What’s Happening at the Botanical Conservatory in April

What’s Happening at the Botanical Conservatory in April

$1 Night

Thursday, April 4, 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. Enjoy our evening hours at a special discount once a month. For more info, call (260) 427-6440.

Butterflies with an African Beat exhibit

April 13 – July 7

Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St. The Conservatory’s annual live butterfly exhibit returns, bringing with it the music of Africa! Showy butterfly specimens from the Old and New World join species imported from tropical Africa to mesmerize visitors as they get a close look in our display tent. Enjoy the stunning Blue Morpho and friendly Owl butterflies as well as a variety of swallowtail and brushfooted species. Guests can explore the sounds and rhythms of the drum, shekere, and other native percussion instruments from different regions of the great African continent. Sponsored by WMEE 97.3 FM.

Local Shutterbugs Photography Show 2013

Saturday, April 13, 1 – 5 pm

Don’t miss this display of local amateur photography at our 6th annual photography show. Amateur photographers from around the area will display their best work. Vote for your favorite in the “Best of Show” contest while you browse through the displays. The show is included with Conservatory admission.

Pursuit of Happiness Day

Saturday, April 13, 10 am – 5 pm

America’s founding fathers declared certain truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal and that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The Botanical Conservatory invites you to pursue your happiness by exploring the beauty, knowledge, and enjoyment contained in a garden. You can find vitality for the body in garden exercise, balance for the mind in garden order, and healing for the soul in garden beauty. The Botanical Conservatory offers learning activities for all ages, musical concerts, walking paths and exercise classes as well as the remarkable healing and restorative effects of plants and gardens. Pursue your happiness in meaningful ways all your life, but stop in at the Conservatory on Pursuit of Happiness Day for a breath of fresh air. Discounted admission prices will make you smile, too! $3/adult, $2/child, ages 2 and under free.

Science Fun: Dominating

Saturday, April 20, 11 am & 1 pm

Believe it or not just about everyone has a dominant left or right side, unless of course you’re part of the 3% of the world that’s ambidextrous (both right and left). We’ll be conducting various tests that tell which side is your dominant, from your brain to your metatarsals (toes). You may be left dominant in writing, but you could kick a ball right-footed. Dominant fun for everyone! The program lasts 45-60 minutes and is appropriate for ages 5 and up. NISTEM members (www.nistem.org) can earn points for attending. Preregistration is not required and the program is free with regular Conservatory admission: $5/adult, $3/child ages 3-17. Conservatory members and volunteers admitted free. For details, call (260) 427-6440.

Botanical Brown Bag: It’s Alive! Living Picture Frame

Thursday, April 25, 12 – 1 pm

A picture says a thousand words, so why not capture lovely succulents inside a picture frame? This idea combines low-maintenance gardening and recycling. Conservatory volunteer Kay Musgrave and Master Gardener Deb Kolheimer will demonstrate two versions of these living arrangements using hen-and-chicks and sedums. Kay and Deb will also answer questions and show you all you would need to make a picture frame come to life in your own garden. Bring a sandwich or get something at the Bagel Station to nibble while you listen. Free coffee and tea. Please note change in price: $5/public adult; $3/child ages 3-17 or Conservatory member or volunteer. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.

The Ease of Seeds

Saturday, April 27, 10 -11:30 pm

Starting plants from seeds doesn’t have to be an overwhelming process. Learn the basics of starting seeds in a low tech way. We’ll review seed sources, the basic how-to’s and even practice on potting seedlings up as well as transplanting. Class taught by Jackie Hooper, a horticultural therapist and advanced Master Gardner. Jackie will also have a wide array of interesting as well as harvested seeds from her garden on display. Each participant will receive their own tomato seeds to put this practice to work in their own gardens for a true test. Ages 10-adult. Registration deadline: April 19. Min. 10. Max. 35. $12/public; $10/Conservatory volunteer or member. Held at Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St. To register, call the Park Department at (260) 427-6000.

Family Garden Close-Up: Beautiful Butterflies

Saturday, April 27, 11 am – 1 pm

Get a closer look at our plants and gardens on the fourth Saturday of the month with short walks, crafts and snacks. We will visit one of our gardens to discover a different feature. You’ll get the opportunity to see what the Conservatory truly has to offer as you learn fun and valuable information. Especially fun for families with young children. In April, the butterflies have arrived for another wonderful showcase exhibit, and this time, all the way from Africa! Make a magnificent craft that resembles the flying insects found in the butterfly tent. Feel free to browse through the tent to get ideas and make a “nectar”licious snack to top it all off! Drop in. Regular Conservatory admission applies: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17.

Photography Exhibit Jennifer L. Renner

Through April

Jennifer has done artwork for as long as she can remember knowing in the third grade that she wanted to be an artist when she grew up. In 1993 she received her BA in Fine Arts, with a concentration in painting, from Indiana University. Unsure if she could be a working artist she pursued life in the working world, not creating art to speak of for many years, all the while feeling like something was missing. In 2006, she began taking photographs and entering them into exhibitions. She loves creating things in many different forms and is always looking for new ways to express herself.

Discovery Corner: Rain

Daily in the Discovery Gallery

Our youngest visitors are always welcome to visit the Discovery Corner behind Woody the Talking Tree where they’ll find stories and activities. This month’s theme is Wind. Our materials are suitable for kids in pre-K through 1^st grade. Adults are encouraged to read aloud to their young learners and explore ideas together. The Discovery Corner is free with general admission; no pre-registration required.

Mighty Jungle Adventure exhibit

Through April 7

You are lost deep in the heart of the jungle. What will you eat? What will you drink? How will you survive? In the midst of a beautiful garden of flowers and lush tropical plants, parents will enjoy watching their preschoolers and other children explore the Conservatory’s jungle tree house and playground structures for a few hours of pretend play. Little ones can play at fishing, finding food, balancing on logs, and “jungle housekeeping” in our tame version of Jungle Survivor. Exhibit sponsored by the Edward C. and Mary McCrea Wilson Foundation, WAJI Majic 95.1 FM, and WLDE 101.7 FM. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.

May Preview: The Mother's Day Plant Sale, May 10 - 12, McMillen Ice Arena