News release from the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department:
What’s Happening at the Botanical Conservatory
$1 Night
Thursday, June 5, 5 – 8 pm
On the first Thursday night of the month the Botanical Conservatory in downtown Fort Wayne offers $1 admissions, 5-8 pm, for adults and children. Babies and up to age 2 are still admitted free. This is a great time to see The Butterfly Effect—live butterfly display—with family. For more info, call (260) 427-6440.
June Plant Swap
Saturday, June 7, 10 – 11 am
The Conservatory’s free plant swap is coming up on the first Saturday of June. Bring at least one plant to share and take home an armful of starts from other gardeners in the area. Plants can be seedlings, divisions or full-grown plants; they could be plants grown for vegetables, flowers, fruits, groundcovers, shrubs, trees or vines. (No weeds, please!) Bring a box or bag to carry home your new babies. Everyone gets a number when they arrive and we take turns picking. The swap is free, but phone reservations are required by June 5. For more information or to register, call (260) 427-6442. The Fall Plant Swap will be held on Saturday, September 6.
Bridal Bouquet
Saturday, June 14, 10 – 11 am
Have you ever considered making your own wedding bouquets or just knowing how they are designed? Let Dennis Bowman, a professional floral designer with almost 40 years’ wedding experience, show you how hand-held bouquets are made. In this class, you will assemble a pavé rose bouquet and then turn it into a mixed bouquet with other summer flowers that you can take home. Dennis will also talk about the evolution of wedding bouquets and the latest trends. Even if you don’t have a need for wedding bouquets, you will learn how to assemble the popular hand-held look for vases. Registration deadline: June 6. $59/public; $49/Conservatory member or volunteer. Ages: 18+. Min 10/max 20. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org.
Composting IS for Everyone
Thursday, June 19, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
No matter where you live, you can compost somehow. Master Gardener Kathy Lee will show ideas for the many different ways that you can make your own compost; whether it’s a big pile or a small container. She will explain the benefits and the process of using composted additives in your gardening. The benefits of compost nutrients for houseplants, container plants or landscaping plants are worth the effort. Kathy will bring samples of compost in its different stages for you to see and feel, “if you want to!” Participants will take home a compost tea bag to use on their own plants. All ages are welcome. Registration deadline: June 12. $8/public; $4/Conservatory member or volunteer. Ages: 18+. Min 10/max 32. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org.
Family Garden Close-Up: Roots
Saturday, June 28, 11am – 1pm
Let’s get down to the roots of plants today. Acting like a drinking straw, roots pull water and nutrients out of the soil into plants. But not all root systems are the same. We’ll look at different types and see why each one has its own unique structure. FGC is especially great for young learners. Free with regular Conservatory admission: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17; children age 2 and under free. For more info call (260) 427-6440.
Botanical Brown Bag: Horticultural Therapy
Thursday, June 26, 12 – 1 pm
The use of plants and plant activities for human healing dates back to the 19th century. Current research shows the benefits of Horticultural Therapy to improve one’s cognitive, physical, emotional and social goals. Studies show that success with plants can lead to successes in other aspects of life. Join Jackie Hoopfer, Horticultural Therapist from The Cedars Retirement Community, in a discussion on the importance of helping to make the people-plant connection. Can’t wait to see you there! Bring a sandwich or stop in at the Bagel Station Café. Free coffee and tea. A Conservatory fee applies at the door: $5 for an adult, $3 for a child age 3-17, Conservatory member or volunteer.
Discovery Corner: Butterflies
During June in the Discovery Gallery
Our young visitors enjoy stories and activities behind Woody the Talking Tree. In June, we’ll learn about butterflies. Read aloud and explore the idea of dark and light, day and night, sun and shadows together. Free with admission; great for preschool and kindergarten as well as other young learners.
The Butterfly Effect – Live Butterfly Display
Through July 6
The magic of live butterflies returns again to the Botanical Conservatory this spring and summer. Visitors can enjoy a beautiful array of large exotic species within the display tent, butterflies native to habitats from South America to Africa and Asia. This year, the Conservatory examines “the butterfly effect” concept from chaos theory, that even a small action in one place can significantly affect people and systems far removed. While experiencing all that butterflies evoke in the human imagination, Conservatory guests are encouraged to consider the ripple effect of their own choices and actions in the unpredictable dimension of their sphere of influence. This thought-provoking display is sponsored by WMEE. Regular Conservatory admission applies. For more information, call (260) 427-6440 or visit www.botanicalconservatory.org.
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