3-17. Children age 2 and under free.
Art Displays
Get to know local and regional artists in a variety of media through the Botanical Conservatory’s bi-monthly art exhibits, open to view in our meeting room during public hours. Visit our website www.botanicalconservatory.org for links to artists. Regular Conservatory admission applies. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
Dave Mikautadze: Photography
September – October
David Mikautadze is a composer and jazz guitar player living in Fort Wayne whose vision is to communicate his sentiments of a subject, mostly landscape and architecture, using controlled gradations of light, a selective color palette, and compositional interest. His goal is to create fine art photography. His exhibit at the Botanical Conservatory’s Saguaro Room is entitled “Light-Shadow-Darkness.”
Our Japanese Sister Garden Exhibit
Through November 13
The city of Fort Wayne has a “twin,” a sister city in Japan called Takaoka. We honor our friendly relations with our Japanese Sister in this lovely garden with a distinctly Japanese flavor. Pass through the entry gate to discover a green and peaceful space. In the outer garden, spots of summer annuals will give way to autumn chrysanthemums as the season progresses. Move slowly along the garden paths to calm your mind as you approach the Tea House
and its simple and intimate surrounding garden. Peering into the house, you will see the utensils used for the tea ceremony as well as a scroll and flowers presented for quiet study. Gain insight into Takaoka’s culture through a display of items presented by their city to ours, on loan from The History Center. Sponsored by the M.E. Raker Foundation, the Magee-O’Connor Foundation, Fort Wayne Sister Cities International and Majic 95.1.
