News release from Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation:
September Classes at the Botanical Conservatory
Science Fun for Everyone: Love Those Leaves
September 3 and 10 at 11 am & 1 pm; September 15 at 6 pm
From the first buds of Spring to the amazing colors of Autumn, leaves are all around us. In this program we’ll discover how they give us food, shelter and oxygen to breathe. You’ll learn simple tricks for pulling out their pigment, analyzing their adaptations and identifying them with a dichotomous key. Best of all, you’ll gain a greater appreciation of some fascinating foliage. Tom Foltz will offer fun and family friendly experiments, demonstrations, and activities to help you learn. NISTEM participants (www.nistem.org) earn points for attending. Preregistration is not required but standard Conservatory admission applies: $5/adult, $3/child ages 3-17. Conservatory members and volunteers are free.Planting Spring Bulbs
Thursday, September 8, 6:30 – 8 pm
Quick, before the ground freezes solid! It’s time to get your bulbs in so you have a beautiful bonanza in the spring. Join Conservatory horticulturist Andy Force as he discusses details of the best types of bulbs to plant, the best time to plant them, and the best way to ensure you see them again once winter’s done. Registration deadline: September 2. Fee: $7; Conservatory Member Fee: $4. To register, call (260) 427-6011 or go online at www.fortwayneparks.org.Tai Chi in the Garden I & II
Tai Chi I: Tuesdays, September 13 – November 1, 6:30 – 7:30 pm or
Wednesdays, September 14 – November 2, 7 – 7:45 am
Tai Chi II: Tuesdays, September 13 – November 1, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Learn to relax your body and focus your mind 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 has 30 years experience in learning and teaching and is certified by world-renowned Tai Chi master, Dr. Paul Lam. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: September 9. Fee: $59, Conservatory Member Fee: $49. To register, call (260) 427-6011 or go online at www.fortwayneparks.org.Bonsai for Beginners
Saturday, September 24, 1 – 2:30 pm
Now you too can discover the secrets of the bonsai masters. In this workshop, each participant will receive their own small tree. Then, under the careful guidance of Darlene Kittle and Ed Hake from the Fort Wayne Bonsai Club, you will pot it, trim it, and begin forming it into a beautiful bonsai showpiece. Along the way, you will learn about the proper pots and soils to use, how to prune and wire your plant, and the techniques for giving it a long and healthy life. Participants will also be inspired by the many other examples on display at the Conservatory that day during the Bonsai Club’s annual Spring Show. Participants should bring their own pruners or scissors, all other supplies will be provided. Registration deadline: September 16. Fee: $16; Conservatory Member Fee: $13. To register, call (260) 427-6011 or go online at www.fortwayneparks.org. Fort Wayne Bonsai Club websiteBotanical Brown Bag – Monarchs in Mexico
Thursday, September 29, 12 – 1 pm
Every year in late September and early October, Monarch butterflies begin an epic journey. Using methods that are still not completely understood, they navigate from the cool summers of Canada to the high mountains of Mexico. In this program, butterfly observer and Conservatory volunteer Russ Voorhees will guide you on a virtual voyage along with the Monarchs and share photos and stories from his visit to their Mexican resting site. Free coffee and tea. No reservations needed. Conservatory admission applies: $5/adult, $3/child ages 3-17. Conservatory members and volunteers admitted free. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
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