October 28, 2016

For Immediate Release

Contact:          Natalie Eggeman (260-427-6028)

                        Public Information Officer

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$1 Night

November 3, 5 - 8 pm

On the first Thursday of the month, visit the Botanical Conservatory gardens for $1 per person AND enjoy an interactive learning activity. In November, you can enjoya nod to National Fun with Fondue Month, 5 -7 pm.

Did you know that the Conservatory gardens are full of edible plants? On November 3, when you visit you can enjoy their plants both visually and gustatorially. There will be bananas, oranges, pineapples, and more to dip and sample. Then you can find these plants in the gardens with a food-plant scavenger hunt. Babies and up to age 2 are still admitted free.

 

Art Display: Alexandra Hall - Painting, Giclee Print, Ink Drawing

November – December

Reception: Sunday, November 6, 1-3 pm

Alexandra Hall is a dreamer who enjoys creating fiction on canvas. In her pieces she tries to emphasize the good and the whimsical in the world around her. It is her hope to inspire conversation, smiles and joy. Self-taught in the beginning, Alexandra enjoyed painting as a cathartic endeavor, but as her skill grew she was able to hold her first show in 2013. The positive reception for her work spurred her on to show pieces at Northside Galleries and to enter local and regional shows. By 2015, Alexandra was able to pursue art full time. This exhibit is one of the Botanical Conservatory’s bi-monthly art displays, open to view in their meeting room during public hours. Visitors can meet Alexandra at an informal public reception on Sunday, November 6, 1 -3 pm. No reservations needed. Regular Conservatory admission applies. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.

Meditation in the Garden: Mindfulness and Coping with Grief/Loss

Thursdays, November 10 & 17, 6 – 7 pm

Instructor Seth Kohrman of Contemplative Living Practices provides experiential learning in meditation and mindful living. This two-session class will offer strategies for coping with grief and loss within a meditative setting. Note: If we meet our registration minimum, additional students may drop in for $8 per session, up to the maximum. Drop-ins should call ahead to make sure class will be in session.  Ages 18+. Registration deadline: November 3. Fee: $14/public; $10/Conservatory member or volunteer.  Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street. To register, call (260) 427-6000.

 

Native Plant Workshop

Saturday, November 12, 11 am – 2 pm

Have you heard that native plants are better for butterflies and other wildlife? Want to learn more about these plants and how you can use them in your garden? Participants at this Native Plant Workshop will learn why native plants are important, where to find natives you can grow easily in your yard, and strategies for keeping invasive plants out of your landscape. You’ll also walk away with a free native seed packet to get your new garden area started! Local plant experts including Betsy Yankowiak, President of the Northeast Chapter of INPAWS and the Director of Preserves and Programs at the Little River Wetlands Project, will offer this program for homeowners and business owners. Also, sessions for those who already have a natural area on their land will focus on how to manage these area for native plants and strategies for the removal of invasive species. What you plant can help or hurt our area’s preserves, parks, rivers, and other wild places-- so come and learn more about how to grow native plants! Lunch is included!  Ages 15+. Registration deadline: November 3. Fee: $5/public; $3/Conservatory member or volunteer.  Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street. To register, call (260) 427-6000.

Poetry Reading with The Dandelion Review

Thursday, November 17, 6 - 8 pm

The Dandelion Review earns its name from the hardy flower that so often colors Midwest grasses, and that so often burrows up through cracks in the cement. The Dandelion Review is a biannual literary magazine publishing poetry and creative nonfiction. November’s reading will coincide with the debut of this publication as the poets read their work aloud. Sarah Sandman, the founding editor of The Dandelion Review, is a poet and essayist who has been published most recently in Map Points and The Tavern Lantern. She is working on a book of short essays; her chapbook, I Speak Moan, is available through Finishing Line Press. Meet multiple authors and enjoy light refreshments. Readings will be appropriate for ages 15+. Registration deadline: November 14. Fee: $5/public; $3/Conservatory member or volunteer.  Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street. To register, call (260) 427-6000.

Essential Oils and Aromatherapy

Saturday, November 19, 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 the registration fee. Ages 15+. Registration deadline: November 10. 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.

 

“The Twelve Days of Christmas” Garden Exhibit

November 19 – January 8

Elements of the familiar Christmas carol will appear throughout the Conservatory, from the Atrium to the Desert. Following a whimsical twist, you can explore the facility and discover each part of the song. Along the way, you will enjoy the lights, rich color, and festive décor of our gardens in holiday dress. Kids can climb in the nest with the goose eggs, “milk” the cow, or share a croissant with a French hen. Mom and dad can enjoy a scenic moment in a swan boat surrounded by lovely holiday poinsettias. Will you find all twelve special ornaments listed on the scavenger hunt? Take family photos or just stroll the gardens as you revive your holiday spirit. Sponsored by PBS 39 and Majic 95.1 FM.

