$1 Night
Thursday, October 3, 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 the evening hours in The Gardens of New Orleans at a special discount. For more info, call (260) 427-6440.
When Green isn’t Good
Thursday, October 10, 6 – 7:30 pm
One of the serious environmental issues we face is today is the greening of our waterways due to the runoff of phosphates and nitrates. Dan Coffin and Diana Duncan from Garden Vigor will teach you how to identify which chemicals exacerbate this problem, find out if you are a contributor, and learn how to get great lawn and garden results without using the products that cause this issue. Ages 13-adult Registration deadline: October 3. Min.10. Max. 35. Fee: $11/public; $9/Conservatory member or volunteer. For more information, call the Conservatory at (260) 427-6440. To register, call the Park Department at (260) 427-6000.
Fall Open House
Saturday, October 12, 10 am—5 pm
As we get close to Halloween and Thanksgiving, consider the fall decorating possibilities at the Conservatory’s Gift Shop and Sales Garden. Chrysanthemums, grasses, and cool-weather flowers will add that extra color and texture around your entryway for the end of the year. Free cider while you shop! No admission is required to shop at the Conservatory, but to visit the gardens, regular admission applies. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
The Punkin’ Path
October 15 - 31
Visit our outdoor Punkin’ Path where you can enjoy the fall surroundings and take festive pictures with your little ones. The path will be decorated with pumpkins, gourds, bales of straw – and gnomes – to provide fun photo memories. Gnomes are caretakers of land and animals; they are industrious, enjoy all kinds of games and, surprisingly, they love to travel! Watch for them along the Punkin’ Path. This exhibit is included in Conservatory admission and open during public hours. Sponsored by WLDE.
Pumpkin Zone
Saturday, October 19, 10 am – 3 pm
Does a pumpkin float? How many seeds does a pumpkin have? You’ll find the answers to these as well as many other things about pumpkins at the Pumpkin Zone! Play pumpkin putt-putt and other games, make pumpkin crafts, taste pumpkin seeds, and watch a pumpkin carver. Friends from the Allen County Farm Bureau will be helping us provide pumpkin facts and fun, and children can decorate their very own gourd pumpkin to take home. Pumpkin Zone is included in Conservatory admission. The Conservatory is proud to be a part of the Downtown Improvement District’s Fright Night festivities. Regular Conservatory admission applies. Sponsored by Fun 101.7 WLDE Classic Hits.
Science Fun: Slime Time
Saturday, October 19, 11 am & 1 pm
Join us the third Saturday of each month as we investigate a different topic with fun and family-friendly experiments, demonstrations, and activities – most of which can be repeated at home. It’s time for some ooey, gooey, slimy fun! First we’ll make slime, then we’ll learn about its properties, what it’s used for and how it’s made. We’ll even conduct a few experiments with this interesting blob of matter. It could get messy! Who knew slime could be this much fun? Each program lasts 45-60 minutes and is appropriate for ages 5 and up. Participants in NISTEM (www.nistem.org) can also earn points for attending. Preregistration is not required and the program is free with regular Conservatory admission.
Rocky Horror Picture Show
Saturday, October 19
Doors open 8 pm; Movie 9:15 pm
Let’s do the time warp agaaaaain! As a part of the Downtown Improvement District’s Fright Night the Conservatory will once again spin the tale of Brad and Janet on a rainy night sheltered by the bizarre Dr. Frank N. Furter. The movie will be shown outside on the Terrace, weather permitting; please dress accordingly. Please do not bring outside food or beverage as there will be refreshments available for purchase This movie is participatory in tradition and content may not be suitable for all/younger audiences. Rated R. Children under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. $2 adults 18+, $1 children through age 17. No reservations necessary. Sponsored by WAJI Majic 95.1 and Boudoir Noir. For more details, call (260) 427-6440.
Family Garden Close-Up: Great Gourds
Saturday, October 26, 11 am – 1 pm
Gourds have invaded the Conservatory’s outdoor Punkin’ Path. They come in many shapes, sizes and colors. As a member of the Cucurbit family of melons and squashes, gourds are very useful but look better than they taste. Let’s make something from these intriguing fruits (but we’ll choose something else to snack on.) Drop in and get a closer look at our plants and gardens on the fourth Saturday of the month. Regular Conservatory admission applies: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
Pumpkin Flower Arrangement
Saturday, October 26, 3 – 4:30 pm
Pumpkins make great fall décor and can be found at very reasonable prices. Most people like to carve, paint, or even bake pumpkins, but we’ll be using them as a vase for a fall arrangement of carnations, roses, chrysanthemums and willow. Shenoah White and Cheryl Wene from Lopshire Flowers will be on hand to demonstrate how to create this festive fall arrangement. Ages 8-adult Registration deadline: October 18. Min.10. Max. 20. Fee: $36/public; $34/Conservatory member or volunteer. For more information, call the Conservatory at (260) 427-6440. To register, call the Park Department at (260) 427-6000.
Botanical Brown Bag: Holiday Paper Décor
Thursday, October 31, 12 – 1 pm
Getting ready for the holiday season can put a hole in your pocket rather quickly, but you can make small holiday paper decorations for next to nothing. Conservatory volunteer Nancy Jimenez will show you how to make two or three imaginative things from nothing but paper and markers, customizing them to your preferred holiday: Thanksgiving, Christmas or Halloween. You’ll save money and learn simple techniques to make some fun home accents. Drop in and pay at the door: $5/public adult; $3/child ages 3-17 or Conservatory member or volunteer. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
Gardens of New Orleans
Through November 17
The Conservatory captures the sensuous feeling of the lush gardens and window boxes of the French Quarter and Garden District of New Orleans in this summer-to-fall exhibit. Showy flowers, trailing vines, wrought iron and clipped symmetry represent the ordered chaos of the “Old South” style. The fleur-de-lis motif symbolizes the heavily French influence of the Cajun settlers. A French Quarter-style balcony overlooks the garden, offering a little birds-eye view. The grander feel of the Garden District is expressed in the fountain, statues, and overarched walkways of the central gardens. A touch of seashell acknowledges the New Orleans’ watery ties to the Gulf of Mexico, while a whimsical garden party setting will stimulate the imagination of our younger visitors. Brides and photographers are sure to appreciate the vistas this garden offers. The exhibit is sponsored by WAJI Majic 95.1 FM. For more information, phone (260) 427-6440 or visit our website at http://www.botanicalconservatory.org/ href="http://www.botanicalconservatory.org/">www.botanicalconservatory.org.
Artist Displays
Get to know local and regional artists using a variety of media by enjoying the Botanical Conservatory’s bi-monthly art exhibits during public hours.
Through October
Fort Wayne Photographers Club
The Fort Wayne Photographers Club includes photographers who have just purchased their first camera to seasoned professionals who have been "into photography" for many years. Their purpose is to learn from each other, improve photographic skills, and have a good time while meeting new people. Visit their website for more information www.fwphotoclub.com.
Visit the Conservatory website www.botanicalconservatroy.org for links to exhibiting artists. Contact the artist for sales. Regular Conservatory admission applies: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17, free for children 2 and under. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
Discovery Corner: Red, Yellow & Orange of Autumn
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 Red, Yellow & Orange of Autumn. Our materials are suitable for kids in pre-K through 1st 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.
