News release from the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation department:
March Classes at the Botanical Conservatory
Family-Friendly Cooking
Thursday, March 10, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Now when you get the eternal question “What’s for dinner?” you’ll have an answer that’s sure to please everyone. In this lively demonstration program, Clint Lowery, chef for The Bagel Station, shows how to prepare fun and healthy family-friendly meals that your kids and your wallet will both love. He will share tips on conscientiously shopping for the best foods, such as when it’s best to use name brands and when the store brands are fine. He will then show how to make a few of his favorite recipes. Of course there will be samples to try and everyone will get a complete set of recipes for entrees, sides and desserts that you can make at home. Ages 12+. Registration deadline: March 4. Fee: $17. Conservatory Member Fee: $14. To register, call (260) 427-6011 or go online at www.fortwayneparks.org.
Yoga in the Garden I & II
Yoga I: Wednesdays, March 23 – May 11, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Yoga II: Thursdays March 24 – May 12, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Yoga revitalizes and renews your body-mind relationship through the regular practice of specific postures. Each posture enhances your self-awareness and deepens your capacity to grow and learn. This class is informed by the Iyengar tradition of Hatha Yoga, incorporating proper anatomical placement and kinesthetic understanding. Each session emphasizes proper breathing, alignment, and core use while inviting students to work at their own level in a mutually respectful and supportive environment. Wear loose, easy to move in clothing and bring a mat and two cotton blankets. Extra props will be provided as needed. Yoga II is recommended for students that have a good understanding of the basic yoga asanas. The class will help students build strength and flexibility through standing and sitting postures, twists, chest openers, balancing, backbends and simple inversions. Yoga II is not for those new to yoga and those suffering from chronic knee, neck or shoulder pain. Our instructor, Jeannie Porter, has been a student of Iyengar yoga for 12 years and teaching for 3. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: March 18. Fee: $59, Conservatory Member Fee: $49. To register, call (260) 427-6011 or go online at www.fortwayneparks.org.
Tai Chi in the Garden I & II
Tai Chi I: Tuesdays, March 22 – May 10, 6:30 – 7:30 pm or Wednesdays, March 23 – May 11, 7 – 7:45 am
Tai Chi II: Tuesdays, March 22 – May 10, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Learn to relax your body and focus your mind this summer with the ancient art of Tai Chi, a gentle and graceful exercise to improve relaxation, health, and fitness. It is especially effective in reducing stress, which can alleviate symptoms of arthritis, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. Your once-a-week sessions include meditative walks in the garden. The class is based on the Sun (soon) form and is great for new and continuing students. Instructor Sandy Gebhard offers 30 years’ experience of learning and teaching Tai Chi. She is certified by world-renowned master, Dr. Paul Lam. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: March 18. Fee: $59, Conservatory Member Fee: $49. To register, call (260) 427-6011 or go online at www.fortwayneparks.org.
Worms Eat My Garbage
Saturday, March 26, 9:30 – 11 am
Reduce the waste going to your local landfill and enrich your garden by starting a low cost and low maintenance worm composting bin! Worm composting is a self-contained system that can fit under your kitchen sink for easy composting. We are excited to have Stephanie Kichler of Wormplicity, www.wormplicity.com, show you how to create your own mini-bin while you discover what red worms like to eat. Worms and kits will also be available for purchase if you decide to dig in right away. Ages 12+. Registration deadline: March 18. Fee: $5. Conservatory Member Fee: $3. To register, call (260) 427-6011 or go online at www.fortwayneparks.org.
Botanical Brown Bag – DeFries Calendar Garden
Thursday, March 31, 12 – 1 pm
Tucked away near New Paris, Indiana, lies the DeFries Calendar Garden. This beautiful garden was designed by Jon Curtell and features four sections, divided by the seasons. Each season is further divided into months, which showcase flowers, grasses, shrubs, and other plants that are at their peak at that time of the year. In this program, Jon will visit the Conservatory to share the history, concepts, and horticultural issues associated with this unique botanical treasure, and will answer questions about how you can make your own calendar garden at home. Free coffee and tea. No reservations needed. Conservatory admission applies: $5/adult, $3/child ages 3-17. (Members free.) For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory is located at 1100 South Calhoun Street. For more information, visit www.botanicalconservatory.org or call us at 427-6440. To register for classes, you can call (260) 427-6011 or go online at www.fortwayneparks.org.