Holiday Kick-Off Party

Wednesday, November 23, 5 - 9 pm

Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.

Enjoy a free cookie and hot chocolate, meet Mrs. Claus, and get a free professional-quality photo with Santa. You can also meet two live reindeer that know all about the North Pole. The gardens are decorated for the holidays, indoors and out. This year, we have special guests from the Fort Wayne Ballet: dancing ladies and leaping lords can teach you a few dance moves and poses for photos. Be sure to participate in the Fort Wayne Downtown Lighting Ceremony either before or after your visit to our holiday garden and displays. Regular Conservatory admission fees apply: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17. Conservatory members or volunteers and children ages 2 and under are admitted free. No reservations required. For more information, call (260) 427-6440. Sponsored by PBS 39 and WAJI Majic 95.1.

Garden in Lights

November 23-January 8

We’ve decorated all through the gardens, indoors and out. Enjoy beautiful poinsettias along with the Twelve Days of Christmas theme, from the Atrium to the Desert, but don’t miss our outdoor Terrace display of lights and synchronized holiday music. Especially effective during our evening hours on Thursday and Friday nights for four weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the gardens are lovely throughout the holidays and provide a tremendous backdrop for family photos, out-of-town guest entertainment, great conversations, and even marriage proposals! Make the most of your visit as you enjoy one of Fort Wayne’s treasured resources for beauty and relaxation. Our gift shop will also be open during public hours for holiday shopping. Sponsored by PBS 39 and Majic 95.1 FM.

Solid Bubbles with The Narwhal and the Manatee

Saturday, November 26, 11 am – 2:30 pm

Have you visited The Narwhal and The Manatee in the City Exchange yet? If you have, you know about this bath boutique’s scintillating looks good- enough-to-eat creations designed to create an unforgettable bath and beauty experience. In this workshop, you will make your own delectable delights. Solid Bubbles are a solid form of bubble bath. They have a “play-doh” consistency and you can make them any color, shape, or pattern. You’ll get to customize and make enough for six baths. Ages 10+. Registration deadline: November 17. 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.

Garden Close-Up: Holiday Plants

Saturday, November 26, 11 am – 1 pm

Looking for a way to ‘spruce’ up your holiday decorating this year? In November, join us as we explore the different plants that people use to decorate their homes for the holidays. Enjoy a special holiday treat as you visit our “Twelve Days of Christmas” garden exhibit. Make a habit of  visiting the Botanical Conservatory on the fourth Saturday to get a closer look at our plants and gardens with an exploratory walk, hands-on activity or demonstration. Included in your regular Conservatory admission, so drop in! Regular Conservatory admission applies: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17. Children age 2 and under free.

Breakfast with Santa!

Saturday, December 3, 9 - 10 am

Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.

Yes, Santa eats breakfast and you can join him! Sign up for a special VIP breakfast before he makes his final list of who has been naughty and nice. Breakfast will include pancakes, sausages and eggs, milk or juice for the kids and coffee for adults. There will be children’s activities and time allotted to take pictures of your little ones in our exhibit “The Twelve Days of Christmas” before we open to the public. Your admission to this event will also allow you to return and visit with Santa’s reindeer from 12 - 4 pm. Children under two are free, but they and their paying adult must be registered in the minimum/maximum. Limited booster/high chairs available; please indicate at registration if one is required. Registration deadline: November 22. Min. 24. Max. 64. $13/person. Held at the Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St. Call (260) 427-6000 to register.

Evergreen Centerpiece Workshop

Thursday, December 8, 6-7:30 pm or

Saturday, December 10, 9-10:30 am

In the midst of the holiday hustle and bustle, invite a family member or friend to the Conservatory to create a festive evergreen centerpiece that can be enjoyed during the holidays. Dennis Bowman, design manager with Gassafy Wholesale Florist, will help you fashion the fragrant branch tips of balsam fir, cedar, and pine into an arrangement with holiday flair. The centerpiece incorporates a candle, ribbon, and pine cones for a lovely seasonal touch. Your fee includes supplies as well as a stroll through the holiday gardens. Bring garden gloves and pruning shears. You may also bring accents you’d like to incorporate. Age 16+. Registration deadline: November 25. Min 12. Max 36. $34/person; $29/Conservatory member or volunteer. Held at the Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St. Phone (260) 427-6000 to register.

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 accented with autumn chrysanthemums. 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.

Extended Holiday Hours

November 25 - December 16

The Conservatory will stay open until 8 pm on both Thursday and Friday evenings for four weeks, from Thanksgiving through the week before Christmas. Enjoy an extra evening downtown to visit the botanical gardens done up in lights for the holidays. The gift shop and sales garden will also be open until 8 pm. The Conservatory will continue its regular Thursday evening hours after this Friday special.

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